Your Croydon 68 - June-July 2015

your ISSUE 68 - JUNE/JULY 2015

www.croydon.gov.uk

Your primary source of community information

Planting the seeds of a healthier life

See page 11

Palace join council’s White Ribbon Campaign See page 13

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yourcouncil

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Putting Croydon first A few weeks on from the general election, it is more important than ever that this council has a clear focus on “putting Croydon first”, and I am committed to ensuring we get the very best deal for our town.

This means working with local businesses, the voluntary sector and politicians of all parties. However, we should also be clear that we will robustly oppose any plans by national government to make further cuts to public services in Croydon.

We are currently striving to get more control over decision making and budgets from central government and, to that end, I have already had a meeting with local government minister Greg Clark to make the case for further investment and support for our much-needed infrastructure projects.

I am proud that, in the first year of our council administration, in addition to making the creation of local housing and jobs a priority, we have delivered on those commitments and have done so together, as a council.

We will see more new homes being built, a significant proportion of which will be both affordable and available for local people. On the jobs front, we have made it is easier for smaller and local companies to bid for council contracts.

We have also pledged that Croydon will be a London Living Wage borough, supporting the principle that a fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.

We also don’t forget that one of the council’s key roles is to keep our streets as clean as possible. We are prosecuting more flytippers than ever and you might have seen the crushed van being toured around Croydon. It was used to illegally dump waste and has been on display, under the Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride banner, as a deterrent to potential fly-tippers.

We have also launched proposals to introduce 20mph zones in Croydon. The numbers are clear that they save lives and reduce casualties, and I’ve been contacted by a number of residents asking for a 20mph limit to be introduced in their roads.

I hope you will find time to attend our Ambition Festival in July, and the professional cycling events that we’re hosting on 2 June (see page 6). Alternatively, you could simply relax in the sunshine in one of our many wonderful parks. Personally, I will be doing all three.

Highlights Fly-tipper’s van flattened . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A van seized after being used to fly-tip a pile of building waste in a Waddon street has been crushed under order of the council.

Cycling Olympians to race through town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Croydon’s town centre will be transformed to a cycle road race track as it plays host to a major sporting event.

Getting aboard the Food Flagship . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Children at a New Addington school are growing their own food as part of a borough-wide drive to healthier living.

Playing in the white ribbon . . . . . . . . . 13 Crystal Palace’s players give their support to council’s drive against domestic violence.

Bad landlords on the run . . . . . . . . . . . 16 It’s good news for tenants and responsible landlords as the countdown to the council’s new licensing scheme begins.

Win tickets for And Then There Were None . . . . 21 A pair of tickets is up for grabs for one of Agatha Christie’s most enduring murder mysteries.

Councillor Tony Newman Leader of the council

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yourenvironment

3

Crushing victory for council against fly-tipper A prison sentence and a van-crushing are the latest successes in the council’s campaign to rid the borough of the blight of fly-tipping.

The ongoing crackdown on the crime of flytipping has resulted in two victories for the council as, in separate cases, a man has been jailed and a ’tipper’s van crushed.

On 7 May, Croydon magistrates sentenced Gladstone Mark Buchanan to six months’ prison for dumping 42 tonnes of furniture and building material – the same weight as six elephants – in Martin Crescent, Waddon, between October 2011 and January 2012.

His conviction came about thanks to the alertness of residents who reported the initial offending.

Buchanan, 45, of Mantlet Close, Streatham Vale, was also ordered to pay court costs totalling £7,413 after admitting the offences at an earlier hearing.

In another case, and as a warning to potential fly-tippers, the council crushed a Ford Transit it had seized in February.

The council commandeered the white van after two men were spotted using it to tip two tonnes of flooring materials, windows, timber and other building

waste in Lysander Road, Waddon, on 21 February, before fleeing on foot, leaving the van.

After crushing the van, the council displayed it in eight busy locations across the borough to raise awareness of the ongoing Don’t Mess With Croydon – Take Pride campaign.

The campaign, launched last June, combines council enforcement action with getting communities to do their bit.

So far, this has included six prosecutions in one day in March and recruiting more than 200 local volunteers to lead community clear-ups.

Jo Negrini, the council’s executive director for the environment, said: “We’ll continue to take action against flytipping – whether that’s prosecutions or crushing vehicles we seize.”

Anyone with information on dumped waste should contact the council’s dedicated fly-tipping hotline on 020 8604 7000 or email flytip@ croydon.gov.uk

The campaign, launched last June, combines council enforcement action with getting communities to do their bit…

Doomed: the seized van

Links For more information www.croydon.gov.uk/app www.croydon.gov.uk/dontmess flytip@croydon.gov.uk 020 8604 7000

Crushed: Councillor Stuart Collins, cabinet member for Clean Green Croydon, with the flattened Transit

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yourregeneration

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

New look: artist’s impression of the revitalised College Green

As a locally based company, the regeneration of Croydon’s cultural quarter is of huge significance to so many of us who live and work in the town...

Exciting future promised for College Green Croydon’s cultural revival has moved a step forward with the appointment of a local consultancy firm.

The first glimpse of what a revitalised College Green could look like has been revealed by the newly appointed designer of the scheme – and it promises to breathe new life into culture in Croydon.

Croydon-based Mott MacDonald is to oversee the delivery of a planning application for the project, which includes a full-scale refurbishment of the famous Fairfield Halls.

College Green is central to the revival of Croydon’s cultural quarter, and will be transformed into an innovative and inspiring area with a lively and sustainable mix of homes, offices, shops and restaurants.

It is part of a wider scheme to create a high-quality public space and provide a through route to and from East Croydon station, quickly connecting visitors with The Queen’s Gardens, the Clocktower, Surrey Street and Exchange Square.

Fairfield Halls will be at the heart of the project, and could see a new entrance on the Ashcroft Theatre side of the building, opening onto College Green.

Mott MacDonald was lead engineering consultant for the Sage Music Centre in Gateshead and for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. The consultancy also has a broad portfolio of international urban regeneration projects.

Its team for the College Green project includes Rick Mather architects, renowned for working on some of the biggest theatres in the country including the Royal Festival Hall in central London, and Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre.

Paul Bates, Mott MacDonald’s divisional director, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity on so many levels.

“As a locally based company, the regeneration of Croydon’s cultural quarter is of huge significance to so many of us who live and work in the town.

“We also look forward to helping reinstate the Fairfield Halls as one of the most prestigious venues in the country for entertainment and the performing arts.”

The team is looking to submit a planning application by autumn.

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yourregeneration

5

Boxed: how Ruskin Square might look when pop-up mall is completed

Boxpark to launch in Croydon From Shoreditch to Croydon – Boxpark has announced plans to open next to East Croydon station.

Built from 80 shipping containers and double the size of its Shoreditch counterpart, trendy pop-up mall Boxpark is to set up shop in the heart of Croydon.

