FANCY a takeaway but can't quite decide what to have? Lower Addiscombe Road could be the place for you...
Along just one stretch of road there is a gut-busting total of 24 takeaways.
Everything from pizza to fried chicken, kebabs and Chinese is on offer on this one street.
While some concern has been raised about the quality of food on offer, the Advertiser found residents and councillors in the area were generally happy the shops were not left empty.
Croydon Council's Annual Health Report released three weeks ago showed around one in four adults in the borough was obese and one in three children was overweight or obese when reaching Year 6.
Addiscombe Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, who is on the council's scrutiny health, social care and housing sub-committee, admits the amount of fast food available on the road is not ideal but understands their popularity.
Cllr Fitzsimons said: "I enjoy a takeaway of a Friday night. Obviously not too many, but when you are in a rush and don't have time or don't feel like cooking, then they are useful.
"The same can be said for parents who work long hours. It is sometimes easier to grab something quick."
Cllr Fitzsimons did, however, say he was worried about the negative effect of competition between businesses.
He added: "In theory, you would hope the increase in competition should drive up standards, but I am worried that it's more about a race to the bottom in terms of trying to beat each other's prices.
"I hope businesses are not sacrificing quality in favour of quantity."
In May, nearby South Norwood's eateries were found by consumer watchdog Which? to be the third-least hygienic in the country. However, Lower Addiscombe Road's takeaways are mostly rated by the Food Standard's Agency as the satisfactory rating of 3 out of 5 or above.
David Harmes, chairman of Chase Residents' Association, believes it is more important to encourage business in Addiscombe.
He said: "Takeaways are not a concern that has been mentioned to me but we do seem to have lots of certain types of shop, including ten hairdressers and four or five charity shops. However, Addiscombe has very few empty shop fronts and remains a vibrant and busy place which is definitely a positive."
