Steven Downes
@sdownes.bsky.social
Father, husband, journalist and author. Winner of Royal Television Society award. Founder InsideCroydon.com. Former Editor of Athletics Weekly. Secretary SJA for 12 years.
Want some writing or editing done, or have a story tip? stevenwdownes@gmail.com
Want some writing or editing done, or have a story tip? stevenwdownes@gmail.com
Reposted by Steven Downes
33% Council Tax increase: Mayor Perry's legacy for Croydon insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/3... #Croydon #CroydonInCrisis #CouncilTax #LocalElections2026
February 11, 2026 at 6:15 PM
33% Council Tax increase: Mayor Perry's legacy for Croydon insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/3... #Croydon #CroydonInCrisis #CouncilTax #LocalElections2026
Reposted by Steven Downes
Royal Fail: MP Philp calls on business secretary to intervene insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/r... #Croydon #RoyalMail #Post @thelondoneconomic.bsky.social
Royal Fail: MP Philp calls on business secretary to intervene
Last year, only 7-in-10 first-class post items arrived the next day in Croydon. Now, iC readers from Coulsdon to South Norwood say that their postal service has got even worse Royal Mail’s th…
insidecroydon.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Royal Fail: MP Philp calls on business secretary to intervene insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/r... #Croydon #RoyalMail #Post @thelondoneconomic.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Read in full MP's email of complaint to Royal Mail boss insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/r... #Croydon #RoyalFail #Post
Read in full MP’s email of complaint to Royal Mail boss
With some addresses in the borough getting only one postal delivery every fortnight, Croydon South Conservative MP has written to Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail’s interim CEO: ‘This̷…
insidecroydon.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Read in full MP's email of complaint to Royal Mail boss insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/r... #Croydon #RoyalFail #Post
Reposted by Steven Downes
Trinity submits planning application for £40m co-ed conversion insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/t... #Croydon #Education #OldPalace @neunion.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social
Trinity submits planning application for £40m co-ed conversion
Less than a year after announcing the £30,000 a year fee-paying school would start offering places to girls, plans have gone in for works that will see its expansion to 1,400 pupils. By STEVEN DOWN…
insidecroydon.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Trinity submits planning application for £40m co-ed conversion insidecroydon.com/2026/02/11/t... #Croydon #Education #OldPalace @neunion.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Competition! Win tickets for London Mozart Players' concert insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/c... #Croydon #Bach #Concert #FairfieldHalls #Win @slippeddisc.bsky.social
Competition! Win tickets for London Mozart Players’ concert
The London Mozart Players first concert at the Fairfield Halls of 2026 is taking place on March 8, and Inside Croydon is delighted to be able to offer three pairs of tickets as prizes in a terrific…
insidecroydon.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Competition! Win tickets for London Mozart Players' concert insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/c... #Croydon #Bach #Concert #FairfieldHalls #Win @slippeddisc.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Where is Tom Dewey now?
Oh... remember the @uklabour.bsky.social staffer who worked in Croydon and got elected in Hackney. insidecroydon.com/2023/08/15/e... His former ward colleague Polly Billington is, of course, now an MP...
Ex-Labour staffer spared jail over child exploitation pictures
Tom Dewey’s now former party colleagues continue to deny any knowledge of his collecting illegal and ‘sadistic’ images that dated back to 2008 Tom Dewey, the former borough organi…
insidecroydon.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Where is Tom Dewey now?
Reposted by Steven Downes
Oh... remember the @uklabour.bsky.social staffer who worked in Croydon and got elected in Hackney. insidecroydon.com/2023/08/15/e... His former ward colleague Polly Billington is, of course, now an MP...
Ex-Labour staffer spared jail over child exploitation pictures
Tom Dewey’s now former party colleagues continue to deny any knowledge of his collecting illegal and ‘sadistic’ images that dated back to 2008 Tom Dewey, the former borough organi…
insidecroydon.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Oh... remember the @uklabour.bsky.social staffer who worked in Croydon and got elected in Hackney. insidecroydon.com/2023/08/15/e... His former ward colleague Polly Billington is, of course, now an MP...
