We took to the Croydon Guardian Facebook page and asked our readers which parts of the borough they felt could be improved, and dozens of comments poured in.
While some mentioned central Croydon, East Croydon, and Purley, the overwhelming consensus pointed to West Croydon.
Daniel James Findlay-Belfield wrote: “West Croydon badly needs it.
“It feels very unsafe, especially around the station.
“Lots of anti-social behaviour and undesirable characters.”
Ugo Esposito said: “West Croydon is a jungle.
“Especially in the evening, it doesn’t feel safe at all.”
Others agreed, with one commenting: “You wouldn’t be asking this if you’d had the misfortune to walk through the town to West Croydon.”
Sharon Nicholl said: “Start with West Croydon and work your way towards East Croydon.”
Several readers shared that they now avoid the area entirely, describing it as “filthy,” “beyond repair,” and “ashamedly neglected”.
Frances Richardson Fearon said: “It’s filthy and there are some scary people.
“The older I get, the more stressed I get going through there.”
Others suggested practical fixes, with Sue Edmond saying: “West Croydon by the station needs work.
“Lots of work.
“Also, some extra trees down from East Croydon station to stop the wind tunnel.”
Louise Watts proposed: “Convert one of the empty shops into a small police station and holding cells.
“At least disturbances could be dealt with straight away.”
Several comments also called for more community-led regeneration.
One reader even suggested introducing calming music near the station.
Though some mentioned Purley, Old Town, and Addiscombe, and others said “all of it” or “everywhere,” West Croydon was repeatedly highlighted as the area most in need of attention.
The area serves as a transport hub for the borough, linking trams, buses, and trains into London.
But many said that despite its connections, the surrounding streets feel rundown and unsafe.
Readers pointed to anti-social behaviour, littering, and the decline of once-busy shopping streets like London Road and North End as major concerns.
Residents say they want to see more visible policing, cleaner streets, and investment in the community to restore a sense of pride.
Darvit Gillich said: “I’m ashamed to tell people I’m from Croydon.
“How much longer do we have to look at the run-down buildings and graffiti everywhere?”
Earlier this month, we asked readers what they thought was the best area in Croydon, and the overwhelming answer was Sanderstead.
