We are back with Croydon News Cuttings. This week we highlight the latest developments across London Gatwick and Croydon, from new leadership and investment in infrastructure to initiatives supporting local communities and improving the borough.
17 to 23 August
London Gatwick appoints new Chief Human Resources Officer
London Gatwick has announced Kathleen Maes as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective 17 August. Kathleen joins London Gatwick from BT Group, where she served as HR Director, Portfolio Business, Transformation and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). Kathleen brings a wealth of experience, working on large M&A, transformation, talent and culture programmes across a number of sectors.
Kathleen replaces Simon Baker, who has served as Interim HR Director for the past year. Simon has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer for Edinburgh Airport, another member of the VINCI and GIP Airports network, effective 1 October.
Croydon develops plans to expand electric vehicle charging network
Croydon Council is looking to expand electric vehicle charging points across the borough to make them more accessible for motorists. The strategy also seeks to support households without a drive who are unable to benefit from cheaper charging tariffs.
At least 439 public charging points were available across Croydon, as of July 2026. However, demand is expected to rise significantly, with forecasts suggesting that around 4,500 charge points will be needed by 2035.
At a meeting earlier this year, Cabinet members agreed to launch a public consultation on a strategy to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the borough. The consultation will invite feedback from residents, businesses, community groups, and industry partners, which will inform the final version of the strategy and how it is delivered.
The Croydon Project’s NextGen panel members share their thoughts
Alicia David, NextGen Panel member, said: “For me, the biggest priorities are making Croydon feel safer, creating more activities and spaces for young people, and improving access to jobs and career opportunities. These changes wouldn’t just improve people’s day-to-day lives; they would help change the way Croydon is viewed by both residents and visitors.”
Zahra Kamran, NextGen Panel Member, shared her experience at the Publica led a Women, Girls and Non-Binary People’s Safety Walk and Workshop: “What stayed with me most was Croydon’s architecture. Above the shop fronts were intricate historic buildings that tell the town’s story; one participant even remarked that parts felt almost Parisian. It seemed a missed opportunity that this heritage remains hidden when it could make the high street a destination in itself.”
New community collection days launched to help residents tackle fly-tipping
Working with residents to identify priorities, more blitz cleans, mobile recycling centres and new community collection days have been announced as part of the council’s ongoing work to boost neighbourhood pride.
The blitz clean programme, pioneered by Croydon and since adopted by other London boroughs, will return to drive up standards and tackle problem areas, helping to ensure local and district centres are clean, welcoming, and places residents can be proud of. The five areas that will be blitz cleaned next are Thornton Heath, Selhurst, Norbury, Shirley and New Addington.