Using electronic voting machine The Croydometer 93 per cent of delegates at the Develop Croydon Conference have given the town the thumbs up.

The conference, on November 22, saw more than 250 delegates from across the UK hear from speakers including the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, speak about the investment opportunities in Croydon.

At the end of the conference delegators were asked to electronically vote on whether the day had positively influenced their perceptions of Croydon, with 93 per cent stating yes.

Mr Johnson said: “Croydon could be the third city of London, crime is coming down and they can see a young, dynamic, increasingly skilled population in the borough and a place that is seeing the benefits of long overdue investment in its public transport system.

“If we can continue to invest in housing, shopping and transport.”

He announced a £23m funding package aimed at improving gateways to the town, transport connections and the appearance of public spaces.

Responses to the electronic poll said 40 per cent attended because they actively wanted to shape Croydon’s future, priorities for the town should be to create thriving and vibrant centre, challenge perceptions about the borough and improve commercial rental stock.

Delegates also praised the town’s recovery after the riots, with 86 per cent believing the supporting Croydon’s efforts and stating the regeneration would be successful.

Mike Fisher, leader of the council told delegates: “We have set our vision - make no mistake this is a borough that wants your business. You want to invest in a borough that is going forward not standing still.

“We hope what you have seen here today will give you the confidence to come on that journey with us.”