Your Croydon - December 2010

Issue 47 - December 2010
1
Your primary source of community information
www.croydon.gov.uk
Getting ready
for a green
Christmas
Putting the
pride into
borough’s parks
Chewing the
fat with
Ronnie C
Page 8
Page 10
Page 12
Local people go online to tell council their priorities in budget survey.
Tough times –
you speak out
Tough decisions on how
to balance the books
and protect the most
vital services after a
government funding
cut of 26% will now
be made after 1,145
residents completed an
online budget survey.
With about £90m less
to spend, Croydon Council
faces an unprecedented
challenge, with difficult
choices needing to
be made locally.
Over the past four
years, the council has
saved £60m through
a number of efficiency
drives, meaning the
authority was already well
placed to deal with the
huge funding reduction.
But massive savings
still have to be found and
that is why the council
consulted residents
through the budget
survey about what they
wanted to protect most.
About 40 people
used the simulator each
day for the month it was
live to give their views
on how the council
should deal with the
financial challenge that
lies ahead for all of us.
Full results have
yet to be analysed, but
early indications show:
• residents would rather
Relay: Croydon schoolchildren carry the Big Wow baton
First aid: patients at Croydon University Hospital had one-to-one explanations of the survey
see some services
reduced than see
large council tax rises
to maintain them;
• the priority services
for local people are
community safety,
protecting vulnerable
people, street cleaning
and recycling, and
rubbish collections;
• the services most
people voted to reduce
funding into were backoffice staffing and arts,
parks and libraries;
• residents want to
see the council raise
more money through
planning charges, and
potentially increased
charges for some
leisure services;
Ready for winter – page 5
• t here is also support
for centralising the
way the council buys
goods and services, and
cutting spending on
building maintenance
and energy costs.
The full results will
be analysed before
budget decisions are
made early in 2011.
Overall, however,
the results show that
residents have had
difficulty in making
budget choices – with just
a few votes separating
each service area.
Council leader Mike
Fisher said: “I’ve been
out talking to people
at Croydon University
Hospital and in the town
centre as part of the
consultation, and the
residents I talked to really
found it useful to be able
to have their say and learn
about how difficult some
of these choices are.
“We’re grateful that so
many people have wanted
to get involved in helping
guide us on some of these
decisions, showing that
residents in Croydon really
care about local services.
“We know we won’t
be able to please every
single person, but we’ll
do everything we can
to make sure the things
that residents care
about are prioritised.”
• For more details
see pages 6 & 7.
Get your flu jab – page 14
Croydon children
are a Big Wow
A piece of Olympic
history played a part
when 30 Croydon
youngsters took part in a
walking-to-school event
at Croydon Sports Arena.
Part of the Walk Once
a Week (Wow) scheme
for schoolchildren,
the Big Wow Baton
Relay also celebrated
the Olympics coming
to London in 2012,
with the historic 1948
Olympic torch making
a special appearance.
Schools across
London took part in
the mass relay event,
passing the baton from
borough to borough on
its journey around the
capital – Croydon picked
it up from Sutton and
passed it on to Lambeth.
The Croydon children
enjoyed fun and games
organised by the council’s
healthy lifestyles
team and walked 30
kilometres between
them – and each received
a commemorative
medal and goodies
to take home.
For more information
on walking and cycling
to school in Croydon
visit www.croydon.
gov.uk or contact the
road safety team on 020
8726 6000 ext 62085.
Tips for a debt-free Christmas – page 16
This newspaper is printed on environmentally friendly paper from a sustainable source, and produced at lower cost than the previous Your Croydon magazine.
2
yournews
December 2010 | Your Croydon
Steps to cut carbon
footprint and costs
Winning development: Sumner Gardens nationally recognised
Top prize for new housing
A groundbreaking housing
development that set new
environmental standards
in Croydon has won an
architectural award.
Sumner Gardens, in
Broad Green, won the
civic building of the year
title at the 2010 Society
of Chief Architects of
Local Authority awards.
The 13 family
homes are part of the
council’s house-building
programme to help
ease overcrowding and
reduce waiting lists.
In 2008, Croydon
became one of the first
London boroughs to
begin building a new
generation of publiclyfunded housing.
The new homes were
built on under-used
council sites to the highest
sustainable standards.
Energy-saving
technologies were
installed to help reduce
fuel bills and carbon
dioxide emissions, setting
an example for the kind of
green building the council
wants to encourage
on a wider scale.
Schools in Croydon are
being given the chance
to participate in a new
environmentally-friendly
project that will help
them cut costs and reduce
carbon emissions.
Between them, the
borough’s 126 schools
produce about 20,000
tonnes of carbon each year
– 45% of Croydon Council’s
total carbon footprint.
The sustainable schools
programme is one of the
initiatives which will help
to deliver a council-wide
target of 25% carbon
reduction under the Carbon
Management Energy
major investment in ecobuildings.
Just changing
habits about electricity
and gas consumption,
school travel, waste
and water can make a
significant difference.
The programme will
also identify how grants
and funding can be made
available for investment
in renewable energy, such
as solar roof panels.
• Residents in the south
of the borough will soon
be seeing their homes in a
completely different light,
thanks to an initiative
from HeatSeekers.
A vehicle fitted with
an infrared camera will
be taking images that
give a clear picture of the
amount of heat escaping
from properties.
Residents will receive a
photo of the heat loss from
their home with a letter
advising how they can
improve their insulation
to save them money.
Further information
on energy saving is
available from the council’s
sustainable development
team on 020 8760 5791
or email sustainability@
croydon.gov.uk
Budgeting locally
All change for YC
Croydon has been picked
as one of just 16 areas
for a government pilot.
Drawn up as a new
way of managing public
sector money within
one geographical area,
the community budgets
scheme – which kicks
off in April – will pull
together all Croydon’s
funding from Whitehall
into a single local bank
Your Croydon is changing,
and this is the last edition
of the current format
that will be produced
for a little while.
Because times are
tough, we are changing its
appearance and reducing
its frequency in order to
halve production costs.
We are planning
to move to producing
yournews2
yourfinance16
yourchristmas8
yourspace yourenvironment10
yoursafety19
specialfeature12
yourheritage yourhealth14
Efficiency Programme
(2010-2015), resulting in
significant financial savings.
More than 50 schools
have already signed up
for the international
eco-school scheme which
encourages children to look
at problems ranging from
how much rubbish they
throw out to how much
electricity they waste.
They must then create
an action plan to improve
their environment
Meanwhile, the
council’s sustainability
staff say that considerable
savings can be realised
without the need of
18
21
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yournews
www.croydon.gov.uk Green light for
street lights
A cash injection of £40m
will fund about 30,000
new lamp columns on the
borough’s streets.
Fears that the
government’s spending
review would dim the
programme to renew street
lights have been swept aside
and the plans are to go
ahead.
However, a very tight
timetable has been set and
a binding agreement to
proceed must be in place
by the end of March if
Department of Transport
funding is to be secured.
Under the joint contract
with Lewisham, the existing
equipment that hasn’t
already been renewed will
be replaced or otherwise
brought up to modern
standards within the first
five years.
The contract will also
see equipment being
maintained and operated
for 25 years before being
handed back to the two
councils.
The councils are in talks
with two remaining bidders
to produce a final business
case with an emphasis on
energy-efficiency and low
emissions.
If the project goes ahead
as intended, councillors
want priority to be focused
on areas with the greatest
need for the new lighting.
Of equal importance
to the new lamp columns,
but invisible to the eye, will
be work to the essential
underground connections.
The cable network
currently supplying lighting
to much of the north of the
3
Flowers at home
Planted: a lamp column goes in
borough is a legacy from
the days when Croydon
generated its own power.
As a result of its age,
the network is crumbling
as much as some of the
50-year-old columns and is
no longer reliable.
It will be abandoned as
each of the new lights will
be plugged into the standard
power supply that serves
domestic properties.
A Croydon College
art student has won a
competition that will see
a piece she created go on
permanent display in a
major Purley Way store.