The covered marketplace, which will consist of a mix of fashion and lifestyle brands, cafés and restaurants, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2016 at Ruskin Square, right next to the town centre’s busiest entry point at East Croydon station.

Boxpark Croydon will focus on small independent retailers to create a unique shopping and dining experience, while also offering an online click-and-collect service.

Boxpark’s founder and chief executive, Roger Wade, said: “Croydon is one of the last London boroughs to be developed.

Stratford, White City and Nine Elms have all seen recent new developments.

“I want everyone to rethink their view of Croydon. It’s the home of Kate Moss, Tracey Emin, and now Boxpark!”

Work is already under way at Ruskin Square – Stanhope and Schroders’ £500m, two million sq ft mixed-use scheme – with property-management company Places For People appointed to build and manage the construction of the first residential phase of 161 new homes, due to be completed in 2016.

In total, Ruskin Square is set to

create up to 1.25 million sq ft of office accommodation, 625 new homes and more than 100,000 sq ft of retail, café and restaurant space.

The Boxpark announcement, subject to planning permission being granted, is the latest endorsement of Croydon’s major regeneration programme.

James Lass, fund manager of SREF, said: “The deal secured with the creators of Boxpark is a hugely significant milestone, not only for Ruskin Square but for the wider regeneration drive currently taking place in Croydon.

“The arrival of such a celebrated and unique brand supports Croydon’s exciting transformation into a vibrant commercial, retail and leisure destination.”

Jason Margrave, development director of Stanhope, said: “We’re on site, building the first phase of residential and have detailed planning permission for the first office building so it’s great that we’ve reached an agreement with Boxpark to take temporary space at Ruskin Square to offer their unique brand of shopping, restaurants and cafés.

“This will help to bring an increased vibrancy and sense of arrival at East Croydon station, foregrounding the mix of uses proposed within the wider Ruskin Square development.”

The deal secured with the creators of Boxpark is a hugely significant milestone, not only for Ruskin Square but for the wider regeneration drive currently taking place in Croydon ...

yourcommunity

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June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Olympic champs to race through town Pedestrianised North End and historic Surrey Street will form a race track for one evening when cycling’s giants test themselves against each other.

Links For full details and timetable of the day’s activities, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/tourseries

London 2012 gold medallists are set to tear through the town centre when Croydon hosts one of the biggest cycling events in Britain.

The Pearl Izumi Men’s Tour Series, and Matrix Fitness Women’s Grand Prix, two of the country’s main professional cycling events, and backbone of the UK procycling scene, come to the town centre on Tuesday evening (2 June).

Double Olympic and world champion Laura Trott (top right), and Olympic champions Dani King and Joanna Rowsell are expected to be on the starting line for the women’s event.

Fellow Olympic champions Ed Clancy and Steven Burke are likely to appear in the men’s race.

With the women’s race starting at 5.30pm, followed by the men’s at 7.30pm, thousands of spectators are expected to turn out to see Britain’s top cycling teams in action.

These include the new Team Wiggins, formed by 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins, and the One Pro Cycling team of England cricketer Matt Prior.

Croydon, the only London town-centre location, is one of 10 across the country hosting the tour series, and is the venue for round three of the women’s race and

round seven of the men’s event.

The race is being sponsored by Keltbray Group, Skanska Laing, AIG, Decathlon, EM Highways, Veolia, Croydon Council, Croydon Heart Town, Fairfield Halls and Transport for London.

London Tramlink will be partly suspended and temporary road closures will be in place from 2pm.

Where can I watch the races?

Spectators will be able to watch the race from any point along the one-kilometre route, starting and finishing in North End, taking in Drummond Road, Keeley Road, Frith Road and Surrey Street before turning left into High Street.

Timetable

• 1pm – Local primary school races and skills activities will be taking place in North End. • 3pm – Discover inclusive cycling with Wheels for Wellbeing, cycling taster rides in North End. • 5.30pm – Start of the women’s race.

• 7.30pm – Start of the men’s race.

• 9pm – Podium presentations in North End.

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yourcommunity yourcouncil

7

Helping seniors unravel the web Older residents are learning how to use a computer and surf the worldwide web, thanks to community group sessions.

A church hall in Norbury has become the gateway to the wonders of online life and all things computer for those who might have thought they were a little too long in the tooth.

Around 30 people attend sessions each Friday at St Philip’s Church in Beech Road, where they are shown by volunteers how to perform a variety of online activities ranging from sending an email and shopping, to internet banking and uploading photos.

The council recently stepped in to help by providing six laptops as part of its pledge to help residents who are unable to access the latest digital technology get online and reap the benefits.

It is estimated that paying bills and shopping online can save a household an estimated £560 a year compared with one that is offline.

The group’s eldest silver surfer, June Singer (top right), who turns 91 next month, said: “I think these workshops are great. I know nothing at all about computers, it’s all very complicated.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself – I hope one day to get an iPad to keep up with people.”

Father Younis Francis, the vicar of St Philip’s, said: “These workshops have

gone very well – we had 33 people turn up for the first session and it’s been really popular ever since.

“It’s opening up a whole new world for them. It helps people who live on their own and presents the opportunity to get out and socialise.

“They learn new skills such as sending email, Skype, shopping, and it helps them to build up relationships and friendships with people.

“We’ve been really pleased with the council’s support; without that we wouldn’t have been able to get started.”

Ann Coyle, from Selsdon, was attending her first session: “It’s a great opportunity for local residents. It’s not just about computers, it’s also for the social side as well.

“Being a senior citizen, it helps us to meet other people. You can be quite isolated in your own home.”

Brian Byrne, from Norbury, has been attending right from the beginning.

He said: “I’m not all that good on the computer, so this helps me try and improve my knowledge.

“I’ve learnt a lot more about how computers work. I use it for email and banking.”

Links Community groups looking to run similar initiatives are encouraged to consider applying for the Active Communities Fund. For more information click here.

yourcouncil yourcommunity

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June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Win tickets to Ambition Festival There’s £200-worth of tickets up for grabs as prizes to shows at this year’s councilpromoted Ambition Festival, running from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July.

Links To enter, simply visit www.ambitionfest.com and leave your details on the competition page.

Although much of the programme of music, comedy, theatre and dance is free, the headline acts and several other shows are ticketed because of the limited size of the venues and the popularity of the acts.

The main free stages will be in The Queen’s Gardens, College Green and Mint Walk, where there will also be street food and market stalls as well as outdoor bars for the weekend.

The range of music on offer covers a wide range of styles, from jungle and Bollywood to folk-rock and electronica…

The range of music on offer covers a wide range of styles, from jungle and Bollywood to folk-rock and electronica.

With big names including Soul II Soul, Tinariwen and Lee “Scratch” Perry on the bill, this competition is a chance to get to see some amazing performances, courtesy of the festival.

