Following our successful launch meeting in April, the inaugural Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 7^th June.  Seventy-five people were there, reflecting local support for our aims to regenerate Portland Road.

PPR chair, Councillor Paul Scott introduced the meeting with an explanation of progress so far.  This includes the establishment of the group, the initial survey to local people, and the start of production of a film about PPR.

The constitution was accepted unanimously by the AGM, and the following nominees were accepted in their role:

Chair: Cllr Paul Scott

Vice Chair 1: John Hickman

Vice Chair 2: Tom Hurcombe

Secretary: Joanne Elvy

Treasurer: William Quagrine

Communications Officer: Liz Ismail

Membership Secretary: Heather Hardie

Fundraising Officer: Sonia Harle

The meeting broke into five working groups for each of the core aims (as above).  Priorities discussed included:

·           The establishment of a planning group to review and comment on planning applications (e.g. conversions of retail outlets to residential use)

·           Supporting and regenerating local businesses and shops

·           Devising a road safety plan

Kym Wunderstiz, a consultant who has been appointed by Croydon Council to work with us, gave a presentation on how we can develop a regeneration plan for Portland Road with his help.  The regeneration of Portland Road is a pilot scheme, which the council could implement in other areas if it is successful.  Kym’s plans include assessing the high vacancy rates along the road and finding ways of improving the vibrancy of the area. 

Thank you to everyone who came along to the AGM for your participation, support and ideas.  If you would like a copy of the minutes of the meeting please use the response form on the reverse of this newsletter.

PPR working groups

At the AGM we started working groups based around our five core aims.  We will be developing these groups further over the coming months.  If you would like to get involved in the future of Portland Road by joining a working group, please use the response slip on the following page. 

Membership – why not join PPR?

At the AGM it was agreed that membership of People for Portland Road will be open to anyone who is committed to our aims, with a voluntary annual donation of £5 per residential household (£2 for those on a lower income) and £25 for organisations and businesses.  If you would like to join us, please use the response form on page two.

Have you got room for us?

People for Portland Road need venues for meetings – can you help? Please get in touch if your community group, church, school or business can provide suitable premises.

Introducing our logo

We are proud to use this newsletter to introduce our logo, created especially for People for Portland Road by local designer Ken Baker and shown in the top right of this newsletter.  Here’s how Ken came up with his eye catching design:

‘The logo employs a people friendly typeface, the letters linked and in italics to suggest moving forward together, with the R’s foot kick-starting the road plan – a plan for action!’

The plan of Portland Road in the logo moves from the foot of the R up to the North end of the road, with the break in the line at the top representing the railway bridge.  Look out for the logo on posters and in publications like this newsletter.

Reuse and recycle

Personal Touch dry cleaners at number 94 collect old shoes to be recycled in aid of The Variety Club.

Every household can use a green box from the council for recycling paper, glass, cans and textiles.  If you don’t have one call Croydon contact centre on 020 8686 4433.

Summer ideas on Portland Road

Having a BBQ? G & M Butchers at number 58 make their own sausages, why not try pork and leek flavour?

 

Brighten up your garden with some plants, or maybe just treat yourself to a seasonal bunch of flowers for the house.  Bedding plants and cut flowers are available from Portland Pet shop at number 79 and Elise Love, 5 Market Parade.

 

Get your feet ready for summer with a pedicure at hair.com at number 9 or Hairport at number 26 and then show them off in some sandals from Adommart at 54 Portland Road.

 

Take advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy an African feast in the garden at The Gold Coast, a Thai meal outdoors at Oceans Apart, or a Sunday roast in the sunshine at the Albert Tavern at 65 Harrington Road.

What’s your top tip for supporting businesses, shops and services around Portland Road?  Let us know, using the response form below, and your tip could be in our next newsletter.

More results from our Survey

In our last newsletter we shared some initial results from our survey.  The final report on results is being compiled and here are some of the findings:

Improving safety: CCTV cameras and brighter street lighting were chosen as top priorities.

Transport: Cars are the most commonly used form of transport overall, although older people use the bus service most regularly.

The majority of people agreed that South Norwood is a friendly area.

83% of people wanted to know more about what is going on in their local area.

Would you like a copy of the report when it is published?

Could you let us know about events coming up in the area for us to mention in this newsletter?

Use the form below to let us know.

 

Coming soon…

A dedicated website and email address for Portland Road.  What would you like to see on our website or in this newsletter?  Please use the slip below to let us have your ideas – we can’t do it without you!