The Croydon Guardian hit the airwaves last week as it launched a new radio show.

Reporters Andy Bloss and Hannah Williamson were joined by MPs Gavin Barwell and Steve Reed for The Croydon Guardian Show, which aired on Croydon Radio on Thursday.

The show is to become a regular monthly event, where we will look at the big stories and issues from the previous month, look ahead to upcoming issues, and interview key figures in Croydon.

It is intended as another way to engage our readers, along with our website, newspaper and weekly e-edition.

It is the first time a Croydon newspaper has linked up with the radio station.

Our reporters have already featured on Croydon Radio, with one of the team talking through stories in the paper with ex-Croydon MP Andrew Pelling every Wednesday lunchtime.

A number of issues were discussed with Mr Reed, MP for Croydon North and Barwell, MP for Croydon Central, during the show, including police station closures, Croydon University Hospital and the regeneration of the town centre.

Mr Reed spoke about his first few months as an MP While Mr Barwell talked about his mental health bill which passed into law last month.

Andy Bloss, reporter at the Croydon Guardian, said it was good to get the show underway.

He said: “The show has been in the pipeline for a long time so it was great to get it up and running last week.

“It is something a little different and it is another way for us at the Croydon Guardian to connect with our readers.

“We are a forward thinking team and to have a monthly radio show adds to our other initiatives such as the e-Xtra pages.”

He added: “Croydon Radio has only been going for a short while but already they are gaining a large audience and have an abundance of interesting and diverse shows. It is good to team up with them.”

Mr Reed, speaking after the show, said: “It’s great to see the Croydon Guardian breaking new ground for a local newspaper by starting a radio show.

“We had a relaxed discussion about some of the big issues facing Croydon today including the future of the hospital, police cuts and how to bring in new investment and more jobs.

He added: “The one thing we agreed on was that next time it should be Hannah who chooses the music – let’s just say that Andy’s choice was interesting.”

To listen to The Croydon Guardian Show visit croydonguardian.co.uk or croydonradio.com.

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