Other shows that winners could choose to see include Nick Harper, Hyde & Beast, and The Alternative Dubstep Orchestra – all of whom are performing at the iconic Croydon Minster. Alternatively, people could choose to see prolific alternative folk star Beans on Toast in the intimate setting of Matthew’s Yard.

But remember – tickets are limited so don’t leave it too late if you want to be sure of a place.

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youreducation

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Primary pupils hit places jackpot Despite ever-increasing demand, 82% of new primary school pupils get first choice for September.

Every Croydon child who applied to join primary school this autumn will get a place in the borough – despite rising demand.

Almost 95% of 4,938 children who applied to start school from this September will get one of their top three preference schools, while 82% – or 4,049 pupils – were offered their first choice by the council last month.

The percentage of children getting either their first, or one of their top three, preferences is the same as last year, even though the council received 122 more

applications this year; enough for four extra 30-pupil classes.

The council is investing heavily in expanding and building schools to ensure every child has a place, with 2,000 new places overall by 2018 including three new primary schools from September.

As with secondary offers, all of this year’s primary applications were made online.

Parents of children starting secondary school from September who applied before the 2014 deadline received their offer in March.

As with secondary offers, all of this year’s primary applications were made online…

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youreducation

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Teaching the teachers Sylvia McNamara, chief executive officer of the Octavo Partnership, outlines the role the company will play in helping schools improve standards.

There was a time when the term “school competition” meant something as simple as pupils contesting an egg-and-spoon race.

These days, schools themselves are just as likely to be competing – to have the best possible teachers, exam results and learning environment for pupils.

A school’s success hinges on how well it is run and the quality of its staff.

Many schools use external training specialists to work with their staff on developing teaching and learning and the curriculum. Although this is worthwhile, it does not necessarily result in long-term support or encourage schools to share the expertise they have learned.

That’s why Croydon Council, its staff and local schools have joined together to form the Octavo Partnership, to help improve everything from teaching standards to day-to-day administration.

The mutual partnership covers eight services including literacy and employment training, educational psychology and human resources.

While other councils have created similar joint ventures with schools, this is believed to be England’s first trading company to be jointly run by a council, its

staff and head teachers.

Crucially, the Octavo Partnership will be self-sufficient. Its stakeholders will be the schools themselves, along with the council and its employees. Teachers and staff in member schools will not just be part of a group, but shareholders in a business that plans to eventually fund a charitable education research trust.

For this project to work, trust is key.

Teachers sometimes resent outside advisers who come in and tell them how to do their job better without necessarily

You wouldn’t climb Mount Everest without medical and technical support; in the same way, great schools need more than great teachers. knowing much about their school.

In contrast, nobody knows Croydon schools like Octavo’s teachers and council officers.

We’ve already received excellent feedback from head teachers pleasantly surprised that the training we provide

does not just give generic tips but, instead, provides tailored advice that reflects our local knowledge.

And it’s not just about improving teachers.

You wouldn’t climb Mount Everest without medical and technical support; in the same way, great schools need more than great teachers.

That’s why the Octavo Partnership also trains school staff in accountancy, human resources, data analysis, and many other specialisms. Moreover, any profits or knowledge are ploughed straight back into meeting Croydon schools’ growing needs and making them the best they can be.

Croydon already has London’s biggest and youngest population, and the borough continues to grow, thanks to massive regeneration. The council is investing in an extra 2,000 pupil places by 2018, and Octavo’s job is to ensure that local schools thrive under this pressure.

Led by inspirational head teachers and vastly experienced senior council staff, I am excited and confident that the Octavo Partnership will help Croydon schools go from strength to strength, so every child gets the brightest possible future.

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yourhealth

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Flying the flag for healthy eating How one school’s selection as a Food Flagship is helping ensure its pupils enjoy a wholesome and nutritious diet – with food they’ve grown.

Campaigning: green-fingered Fairchildes pupils help head teacher Ros Sandell in their productive garden Healthy eating, through the growing and cooking of fresh food, and the raising of food standards in general, are the aims of the five-year Food Flagship programme.

Croydon was last year selected by the scheme’s backer, the Greater London Authority, to become a Food Flagship borough, and now three schools have been chosen to lead the campaign to convince residents of the benefits of healthy eating.

Alongside Addington High and Upper Norwood’s Rockmount Primary, New Addington’s Fairchildes Primary will be taking on the challenge to move children and adults away from sweet and fizzy drinks, and foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

Ros Sandell has been Fairchildes’ headteacher for the past 11 years and sees the school’s election to Food Flagship status as a natural extension of the work already being undertaken by her and her staff.

She said: “The children and staff are very proud to have been selected as a flagship school.

“During my time here, there’s been a big shift in terms of the focus placed on healthy eating and children’s eating habits.

“The major change happened about

eight years ago when we instigated a move away from our outside catering provision in order to control our kitchen and the quality of the food.

“This work was led by one of our teachers whose own children’s school had done the same thing – and she had seen the benefits.”

The school took its catering inhouse and, from the off, involved the parents, a move that has given them many opportunities to visit the school to sample the food.

During my time here, there’s been a big shift in terms of the focus placed on healthy eating and children’s eating habits.

Funds were set aside for a main kitchen refit and to build a children’s kitchen with seven cookers and worktop areas.

The success of the second kitchen has subsequently seen its use extended to include cooking workshops for parents.

While the refit was going on inside, staff and children were outside creating the school’s first garden.

Ros said: “That garden’s now overseen by the reception classes, and it provides rhubarb, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes and other ingredients that are used both in the school meals and also by the reception children in their cooking.

“Following this, other year groups have developed garden areas so that this element of healthy eating is continued throughout the school – and the children can continue to get their hands dirty!

“We see attaining flagship status as acknowledgement of the work we’ve done, but also as a reminder of what more we can still do as regards improving the diet of our children.”

High on the to-do list are a focus on the quality of children’s packed lunches, and ensuring the healthy eating message is followed outside school.

Plans are also under way to work closely with Addington High School and the Good Food Matters project, in Mickleham Way, on a range of activities.

Ros said: “This is a very exciting time for us all, especially the children who are gaining knowledge and learning skills that we hope they’ll take with them as they grow.”

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yoursafety

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

It was a very good year It has been a hugely successful year in Croydon for crime reduction with mugging down by an incredible 40%, house breaking down by 22% and theft from cars by 27%.

My message is that Croydon is getting safer and these figures are testimony to the hard work being done by Croydon police, the council, and other statutory and voluntary agencies to make the borough even safer.

Over the next 12 months, I would like to deliver further crime reduction, and also make you feel safer. Fear of crime is not just something that affects the elderly, it also touches those who might be enjoying a night out in one of the town centres, travelling on a bus, or when out and about around Croydon.

That is why we have initiated a survey of all wards in Croydon to identify what your

priorities are for your local communities and neighbourhoods, in order that we can do something about them.

