A poll has revealed that despite residents welcoming many of the improvements to Thornton Heath as part of the regeneration of the High Street the aesthetic changes don’t address the long standing social issues that continue to plague the area.

The Chronicle ran the survey in order to get a picture of how successful the regeneration which is nearing completion has been to date. 

While the survey cannot claim to be reflective of all of Thornton Heath’s residents, it does offer some anecdotal evidence that the underlying issues still haven’t changed.

Of the 100 people who responded to the online poll on Survey Monkey, 69 per cent cent of people said YES the council’s £2.7 million regeneration scheme had improved Thornton Heath, while 31 per cent voted NO.

Before the regeneration started in 2015, the council held a series of meetings to consult with the public but only 35 per cent of those polled felt involved in the transformation with 69 per cent saying they didn’t feel ‘included’.

The Chronicle  also asked for feedback about what has been ‘good’ and ‘bad’ about the public realm scheme and for participants to put forward their wish list of the improvements they would like to see.

Overall, those surveyed were positive about many aspects including: the shop front improvements, murals, new paving, trees and planting. However, despite this, many questioned not only the standard of the work but also its longevity and overall contribution to wider problems.

There is a continued frustration from residents that fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour haven’t been addressed. 

Many highlight the issue of homelessness and street drinking along with the associated litter as one which appears to be worsening and called for more police and enforcement.

One participant said: “It’s great having the investment as it’s been long overdue but it still has the same problems no matter how you change its look. 

“More should be invested in anti social behaviour, crime, mental health and the homeless situation which has gotten worse in recent months.”

Others were unhappy with the widening of pavements saying it had reduced traffic lanes and therefore increased traffic congestion in the area, particularly for buses travelling in Brigstock Road.

The majority agreed that action needed to be taken to  reverse the demise of  Ambassador House and that the “owner needs to be forced to act.”

Another said: “Little or no effort is being made by the council to truly regenerate the area by actively working to encourage new business into the area and taking what ever steps necessary to rejuvenate Ambassador House and the Thomas Farley. 

“Much much more input is needed from both the local authority and the local councillors.”

There was general consensus about the lack of variety of shops. There were calls for  more pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, a community hub and cinema.

Another said: “Also little or no effort is being made by the council to truly regenerate the area by actively working to encourage new business into the area and taking what ever steps necessary to rejuvenate Ambassador House and the Thomas Farley. 

“Much much more input is needed from both the local authority and the local councillors.”       

There was general consensus about the lack of variety of shops with one respondent stating: “I think the sheer amount of independent shops is great, but a lot of the shops are poorly looked after and are untidy and unwelcoming.”

There were calls for  more pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, a community hub and cinema.

Another popular wish is for the Tesco superstore to be updated.

The majority who took part in the survey liked the improvements: to Whitehorse Road roundabout, the  Welcome to Thornton Heath sign, seating, plants, tress and the inscribed pavement outside the library. 

The paving outside the station was criticised for being incomplete and already dirty. The council is working to finish the paving which was halted because of shallow services. The Parchmore Road junction is due for completion at the end of September and work on the Ambassador House.

FIRST TWO IMAGES: GOOD

SECOND TWO IMAGES: BAD