I recently experienced an incident within Wandle Park that shook me to my core. As I exited the park bridge, I was confronted by a threatening individual.
Thankfully, two men in the vicinity intervened, preventing the situation from escalating. As a pregnant woman, this event has been extremely traumatic.

This was a wake-up call for just how unsafe our park has become.

It saddens me to say that many local women have shared similar, and even more distressing, stories with me.
They've endured harassment, and in some cases, mothers with their children have narrowly escaped much worse. Everyone should have the right to feel safe and secure, especially in a public space meant for children and recreation, considering that the surrounding area is home to many families.

Our park shouldn't be a domain for fear, but instead, a sanctuary where our community members can find serenity and enjoy nature without worry.

Sadly, Wandle Park has become an area of concern within our community, particularly due to insufficient lighting and inadequate, if non-existent security measures. Feelings of vulnerability escalate as night falls, making it impossible for many of us to confidently navigate through the park or even cross the bridge.

---Why We Need Change---
Currently, Wandle Park suffers from:

• Absent lighting, making it unsafe for evening walks and commutes.
• No CCTV cameras, leaving visitors vulnerable to crime and antisocial behavior.
• Lack of maintenance, with overflowing bins, unclean walkways, and vandalism left unattended.
• A polluted and neglected river, which not only looks unappealing but also harms local wildlife.
• Neglect of historical significance, as Wandle Park holds great historical value that has been long forgotten.

As a result, many of us avoid the park when it gets dark, despite it being a central and valuable space in Croydon. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, accessibility, and community well-being.

--- What We Are Asking For---
We call on Croydon Council to take immediate action to improve Wandle Park by:

• Installing proper lighting along paths and key areas to ensure safety at night.
• Setting up CCTV cameras to deter crime and antisocial behavior.
  Ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the park tidy and welcoming.
• Organizing a full clean-up of the river to restore its natural beauty and protect local wildlife.
• Recognizing and restoring the park’s historical significance, preserving it as an important landmark for the community.
• Introducing community programs, such as a play centre with weekend activities and evening events, to create a safe space for children and teenagers.

---A Vision for the Future---
Beyond just making Wandle Park safer and cleaner, we believe in creating a long-term community space. Parks should be places where children can play, teenagers can gather safely, and families can enjoy time together. We envision a play centre with weekend activities, community-led workshops, and evening gigs, giving young people a safe, positive environment to spend their time.

This petition is not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building something better for our future. We deserve a park that reflects the strength and unity of our community, a place where we feel safe, welcome, and proud. Given Croydon's troubling reputation for crime, taking action to improve Wandle Park is more urgent than ever. This is a crucial step toward positive change.

Sign and Share!
The time to stand up and demand better from our local authorities is now. Let's reclaim Wandle Park for our community and make it a safe space rightfully ours to enjoy.

We need your support to make this happen! Sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can push for these essential improvements and create a better Wandle Park for everyone.

Let’s make Wandle Park the safe, clean, and vibrant community space it should be!