We are also trying to put more officers out on the streets by creating a new team that deals with local crime issues in your neighbourhood. On the subject of new teams, I would like to pay tribute to the council, which has funded two additional officers in New Addington in order that

To avoid becoming a victim of crime, please think about how you can prevent that happening... we can improve our visibility in that part of the borough.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime,

please think about how you can prevent that happening. Contact your local neighbourhood team and arrange a visit so that they can give you advice on securing your home; never leave valuables, tools or packages on display in your car or van; and always lock your vehicle.

You wouldn’t believe it, but some people leave their cars or mopeds unattended with the engine running, keys in the ignition and wonder why their vehicle then gets stolen. If you have any feedback for me please drop an email to me at andy.tarrant@met.police.uk

Andy Tarrant

Chief Supt Andy Tarrant Croydon borough commander

Partnership bobbies helping to make life safer

Council- and Met-funded officers making an impact on reported crime in New Addington and Fieldway.

Antisocial behaviour and environmental crime are in the sights of two recently appointed beat bobbies, serving New Addington and Fieldway.

As part of their getting to know local people, PCs Lucy Butler and Alex Smith took part in the recent Community Action Day in Central Parade.

They met with businesses and the public, listening to local concerns, shared how the police work to tackle these concerns, and listened to how the community felt these problems might be solved by working together.

Funded by a joint deal between the council and the police, and based at Addington police station, they work closely with the local Safer Neighbourhood Ward panels, and engagement and consultation groups set up by the Met. The officers’ work has already contributed to a reduction in illegal motorbike riding, shoplifting and drugs offences, and building

and improving relationships with local residents and traders.

PC Butler said: “We’re getting to know the community and meeting with a wide range of people, from housing wardens to Central Parade business owners and the local community group, Pathfinders. This is giving us a good insight into community concerns and priorities.”

PC Smith added: “We want to help New Addington and Fieldway residents and businesses with all their concerns, from antisocial behaviour worries to drug dealing.”

Their engagement work sees them meeting with local groups and organisations, and taking part in meetings and briefings with residents and businesses to make sure that the issues they are tackling are those that matter to the community.

The New Addington Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted on 07843 065861.

We’re getting to know the community and meeting with a wide range of people, from housing wardens to Central Parade business owners and the local community group, Pathfinders.

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yourcommunity

13

Palace pitches in with support for anti-DV The borough’s Premiership football club has made its stand against domestic violence clear to its fans and the wider community.

Commitment: pre-match White Ribbon Campaign line-up Crystal Palace, alongside the communityfocused Crystal Palace FC Foundation, has backed the council’s White Ribbon Campaign against domestic violence throughout the football season.

The campaign takes the stand that domestic and sexual violence will not be tolerated, and encourages men to take a stand against this crime.

The club promoted the campaign’s aims at the home game against Hull, and it has also featured in the match-day programmes for the Arsenal and QPR games.

Defender Joel Ward aired his support on the club’s YouTube Palace TV channel, regularly watched by thousands of subscribers.

He said: “It’s so important that we continue to invoke positive messages, both on and off the pitch.

“The lads embrace and thrive off the ‘hero’ status that the fans grant us and, in turn, we act as positive role models for our community, and especially young people, to learn from.”

The foundation has plans to include the campaign’s aims in future education programmes, with the intention of reducing incidents and creating safer and

happier local communities in and around Selhurst Park.

Donald Forde, the foundation’s head, said: “It’s essential that Crystal Palace stay true to their community roots and spirit; that includes embracing all that’s good about the borough, but also tackling Croydon’s more challenging issues.

“The wider social impact of football is huge and we recognise our unique position to send powerful messages with broad reach.

“Our plans include getting antidomestic abuse and sexual violence messages rolled out through joint education programmes, partnered with Croydon Council.”

The campaign is also supported by the police, Croydon Bid and Croydon College, with the goal of making Croydon a safer place to work, live and visit.

The council’s three-year anti-DV strategy is taking a more radical approach to reduce the number of incidents in Croydon.

This includes a newly funded team of domestic abuse advisers now working at Windmill Road police station and Croydon University Hospital, as well as at the Family Justice Centre.

Committed: Hiram Boateng, Joel Ward and Brede Hangeland

Sign the petition Croydon Council feels a national offenders’ register would help it and the police tackle domestic violence far more effectively and is asking everyone to sign its petition.

A total of 100,000 signatures is required for the issue to be debated in the House of Commons.

To show your support, click here.

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yourenvironment

Looking after your ‘village’ The council and contractor Veolia are asking residents to aid the scheme’s introduction by taking the following steps.

• Ensure black-bag waste and recyclables are within two metres of the entrance of your property by 6am on collection day.

• Do not put your landfill waste and recycling out on non-collection days as this may cause additional fly-tipping in your area.

• Recycle more – unrecycled waste can lead to overflowing bins, fly-tipping and littering.

• Use your local reuse and recycling centre; see www.croydon.gov.uk/ recycling • Book a bulky waste collection for any larger items or white goods www. croydon.gov.uk/bulkywaste • Report a missed collection using My Account. Log in or register via www. croydon.gov.uk/myaccount For more information, visit www.croydon. gov.uk/villageapproach

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Waste collection goes ‘village’ A “village” approach to waste and recycling, promising an improved and locally focused service, is set for launch.

A collection service moving away from separate teams working independently, to joined-up teams covering eight local “village” patches is scheduled for June.

Each team will have an operations manager overseeing general waste collection, recycling, street cleaning and flytipping enforcement officers. And each will have at least one truck on patrol in each area at all times.

The new structure’s benefits include: • faster responses to issues called in via the council’s contact centre; • better-planned routes, with data on how much waste is produced in each street informing decisions; • improved coordination, such as timing collections with street cleaning; and • help with local clear-ups under the Don’t Mess With Croydon – Take Pride banner.

Jo Negrini, the council’s executive director for the environment, said: “Our new teams will have the local knowledge, and will take pride in their patches, to boost our commitment to making Croydon cleaner and greener.

“We already know which areas of Croydon recycle more or produce more general waste, but our local teams will also spot and respond faster to overflowing bins, missed collections or dumped rubbish.”

The kind of waste collected by the council is not changing, but the council hopes to drive up recycling rates by having more information about how much is recycled or thrown away.

The number of weekly bin or recycling collections will stay the same, but some collection days may change. The council is writing to all affected residents by the 1 June start date.

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yourcommunity

15

Twenty is plenty Fewer accidents, cuts in congestion and less rat-running – some of the aims of a new speed-limit being proposed for the north of the borough.

Residents in the north of Croydon are being asked if they would like a 20mph speed limit introduced in their roads.

Every residential street – with the exception of major through roads – in South Norwood, Selhurst, Bensham Manor, Thornton Heath and Upper Norwood will get the new limit if enough local people back the plans.

