We recently met with Chris Philp, MP Croydon South, time was short, so we talked fast and covered loads of ground and actions.
Here’s an overview of the topics Purley BID discussed with Chris Philp.
Barclays branch closure
Chris will take the results of our poll to Barclays to protest at the closure of the Purley Branch. Thanks to all those who took part in the poll.
Stop Purley Pool Closure
Putting support behind the campaign to stop the closure of Purley Pool. Chris, like us all, is really disappointed with the closure of Purley Pool and will support the campaign and help lobbying. Everyone can help support this project by signing the Purley Councillors petition.
Croydon Environmental Response Team disbanding
Chris was equally disappointed, as we are at Purley BID, about the disbanding of the Croydon Environmental Response Team (ERT). At the time of the meeting this was not confirmed, so further actions are still to be agreed.
Purley BID call on the ERT almost daily to get graffiti removed, and they do a superb and very quick job. Fortunately for Purley we have a BID that may be able to adjust budget to remove graffiti, but we’d rather invest in different areas. Unless other actions are put in place it is dreadful news for the whole of the borough.
Business rates
In 2017, Purley BID analysed the rates review and noticed an anomaly that Purley was treated far more harshly than any other business district. This led to an 18-month campaign with the Purley BID team taking our figures to Chris Philp who lobbied the Chancellor of the Exchequer directly.
In the 2018 Autumn budget statement, the Chancellor specifically referenced our campaign as being a contributing factor to the government deciding to reduce the rates by a third.
However, the fight is not over as these changes are only in place until 2021. So, Chris Philp will take this up with the Chancellor again for us.
While there is a full rate break at the moment, we need to prevent a huge double hike next year.
My Old China development
Chris supports a call for the current owners to redevelop with an appropriate size building.
In the meantime, the holding company have kindly let Purley BID place some art on the site, which is currently in progress. Chris is writing to the owners to try and prioritise its development within their massive portfolio of projects. The owners are Arch Co, a recently formed company that looks to make the best out of Network Rail properties in the rail arches.
Russell Hill Road proposed new layout
A couple of years ago Purley BID had a meeting with the GLA and TFL about the development of Mosaic Place. At the time we had a verbal agreement to take the option of straightening the Russell Hill Road at the traffic lights in Purley Cross. We must keep pressure that the developer delivers on the verbal agreement and that this is included on the plans.
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