Reposted by Steven Downes
our FT story from June 2023 showed:
Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s $77m townhouse in Manhattan in June 2009 while the financier was in prison for soliciting prostitution from minor
in 2010 and 2011 Epstein noted that “Petie” was with him in Paris, where the financier owned a sumptuous apartment
Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s $77m townhouse in Manhattan in June 2009 while the financier was in prison for soliciting prostitution from minor
in 2010 and 2011 Epstein noted that “Petie” was with him in Paris, where the financier owned a sumptuous apartment
February 11, 2026 at 7:59 AM
our FT story from June 2023 showed:
Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s $77m townhouse in Manhattan in June 2009 while the financier was in prison for soliciting prostitution from minor
in 2010 and 2011 Epstein noted that “Petie” was with him in Paris, where the financier owned a sumptuous apartment
Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s $77m townhouse in Manhattan in June 2009 while the financier was in prison for soliciting prostitution from minor
in 2010 and 2011 Epstein noted that “Petie” was with him in Paris, where the financier owned a sumptuous apartment
Reposted by Steven Downes
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
February 11, 2026 at 7:40 AM
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
Reposted by Steven Downes
New Addington residents' worries over farm pit of 'toxic sludge' insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/n... #Bromley #Croydon #NewAddington
New Addington residents’ worries over farm pit of ‘toxic sludge’
‘If an adult was to slip, trip or fall into it… they would not be able to escape. A child would have absolutely no chance of surviving’ Serious concerns are being raised by reside…
insidecroydon.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:14 AM
New Addington residents' worries over farm pit of 'toxic sludge' insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/n... #Bromley #Croydon #NewAddington
Reposted by Steven Downes
GMB to hold strike ballot over weighting pay in Merton schools insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/g... #Merton #Strike #Schools @gmb.org.uk @gmblondonregion.bsky.social @neunion.bsky.social
GMB to hold strike ballot over weighting pay in Merton schools
Support staff working at schools in Merton are to be balloted for strike action over a long-standing pay discrepancy. Teaching Assistants and school support staff in Merton receive London Weighting…
insidecroydon.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:24 AM
GMB to hold strike ballot over weighting pay in Merton schools insidecroydon.com/2026/02/10/g... #Merton #Strike #Schools @gmb.org.uk @gmblondonregion.bsky.social @neunion.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Podcast: From toxic air to the soured atmosphere at Selhurst insidecroydon.com/2026/02/03/p... #Croydon #CPFC #CPO #Beddington #Viridor @cleanaircatf.bsky.social @holmesdaleusa.bsky.social
Podcast: From toxic air to the soured atmosphere at Selhurst
Our first Croydon Insider podcast of 2026 is here – with a panel of readers and contributors delving behind the headlines on the stories that matter to you. Discussing how the highs of Wemble…
insidecroydon.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Podcast: From toxic air to the soured atmosphere at Selhurst insidecroydon.com/2026/02/03/p... #Croydon #CPFC #CPO #Beddington #Viridor @cleanaircatf.bsky.social @holmesdaleusa.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Historic Commercial Vehicle Brighton run, A23, May 3 insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/h... #Croydon #Brighton #Norbury #ThorntonHeath #Coulsdon #Redhill
Historic Commercial Vehicle Brighton run, A23, May 3
C O M M U N I T Y A D V E R T I S E M E N T
insidecroydon.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Historic Commercial Vehicle Brighton run, A23, May 3 insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/h... #Croydon #Brighton #Norbury #ThorntonHeath #Coulsdon #Redhill
Reposted by Steven Downes
Gimme shelter! TfL to trial updated bus stops in 12 boroughs insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/g... #Croydon #Lambeth #Southwark #TfL @se1.news @brixtonbuzz.bsky.social @london.gov.uk
Gimme shelter! TfL to trial updated bus stops in 12 boroughs
Transport correspondent JEREMY CLACKSON on a roll-out of enhanced bus shelters, with better lighting, improved seating and some in ‘high-crime areas’ to be fitted with CCTV Croydon, whe…
insidecroydon.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Gimme shelter! TfL to trial updated bus stops in 12 boroughs insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/g... #Croydon #Lambeth #Southwark #TfL @se1.news @brixtonbuzz.bsky.social @london.gov.uk
Reposted by Steven Downes
RSPCA is seeking your views on the return of dog licensing insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/r... #Croydon #Sutton #Bromley @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social @dogstrust.bsky.social
RSPCA is seeking your views on the return of dog licensing
Animal charity the RSPCA is inviting people in Croydon to take part in a survey over the future care of dogs, and specifically the return of dog licences. Together with the Dogs Trust, another char…
insidecroydon.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:12 PM
RSPCA is seeking your views on the return of dog licensing insidecroydon.com/2026/02/09/r... #Croydon #Sutton #Bromley @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social @dogstrust.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
a reminder that Tim Allan, who quit Starmer's Downing St today, previously spun for....not only Kazakhstan and Qatar but also Vladimir Putin’s government
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
From Blair to Putin to Starmer: PR chief Tim Allan’s CV
Former New Labour spin-doctor has faced criticism over his choice of clients, including Russia’s government
