Boris Johnson has “betrayed” the people of Croydon by u-turning over superhubs, according to the Labour opposition.

The Mayor of London had only last month championed Croydon becoming an economic superhub in his plan for outer London, saying “we are going to do everything we can to help the process.”

But last week, on recommendations from his Outer London Commission (OLC), he rejected the idea of superhubs.

Prior to a public meeting on economic recovery last Wednesday at Fairfield Halls, he claimed the decision was not a u-turn.

He said: “It is not that there are no superhubs. You can’t stop Croydon being a superhub. It is the economic powerhouse of south London.

“What Will McKee and I are saying is that there should not only be superhubs.”

The decision was condemned by Croydon’s Labour party. Labour leader Councillor Tony Newman said: “Along with his decision to cancel the Croydon Tramlink extension I think it is a betrayal by Boris.

"He won the election on the basis of Ken Livingstone ignoring the suburbs and many people in Croydon trusted him with their votes.

"This is his latest slap in the face.”

Coun Newman led calls for the OLC, which was formed last February, should be scrapped, calling it a “completely useless organisation.”

But Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher, a member of the OLC, said it was doing a great job.

He said: “I think the OLC is making a difference looking at a part of London that has been neglected. I am delighted to be a member and I hope it continues for a long time to come.

“I don’t think it [Boris’ decision] is a u-turn.

“There were a number of places that did not want to become a superhub but wanted to develop in their own way.

“What was also clear from day one is the fact Croydon was the only place which actually had of the key components to become a superhub.

"I don’t think that has changed. Croydon still remains the only part of outer London that has the capacity to become a hub.”

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