Croydon Council launched its consultation on 13 May, and residents, businesses and local groups have until 24 June to give their feedback.

The plans do not include Transport for London red routes, such as London Road, or busy through roads, such as Beulah Hill or Whitehorse Lane.

The council decided in March to ask people across the borough if they want the new speed limits. Other areas will be consulted from next year.

Extensive 20mph limits reduce the risk of accidents, cut congestion and pollution levels, encourage less car use and discourage rat-running in quieter streets.

If the consultation finds enough people want the reduced speed limit in their part of the borough, the council will start the formal process of implementing this.

Once in place, the council would monitor traffic speeds within the 20mph roads. If speeding remains an issue, options could include police enforcement and other traffic-calming measures.

Jo Negrini, the council’s executive director for the environment, said: “We’ll be asking the whole borough if they want extensive 20mph limits, but we’re starting with the north of Croydon.

“We’ll only introduce these limits if people want them, so we need to hear what locals think after they’ve checked out the proposals.”

The consultation is funded by a Transport for London grant to improve road safety in Croydon.

KEY ROADS TO REMAIN AT 30MPH CONSULTATION / 20MPH BOUNDARY

Links To view the proposals online visit www.croydon.gov.uk/20mph Paper copies are available by calling 020 8726 6000 extension 52831

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yourregeneration

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Clampdown on bad landlords Council approval of plans for a borough-wide licensing scheme puts onus on bad landlords to improve their properties.

Landlords of the borough’s 30,000 private rented properties are being contacted to help them join and follow a new licensing scheme.

As well as ensuring that rented properties are safe and well-run, the licence will force landlords to use existing powers and take action against bad tenants.

Any unlicensed private landlord offering a property for rent from 1 October will face fines of up to £20,000, while anyone breaking licence conditions can be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.

As a last resort, the council has the power to order that a different landlord manages a property.

Approved in March, the scheme was created in response to a rise in privately rented properties, with negative consequences including antisocial behaviour and poor-quality homes.

Known as the Croydon Private Rented Property Licence, the scheme will cost as little as £350 over five years, or 19p a day, for those who apply early and meet licence standards.

The council’s reactive housing service will respond quickly to complaints from tenants about their housing conditions.

The checks will ensure that landlords: • are fit and proper; • meet a series of health and safety requirements; and • have no criminal convictions.

The council will charge as much as £750 per year for landlords needing the most support to meet their licence conditions.

Jo Negrini, the council’s executive director for the environment, said: “We created this licence to stop the worst landlords offering a bad service and profiting from it.

“This scheme will also highlight the many good landlords in this borough, and reassure current and future Croydon tenants that they’re in good hands with someone holding this licence.”

The scheme was supported by around 70% of private tenants and local residents who responded to the council’s public consultation on the plans, while most landlords and letting agents who replied were not in favour.

Croydon’s selective licensing scheme will force landlords to use their powers under the Housing Act 1996 to keep their properties to a decent standard and tackle antisocial behaviour by their tenants.

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yourregeneration

17

Council targets derelict houses Croydon families will benefit with a home of their own as the council continues to target abandoned and derelict private houses for renovation.

A long-term plan to return 678 empty and dilapidated borough properties to family use will see them no longer blighting neighbourhoods and restricting local housing supply.

In March, the council took possession of a four-bedroom house in Mitchley Avenue, Purley, abandoned since the mid-1990s; it will now be auctioned for renovation and let to a family.

Now, the council is preparing to buy a further seven private houses under the same compulsory purchase process. These three- to five-bedroom properties, in areas from West Thornton to Selsdon, have been empty for at least a decade.

With around 5,000 people on the borough’s housing waiting list – not including those in emergency accommodation – the council’s empty homes initiative aims to tackle both a shortage of privately-rented family properties, and the environmental impact of empty homes.

Abandoned properties can attract piles of fly-tipped waste, vermin and break-ins, and have a detrimental effect on those living close by.

The initiative is designed to fit with the council’s Don’t Mess With Croydon – Take Pride environmental campaign.

Paul Greenhalgh, the council’s executive director, people, said: “We’re making excellent progress with our empty homes initiative, which underlines this council’s commitment to making Croydon a better place to live.”

The council estimates that the number of empty flats or houses could be higher than the official 678, and is encouraging residents to report empty properties via the My Croydon app, which is quick and free to download from the Google Play store for Android smartphones or Apple iTunes store for iPhones.

Empty homes can also be reported online at www.croydon.gov.uk or on the dedicated hotline 020 8760 5470.

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yourcouncil yourcommunity

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Families win with extra funding Helping steer hundreds of families away from crime or into a job has won the council millions in extra government funding.

A mum’s story In addition to having to share a room with her two sons, a 33-year-old unemployed mother had a verbally, emotionally and physically abusive relationship with her father and stepmother.

When she was referred to the council in 2014, she had bipolar disorder but was accessing neither regular support nor medical benefits.

She had needed to defer a university place because of her mental health, and previously had struggled with drug and alcohol issues.

The council referred the family to the early intervention and support service and allocated a key worker to give regular one-to-one emotional and medical support, schools liaison, and help finding a new home.

The mother has vastly improved her relationship with her father and stepmother, her sons are happier and she is planning to return to university and work.

A 100% success rate in helping 585 families involved in antisocial behaviour or with poor job prospects has seen the council rewarded with £5m extra funding.

On top of £2.6m government funding since the pilot began in 2012, the council will now receive an additional £5.1m over five years to help a further 2,860 families across the borough, including those affected by domestic abuse.

The scheme works by allocating a key worker to each family, identifying the specific needs and getting them help, from a range of services, including health, debt management and housing advice.

Paul Greenhalgh, the council’s executive director, people, said: “Council key workers have already helped more than

500 families to turn their lives around, and this extra £5m means we can help thousands more.

“We support families from all walks of life to overcome their challenges.

Those challenges can range from a major single incident, to a cycle of offending, or poor job prospects spanning generations.”

Paula Doherty, programme team manager, said: “This project’s success is at grassroots level, from children thriving at school to a parent successfully accessing crucial support services.

“The key workers are incredible; they give the families encouragement, empathy and always try to remind them of their strengths.”

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yourcommunity

19

New Mayor to raise Croydon’s profile Croydon’s new Mayor aims to use her year in office raising the borough’s profile and celebrating its heritage.

Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice was born and raised in Birmingham, and went on to work for private sector organisations in partnership with the NHS around the country, managing services and cultural change.

After meeting Mark, now her husband, in 2003, she moved to Croydon and quickly put down roots, playing a role in the local community.

Since being elected to represent Addiscombe in 2010, she has sat on council committees dealing with crime prevention, licensing, scrutiny, housing and planning, in addition to community groups within her ward.