www.ft.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
a reminder that Tim Allan, who quit Starmer's Downing St today, previously spun for....not only Kazakhstan and Qatar but also Vladimir Putin’s government
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
Reposted by Steven Downes
Palace winger Harrison's Match of the Day at Croydon Minster insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/p... #Croydon #cpfc @theeaglesbeak.bsky.social @holmesdaleusa.bsky.social @wisdencricket.bsky.social
February 8, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Palace winger Harrison's Match of the Day at Croydon Minster insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/p... #Croydon #cpfc @theeaglesbeak.bsky.social @holmesdaleusa.bsky.social @wisdencricket.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
Slot machine operators seek 24-hour licence in Crystal Palace insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/s... #Croydon #CrystalPalace #Slots
Slot machine operators seek 24-hour licence in Crystal Palace
The operators of a gaming centre in Crystal Palace have submitted an application to the council which would enable them to stay open 24 hours a day. Admiral, who run the slot machine shop on Westow…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Slot machine operators seek 24-hour licence in Crystal Palace insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/s... #Croydon #CrystalPalace #Slots
Reposted by Steven Downes
Valentine's Barn Dance, St Mary's Addington, Sat Feb 14 insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/v... #Croydon #Valentines #Addington
Valentine’s Barn Dance, St Mary’s Addington, Sat Feb 14
C O M M U N I T Y A D V E R T I S E M E N T
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Valentine's Barn Dance, St Mary's Addington, Sat Feb 14 insidecroydon.com/2026/02/08/v... #Croydon #Valentines #Addington
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: MP Reed gets dragged into the scandal over Peter Mandelson insidecroydon.com/2026/02/05/m... #Croydon #Mandelson #Epstein #GMB @bylinetimes.bsky.social @the-independent.com @politicshome.bsky.social
MP Reed gets dragged into the scandal over Peter Mandelson
The Croydon MP and friend of Morgan McSweeney is ‘disingenuous’ in his claims over how his aide blocked debate about the controversial appointment of Ambassador to the United States. By…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:04 PM
This week's top posts: MP Reed gets dragged into the scandal over Peter Mandelson insidecroydon.com/2026/02/05/m... #Croydon #Mandelson #Epstein #GMB @bylinetimes.bsky.social @the-independent.com @politicshome.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: Burst main affecting water supplies to 18,000 households insidecroydon.com/2026/02/03/b... #Mitcham #Croydon #Streatham #ThamesWater
Burst main affecting water supplies to 18,000 households
Up to 18,000 households across Croydon and three other boroughs have been affected by a burst water main today “on a field” near to Watneys Road, which borders Mitcham Common. Homes hav…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:02 PM
This week's top posts: Burst main affecting water supplies to 18,000 households insidecroydon.com/2026/02/03/b... #Mitcham #Croydon #Streatham #ThamesWater
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: National Gallery artworks exhibit comes to Croydon's doorstep insidecroydon.com/2026/02/04/n... #Croydon #Art #NationalGallery @nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social
National Gallery artworks exhibit comes to Croydon’s doorstep
You would probably be blissfully unaware if you relied on information from the propaganda bunker at part-time Mayor Jason Perry’s dysfunctional council, but parts of Croydon are today arrayed…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
This week's top posts: National Gallery artworks exhibit comes to Croydon's doorstep insidecroydon.com/2026/02/04/n... #Croydon #Art #NationalGallery @nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social @itvnews.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: No Beckenham and New Addington trams for 2 weeks in Feb insidecroydon.com/2026/01/29/n... #Croydon #Bromley #Travel #TfL @ldntravelwatch.bsky.social @christianwolmar.bsky.social
No Beckenham and New Addington trams for 2 weeks in Feb
It’s not only the ageing rolling stock that requires replacement on south London’s tram network. Transport for London is to close half of the network, from East Croydon to Beckenham Jun…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:58 AM
This week's top posts: No Beckenham and New Addington trams for 2 weeks in Feb insidecroydon.com/2026/01/29/n... #Croydon #Bromley #Travel #TfL @ldntravelwatch.bsky.social @christianwolmar.bsky.social
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: Croydon man among six charged with stealing from immigrants insidecroydon.com/2026/02/02/c... #Croydon #Crime #HomeOffice #Refugees
Croydon man among six charged with stealing from immigrants
A man from Croydon is among six immigration officers who have appeared in court facing various charges related to them stealing money from people arriving in Britain after having crossed the Channe…
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:57 AM
This week's top posts: Croydon man among six charged with stealing from immigrants insidecroydon.com/2026/02/02/c... #Croydon #Crime #HomeOffice #Refugees
Reposted by Steven Downes
This week's top posts: Perry's landlord licensing scheme will create a postcode lottery insidecroydon.com/2026/02/02/p... #Croydon #Landlords #Tories
Perry’s landlord licensing scheme will create a postcode lottery
Mayor Jason Perry’s proposals for a landlord licensing scheme to be introduced by Croydon Council later this year are discriminatory against half the borough, creating a postcode lottery for …
insidecroydon.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:56 AM
This week's top posts: Perry's landlord licensing scheme will create a postcode lottery insidecroydon.com/2026/02/02/p... #Croydon #Landlords #Tories