With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Maria Evans, Reform UK candidate for Norbury Park.
“It is my absolute resolve and intentional delight to be of serve in Norbury Park ward”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi there! Maria Evans is my name and Norbury Park is my ward – and I am truly excited to have the privilege of service in Norbury Park!
Please let me introduce myself here under to you –
My working life spanned various office positions from starting my career as a shorthand typist in the South African Railways upon leaving school to company secretarial governance and share trust administration with the ability to build strong relations with all stakeholders. Combined I have approximately 26 years of experience in various business entities including auditing, asset management, corporate law, CIB banking, fast moving consumer goods, share trusts and various niche markets.
Was given British Citizenship upon marrying my Liverpool born husband in 1972. Immigrated to UK in 2017. After arriving in the UK it seemed prudent to ensure that I had acceptable British qualifications to offer, if needed, and received a level 3 hairdressing NVQ qualification from Croydon College.
Although South African born my heritage was and is predominantly British in family culture. My family love Britain and all my immediate family live in UK.
It is my absolute resolve and intentional delight to be of serve in Norbury Park ward.
What made you decide to run?
The reason is my desire to be of service due to my experience in Croydon since we arrived as a family from South Africa at the end of 2014. Very fortunately for us, we were able to be housed by a good family friend. Dealing with all the official authorities including Croydon Council was relatively easy as these officials were just literally a phone call away and/or a visit to their offices.
Everything seemed to run well including visits to doctors and referrals, if needed. The doctors were able to prescribe relevant medicines as they saw fit. The public transport was impressive and decently reliable. We were able to buy a shopping cart full of good quality vegetables, groceries including meat and dairy, toiletries and some luxury goodies as well for £20. One learnt that one can walk around towns, parks, and surrounding areas, public transport systems in relative safety, even for the young and old. The roads were well kept. People were very accommodating of one another. Even the English dogs are socialised. People were able to afford a visit to the coffee shop or have a meal. The high-streets were working well and no business premises stayed unoccupied for long. The pubs were amazing with pub breakfasts and meals being really affordable. Many older people seemed to come regularly for maybe one decent meal a day on a regular basis. The pubs were places where the less fortunate of society could go to for an outing, friendship and a bit of a meal. The pubs catered for the whole strata of society in a very British way of life. The minimum wage seemed to work good enough for the young and the rest of society. People were relaxed and certain of their way of life. They were at ease.
“Norbury Park suffers from some significant antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, drink and drug use, making visitors feel unsafe”
You’re the prospective candidate for Norbury Park ward, what are the major concerns in the area?
Looking at the park itself as a microcosm of the ward, Norbury Park suffers from some significant antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, drink and drug use, making visitors feel unsafe. We also have problems with litter, graffiti, and poor maintenance requiring regular intensive community cleaning efforts. Key problems include:
- Antisocial Behaviour: Frequent complaints about drug dealing, drug use, and groups of people drinking in the park.
- Vandalism: The park has experienced recurring vandalism. Including destroyed equipment, broken notice boards, and graffiti. The cricket pitch had been appalling vandalised.
- Safety Concerns: Incidents of intimidation, violence, and sexual offences have been reported. Increased crime during dark hours is a significant concern.
- Infrastructure Issues: Poor lighting in certain areas is a major concern. While a new, all-weather path was installed in 2025 to fix severe winter and mud flooding, the area still requires better facilities.
- Homelessness & Unauthorised Use: Previous issues with encampments led to police intervention, and the area faces challenges with e-bike misuse and illegal parking, near the site.
“I would like to champion bringing resolutions to the problems of loneliness and misunderstanding”
More widely what do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
We need a restoration of our City Centre with:
- Improved infrastructure
- Businesses helped to be established and maintained
- Functioning GP surgeries and hospitals
- More housing
- Youth engagement
- Employment
- Education and understanding
- Green belts maintained and policed
- Crime in all its aspects stamped out
I would like to champion bringing resolutions to the problems of loneliness and misunderstanding.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’. You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.
Maria Evans is running for Reform UK with Michael Swadling in Norbury Park.