CROYDON’S most deprived neighbourhood is a magnet for dumped sofas and some locals don’t feel safe at night – but others have praised the sense of community in what they call a quiet area.

Three years ago, the streets around Croydon University Hospital were rated one of the most deprived areas in the country, and among the three worst off in London.

The government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation published in 2019 rated it among the most deprived after looking at seven factors – income, employment, education, skills and training, health and disability, crime, barriers to housing services and living environment. The index is published every four years.

Three years on from the study, the Local Democracy Reporting service visited the area to see what life is like in the neighbourhood, which falls in the top five per cent of deprived areas in the country.

The area stretches from Bensham Lane between Frant Road and Cameron Road. The roads behind Croydon University Hospital, there are both quiet roads and a busy street with a couple of corner shops, a chicken shop and a dry cleaners.

Residents said the neighbourhood was quiet, and on the corner of Frant Road locals created a mural with artist Grace Holliday. But just over the road “don’t dump” is spray painted on a wall next to a Croydon Council sign warning that fly-tippers will be prosecuted.

Juliet McCollin, 61, moved to Woodcroft Road in 2013. She said she chose the area as it was cheaper to buy a house and is close to her sister. Juliet said having something like an ‘in bloom’ competition where locals compete for the best garden could improve the area.

She said: “I think it would be nice if they made a nice park there are no parks around here. It is a quiet area and I feel safe around here. I would like it if the streets were cleaner, there is always a bed somewhere or a settee about the place. I think a few patrols in the area would help.”

A 24-year-old man, who didn’t want to give his name, said he moved to the area seven months ago for cheaper rent. He said he doesn’t feel safe in the area at night.

He said: “In the daytime I feel safe but I work in the night most of the time and don’t feel safe walking around then. Last night I was coming in from work and a guy was looking in my window.”

Another man who worked in the area said: “I have no problems because I work here in the day but there have been stabbings at night.”

Warren Danson has lived in the area his whole life and said he wouldn’t move elsewhere. The 46-year-old said: “I’ve lived here for 45 years and there is no problem, everyone gets along with everyone, I know most of the people round here. There is a good sense of community here. I think there area a lot of other places in Croydon that need improvements.”

Your Local Guardian: Karen Wright runs salon in the area. Credit: Tara O\'Connor. Free for use by BBC wire partners.

Karen Wright has run a salon in the area for the past three years but lives in nearby South Norwood. The 55-year-old said she is keen to get involved in the community more.

The salon owner said: “I always believe more can be done to improve whatever community I’m in. But I find it a safe area here, I haven’t felt insecure about anything myself.”

Overall, Croydon is ranked 18th most deprived out of 33 London boroughs.