Reema Sharma created
the digital mosaic Flowers
at Oakbank Grove to
reflect the competition’s
theme of “home”.
Reema archived 66
family album pictures
that she felt captured
memories and fleeting
moments in each place
she has called home
over the years.
These individual
images were then used to
create an overall image
of her childhood home,
symbolising the place
where she has felt most
at home during her life.
The second year BA
(Hons) fine art student
said: “I feel really proud
to have my work chosen
as the winning piece
for the John Lewis at
home competition.
“It’s a great
opportunity for me to
have my work available to
a much wider audience.”
In addition to her
work being displayed,
Reema received £250 of
John Lewis vouchers.
Elderly care scheme completed
A £38m programme to
revolutionise care for
the elderly in Croydon
has been completed on
time and on budget.
The head of the NHS
cut the ribbon at the
opening of the fourth new,
state-of-the-art centre to be
opened in the borough.
Sir David Nicholson
officially opened Langley
Oaks in Selsdon alongside
council leader, Mike Fisher.
The ceremony marked
the end of a four-year
council initiative that
began with the signing
of a groundbreaking
private finance initiative
(PFI) deal that allowed a
consortium of organisations
to replace dated and tired
facilities with modern
residential centres.
Six outdated care
homes were knocked
down and replaced with
four facilities that are
recognised nationally
and internationally as
delivering first-class
services in modern and
Sharing a joke: Langley Oaks resident Lily Isard with NHS chief Sir David Nicholson.
comfortable environments.
Work began in
October 2008 and was
completed in June 2010.
The first two
homes, Fellows Court
in Addiscombe and
Heavers Resource Centre
in Selhurst, opened in
August and October
2008; Addington Heights
Resource Centre, in New
Addington, was completed
in June this year.
Each scheme combines
short- and long-stay,
intermediate and
constant care, respite and
emergency support.
Sir David said: “I was
delighted to be able to open
the final of the four centres.
“Together they’ll ensure
that Croydon residents
have excellent healthcare
facilities on their doorstep.
“Croydon’s pledge to
elderly care underlines
the commitment to break
down the barriers between
health and social care.”
Government cuts force arts and heritage rethink
The council is being
forced to look at ways to
help save up to £1.5m
from its arts and heritage
budget as the organisation
tackles a 30% reduction
in government funding.
The authority is
considering different ways
in which it can reduce
spending on these services
and a public consultation
has been set up to gather
ideas and opinions.
The final decision
may affect the arts
programme, the annual
summer festival, the
Museum of Croydon and
the Local Studies Library.
With more than
£90m being taken away
from the council over the
next four years as part
of government plans to
reduce the national deficit,
the authority has already
stated that hard decisions
will need to be taken
and that non-statutory
services will be reviewed.
Four options for arts
and heritage cuts have been
drawn up. These range
from cutting the Croydon
Summer Festival, to a
significant scaling back of
arts and heritage services –
which could see the David
Lean Cinema, Clocktower
Arts and the Museum of
Croydon close, as well as
reduced opening for the
Local Studies Library.
The most radical option
could save £1.5m next year
– a significant step toward
the overall savings target.
To have your say,
email artsconsult@
croydon.gov.uk or
phone 020 8726 6900.
At home: Reema with her winning entry in John Lewis competition
4
yournews
December 2010 | Your Croydon
Develop Croydon
and watch it grow
Economic and business
potential in Croydon has
been boosted with the
launch of a new annual
conference, and the
borough being announced
among the first in a
government scheme.
Details of plans
that could see 20,000
people moving into new
housing in Croydon town
centre over the next
20 years were among
a raft of exciting ideas
and opinions aired at
the recent Develop
Croydon conference.
More than 200
business and community
leaders heard that
planners of the new
town centre – itself the
size of a small town –
will be looking to create
good-quality residential
and commercial
buildings, with peoplefriendly spaces and
facilities between.
Improved streets,
a stronger retail
sector, better transport
facilities, and green
spaces will result, with
a transformed Wellesley
Road – reduced from an
eight-lane highway to
a tree-lined boulevard
that can be enjoyed by
residents and workers
– forming the spine for
a new town centre.
Delegates were
also told of plans to
introduce a new district
energy scheme that
would provide plentiful,
low-carbon energy
for businesses and all
the new homes.
The blueprint for the
town centre is expected
in the next few months
and will be detailed in
a series of documents
focusing attention on the
development potential of
Croydon’s town centre.
In tandem with the
conference was news
that Croydon is one
of the key parties in
the first wave of local
enterprise partnerships
(LEPs) recently approved
by the government,
and the only London
borough to be part of
a successful LEP bid.
The Coast to Capital
bid – covering the
corridor from Brighton
to London, and taking
in Croydon and Gatwick
– will help reinforce
the town’s blossoming
reputation for enterprise,
and boost private
sector investment.
Janet shall go
to the ball
Christmas will have a
little extra cheer for
the grandchildren of a
Selhurst woman after she
won the Your Croydon
Christmas competition.
Readers of the November
edition were asked to
identify the former star
of TV soap Hollyoaks
who helped Basil Brush
to turn on central
Croydon’s Christmas
lights on 18 November.
Janet Titus knew
the answer, and was the
lucky person to have
her entry form picked
to land the prize.
By naming Gemma
Bissix, Janet has won a
family ticket for this year’s
Fairfield panto, Cinderella
– starring Gemma, Basil
and Shirley Anne Field
– and a £40 Whitgift
Centre shopping card.
Janet said: “I’m thrilled
to win the panto tickets – I
have two grand-daughters
and they’ll be so excited
when they find out.”
Thrilled: Janet Titus (right) receives her tickets from Rachael Willis
of the Croydon Visitor Centre
Bashing the bacteria
Bugged: life-size bacteria cooking up trouble in Surrey Street
Shoppers in Surrey Street
were stopped in their
tracks by the sight of
giant bacteria being put
firmly in their place by
a mallet-wielding chef.
The doomsday scenario
was played out in central
Croydon’s market by
actors as part of a series
of short Food Standards
Agency films for use
in the Five programme
Street Market Chefs.
Matt Nelson, the
producer, said: “We were
filming over in north
London yesterday, but
for technical reasons
we had to pull out.
“We scoured the city
looking for a suitable
market place to film, and
when we got in touch with
Fiona Woodcock, Surrey
Street’s market inspector,
and the council’s film
commission, they couldn’t
have been more helpful.
“I explained our
predicament and they
pulled out all the stops to
help us. Without them,
we wouldn’t be shooting
today and the schedule
would’ve been ruined.
“This is the first
time we’ve filmed in
Croydon, but it certainly
won’t be the last.”
Home again: TV celebrity Sue Perkins returned to Croydon
Town has great
face for radio
Comedian and TV
presenter Sue Perkins
returned to Croydon for
a BBC radio programme
designed to make her
fall in love with her
former home town.
She was joined on
a tour of local sites by
fellow comedian Steve
Punt and Croydon
Council’s urban planner,
Vincent Lacovara.
Sue was given
an insight into local
planning decisions
past and present.
Vincent told how the
viewing points provided
by seven car parks provide
a fresh vantage point from
which the history and
super-future of Croydon
can be easily visualised.
Sue, co-presenter of
BBC TV’s The Good Life,
decided to get involved
in the programme so
that she could see all the
possibilities the town had
to offer her, and which
she missed growing up.
The architectural
commentator Nikolaus
Pevsner described
Croydon’s skyline
as being “thrilling
from a distance”.
Hospital check up
A new publication
informs patients
and families what
standards to expect
from the regulation of
their NHS hospital.
Following recent
legislation, all NHS
hospitals in England
must be licensed
by the Care Quality
Commission (CQC).
To be licensed,
hospitals must show
that they are meeting
new essential standards
of quality and safety,
and are monitored to
make sure standards are
upheld, or improvement
action is taken.
Now CQC has
published a leaflet which
informs patients, their
carers and families, what
they can expect from
the essential standards.
