Croydon Residents 'Speechless' as Council Axes Bridge Lighting Project
Residents in South Norwood, Croydon, have expressed shock and disappointment after Croydon Council abruptly withdrew support for a long-planned lighting project at Portland Road bridge. The scheme, which aimed to illuminate the footpaths under the bridge used by hundreds of commuters daily, has been scrapped due to concerns over long-term maintenance costs.
A 'Dark and Hostile' Area Left in Limbo
The footpath under Portland Road bridge has been described by locals as "a dark and hostile place" with persistent drainage issues that leave it "filthy". Community group We Love SE25 worked for years to develop the project, securing funding and planning artistic light installations to enhance safety and beautify the area. Shuba Rao, co-chair of the group, stated: "This would have completely uplifted the area. Nothing has come of it, so we are not going to bother any more. It is very demotivating."
Funding and Progress Suddenly 'Disappeared'
The project was part of a £1.16 million grant from the Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund in 2018, matched by Croydon Council investment. Despite initial backing, including support from Mayor Jason Perry in 2024, the council withdrew its support in October 2025. Labour councillor Amy Foster, who co-chaired the project, revealed the decision was driven by the council's inability to commit to ongoing maintenance costs amid financial pressures.
Foster criticized the council's handling, saying: "This shows a staggering lack of respect for a committed group of community champions." Residents were not informed of the decision, despite their deep involvement. Documents show the council had concerns about maintenance as early as 2022, yet the project dragged on until funding "disappeared".
Community Efforts and Financial Realities Clash
Volunteers from We Love SE25 invested significant time and effort, with Shuba Rao noting: "All of us work as well, so we have had to take time away from work and family to do this. What do we get in return?" The lighting provider had been secured through a public competition, and Network Rail had agreed to the plans.
However, Croydon Council, which issued a Section 114 bankruptcy notice in 2020, stated that the funding criteria did not cover ongoing maintenance, making the project unsustainable. A council spokesperson said: "We need improvements to be sustainable, so we took the difficult decision to cancel the lighting element."
Broader Implications for Regeneration
South Norwood Labour councillor Stella Nabukeera argued the decision undermines the council's financial credibility, adding: "If you are saying you never have enough money, yet you don't use the funds you do have, that is extremely frustrating." The council emphasized its commitment to other regeneration projects in South Norwood, such as improvements to Selhurst Road and Stanley Arts.
Despite this, the shelving of the bridge lighting scheme has left residents questioning the council's priorities and transparency. Foster has yet to receive clarity on where the allocated funds have been redirected, highlighting ongoing tensions between community aspirations and municipal budgeting.
