Croydon's light must not be hidden under a bushel, says borough's new mayor
"CROYDON has it all, go out and sell it" is the rallying call delivered by the borough's new mayor to businesses, residents and politicians.
Councillor Eddy Arram, who has served Ashburton ward on the council for more than 30 years, was formally elected Mayor of Croydon at the council's annual meeting on Monday.
Cllr Arram said that the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics presented Croydon with the opportunity to make its mark across the world.
He said: "We must refrain from hiding our light under a bushel. Croydon has a lot going for it and we have the chance to add to 'Love Croydon' the words 'shout about it to the world'."
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
He added: "I want to work with business leaders and the council to concentrate on promoting Croydon."
Cllr Arram went on to list the town's excellent transport links, its top class retail centre which was attracting new investment, good schools and a culture and leisure mix as major attributes which should be promoted to attract new business and the people who came with them
The mayor said: "There is very little need to go anywhere else but Croydon.
"For businesses it is a great place for investment and for their staff to live in."
Cllr Arram has chosen the Croydon branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families (SSAFA) as his charities for the year.
A year after being elected to the council Cllr Arram was elected as vice-chairman of the libraries committee, taking over the role of chairman in 1986, a post he held until 1994.
And he still rates as probably his greatest achievement, the work he did on helping bring to fruition the building of the new Central Library in Katharine Street, which remains the busiest in London.
Outside his council work he initially worked in legal firms before moving to Lambeth Council where he spent 18 years in the housing and architects departments.
Later as a professional facilities manager, he set up his own consultancy.
Cllr Arram will be accompanied on his duties by his wide, Judith, and has appointed Waddon councillor, Tony Harris as his deputy mayor.
Comments
by tbabygib
Friday, June 01 2012, 11:08AM
“Good Point Diana, They Just don't listen and thats where they are going VERY wrong.
We the Customers are leaving in drooves and they put up prices to compensate !
Try bringing down the costs and people will come back.
I doubt they will listen, they never do, then its all too late.”
by DianaFrance
Friday, June 01 2012, 7:26AM
“I think the biggest problem is the extent to which Croydon has already been sold - to NCP (see parallel thread expressing anger at cost of parking to shop) and to developers. Now that the town's character faces total oblivion and the centre of town becomes Westfieldville, what will we need a Council for? All decisions affecting the town will be made by NCP and Westfield!
Croydon residents warn constantly of the increasing problems in our town but the Council is only seeing pound signs and is deaf to us all. Cllr Arram is too much in awe of the developers and thinks their investment in the town is all that matters. He is wrong, and needs to think far more about his customers - the poor old businesses and residents who pay him, his Councillors and his staff. Whatever money he leaves us COULD be spent in our town, but this is getting less and less likely - I'm off to spend today at Bluewater.....
THINK CUSTOMER, Cllr Arram. Then I might LOVE CROYDON. Unless you listen to us, these catch phrases are just empty rhetoric.”
by The3rd
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:37PM
“Something needs to be done. After the riots I was embarrassed to tell people I live in Croydon.”
by CuppaTeaPlz
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:22PM
“Even though I personally am not a great fan of croydon, I do believe that no matter what, life goes on.”
by RecFan
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:21PM
“Why so negative Don? Anyone would think that you didn't like living in our great town. I say forget the riots:we can't and shouldn't live with our heads bowed forever. Look forward and make use of all the talent people and facilities that Croydon has to offer. Don't be negative** -put all of that energy to a positive use.”
by DonJones12
Thursday, May 31 2012, 4:03PM
“After our town became centre of the SHAME that was the riots last summer, I don't think we should be bragging.
Best thing we can do is keep a low profile and hope the hooligans stay away from our town next time it kicks off.”
by RecFan
Thursday, May 31 2012, 3:10PM
“Carpe diem! What a wonderful opportunity for all* of the wonderful residents to make a positive impact to the quality of their own lives as well as that of Croydon generally.”