Precious downtime is spent with family and friends, walking in Croydon’s areas of natural beauty, taking a jog and

supporting a local women’s football team.

The two charities that she has chosen to support are Mind in Croydon and CAYSH. She said: “Attending some of Mind’s events, I have seen how lives have been positively transformed.

“And I have chosen the homeless charity CAYSH for the work that it has done, and continues to do, in the provision of a safe home and its aspiration towards better futures for young people.”

The two charities that Patricia has chosen to support are Mind in Croydon and CAYSH...

Croydon’s day at the polls May’s general election ended with the retention of two MPs, and the introduction of a new face in the south.

The borough’s political landscape remains unaltered following the recent general election.

Each of the three constituencies returned MPs of the party that represented it prior to polling day.

Conservative Gavin Barwell retained his Croydon Central seat by a narrow margin, beating Labour rival Sarah Jones by 165 votes.

Mr Barwell polled 22,753 votes against Mrs Jones’ 22,588.

Labour’s Steve Reed held on to his

Croydon North seat after winning comfortably with a majority of 21,364.

Meanwhile, Croydon South has a new MP but remains under Conservative control. Chris Philp replaces the outgoing Sir Richard Ottaway, retiring after 23 years as MP for the constituency.

Mr Philp won with a 17,140 majority, beating the late Tony Benn’s granddaughter, Emily Benn, who came second for Labour.

Election night can be relived by reading the live coverage here.

Links Gavin Barwell, Croydon Central For more information 020 8663 8741 www.gavinbarwell.com gavin.barwell.mp@parliament.uk Steve Reed, Croydon North For more information 020 8689 3451 www.stevereedmp.co.uk steve.reed.mp@parliament.uk Chris Philp, Croydon South For more information 020 7219 8026 www.chrisphilp.com chris.philp.mp@parliament.uk

Gavin Barwell

Steve Reed

Chris Philp

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yourcommunity

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Advertiser’s Ian lays down his pen Croydon has bid a fond farewell to a veteran news reporter who covered the borough’s affairs for almost half a century.

Civic acknowledgement of a journalist’s retirement is a rare thing in the modern world.

The accolade was bestowed on Ian Austen at May’s annual council meeting, his last after almost 46 years’ reporting for the Advertiser.

Council leader, Tony Newman, paid tribute to Ian’s “unique” career, recommending that he be awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

Councillor Newman said: “It’s important that this borough recognises what is an unparalleled achievement.

“Over the years, he’s written pieces that

have campaigned for Croydon, stood up for Croydon, championed Croydon when we needed it, and he’s also held us to account.

“Ian has done a job that is literally second to none.”

His career has seen him tackle the roles of political reporter, business editor and news editor.

He told Your Croydon that he will miss reporting on council matters, adding that he firmly believes his job as a local reporter was to back the town, but not uncritically.

One of his biggest achievements was to have enjoyed the trust of councillors of all political persuasions.

He said: “I never had an agenda because you need to be able to cover all sides – that’s what I tried to do and I hope I succeeded.”

Ian has reported on many Croydon firsts, including the election of its first Labour council and the introduction of the trams.

He’s sure that Croydon will, this time, take full advantage of its ambitious regeneration plans. He said: “I shall miss Croydon and I’ll be sad that I won’t be around to see the borough finally reach its potential.”

Ian has done a job that is literally second to none.

Who do you know that goes the extra mile?

CROYDON COUNCIL

AWARDS 2015

Celebrating the hard work, commitment and dedication of staff, the council is delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Croydon Council Awards.

As ever, the most prestigious and highly prized of the council awards will be the Proud to serve: Going the extra mile trophy.

Highly prized because the winner has been nominated and chosen by members of the Croydon public, who have appreciated the level of dedicated service displayed by the recipient over the preceding year, and who has truly gone the extra mile.

Anybody working for, or on behalf of, the council can be nominated. It takes only 10 minutes of your time to complete the nomination form; time that can make a huge difference to a member of our team.

To nominate, visit www.croydon.gov. uk/democracy/feedback/councilawards Last year’s winner was Tom Smith (right), a volunteer and learning officer with the parks team.

He said: “I felt honoured when I learned I’d been nominated. It was a very touching moment, and a real boost to know that the public really value what I do.”

Tom established a highly successful programme of events to raise the profile of the then-recently refurbished Wandle Park.

The Friends of Park Hill Park group credited him with bringing Wandle Park back to life and giving it back its heart.

Anybody working for, or on behalf of, the council can be nominated. It takes only 10 minutes of your time to complete the nomination form; time that can make a huge difference to a member of our team.

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yourcommunity

21

Street foodies sign out in style Surrey StrEatery, the street-food project set in the town’s historic market, has closed its doors for the last time, having given young businesses a dream start.

Street food traders at the Surrey StrEatery celebrated the end of the six-month project in style, by holding a fun-day farewell.

Since November, the quirky food hub had served up a variety of tasty dishes from around the world, and held cookery demos using ingredients sourced directly from Surrey Street Market, right outside its front door.

The fun day featured live music, food demos, craft activities and stand-up comedy.

Thanks to funding from the council and the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund, the StrEatery had opened in an empty shop in Surrey Street to give six budding food traders the chance to turn their dreams into a reality, and generated 16 jobs.

The traders were supported with grants of up to £3,000 toward the cost of their stall

and were also given six months’ support to help build their businesses, including a tailored package of free space to trade, with no rent, rates or utility bills.

Trader Sejal Patel, owner of Liquid Pod, said: “I’d like to say that the

They did well in converting what was an empty building into an interactive social space that entertained and provided many people with a place where they could just simply meet and eat

StrEatery provided the perfect platform to launch my business.

“They did well in converting what was an empty building into an interactive social space that entertained and provided many people with a place where they could just simply meet and eat.”

The council and business consultancy Retail Revival, which has provided support to the traders throughout the six-month project, have been helping find new opportunities for the traders in locations such as Wandle Park pavilion café, Ruskin Square Platform, empty units at Exchange Square, and Broad Green community space.

The StrEatery premises have been handed back to the landlord for new commercial tenants.

And Then There Were None The Agatha Christie Theatre Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new production of And Then There Were None – and it’s coming to Croydon.

Starring Bafta-nominated stage and screen star Paul Nicholas, Colin Buchanan (Dalziel and Pascoe), and Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, A Fine Romance), the plot sees a group of 10 strangers lured to a remote island to find that their host, an eccentric millionaire, is missing. One by one, the guests begin to die. Who among them is the killer?

Based on the best-selling mystery novel of all time, Agatha Christie’s own stage adaptation will thrill and enthral as murder unfolds.

Your Croydon is offering a pair of tickets to see this classic mystery. To win, tell us which Agatha Christie production has played continuously in London since 1952, logging thousands of performances.

And Then There Were None is playing at the Ashcroft Theatre from 22 to 27 June.

