Lauren Buljubasic from Goldsmith’s East London Lines takes to the streets of London one year after the riots which trashed communities:

One year on from the riots in Croydon, London Road is a very different place. Of the shops that were damaged, half have been demolished and not replaced with anything as yet. Of the other half, most of those are now being run by new owners or are vacant and for lease. Very few old faces still remain.

Those still there are long-term small business owners, in the same premises they have operated from for many years. They speak of friendly locals and being part of the community, serving the community and even providing a community service. But they also speak of what they believe to be the inevitability of more anti-social behaviour in the area.

Bharat Shah is co-owner of Jays Electrical Wholesalers at 357 London Road. He has run this business from the same premises for 28 years.

Shah said: “Crime has increased since the riots occurred last year. It has been increasing for the last few years. Croydon’s name has been tarnished and it will take at 4- 5 years I think for it to improve. When people think of Croydon, that’s what they think of.”

Full story here.