What stories do these streets hold? This is Bensham Manor Ward. It is a place of community and change in London.
Bensham Manor Ward is a ward in the London Borough of Croydon. It covers part of Thornton Heath. The ward extends from Thornton Heath railway station westwards. It is largely residential with a retail or industrial core.
In 2011, the population of Bensham Manor Ward was 16201. Bensham Manor is part of the Croydon North constituency. Steve Reed is the MP. Every four years, the ward returns three councillors to Croydon Council.
Let’s delve into the details of the local government. In 2006, Raj Rajendran, Paula Shaw, and Greta Sohoye were elected. They ran as Labour Party candidates. In 2007, Councillor Shaw resigned. This triggered a by-election. Alison Butler from Labour won it.
Currently, Humayun Kabir, Enid Mollyneaux, and Eunice O’Dame serve as councillors. They are all members of the Labour Party.
Bensham Manor Ward has a distinctive ethnic makeup. Black Caribbeans form the largest group at 17%. This is higher than the London average. Pakistanis make up 9% of the population. Black Africans comprise 14%. Other Black ethnicities account for 5%. These are also higher than the London averages. White British residents make up 14%. Bangladeshi residents account for 1%. These are lower than the London averages.
Christianity is the main religion in Bensham Manor. It represents 51% of the population. This is higher than the London average. Hindus comprise 8%. This is also higher than the London average. Residents with no religion make up 14%. Jewish residents account for 0.1%. These are lower than the London averages.
The main age band in Bensham Manor is 20 to 39 years. It represents 29% of the population. This is slightly lower than the London average.
Single-family households with dependent children are the most common. They represent 28% of households. Single-family households with non-dependent children comprise 15%. This is higher than the London average. Single-family households with no children make up 10%. This is lower than the London average.
Ecclesbourne Road hosts a community special school. The school caters to students aged 11 to 19. Mrs Fiona Robinson is the headteacher. The school has a capacity of 244 pupils. There are 241 pupils currently enrolled. A significant proportion of students are eligible for free school meals. This accounts for 56.8% of the student body. The school specializes in supporting students with specific learning difficulties. It also provides support for autistic spectrum disorder and moderate learning difficulties.
Bensham Manor Ward reflects London’s diversity. It has a strong sense of community. From political representation to community support and education, Bensham Manor continues to evolve.