The leaflet also
explains how important
it is that patients or
their carers tell the
regulator about their
experiences, both good
and bad, to help CQC
make the right decisions.
Called What standards
to expect from the
regulation of your NHS
hospital the leaflet can
be read or downloaded
from the CQC website
at www.cqc.org.uk
At the same time, the
CQC website publishes an
up-to-date directory of all
licensed NHS hospitals,
allowing anybody to
check the current status
of any NHS hospital
trust in England.
yournews
www.croydon.gov.uk Ready for winter’s worst
The workers tasked
with keeping Croydon
moving during the winter
weather are in the middle
of their busiest period.
Gritting teams who
worked tirelessly last
winter have spent the
months since the last
snow thawed putting the
necessary systems and
resources in place to keep
roads and pavements clear.
During the last bout
of severe weather, when
the borough was under a
blanket of snow for days
has already stockpiled
4,500 tonnes ready for
the coming winter.
Over the past year, an
additional 25 salt bins have
been placed at locations
around the borough.
The bins are
replenished at the earliest
opportunity after highways
staff and contractors
have gritted roads and
pavements according
to a priority plan.
On an ongoing basis,
the council works closely
with the emergency and
Winter provisions:
4,500 tonnes of salt
25 additional salt bins
on end, the council used
3,500 tonnes of salt. Government threats to
snatch salt from councils
led to serious fears that
supplies would run out.
To make sure
that is never likely to
happen, the council
voluntary services, utility
companies and other
London boroughs, to plan
for a coordinated response
to major emergencies.
And key to those
plans is a team of
trained officers, ready to
respond, as they did when
January’s snowfall caused
widespread disruption to
communities, industries,
schools, hospitals
and other services.
In preparation for a
possible repeat of those
conditions this winter, the
council has made robust
plans to ensure the road
network is kept as free
as possible, continue to
for elderly and vulnerable
neighbours or helping in
other ways, if people get
involved, this winter will
be easier for everyone.
For further information
and advice visit www.
croydon.gov.uk
During an emergency,
the latest information
will be broadcast on
local radio and TV.
The dye is cast
Salt in Croydon’s roadside
bins could be brightly
dyed this winter to
dissuade people from
removing it for private
use – or even stealing it
to be sold on by crooks.
The council is
experimenting with all
sorts of dyes to establish
how practical it might be
to colour the 125 tonnes
of salt that it puts into the
500 roadside bins that
are located near to the
borough’s particularly
hilly roads or junctions.
Despite topping up
all of the bins every
autumn, the council finds
that when snow falls it
is invariably bombarded
with complaints that the
bins are all-too-quickly
emptied. This is often with
no evidence that the salt
Clear the snow – but be careful
Last winter, many
residents helped keep
pavements and public
spaces around their
homes clear of snow.
However, many
were put off doing so
because of fears of
being sued. Read on for
advice on your rights
and responsibilities
when clearing snow and
ice from public areas.
There is no law
stopping you from
clearing snow and ice on
the pavement outside your
property, pathways to your
property or public spaces.
If an accident did
happen, it’s unlikely that
you would be sued, as long
as you are careful and use
common sense to ensure
the pavement is no more
dangerous than before.
provide services to the most
vulnerable, and carry on
gritting roads and, where
necessary, footpaths.
But the council
cannot do everything.
It needs the support of
residents and businesses
to keep the borough
moving by promoting
community resilience.
Whether it is looking out
Tips and advice on clearing snow and ice
• S tart early – it is much easier to clear fresh, loose snow
compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by
people walking on it.
• Don’t use hot water – this will melt the snow, but may
replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
• Be a good neighbour – some people may be unable to
clear snow and ice on paths from their property.
• When shovelling snow, think where you are going to
put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage
channels.
• Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be
cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on.
Spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will
help stop ice forming – table salt or dishwasher salt will
work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may
be damaged by it.
• Pay particular care and attention to steps and steep
gradients.
has been used nearby.
Instead, the council has
been told that people have
been helping themselves to
keep their own drives and
private paths clear. And
theft is a growing problem.
Pioneering experiments
with small amounts of dye
have therefore begun.
The council wants to
see whether it would be
possible to easily identify
where salt that is meant for
the roads has been taken
away for use elsewhere.
Salt bins – the facts
• A salt bin should not be sited within 100 metres of
another or on a footway which is on a priority
gritting route.
• Salt bins will be provided only on roads with a gradient
greater than 1 in 25.
• Salt bins should not obstruct the passage of pedestrians.
• Only written requests from elected members,
residents’ associations or neighbourhood partnerships
will be considered.
• A salt bin should not be sited on a footway outside an
individual’s house without their specific agreement.
• Salt bins will not be provided in private areas
5
News in brief
Strength in
numbers
Do you have a specific
concern or issue that
requires attention?
Have you considered
using a petition? Recent
legislation allows the
submission of petitions to
Croydon Council about
any local public service.
A valid petition requires a
minimum of 100 signatures
unless the petition is about
an issue affecting a small
number of people, in which
case 50% of those affected
will need to sign. Petitions
can be submitted on most
subjects affecting Croydon.
A copy of the full petition
scheme can be found by
emailing petitions@
croydon.gov.uk
Purley Way
nightshift
Resurfacing work will
be carried out on Purley
Way during December. To
minimise disruption, the
work, to the northbound
carriageway of the Ampere
Way flyover between
Miller Road and Ampere
Way, will be undertaken
overnight between 9pm
and 6am, Monday to
Friday. During these
working hours, Purley Way
northbound will be closed
between Waddon Marsh
and Miller Road, as well
as the Galvin Way and
Faraday Way junctions.
Traffic will be diverted via
Stafford Road, Duppas Hill
Road, Old Town, Roman
Way and Mitcham Road,
to rejoin the Purley Way
at Lombard Roundabout.
March and 6 May 2011.
Christmas
poetry reading
Purley Library, Banstead
Road, is hosting an
afternoon of poetry with
a Christmas or winter
theme. Adults are invited
to share their favourite
famous poem, or some
of their own, in a relaxed,
informal atmosphere.
Admission to the event,
from 2pm to 4.30 on
Saturday, 4 December,
is free but it is necessary
to reserve a place. Call
020 8726 6900, or email
purley@croydon.gov.uk
6
yournews
Taking the
budget to
the people
Council workers took to
the streets of Croydon to
get people to take part in
an unprecedented survey
during a month-long
budget consultation.
Teams of people
were dispatched to the
Centrale and Whitgift
shopping centres to
encourage shoppers
into completing
the online tool.
Later, workers went
to meet the borough’s
Youth Council, and its
members were only too
happy to take part.
Next on the list was
Croydon University
Hospital (formerly
Mayday), where patients,
visitors and staff were
encouraged to take the
time to fill in the form.
Croydon College was
also targeted, to ensure
that plenty of young
people got the chance
to give their opinions
on council spending.
Leaflets were
available from libraries,
and council officers
took laptop computers
to the homes of people
who wanted to fill in the
budget questionnaire
who did not have
access to the internet.
All who took up
the financial challenge
said they were happy
to be given a chance to
input into the important
decisions being made
as part of the biggest
cut back in funding
for local councils.
1,145
December 2010 | Your Croydon
people completed the council’s online budget
survey to show which services they felt
should be the priorities.
Dealing with the
financial crisis
Like councils across the land, Croydon is having to come to
terms with deep cuts into its financial muscle. Richard Gibbs
looks at the likely results of those cuts.
Saving £90m by
2014 will be hard for
Croydon Council and
will inevitably involve
job losses, as well as a
reduction in some popular
and worthwhile services.
But, faced with an
average 7.25% cut in
grant for each of the
next four years – with
the brunt of the impact
being felt from next
spring – the council
has run out of any easy
money-saving options.
It has already slashed
£60m by eliminating
waste and duplication,
tackling bureaucracy,
removing layers of
management and doing
things more efficiently.
It has imposed a
pay freeze on staff
and is curbing benefits
and conditions.
It is also talking
with other public sector
bodies to share facilities
and reduce overheads.
Residents who took
part in the budget
simulator survey most
wanted to protect
support for children with
special needs, children’s
social services, services
for adults with mental
health needs, services
for disabled adults,
support for children in
schools and services
for people over 65.
The services that
most people voted to
cut were legal and
constitutional services,
customer services and
communications, support
services, finance and
council tax services.
A quarter of those
who took part were aged
between 35 and 44, the
biggest group. Next came
45 to 54-year-olds, who
made up 22%, and 55 to
64-year-olds, with 20%.
Most of the people
who took part were from
the central Croydon area,
which accounted for 42%
of responses, while 32%
were from the south of
the borough, 21% from
the north and 5% from
outside the borough.
When it came to
ethnic grouping, 20%
of respondents were
from black and minority
ethnic groups, while the
remainder were white.
Some moves to save
money, including changes
to the arts and heritage
and youth services, have
already been outlined.
These steps are the
only way to protect vital,
frontline services.
Further details of
where spending will be
reduced will be published
in the annual efficiencies
and cuts paper to be
considerer by the council’s
cabinet in January
as part of the annual
budget-setting process.
There is no escaping
the fact that while
statutory services – those
the council is legally
obliged to provide – will
continue in a streamlined
fashion, others will
be vulnerable.
Bedside manner: Councillor Fisher explains the budget simulator
at Croydon University Hospital
Council leader Mike
Fisher is facing up to
the difficult challenges
that lie ahead.
He said: “Although
we’ll be doing everything
we can to minimise
the impact of the cuts,
the harsh reality is
that we face tough
choices about what we
can keep running.
“It’s a sad fact that
local government has
been singled out to take
the brunt of the public
sector reduction.”
Croydon had already
anticipated the level of
cuts and had begun reexamining every aspect
of its work to protect
frontline services.
Councillor Fisher
added: “None of us came
into local government
to make cuts or reduce
services in the very
heart of where we and
our families live.
“But then, none of us
could have predicted the
appalling financial crisis
facing the country.”
How you would like to see the cuts
Libraries, leisure centres,
parks and the arts
53
Budget £23.08m
1,044 voted for an
average cut of
£3m
Roads planning and
local economy
65
Budget £11.56m
1,025 voted for an
average cut of
£1.7m
Safer streets, bereavement
and consumer protection
72
Budget £7.78m
991 voted for an
average cut of
£1.2m
Schools, education and
children’s services
68
Budget £74.71m
1,023 voted for an
average cut of
£5.3m
Street cleaning, recycling
and rubbish collection
69
Budget £36.83m
990 voted for an
average cut of
£3.4m
yournews
www.croydon.gov.uk How your council tax is spent . . .
• 7.4 million domestic waste bins emptied each year
• 127 parks and green spaces maintained
• 91 primary and secondary schools
• 440 miles of road to be maintained
7
Your views...
What the council does with your money
Your Croydon highlights
the many ways in which
your council tax is put to
use around the borough,
benefiting all residents
with a range of services
that can so easily be
taken for granted.
Here is a summary of
the work undertaken by
council staff each day:
Children, young people
and learners – including
schools, adult learning,
training for young people,
looking after vulnerable
children, adoption and
fostering, educational
support for disabled
children, parenting and
family support, nurseries,
youth work, and services
to reduce offending.
Adult services and
housing – including home
care to help older people
live independently and
stay in their own homes
longer by providing
services as meals on
wheels and Careline;
residential, respite and
day care for elderly
people and those with
mental health problems
or learning and physical
disabilities; housing,
training and support for
homeless and vulnerable
adults; services that
help build stronger and
safer communities.
Customer services
– including revenues
and benefits, registrars,
The budget survey prompted a
range of comments and suggestions
from you on how the council might
save money when the time comes
to balance the books for 2011/12.
“This questionnaire has omitted one fundamental
question – should the London Borough of Croydon
remain as a standalone borough? Now that we
have a Mayor of London, who seems to have great
influence over all decisions and to whom we elect
a representative, is it not time for the London
boroughs to be merged, if they are needed at all?”
Park Hill: one of Croydon’s 127 parks that are among the services provided by the council
elections and emergency
management.
Community services
– including parks, bin
collections, recycling,
street cleaning,
environmental
health, licensing,
and neighbourhood
enforcement officers.
38
Budget £84.17m
1,039 voted for an
average cut of
£4.2m
and policy development,
communications and
marketing, human
resources, and managing
buildings and properties.
How is the council
managing the cuts?
Early proposals are based around the council
changing the way local services are delivered.
There is a strong possibility the council will
stop providing these services direct – allowing
it to drastically reduce costs – and, instead, act
as a commissioner, outsourcing services to the
private and voluntary sector and managing those
contracts rather than providing services itself.
The council predicts a 35% reduction in
its workforce over the next four years, but
this won’t mean 35% of redundancies.
Many jobs will go through retirement and
natural wastage, others may transfer to firms and
organisations contracted to deliver some services.
egeneration – including
R
support for local
businesses, regeneration
projects and economic
development, planning,
road maintenance, council
housing, conservation and
countryside management.
ulture and sport –
C
including the Clocktower,
David Lean Cinema,
Braithwaite Hall and
Museum of Croydon,
libraries, festivals, events,
markets, parks, leisure
dealt with
Supporting older people
and vulnerable adults
centres and cemeteries.
Back-office functions
– including finance,
legal services,
administration, research
Key
Council support and public
engagement
10
Budget £21.54m
1,118 voted for an
average cut of
£2.8m
voted to increase this service
voted to reduce this service
Housing
61
Budget £5.52m
1,029 voted for an
average cut of
£0.64m
“Try looking for services that can be centralised; this
budget planner breaks down each area separately
but there is likely to be common teams in each
that could pool resources and save money.”
“Much more needs to be spent on improving the
standard of Croydon’s roads, which this study proves
doesn’t have to be too detrimental to other areas.”
“Listen to the people and publish how this
survey has impacted on your decisions.”
“You need to make cuts of bureaucracy, especially
in council; reduce the wages a lot. Also, Croydon
Council is wasting money by leaving lights
on in tower blocks during the day time.”
“Penalise owners of redundant or unoccupied/
unused land and properties, thus encouraging
brownfield development and boosting council
income. There are many examples of empty sites,
particularly around East Croydon. Speeding up
the planning approval process might help.”
“Cut middle management across the entire
council. Privatise crematorium, outsource
mortuary service, offer MoT and car-repair service
from Stubbs Mead to the general public.”
“Switch off street lights after midnight. Switch off
every other street light, collect the rubbish every
other week, combine some Croydon office functions
– bin collection, gritting, street cleaning, etc, with
other councils. Lower the grant to school academies.”
“Our main task is to make sure that the most
vulnerable people are cared for. People with learning
disabilities, disabled people, children and the elderly.
Some services need to be ring fenced, such as
children and adults social services, and education.
work with other councils and share services where
possible. Ask for volunteers to help garden in the
parks. Ask if people will sweep outside their houses.”
8
yourchristmasschedules
976,000
December 2010 | Your Croydon
Christmas trees thrown away
each year in London alone
Have yourself a merry
recycling Christmas
Recycling over the festive period will be a piece of (Christmas) cake, as domestic collection
schedules remain unchanged because of this year’s weekend holiday dates.
With Christmas and New
Year falling on weekends
this year, it’s good news
on the domestic recycling
and refuse collection
front.
The way the days fall
means that there will
be no awkward changes
of collection dates to
remember.
That policy extends to
the three bank holidays
on 27 and 28 December,
Tree-cycling
Whether it’s a Norwegian
spruce or an artificial
one from the shops, trees
are a must for the festive
season. Buy a UK-grown
real tree with roots, and,
when it’s time to take
down the decorations,
you can plant it in your
garden or keep in a pot
for next year.
Artificial trees are
even better as they can
be used many, many
times, and, with care,
will last forever. With
976,000 Christmas trees
thrown away each year in
London alone – and fewer
than 10% of those being
recycled – it’s important
that we remember to
recycle our tree. If you
opt for a real Christmas
tree this year, do not
forget to take it to one of
and 3 January, when the
usual collection timetable
will be maintained.
This year, the
council is expecting
bumper festive recycling
collections as it is hoped
that everyone will be
doing their best to reduce
landfill waste and have a
“green” Christmas.
To help you recycle
right through the
festivities, the council’s
three reuse and recycling
centres will be open for
business as usual except
for Christmas Day, Boxing
Day and New Year’s Day.
The reuse and
recycling centres can be
found at:
• Factory Lane, Waddon
• Purley Oaks, Brighton
Road, South Croydon
• Fishers Farm, North
Downs Crescent, New
Addington
Christmas tree collection points
the council’s designated
recycling collection points
between Sunday 2 and
Sunday 9 January.
At other times,
Christmas trees can be
taken to any of the reuse
and recycling centres.
However, before doing
so, please remember to
remove all tinsel and
decorations before taking
it to be recycled.
Take your old natural Christmas tree to one of the following recycling collection
points between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 January – but please be sure to remove
tinsel and decorations.
Addiscombe
Co-op, Lower Addiscombe Road
Broad Green
Homebase, Purley Way
Coulsdon
Lion Green Road car park
Coulsdon East
Grange Park, Canon’s Hill
Fairfield
Oaks Road/Coombe Road car park
Heathfield
Addington Park car park, Gravel Hill
Kenley
Kenley Residents’ Association, Oaks Road green
New Addington
Central Parade car park
Norbury
Granville Gardens car park
Purley
Upper Woodcote Village RA, Woodcote Village green
Selsdon
Selsdon Recreation Ground, access from Woodlands Gardens
Shirley
Monks Orchard green
Shirley
Shirley Park RA, Green Court Gardens green
South Norwood
Sainsbury’s, Whitehorse Lane
Upper Norwood
Secret Garden, Westow Street
Waddon
Homebase, Fiveways, Purley Way
Waddon
Wyevale Garden Centre, Waddon Way
www.croydon.gov.uk
yourchristmasschedules
Invest in a compost bin and recycle all your
Christmas dinner vegetable peelings.
Festive season opening hours
Croydon Council call centre
Friday 24 December
8am to 4pm
Saturday 25 December
Closed
Sunday 26 December
Closed
Monday 27 December
Closed
Tuesday 28 December
Closed
Wednesday 29 December 8am to 6pm
Festive reduction tips
Christmas is often a time
of excess – we eat too
much, drink too much and
produce too much rubbish.
Over the Christmas
period, an estimated three
million extra tonnes of
waste are produced in
the U.K.
However, with a little
thought, you can limit
the impact you have over
the holiday season by
following these top tips.
• Avoid goods that
involve unnecessary
packaging, and buy food
and drink packaged in
materials that can be
recycled in your green and
blue boxes.
• Avoid using paper
cups and plates at your
Christmas parties. By
buying hard plastic cups
and plates you will be
able to reuse them for
your New Year’s party,
picnics in the summer,
and lend them to friends
on condition that you get
invited to their party!
• Be creative and save
money, too! Choose
decorations that can be
reused. Similarly, homemade gift tags can be
made from old greetings
cards, and any kind of
unusual paper can be used
to wrap gifts.
• Buy recycled wrapping
paper and use string, wool
or ribbon for wrapping
gifts instead of sticky tape.
The string can be reused,
and the paper, too.
• Invest in a compost
bin and recycle all
your Christmas dinner
vegetable peelings.
For more information
visit www.croydon.
getcomposting.com
or call 0844 472 1888.
• Say No to Unwanted
Bags (Snub). Always reuse
your plastic bags, or,
better still, use a reusable
shopping bag.
• Put your Christmas
cards in your blue box
with your cardboard to
be recycled. Alternatively,
The Woodland Trust, the
U.K’s leading woodland
conservation charity, is
this year staging its last
Christmas card recycling
scheme. Help make it
a success, throughout
January, by recycling your
Christmas cards in the
special bins at TK Maxx
and Marks & Spencer
stores.
• Look out for gifts with
a high recycled content
or made from recycled
materials. For ideas, the
Recycled Products Guide
(RPG) lists 1,000 products
made from recycled
materials. Visit
www.recycledproducts.
org.uk
• Try to avoid buying
or requesting gifts that
require batteries. If
you need batteries, buy
Thursday 30 December
8am to 6pm
Friday 31 December
8am to 6pm
Saturday 1 January
Closed
Sunday 2 January
Closed
rechargeables. For every
500 charges you’ll save
499 batteries being thrown
away – not to mention the
cost of new ones.
• Save envelopes and
reuse them with reuse
labels, available from
many charity catalogues
and shops.
• For the person that has
everything, why not buy
a more unusual gift of a
donkey or goat (not real!)
that requires no wrapping.
Visit the Oxfam website at
Monday 3 January
Closed
Tuesday 4 January
8am to 6pm
“rubbish” presents.
• Remember to donate
any unwanted gifts. There
is a host of charities in
Croydon who would
benefit through your
generosity. You can also
swap items through the
popular Croydon website
The Great Giveaway at
Thursday 30 DecemberOpen (check times with
local centres)
www.oxfamunwrapped.
com and say no to
www.croydononline.org/
giveaway
Parking your sleigh
Christmas-period parking rules will benefit shoppers, visitors – and Santa.
Parking in the borough’s
on-street bays and
surface-level car parks
will be easier on specific
days over the Christmas
and New Year period.
The relaxation of
parking regulations will
help people visiting shops,
enjoying the displays of
festive illuminations or
simply dropping in on
relatives to share the
seasonal cheer.
The whole borough
will be free of parking
enforcement on Christmas
Day, Boxing Day and New
Year’s Day.
And parking in
council-run car parks on
Christmas Eve and New
Year’s Eve will be free.
Those two days will
also see no enforcement
of the usual parking
regulations in pay-anddisplay bays within the
central zone.
The regulations will
be relaxed in all other
zones after 5pm.
Yellow line
restrictions, however, will
remain in place on these
two days, and motorists
are advised to park in
a reasonable manner,
showing consideration
for other road users and
pedestrians.
Normal parking
regulations service will
resume on 2 January.
Croydon leisure centres
Friday 24 December
Closing at 4pm
Saturday 25 December
Closed
Sunday 26 December
Closed
Monday 27 DecemberOpen (check times with
local centres)
Tuesday 28 DecemberOpen (check times with
local centres)
Wednesday 29 DecemberOpen (check times with
local centres)
Friday 31 December
Closing at 4pm
Saturday 1 January
Closed
Sunday 2 JanuaryClosing at 4pm
(South Norwood 5pm)
Monday 3 JanuaryOpen (check times with
local centres)
Tuesday 4 January
Open as normal
Croydon libraries
Friday 24 December
9am – 4pm
Saturday 25 December
Closed
Sunday 26 December
Closed
Monday 27 December
Closed
Tuesday 28 December
Closed
Wednesday 29 December Open as normal
Thursday 30 December
Open as normal
Friday 31 December
Open as normal
Saturday 1 January
Closed
Sunday 2 January
Closed
Monday 3 January
Closed
Tuesday 4 January
Open as normal
9
10
yourenvironment
December 2010 | Your Croydon
11,000
people took part in the survey to decide which
parks would benefit from cash injection.
Putting the pride
We asked you to tell us how you wanted to see our parks improved – you
told us, we listened and the improvements have been outlined.
Improvements to nine
parks across the borough
are set to be made
following a huge public
consultation to find out
where people wanted
£1.5m to be spent.
More than 11,000
people took part in the
survey to decide which of
the borough’s 127 parks
and open spaces should
get a share of the windfall.
Nine parks – three each
in the north, south and
centre of the borough –
were eventually chosen.
Then decisions about
what the money should
be used to buy were
made after hundreds of
ideas were submitted by
residents.
The winning parks
include Wandle Park,
which, as well as
benefiting from a number
of improvements following
the council’s Parks To Be
Proud Of initiative, also
secured the second highest
number of votes in the
Mayor London’s Help a
London Park.
Improving parks is
one of the key priorities
residents identified in
feedback to the council last
year.
The parks belong to
the people of Croydon and
they are there for your
enjoyment – so we wanted
you to decide which parks
to invest in, and what
equipment should be put
in them.
That’s why we
launched Parks To Be
Proud Of – which has
seen 8,000 of you vote
for the parks you want
to see improved, and
will eventually result
in you deciding what
improvements are made.
Thornton Heath Recreation Ground
Wandle Park
“With an active friends’ group, the park runs alongside
Norbury Brook and is at the heart of the northern part
of the borough.”
“With the second
highest number of
votes in London for
the Mayor of London’s
‘Help a London park’
campaign, there are
active plans to bring
the river back to the
surface once again and
transform the park
with a range of new
facilities.”
You voted – we will provide
• Improvements to the play area
• Improved sports facilities
• New benches, spring bulb and tree planting
South Norwood Country Park
“The country park is a 125-acre nature reserve on
the border with Bromley. It has a visitors’ centre, new
children’s play area, an 18-hole pitch and putt golf
course, a dedicated team of countryside wardens.”
You voted – we will provide
• Improvements to the visitor centre experience
with new café
• New landscaping works and picnic area
• Beehives, and bat and bird boxes, to
encourage biodiversity
• New benches, spring bulb and tree planting
You voted - we will
provide
• Reinstatement of
the river Wandle
• New benches,
spring bulb and
tree planting
Norbury Park
“Norbury Park is potentially a great local space which
currently has a games court and playground.”
You voted – we will provide
• Improvements to the play area
• Kiosk space
• A new wildflower meadow
• A new community garden
• New benches, spring bulb and tree planting
www.croydon.gov.ukyourenvironment 11
Improving parks is one of the key priorities residents identified
in feedback to the council. The parks belong to the people of
Croydon and they are there for your enjoyment.
Wandle Park
into our parks
Lloyd Park
Waddon Ponds
“At the centre of the
borough this popular, large
park has a number of
existing facilities, including
a new sports pavilion, a
disk golf course, bowling
green and a range of
sporting facilities.”
“Home of extensive ponds
centrally positioned in this
hidden gem of a park –
inhabited by a wide
range of aquatic birds
and surrounded by an
ornamental garden.”
You voted – we will
provide
•Improvements to the
play area
• A new picnic area
• Improvements to the
pond
• New benches, spring
bulb and tree planting
You voted – we will
provide
• Major repairs to the
pond banks
• Refurbished toilets
• New mature shrubs
• New benches, spring
bulb and tree planting
Milne Park & Addington Vale
Coulsdon Memorial Ground
“Two parks for the price of one, and situated in New
Addington. Milne Park is home to the Kickz Project
run by Crystal Palace Football Club. It currently has
a bowling green, tennis courts, two ball games courts
and pavilion.”
“Situated off Marlpit Lane the memorial ground has a
children’s play area, putting, bowls, tennis, basketball,
cricket and football facilities –
something for everyone.”
You voted – we will provide
• Improvements to the play facilities
• A new creative natural play area
• A new wildflower meadow
• New benches, spring bulb and tree planting
Sanderstead Recreation Ground
“A former field belonging to Whitehorse farm, the
park is located off Limpsfield Road. The recreation
ground has a mini cycle track, sports pavilion and
bowling green, as well as cricket and football pitches.”
You voted – we will provide
• Improvements to the play facilities
• A new fitness/agility trail
• New benches, spring bulb and tree planting
You voted – we will provide
• Refurbishments to the café facilities
• A new outdoor gym
• The planting of mature shrubs
• New benches, spring bulb and
tree planting
Decisions about what the money should be
used to buy were made after hundreds of
ideas were submitted by residents.
12
specialfeature
December 2010 | Your Croydon
We’d be joined by girls who would come on from the Talk of the
Town, which was then a thriving busy cabaret venue, so it was
very glamorous and, indeed, pretty exciting.
A chat with Ronnie
The comedian and actor Ronnie Corbett has lived in Croydon for decades and loves the
borough as much as anyone. Your Croydon spoke to him about his long career as one of
Britain’s best-loved performers.
Ronnie Corbett has been
a constant presence
on the small screen
since the 1960s.
From starring alongside
future “Pythons” on The
Frost Report, through the
all-conquering heyday of
The Two Ronnies, he has
seen and done it all.
Your Croydon: What
sparked the ambition to
move from Edinburgh
to London and embark
on a career in acting?
Ronnie: “My ambition
sprang from early on – from
taking part in amateur
dramatics in the civil
service Department of
Agriculture in Edinburgh,
a lot of theatre stuff, going
to the local rep, the Wilson
Barrett and The Lyceum.
“And, of course, I went
The one Ronnie: the diminutive comedian has been one of the country’s favourites for more than 50 years
off to do my national
service and never returned
to Edinburgh or the
Department of Agriculture.
I took a bed-sit in London
and started my journey.”
YC: What abiding
memories do you have
about your time working in
cabaret with Danny La Rue?
Ronnie: “The abiding
memory I have is of
working at Danny’s – where
I met my wife, Anne.
“It was a pretty
glamorous time in the
West End, I think there
were about 12 places in
the West End that had
little shows that went on
at 12 or 1 o’clock in the
morning, as ours did.
“We’d be joined by
girls who would come on
from the Talk of the Town,
which was then a thriving
busy cabaret venue, so it
was very glamorous and,
indeed, pretty exciting.
“My wife was working
with The Crazy Gang twice
nightly at the Victoria
Palace, then coming on
to the show at Winston’s
(subsequently Danny’s, of
course) and she even did
Sunday shows at Butlin’s
so she was kept very busy
www.croydon.gov.uk
specialfeature
13
I do think Miranda Hart is very funny, as is Mike McIntyre. And
Ricky Gervais is quite brilliant, as is Ed Byrne whom I like very
much, I do hope they treat their careers with care.
– we all were, really, in
our own funny way.”
YC: Who has been your
greatest professional
influence and who, out
of all the greats you’ve
worked with, is your
favourite comedy writer?
Ronnie: “Well I was
very, very inspired as
a young person by the
expertise of Bob Hope,
Jack Benny, Danny Kaye
and Abbott and Costello.
“They all used to play
the London Palladium
Graham Chapman – they
used to write for us on The
Frost Report, long before
Python came on the scene.”
YC: The strength of your
marriage to Anne is one
of showbiz legend; what
is your secret? Do you
have any regrets?”
Ronnie: “I have no regrets
at all, you’ll be pleased
to hear. Marriage, as
you say, has been a great
foundation on which
my life has existed.
“Anne gave up her
Ronnie Corbett has been a
constant presence on the small
screen since the 1960s.
– glorious days! They’d
come on for the second
half, after a big variety
bill took the first.
“They usually brought
people with them, so
it wasn’t about people
standing and talking at
you for an hour. It was real
theatrical entertainment.
“As far as British
stand-up – I hate that
term – but as far as my
favourites? Max Wall and
Max Miller. Anne worked
with Max Wall quite a bit.
“My favourite comedy
writer? I’d have to say
I’ve worked with some of
the great writers and at
a time when people were
thrilled to write more than
now, as it seems anyone
who writes anything good
keeps it for themselves.
“There were people
who wrote for comedians,
and, of course, my
premier accolade goes to
Spike Mullins who is the
original writer of the ‘spot
in the chair’ that I did
with The Two Ronnies.
“He wrote them all
himself, singularly and
quite beautifully and I
treasure all his wife’s
typed copies of them.
“And, of course, Peter
Vincent, Ian Davidson,
Ronnie Barker himself,
Dick Vosburgh – there
were a legion of them. Not
forgetting John Cleese and
time in the business and,
of course, she has missed
it a bit, but not much.
“She’s been a
tremendous support
and wise counsellor
throughout my life.”
YC: Throughout your
career on screen you have
(for the most part) always
played yourself; where
does the Ronnie we see
on screen stop and the
private Ronnie start?
Ronnie: “I think there
isn’t much of a difference
between the Ronnie you
see on the screen and the
Ronnie you see in private.
“I suppose on screen
he’s a bit more turned
up – the volume, the
eccentricities and the
delivery – but he’s very
much the same person,
and in a way, of course,
this has stopped me acting,
because people refused to
cast me as I always stick
out like a sore thumb being
Ronnie Corbett again.”
YC: Tell me a bit about
your role in the film
Burke and Hare.
Ronnie: “I play a
Scottish policeman called
Captain McLintock.
“I was very pleased
to be offered that
part by the great and
lovely John Landis.
“He, incidentally,
The Two Ronnies: mainstays of TV comedy for generations
offered Ronnie B various
roles in American films
before, among them
Trading Places, where
he asked Ron to be the
butler, subsequently played
by Denholm Elliott.”
YC: You are one of the few
performers who has been
a constant on our screens
for 50 years, you must have
seen them come and go.
What do you think was key
to the longevity of your
career and, of course, your
sustained popularity?
Ronnie: “Well, it’s not
for me to talk about the
key to my longevity,
but I’ve kept things
varied a bit, and light.
“Attention to detail,
being professional,
and caring about my
work I suppose – I keep
changing little elements
of it that have refreshed
my attitude, probably.”
YC: In interviews you
have spoken out about the
quality of comedy not being
as good as the golden age
of TV comedians, Eric and
Ernie, you and Ronnie, etc.
But throughout your career
you are always referenced
as a major influence on
people from Ben Elton to
Ricky Gervais. Do you think
there are any comedians
working today who will
one day share the ‘national
treasure’ tag with you?
Ronnie: “I think the
quality of comedy has
changed – well, for a
start, the medium is
very greedy for new, fast
and plentiful material.
“There are so many
outlets, people become
names and conspicuous
in the business much,
much earlier in their
career than Ronnie B
and I did. We were in our
mid-30s before we were
broadcasting on television.
“Now people are on
TV at 21, after doing an
hour of entertainment at
the Edinburgh Festival, so
people are out there much
earlier than we ever were.
“In those early days the
first-spot comic in a variety
bill did seven minutes.
If you went over and did
nine, there’d be a knock
on the door and they’d tell
you to take two minutes
out the next night – the
top of the bill would be
someone like Max Miller
or Max Wall, and they’d
only do 20 minutes or so.
“So nobody went on for
long and, of course, there
were many more comedy
relationships, like Eric
and Ernie, or Ron B and I,
where there was situation
comedy, with people
laughing at individuals’
behaviour, not just
standing there doing jokes.
“I don’t really want
to talk about comedians
working today – I do
think Miranda Hart is
very funny, as is Mike
McIntyre. And Ricky
Gervais is quite brilliant,
as is Ed Byrne whom
I like very much, I do
hope they treat their
careers with care.”
Well, it’s not
for me to
talk about
the key to
my longevity,
but I’ve kept
things varied a
bit, and light.
14
yourhealth
December 2010 | Your Croydon
It’s really important that people take precautions
and get their flu jab this season.
Wendy Webster, practice nurse
Don’t risk the flu – get a jab
Old Coulsdon residents queue to get their annual flu jab and urge all vulnerable people to follow their lead.
People at risk of seasonal
flu are being encouraged
to protect themselves by
getting their annual free
flu jabs.
And this year, for the
first time, NHS Croydon is
offering the seasonal flu
vaccination to all pregnant
women.
This is because it
protects against the H1N1
virus (swine flu) that
will still be circulating
this winter, and pregnant
women who catch this
strain are at an increased
risk of severe disease
and flu-related hospital
admissions.
Everyone aged 65 and
over is routinely offered
the jab, as are younger
people with long-term
conditions such as heart
disease, diabetes, asthma,
multiple sclerosis, and
serious kidney and
liver disease.
About 15 million
Joyce Williams,
Old Coulsdon
“I get my flu jab every
year. My health is
poor, so I certainly
don’t want to come
down with flu during
the winter months.
Better to take this
precaution than to
take a risk.”
people in the UK have
the jab, which must
be administered every
year as it is altered to
match the flu strains in
circulation.
Penny Spence, NHS
Croydon’s assistant
director of infection
prevention and control,
said: “This year, the
swine flu virus will be
one of the most common
types of flu going around,
and it’s important people
remember to get their
annual flu jab.
“The vaccine will
protect against three
types of flu, including
swine flu.
“As we know that this
Nancy Horwell,
Old Coulsdon
“I have asthma so it’s
very important that
I don’t get flu. I make
sure that I get my flu
jab every year. If you
want to keep safe and
well this winter I’d
recommend you get
your flu jab.”
virus can pose additional
risks to pregnant women,
we’re recommending this
year that all pregnant
women are vaccinated.
“People shouldn’t
underestimate the effects
of seasonal flu.
“It’s not the same
as getting a cold. It can
seriously affect your
health and the risks of
developing complications
are greater if you have
certain pre-existing
medical conditions.
“If you’re in any of the
identified at risk groups,
my advice, especially
at this time of the year
is to visit your local
GP surgery and get the
vaccination as soon as
possible.
“This is the best form
of protection for you and
others.”
Seasonal flu, also
known as influenza, is a
highly infectious illness
caused by a virus.
All GP practices in
Croydon are offering the
flu jab to their “at risk”
patients.
Every year there are
approximately 8,000
flu-related deaths in the
winter months in England
and Wales – these deaths
are avoidable.
The best way to avoid
flu is to get immunised,
but, in addition, people
can protect themselves
and those around them
by practising good
hand hygiene with the
“catch it, bin it, kill it”
technique.
This means carrying
tissues, covering coughs
and sneezes with a
tissue, disposing of the
tissue after one use, and
cleaning hands as soon
as possible, preferably
with soap and water or,
where there are no hand
washing facilities, an
alcohol hand gel.
Robert and Anne Cooper, Old Coulsdon
Robert (above, right) and Anne attend the Old
Coulsdon Medical Practice for their flu jab every year.
Robert said: “Anne had a bad case of flu a few years
ago, so we’re both keen to avoid it every winter.
Having the jab is easy and free, and I’ve never felt any
after-effects. I’d certainly recommend it to everyone.”
Wendy Webster, practice nurse, Old
Coulsdon Medical Practice
“Flu can be a very serious illness and can sometimes
kill, especially in winter. Those most at risk,
particularly the elderly and people with underlying
health conditions, are often the most affected, so
it’s really important that people take precautions
and get their flu jab this season.”
Cycling with confidence
Keen to get pedaling again but wary because it’s been a while? A new
course could see you back on two wheels.
A combination of the
Spiraling cost of petrol
and diesel, and a growing
realisation of the health
benefits, has seen an
increase in the number
of cyclists on the roads.
For some, however,
a distance of years since
the last time they were
on two wheels has left
the spirit willing but
the confidence weak.
To help people
overcome this wariness, the
council’s Active Lifestyles
team has organised a
series of cycling courses
aimed specifically at people
over 16 years of age who,
while familiar with bikes,
lack confidence in taking
to the roads again.
The four-week course
aims to help participants
gain the confidence
they need to get back
on their bike and work
toward their Bikeability
level 1 qualification
(cycle proficiency test).
Each week, cycle
instructors will guide
them through the basics
of road safety and take
them on gentle rides
through the borough.
The courses, held at
Croydon Arena, cost £12
and include the cost of a
cycle helmet for each rider.
The next course
starts on 19 January and
runs until 9 February.
To book a place,
call 020 8686 4433 and
select option 1 ext 61428.
Alternatively, send an email
to activelifestyles@
croydon.gov.uk
www.croydon.gov.ukyourhealth 15
“Anybody who’s worried that they may have been
exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, or has
symptoms, should seek medical advice early.
