Fears of ‘anarchy’ on Croydon’s streets if neighbourhood safety department axed

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

There are fears Croydon council cuts would lead to “anarchy” on the streets and more stabbings.

It comes as the authority looks to cut a 22-strong team of neighbourhood safety officers in the council.

The council’s neighbourhood safety officers work closely with police and investigate anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

The GMB Union sad there are 18 officers and four managers who could lose their jobs if Croydon council axes the department.

In a video, team member Nathan Ibe said: “It is unfortunate that our posts are being deleted. I am afraid that for those of us that live in the borough it is an invitation to anarchy on the High Street considering the reassuring uniformed presence we provide to the community and support for the police.

“Removal of the service needs a rethink because it is a complete invitation to stabbings, I don’t know what the streets of Croydon will look like without this service.”

His colleagues Lee Kirby Walker and Maggie Peel said while their jobs are being cut, as Croydon residents they are being hit with a huge 15 per cent increase in their council tax bills.

Rachael Baylis from the union called the decision “baffling”. GMB has now started a petition to save the team from being cut.

The petition reads: “GMB Members at Croydon council’s Neighbourhood Safety Team are campaigning against Croydon council’s proposal to cut all of their jobs.

“The financial crisis in Croydon is not the fault of Croydon council staff or Croydon residents – they should not be the ones paying with their jobs and in their council tax bills.”

A spokesman for Croydon council said: “The council needs to make difficult but necessary decisions to address its financial challenges and to become smaller, more efficient and financially sustainable for the future.

“The council is currently consulting with Neighbourhood Safety Officer (NSOs) employees on proposals to restructure the team. Affected staff have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the proposals and will be kept informed of the progress of the consultation.

“The decision to restructure was taken by the previous administration and built into its 2022/23 Budget and three-year financial strategy as part of a package of measures to make significant savings.”

Pictured top: Croydon Neighbourhood Safety Officers campaign against the cuts (Image: GMB Union)