Residents left frustrated after circus ploughs up park

By Tara O’Connor, local democracy reporter

A Croydon park was ‘ploughed up’ when a circus came to town, say frustrated residents.

Zippos Circus was based at Ashburton Park between October 21 and November 1.

Since the mess was made the circus has apologised for the state the park was left in.

Local councillor for Addiscombe East, Jeet Bains, was contacted by residents shocked at the mess left by the circus.

He said: “Anybody who is using the park for events should take care of the venue when they are setting up and leaving, this particular one seems to have been awful the place was ploughed up.

“In principle I don’t mind these events happening but I want it done in a sensible way, I think with all these things they should be considerate to the local people.”

Near the Lower Addiscombe Road entrance of the park deep muddy tracks can be seen.

Now Zippos has posted apology notices on the gates of the park.

It reads: “As a responsible company we will be working with [Croydon Council] parks team to restore the park to its original condition.

“The full cost of the reinstatement of Ashburton Park will be met by Zippos.

“Thank you in advance for your patience and the overwhelming kindness from you all this year during our visit.”

In a tweet to one local complaining about the state of the park, Zippos blamed two weeks of “non stop rain” for the damage.