For five years sewage has been flowing into the Chaffinch Brook in our wonderful country park in South Norwood.
After years of campaigning by residents and your Woodside Labour Team the council has confirmed that final repair works have been commissioned, work that was expected to be completed by the end of October.
Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East said:
“When I was first elected, it was clear that no one wanted to take responsibility for the pollution or even to investigate the source. I didn’t want residents to be let down by the council once again.
“The result we’ve achieved is a result of sustained pressure from residents, local Labour councillors and me. And we’re going to continue monitoring the repair works until the water is clean and the nature reserve is properly protected.”
Woodside Councillor Amy Foster said:
“It’s been heart breaking to see the stream decline in the years I’ve lived in South Norwood. My children used to splash and play in it, and now it’s filled with sludge.
What should have been addressed much sooner has instead been a prolonged battle to get the council to act. I hope that these works will lead to visible improvements over coming months and residents can be even prouder of this beautiful nature reserve.”
How we got here
Residents first raised concerns in 2022. The brook smelled horribly of sewage, sanitary products were visible and the stream was filled with sludge.
Thames Water found more than 240 misconnected appliances across 16 properties, with Croydon Council denying that corrective enforcement sat with them.
We did not accept that and together we have:
- Challenged the council’s claim that it had no enforcement powers
- Written to the Mayor of Croydon asking him to fast-track environmental action
- Chased progress every month so that the works did not get delayed further
- Backed residents who signed our letter to the Mayor
What happens next?
This did not happen by chance. It happened because residents and your local Labour Team refused to be brushed off with denials and excuses.
We know how loved this nature reserve is, so we will keep monitoring the works until we can be sure the water is permanently clean and the park is properly protected at all times.