Links Terms and conditions apply. Prize is valid Monday 22 to Thursday 25 June, subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered.

For information visit: www.kenwright.com Email your answer, along with name, postal address and daytime telephone number to yourcroydon@croydon.gov.uk to arrive not later than Friday 12 June 2015. The winner will be the sender of the first correct answer drawn at random.

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yourcouncil

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Taming the floods A study of surface water issues in the south of the borough has been launched in a bid to win cash to prevent more flooding.

Links For more information about the Kenley study, email floodandwater@croydon.gov.uk

Flooding that almost brought Kenley to a standstill last year could be a thing of the past if a bid for government funding is successful.

Residents are being asked to contribute to research that will consider everything from drain infrastructure and land issues, to local road surfaces.

Roads covered in the research stretch from part of Hayes Lane, next to Betts Mead, down the hill to Kenley railway station. Details about water levels, drains and culverts on residents’ property will inform the study.

When the report is completed, contractor Metis will present a paper with a shortlist of the most effective solutions. The council will invite residents’ views on the shortlist before deciding on which option to seek funding.

The Metis study will help form borough-

wide flood-prevention policy that will be consulted on this summer as the council continues improvements to local defences.

Since last year’s flooding, the council has invested £850,000 into local flood prevention, including: • the appointment of contractors to map future Caterham Bourne flooding hotspots; • i ncreasing the capacity of the Purley Oaks depot reservoir; • a local drainage improvement scheme in streets around Dale Road in Kenley; and • planning a new backup floodwater storage area off the A235.

Council contractors are due to hold a series of workshops this autumn with residents whose properties are near the Caterham Bourne, which is currently being mapped for flooding hotspots.

Online support for people with autism Council offers new channel of support and advice, bringing together specialist groups and individuals.

Dedicated web pages offering information and advice to residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their families, carers and professionals, have been launched by the council.

The new pages provide everything from advice for parents of children with autism, to support group contact details and links to national charities.

The pages also provide information about autism-friendly restaurants and cinemas and a calendar of local events.

Councillor Andrew Rendle, the council’s autism champion and deputy cabinet member for families, health and social care, said: “The idea is to create a one-stop shop for autism in Croydon.

“I want this website to bring together

everyone who is touched by autism and, at the same time, raise awareness in the general population.

“The Facebook page is proving to be very popular as it lets everyone know about events and voluntary groups, and has videos from world-renowned experts.

“Also, it’s starting to create an online autism community in which people share experience, help and support. I hope people will use it and give it a like.

“I’ve seen a number of groups in Croydon, but feel there needs to be one place that people with ASD, their families and carers can go to get the support they need.”

Councillor Rendle has also restarted the autism stakeholder group which will

bring together commissioners, councillors, specialist council officers in education and social care, charities, businesses, Jobcentre Plus and the NHS to find ways to make services better for people with autism.

Links For more information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/autism www.facebook.com/autismcroydon

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yourhealth

23

Putting your health first Any Croydon resident aged between 40 and 74 could be eligible for a free NHS health check.

It is a sad fact of modern life that everybody is at some risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, certain types of dementia or having a stroke.

An NHS health check aims to help you lower your risk of developing these common, but often preventable, diseases.

The council would like everyone who is eligible to have their free NHS health check – even those who feel well. By identifying risk early, steps can be taken to improve your chance of living a healthier life.

People not living in Croydon but registered with a borough GP might also be eligible.

During your health check, you will be asked a few straightforward questions about your lifestyle and family medical history.

Your height, weight and blood pressure will be measured and there is a finger-prick blood test to measure your cholesterol.

All your results are given to you at the appointment.

Links Why wait? Find out more and book your appointment today with a GP or local pharmacy. More information is available at: www.croydon.gov.uk/nhshealthchecks

Take the test and wise up to your drinking A two-minute online test reveals how much alcohol you are drinking – and how it’s affecting your health.

Booze – how much do you drink, and how much is too much?

Alcohol misuse is England’s third biggest risk factor for illness and death, and regularly exceeding the recommended limits is linked to health problems including some cancers, high blood pressure, liver damage and heart disease, as well as an increased risk of injury.

It can also significantly affect mental health and negatively impact the drinker’s social life.

The recommended maximum alcohol limits are: • three to four units a day for men – that’s about a pint of strong lager or cider; and • t wo to three units for women – which is no more than a 250ml glass of 12% wine.

The best way to stay healthy is to drink no more than the sensible drinking guidelines and to give your body a break by having at least two alcohol-free days every week.

The Don’t Bottle It Up website has been introduced to the borough as part of the work being undertaken for the Croydon local alcohol action area (LAAA).

Led by the Home Office, the LAAA is a local partnership between the council, police, alcohol support and treatment teams, the Clinical Commissioning Group and those representing pubs and breweries, to help tackle alcohol-related problems and the damage caused to people’s health.

Test Yourself The Don’t Bottle It Up test – found at www.croydon.gov.uk/dontbottleitup – is linked to a one-stop-shop website offering confidential advice, information and support about alcohol – from binge drinking and hangovers, to getting help and cutting down generally.

The test alerts users to how risky their drinking habits may be, ranging from “lower risk” to “high risk of causing harm”. And on-the-go drinking levels can be tracked, and reduced, using the DrinkCoach app.

24

yourdiary

Council meeting dates

June/July 2015 | Your Croydon

Useful contacts

Deadlines for public questions for the forthcoming full council meetings (starting at 6.30pm) – noon on the relevant deadline date.

For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800

Meeting: Monday, 20 July Deadline: Monday, 6 July

Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be sent by email; alternatively, print and complete the form here and post it to Questions for the council, Democratic and legal services, 4th floor, Zone G, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876.

Croydon Council general enquiries 020 8726 6000

Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall.

Meeting:

9 June Scrutiny and overview committee 16 June Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee 23 June Health, social care and housing scrutiny sub-committee 30 June Streets and environment scrutiny sub-committee 14 July Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee

For information on scrutiny, click here or email.

Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues indicated. For further information, look here.

Forthcoming public meeting dates are: Wednesday 10 June at 6.30pm – Community Space, Bernard

Weatherill House Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website here.

Guided Walks

Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre — 020 3040 0800 Non-emergency urgent care — 111 Croydon University Hospital — 020 8401 3000

Get in touch To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: yourcroydon@croydon.gov.uk or call 020 8760 5644 If anybody you know isn’t receiving the online version of Your Croydon, tell them that they can ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe

Central Library and Museum of Croydon Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/central-library Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Email: libraries@croydon.gov.uk Museum – www.museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: museum@croydon.gov.uk Fairfield Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG Details: www.fairfield.co.uk Telephone: 020 8688 9291 Email: boxoffice@fairfield.co.uk

Sunday 21 June - Summer flowers in Selsdon Wood A 90-minute walk through the fields and wood, taking a closer look at the many For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks wildflowers found on site. Meet at 11am in the Selsdon Wood car park, by the bear, off June Old Farleigh Road. annual community event inspired by the Sunday 14 June - Incredible Insects Eden Project. Bring your picnic and outdoor Saturday 27June - Croydon’s on the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe games and join them between 1 and 4pm skyscraper tour Countryside Area for a community get together in the park. Join the volunteering and learning officer at Join the warden to explore the fascinating 2pm by the Wandle Park Café, as he gives Email for information. world of insects, from longhorn beetles to a guide to Croydon’s unique architectural wolf spiders, and from the devil’s coach horse Sunday 21 June - Summer solstice heritage. Learn why central Croydon looks to leopard slugs. All equipment provided. walk in Happy Valley the way it does!

Sunday 14 June - Herbal walk through Come in search of orchids and other Sunday 28 June - Summer wander Happy Valley colourful wild flowers on the scenic slopes along the Wandle Join Patricia Ferguson, local herbalist, for a of Happy Valley. Learn about the folklore Meet the learning and volunteering officer wander over the species-rich chalk meadows and medicinal uses of our native flora. at 2pm by Wandle Park Café, to discover in Happy Valley, getting to know some of the A 90-minute, two-mile walk, starting at the river’s heritage on this pleasant onemany everyday herbs and their uses. Places 2pm. Meet at the Farthing Downs car park, hour afternoon stroll. are limited, so book early. Email or call Ditches Lane, Coulsdon.

Sunday 28 June - Wild flowers in 07766 421236.

Sunday 21 June - Croydon Heritage Happy Valley and New Hill Sunday 14 June - Orchids and Festival – town-centre heritage tour Join this two-hour walk exploring a butterflies on Hutchinson’s Bank Learn about Croydon’s amazing heritage, spectacular chalk valley, and marvelling at Join Martin Wills, Hutchinson’s Bank including a Tudor care home, a palace for the flowers that flourish on slopes where volunteer, on this two-hour ramble. Meet a bishop, underwear fit for a king, and a scrub has been removed. Leave at 10am at 11am at the junction of Featherbed Lane wonder train that went to Forest Hill. Join from Farthing Downs car park. and Farleigh Dean Crescent, Addington. the Wandle Park volunteering and learning Saturday 20 June - Big Lunch in officer at 2pm by the Wandle Park Café. To Sunday 28 June - Why and how we manage Hutchinson’s Bank Haling Grove book your place on this 90-minute family Meet the Hutchinson’s Bank volunteers Join the Friends of Haling Grove for this event, call 07771 715812.

and learn about the importance of chalk grassland and how it is managed. Meet at 11am at the junction of Featherbed Lane and Farleigh Dean Crescent, Addington.

July Sunday 5 July - Croydon heritage walk: reach for the skies!

Meet Tom Smith, volunteering and learning officer, at 2pm by the Wandle Park Café, for this 90-minute to two-hour walk marvelling at Croydon’s skyscrapers.

Tuesday 14 July - Park and woodland circular ramble Circular walk of 2.5 hours, starting and finishing at Lloyd Park Café, taking in Lloyd Park, Addington Hills, Bramley Bank, Littleheath Woods, Croham Hurst, and Coombe Wood. Learn what makes the sites so special. Meet at 10am by the café. Stout walking boots essential, some slopes and steep hills, bring a drinks bottle and sun protection if the weather is sunny.

Sunday 19 July - Bugs on bushes in Happy Valley Mini-beasting, leaf rubbing and a variety of fun children’s activities to discover the wildlife and creatures of Happy Valley.

Booking essential, call 07966 113413 to book your place.

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yourcouncil

25

Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link in the purple field near the top of the home page.

Abandoned vehicles – reporting and procedures

Dropped kerbs/crossovers

How to report an abandoned or untaxed vehicle.

Abandoned vehicles

Adoption Croydon is keen to hear from adults of all racial, social, ethnic, cultural, sexual and religious background to adopt our looked-after children whose permanency plan is adoption.

If you want to lower the kerb in front of your property and provide vehicle access to a hard-standing parking area, you will require consent from the highways department to lower the kerb, and provide a crossover (vehicle access over the footway).

Deaf services The council provides a community-based service to residents who are born profoundly deaf or who have become deaf through illness or accident.

Energy advice Advice, grants and special offers to make your home more energy efficient.

Allotments How to find one, how to get one, how much it will cost.

Education Bereavement services The council can help you cope with bereavement by removing as many obstacles as possible, and by providing assistance with the many administrative and official tasks that need to be tackled.

Bulky waste collection The council can collect single items that are too large for your wheeled bin, but that can be handled and loaded on to the vehicle by no more than two workers.

Having family troubles that involve children? The council believes that, with its support, most families can solve their own problems.

Looking for somewhere to park your car or motorbike?

The council has a selection of garages available for rent throughout the borough.

Helping to ensure the safety of people in Croydon.

Learn who your ward councillors are and how they can be contacted.

Family support groups

Garages to rent

Childminding

Councillors

Information on all aspects of education – from primary school to adult courses.

Healthy Living Hub

Improvement grants for private property Service for children and young people.

Interactive maps

Information about scheduled road and pathway closures and diversions in the borough.

Based upon the council’s corporate geographic information system (GIS), it provides interactive mapping that allows you to access a variety of information.

School admissions

Landlord licensing

We aim to enforce and advise on legislation designed to protect the consumer from dishonest traders.

Explanation of the scheme, who it affects and how it will lead to improvements for the tenants of privately rented properties.

Leisure centres Swimming pools and sport & fitness centres in Croydon.

Libraries Free to join, with a wide range of up-to-date books, music, journals and much else.

Nursery, primary and secondary – advice on how to go about finding a place.

Trading standards

Trees and landscape Find out about trees and related issues, including tree preservation orders, trees in conservation areas and on development sites, and problems with neighbours’ hedges.

Meeting dates of the council Trees and landscape

Information on the telltale signs and how to get help eradicating them.

Nursery school education

Virtual school for children

We ensure one year of free nursery education for children in the borough.

Driving up improvements in the educational progress and attainment of all children looked after by Croydon.

Occupational therapy

Walking activities

Helping people live more productive lives with the aim of maintaining or improving independence

Learn about the councilorganised programme of walks – then join one.

Advice and information on all you need to help follow a healthy lifestyle.

Parking dispensations/ suspensions

Home safety advice

What to do if you need parking restrictions suspended for funerals, building work or shop fitting.

See if you are eligible for a free home safety check.

Roads – closures and diversions

Youth projects Voluntary organisations providing young people aged 13 to 19 with something to do, somewhere to go, and somebody to talk to.

Zoo licence Recycling – sites Where to find our waste and recycling sites, and what can be recycled at each.

You need to apply for a licence to run a zoo – should you really want to!

www.cro ydon. gov.uk/atoz