Civil servants in Croydon to avoid travel chaos (From Sutton Guardian)

Civil servants in Croydon to avoid Olympics travel chaos

10:11am Monday 16th July 2012 in Latest News By Nick Hitchens

Civil servants from Whitehall will work out of Croydon during the Olympics to avoid travel troubles anticipated during the Games.

Up to 150 civil servants have been moved to The Croydon Hub, run out of the government owned Southern House, Wellesley Grove, and will work there during July and August.

The space, which cost the government under £6,000 to kit out, is expected to be used following the Games as part of an effort to provide flexible working options for the Civil Service.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: "The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a great moment for this country – and we’re not going to let anything get in the way of that. On the busiest days up to 800,000 ticketed spectators will be making an extra three million trips in London on public transport. Needless to say, this presents a huge logistical challenge.

"This Croydon hub will help reduce pressure on London’s transport network during the Olympics."

Jon Rouse, Chief Executive, London Borough of Croydon, said: "I am pleased to see Government confirming Croydon as a strategic centre for employment by setting up an ‘office hub’, for the Olympics and hopefully beyond.

"Substantial numbers of civil servants have been based in Croydon for a long time, and we welcome the intention to continue."

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