News from Steve O'Connell: O’Connell backs Mayor’s new £50million 'riot repair fund' to improve Croydon's centre

Steve O’Connell AM has given his backing a £50 million fund, announced by Mayor Boris Johnson today, to help repair and improve the centre of Croydon, and other highstreets, damaged in the recent riots and looting.

The money will be invested in repairing and making larger scale improvements to major centres, like Croydon, to make them better to live, work and invest in.

The new funding will build on work started by the first phase of the Mayor’s £50m Outer London Fund designed to grow economic activity and create new jobs; in which New Addington received £516,000.

Commenting, Croydon’s London Assembly Member, Mr O’Connell said:

“I’m delighted that the Mayor has taken such swift action to support high streets and town centres, like Croydon, hit by the disgraceful rioting and looting.

“Having spoken to numerous local businesses and residents, I know people are hurting and will welcome investment to not only repair, but improve our town centre.

“I will be working with the Mayor to ensure that Croydon, as one of the places worst affected by looting, gets a really significant share of the money available.”

It is understood that the funds will be targeted across London at the areas that were worst hit by vandals and criminals.

ENDS

Notes to the editors:

Boris Johnson’s £50m fund to invest in town centres damaged in the recent riots is in addition to the support announced by the Prime Minister today.

Peter Rogers, the Mayoral Advisor for Regeneration, Growth and Enterprise, is to lead the work distributing the new £50m fund on behalf of the Mayor.