Purley has it all. As part of London, it enjoys all the attendant benefits of a city. Lying within the County of Surrey and on the border of Kent, long known as The Garden of England, Purley has the countryside on its doorstep. Public transport is good and frequent to central London (West End or City), to Gatwick airport and to the South and South East Coasts. There is also easy access to the motorway and other major transport networks.
However, not many of us can spend all our time at London theatres and galleries, walking in the countryside or jetting off on holiday. So what of daily life living in Purley?
Purley has a wide choice of nursery and junior schools and lies within the catchment area of popular senior schools.
For those commuting, its excellent transport and road links are important.
All daily shopping needs can be catered for in Purley itself, whether by the large supermarket or smaller stores and there is a plethora of bars and restaurants.
There is a fitness centre, swimming pool and a sports club. We are also fortunate to be surrounded by some very good golf clubs.
Many of the clubs offer social membership, giving access to their comprehensive programmes of social events.
The many churches of Purley and surrounding area cover most denominations and most major religions are catered for within a few miles.
Purley has its own public green spaces, such as the Rotary Field, Wettern Tree Garden, Foxley Wood/Sherwood Oaks and Riddlesdown.
There are properties of a size to suit most individuals and families and all can enjoy the overall impression of Purley as a green and spacious place with a pleasing canopy of mature trees across the roof tops.
Whether you are wending your way back from a day in London, a long walk on the South Downs, an evening in the bars and restaurants or just bought more than you can carry on on the bus, you will also find mini-cabs and black cabs in Purley.
PWRA – What do we do?
- Weekly review of the planning register and then appropriate actions based on what is found
(Object, Support, Neutral, and the reasons we are taking this stance, and / or conditions that
underpin our stance). - Comprehensive input to Croydon’s Local Plan
- Working with local Ward councillors and local MP to try and hold Croydon Council to account for
their actions (most obviously and frequently in relation to planning matters). - Providing advice to local residents on planning matters (most frequently on how to
frame planning objections) - Connects with other local Residents Associations to share information and to be able to present
a united and consistent approach to Croydon Council - Working with local Ward councillors, Rotary, Purley Business Improvement District (Purley B.I.D.), and other local organisations to
improve the amenities and profile of the Purley and Woodcote area (for example the installation
of the Iron Railway sculpture on the Rotary Field) - Active support for the campaign for a Democratically Elected Mayor for Croydon
- Make our members aware of actions and activities in the areas listed above
PWRA – the successes
During its 80 year existence the PWRA has enjoyed many successes in protecting and preserving the character of Purley. In recent years the Association has:-
- played a key role in the instigation and running of the Purley Community Flood Plan
- initiated the Purley Town Centre Plan
- played a key role in containing the scope of Tesco development plans
- worked to provide input to Croydon Council/Government consultation documents
- provide practical help and advice to individuals/ groups on planning/ environment issues
- worked to prevent/control back garden development in Purley
Our Elected Representatives
Purley & Woodcote Councillors:- letters to individual councillors should be addressed c/o London Borough of Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA.
Purley Councillors
Simon Brew, tel: 07803 618096 email: simon.brew@croydon.gov.uk
Oni Oviri, tel: 07783 152359 email: oni.oviri@croydon.gov.uk
Badsha Quadir, tel: 020 8668 3672 email: badsha.quadir@croydon.gov.uk
Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown
Helen Redfern: tel: 07783152334 email: helen.redfern@croydon.gov.uk
Simon Hoar, tel: 07783152372 email: simon.hoar@croydon.gov.uk
Coulsdon West Councillors
Ian Parker, tel: 07783152343 email: Ian.Parker@croydon.gov.uk
Luke Clancy, tel: 020 8668 3672 email: luke.clancy@croydon.gov.uk
Mario Creatura, tel: 020 8668 3672 email: mario.creatura@croydon.gov.uk
Kenley Councillor
Jan Buttinger, tel:07801 531 870 email: jan.buttinger@croydon.gov.uk
Ola Kolade, tel: 07707277218 email: Ola.Kolade@croydon.gov.uk
Member of Parliament:
Chris Philp: email: chris.philp.mp@parliament.uk
Constituency office: 020 8660 0491,
House of Commons: 020 7219 1590
Living in Purley – The Future
The PWRA is fully aware of the need to look to the future – taking a pro-active rather reactive approach to both new and continuing challenges including:-
- retaining the essential character of living in Purley, in the face of current & future plans of central Government, local Council and developers.
- continuing to encourage and promote good development, whilst discouraging those not suitable for Purley.
- encouraging the work of the Purley Community Flood Plan team to provide a permanent solution to Purley flooding.
- working with the authorities to improve traffic flow around the A22/A23 Purley Cross junction
- encouraging council support to set up more Local Areas of Special Character and Conservation Areas.
- finding practical ways to provide adequate parking at Purley Hospital
- continuing to support efforts to retain and improve community facilities such as the Purley Pool.
SUPPORT PURLEY BY JOINING THE PWRA