Croydon aims to lure visitors after London riots

Thursday, August 18, 2011
12:41 PM

People are being urged to visit Croydon this weekend for free travel and special offers to show the south London borough is back in business after the London riots.

Shoppers will be able to take advantage of a range of discounts from stores as the council, retailers and Mayor of London work to support the recovery of the area which was one of the worst hit during the trouble.

Over Saturday and Sunday (August 20 and 21) people will also be able to park free and travel for free on the borough’s tram network.

The package has been put together by the council and the Croydon’s Business Improvement District (BID).

Croydon Council Leader Mike Fisher said: “Croydon is back in business - and while we know there is still work to do, we wanted to immediately recognise the overwhelming community spirit that we’ve seen during the past week and offer support to businesses affected. Community groups, businesses and volunteers have all done an amazing job.

“I’d urge everybody to visit Croydon this weekend and take advantage of the cut-price parking, free transport and the array of first-class shops and restaurants the borough has to offer.

“I also want to add a special thanks to those businesses that have offered discounts at their stores this week - if one positive has emerged from the past 10 days, it is the knowledge that Croydon’s community spirit is unrivalled.”

Meanwhile, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed contracts have now been signed for the supply of six new trams for London Tramlink that will boost services in Croydon from early next year.

When they begin running more frequent services will run on the busiest parts of the network between Therapia Lane, central Croydon and Elmers End.

Mr Johnson said: “”Our Tramlink team did a great job of restoring tram services to the town centre so rapidly following the disturbances. And we hope the signing of contracts for the six new trams will provide a real boost to services when they begin running early next year.

“But in the meantime I urge everyone to take advantage of the free travel on the trams this weekend and head into Croydon town centre. The message is clear. It’s business as usual.”

Croydon Council has confirmed a £3m contribution in funding to the purchase of the new trams which will also include the refurbishment of tramstops.