Councillor backs town in 'Kyle' row

By anna edwards, michel narvaez and mansha haurdhan anna.edwards@essnmedia.co.uk

A SENIOR councillor has stepped in to defend the town after a policeman compared Croydon's residents to guests on the Jeremy Kyle Show.

Last week the Advertiser revealed how Sergeant David Deuchar had been given a slap on the wrist after making the disparaging remarks on his Facebook page.

He had been chosen as the "face of Croydon police", appearing on posters around the town, but questioned whether this was something to be proud of.

Our story was discussed at length on Vanessa Feltz's BBC London show last Friday.

And Croydon Council's cabinet member for community safety, Steve O'Connell, called in to defend the borough.

Speaking to the Advertiser afterwards, he said: "I don't believe that the common perception of Croydon is a negative one.

"It's safer and better than it was ten years ago, with a booming night-time economy, some wonderful restaurants and lots of great shops.

"I think when people make disparaging remarks about Croydon they are making cheap, low shots.

"The people who make these sort of remarks about Croydon are the people who don't know the town."

Despite his criticism of anyone mocking the town, Cllr O'Connell did defend Sgt Deuchar, believing his comments to have been "a private joke with tongue in cheek".

He added: "He's a good cop and he's sorry for what he's said."

While Cllr O'Connell was proud to fly the flag for Croydon, opinion was split on Vanessa Feltz's show.

One caller, John, said: "South London and Croydon has an image problem and it's a cultural desert.

"We need better facilities and restaurants."

A Croydon caller named Karen said that despite trying to persuade her friends to give it a try, they all avoided visiting the town.

"I came here because you can afford to buy more space for your money," she added.

"It's got nothing, if you want a decent cup of coffee you have to go to Dulwich or Crystal Palace.

"It has lots of practical and functional facilities but nowhere nice."

But another caller, Jane, who moved to the town in March from Edinburgh, leapt in to defend Croydon.

"I thought it would be pretty rundown but I've been amazed," she said. "There's a huge range of shops, there's lots of different cultures and there's always big bands playing at venues like the Fairfield Halls."

What do you think? E-mail newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk