Businesses in Norbury now have a group to represent and protect their interests, after several local people and companies clubbed together to form Norbury Business Watch.

Chairman of the group, Victor Clarkson, a High Street card shop owner, claims Norbury has deteriorated as an area, with rising crime and social nuisances like graffiti spoiling what was once a thriving business location.

He said: “We feel that Norbury, being the most northerly part of the borough, is often forgotten about.

“We have set up Business Watch with the intention of letting people know we want to be involved with everything that goes on.”

Business Watch will not only work with the police to reduce crime, but will also lobby the council for more consideration of the area's needs.

The first measure they want to see introduced is an extension of the Council's CCTV scheme into Norbury High Street.

Mr Clarkson said: “CCTV can have a dramatic effect in cutting crime and making communities feel more secure.

“It is long overdue in Norbury.”

A scheme which incorporates the area has recently been short-listed by the Government Office for London, but a final decision has not yet been reached.

The group already has 30 members and anyone interested in joining should call Victor on 0208 764 0833.