NEWLY elected MP Gavin Barwell has delivered his maiden speech in Parliament and admitted "Croydon has an image problem".

Mr Barwell set out the problems facing his Croydon Central constituency, including residents' concerns about crime.

He said: "There is no getting away from the fact that Croydon has an image problem – a reputation for rather unwelcoming 1960s architecture and for crime and antisocial behaviour.

"It is certainly true that the town centre is in need of regeneration.

"It is also true that crime is my constituents' number one concern, though it is lower than in many other London boroughs."

Putting "these two problems aside", Mr Barwell waxed lyrical about his "mini Manhattan" home town, which he said boasted a rich history, a major retail and commercial centre, and excellent transport links. Mr Barwell's speech also focused on education which he called the key to "lift people out of poverty" and "increase social mobility".

Mr Barwell followed tradition by opening his speech with a tribute to his predecessor, Tory-turned-Independent Andrew Pelling, whom he called "an excellent local MP".