With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Alicia Bunn, Reform UK candidate for Shirley North.
“having lived across the UK and abroad, I’ve seen how much difference safe, green, welcoming neighbourhoods make to families and communities”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My family roots in Croydon go back to my grandmother’s generation, and although I only moved here eight years ago, the borough quickly became an important part of my social and working life. I both live and run my design practice here, and having lived across the UK and abroad, I’ve seen how much difference safe, green, welcoming neighbourhoods make to families and communities.
“My focus is on improving wellbeing and day-to-day life: safer, better-managed streets”
What do you see as the big issues for Croydon and if elected what would you hope to champion?
Shirley North should be a place where people feel safe, take pride in where they live, and see their area properly supported — with council tax spent where it makes a real difference.
From speaking to residents, it’s clear that people want safer streets, well-maintained public spaces and a stronger sense of community — both locally and across Croydon, including a town centre that feels safer, more welcoming and better managed, without Shirley North being overlooked.
I run a Croydon-based design practice and bring experience delivering large-scale projects in the UK and internationally. My work has involved managing budgets, coordinating teams and delivering complex projects – giving me a practical understanding of how to turn ideas into real improvements.
My focus is on improving wellbeing and day-to-day life: safer, better-managed streets; real investment in green spaces and the high street; and housing that raises standards while protecting what people value – creating a place where everyone, including women, children and older residents, feels secure and supported.
I’m standing to listen, represent and deliver real improvements for local residents.
Drawing on my experience delivering complex projects, my priorities are:
- Safer Communities, Tackling Crime – Cracking down on crime and anti-social behaviour while improving everyday safety across streets, public spaces and the town centre — so residents feel secure and confident where they live.
- Pride in Place, Putting Residents First – Investing in green spaces, public areas and the high street to create well-designed, usable places – with better facilities and spaces that naturally bring people together.
- Better Housing, Higher Standards – Improving housing quality, tackling poor conditions, and supporting well-designed homes that make best use of space, deliver real value, and respect the character of the area.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can follow me on my Facebook page: Alicia Bunn – Shirley North and on TikTok. You can also find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’ and follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.
“I’m standing to listen, represent and deliver real improvements for local residents”