Dr Ellen Schwarz
Don’t delay – get
tested today
In the run-up to World Aids Day, NHS Croydon is urging more people to get tested for HIV early.
Public health doctors at
NHS Croydon estimate
that there are more than
1,000 people in Croydon
living with HIV.
However, not all
have been tested and
diagnosed.
One in four of those
with HIV don’t know they
are infected, which means
they may unknowingly
pass the virus on during
sex without a condom, or
if they share needles.
HIV is not spread
through day-to-day
contact, touching, kissing
or sharing utensils; and
there is no risk from
spitting.
Lack of understanding
about HIV and about new
treatment options mean
that many people don’t
get tested for HIV, or
delay in getting tested.
The later HIV is
diagnosed, the more
damage the virus may
have caused to the
immune system, making
it harder for the body
to fight off certain
infections.
Although there isn’t
a cure for HIV, treatment
is now highly effective
and can prolong life
expectancy to near
normal, so it is really
important to be tested
and diagnosed early.
Dr Ellen Schwartz,
NHS Croydon’s sexual
health specialist, said:
“It’s the case that the
earlier someone is tested
and diagnosed with HIV,
the sooner they can take
advantage of treatment.
“Modern treatment
regimes now allow HIVpositive people to lead
healthy and active lives
and to reach a normal life
expectancy.
“Anybody who’s
worried that they may
have been exposed to
a sexually transmitted
infection, or has
symptoms, should seek
medical advice early.
“HIV testing
nowadays is quick and
straightforward and
people usually get their
results within a week –
and, in some cases, it may
be possible to take a test
and receive the results in
one visit.”
Free and confidential
HIV testing is available
at:
• many local GP
surgeries in Croydon.
To find a surgery visit:
www.croydon.nhs.
uk
• t he GUM clinic in
Croydon University
Hospital on
weekdays from
8.30am (11.30am on
Wednesdays) where
you can wait to be
seen; or call 020
8401 3002 to book an
appointment to
be seen later on the
same day.
A number of events
and activities will be
taking place in the leadup to World Aids Day on
1 December.
For further
information, visit:
www.croydon.nhs.uk or
www.worldaidsday.org
Check up: regular visits to your GP will keep treatment up to date (staged photo)
Case study: Jon
Jon, a 60-year-old Croydon man, was
tested for HIV in 1999 at his local clinic
following a period of ill health.
He was concerned that he had some
symptoms of HIV.
He tested positive and, at the same
time, was diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking to Your Croydon, he said:
“I’m now managing very well, and my
health is good thanks to the regular
health checks and blood tests at my
local clinic.
“Thankfully, HIV medication has
improved hugely over the years.
“When I was first diagnosed, I had to
take about six different medications a
day, some of which had to be kept cold
in the fridge.
“Nowadays, I only take two tablets
every evening, so it’s much easier to
manage.
“If anyone thinks they might be at
risk of contracting HIV, I believe it’s very
important that they get tested as early
as possible.
“If they delay, there could be further
health complications for them, as my
case illustrates.
“Once you know that you’re HIV
positive you can start taking medication
immediately and ensure that you
prevent passing on the virus to others.
“These days, HIV is not a death
sentence.
“New medication and regular
health checks mean that you can be
symptom-free and lead a long and
comfortable life.”
16
yourfinance
December 2010 | Your Croydon
Once you decide how much you can afford
to spend and stick to that limit, you are less
likely to skip payments on essential bills
Christmas – let
With the financial squeeze hitting everybody across the capital, Christmas will be a tight affair for
many this year. Our debt expert Lex Lewis offers practical advice on surviving unscathed.
The extra
cost of presents,
entertaining and
seasonal trips
out with the kids
quickly mounts
up – but there
are practical
ways you can
avoid a new
year financial
hangover.
Despite the festive cheer
of the Christmas season
– and the appearance of
Basil Brush to switch on
Croydon’s lights – many of
us are facing the very real
prospect of a tight budget
as the year draws to a close.
The extra cost of
presents, entertaining and
seasonal trips out with
the kids quickly mounts
up – but there are practical
ways you can avoid a new
year financial hangover.
Taking out credit is
not always a good option,
especially if you are
struggling to pay priorities,
or are already in debt.
The most useful
approach to managing your
money at Christmas is to
draw up a personal budget
to work out how much
you have to pay out on all
your essentials and ensure
you have these covered.
Make sure all your
priority bills are being paid,
such as mortgage/rent, gas,
electricity, water, council
tax and housekeeping.
It’s not very festive, but
it keeps your priorities
in order and will allow
at www.croydon.
gov.uk/debtadvice
Once you decide how
much you can afford
to spend and stick to
that limit, you are less
likely to skip payments
on essential bills which
will need catching up
with in the new year.
Make sure all your priority
bills are being paid
you to enjoy Christmas.
The council offers an
online debt advice help
pack, bursting with tips
and information to help
you set your own budget.
This can be found
on the council’s website
You should also try
to spread payments for
presents over as long
a time as possible, so
lump sums don’t have
to be paid all at once,
and avoid expensive
credit offers in shops.
Some helpful tips
•Allow yourself an affordable weekly or monthly amount in your personal budget
to set aside over the year for Christmas and birthdays.
•Join your local credit union. Credit unions are savings schemes run by their
members which allow you to borrow twice or three times as much as you have
saved at a low interest rate.
•Some supermarkets and shops have saving schemes you can join, giving valuable
money-off offers.
•Some catalogue companies do hampers for Christmas which you can buy over a
year. Beware of higher charges for mail order goods, though.
• Shop around for bargains on food shopping.
•Make sure you know how much the credit is costing you. If you feel the only way
to afford Christmas is to spread the cost by taking out a loan, be very careful to
shop around for the best deals.
•Check the interest rates on offer and compare different forms of credit to see
how much you have to pay in total over the whole loan period.
•Don’t ignore the problem; it won’t go away and the longer you leave it, the
worse it will get.
•Don’t borrow money to pay off your debts without thinking carefully.
Get advice first.
www.croydon.gov.ukyourfinance 17
on’t borrow money to pay off your debts
D
without thinking carefully. Get advice first.
yours be debt free
Case Study
Advice and support
Doris, who lives in Shirley, is a part-time worker who rents her home with her two
grown-up sons.
Doris’s income means that it has been difficult for her to pay all her bills and
service the debts she has.
When Doris had a second part-time job she was able to pay her credit cards
on time, every month. However, since the second job finished she has needed help
paying her debts.
Doris and Croydon Council’s debt adviser worked together to try to find a
solution, firstly checking she was claiming all the benefits she was entitled to.
After ensuring all the priority creditors were receiving payment, Doris was
presented with a number of options for dealing with her debts.
By focusing on her budget, Doris is now able to live within her means.
And, because her debts are due to be written off in the next 12 months, she is
able to make a fresh start with her finances.
Croydon Council Debt Advice Service
Telephone: 020 8726 6000 ext. 63696
Website: www.croydon.gov.uk/advice/
benefits/welfare/wrtdebt
South West London
Law Centres
Telephone 020 8667 9226
Email: debtswllc@gmail.com
Age Concern Croydon
Telephone: 020 8680 5450
Email: acc@ageconcerncroydon.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau:
Thornton Heath
Telephone: 020 8684 2236
Citizens Advice Bureau:
Addington
Telephone: 01689 846890
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Croydon Savers Credit Union
Telephone: 020 8760 5711
Email: CU-info@btconnect.com
Website: www.croydonsavers.co.uk
18
yourspace
December 2010 | Your Croydon
I enjoyed it because it gave me something to do on Monday
evenings, and I used to get there early so that I could do the
number of hours I had to do more quickly.
John, 18, South Croydon
Giving a little back –
and helping charity
Disused and dilapidated changing rooms have been transformed into a
centre offering hope and training to young offenders. Emma Harris looks
at the good work of a little-known service that has a great track record.
Young offenders are
making toys and greeting
cards for charity, all from
a renovated changing
room block, off Lodge
Lane, New Addington.
The former
Rowdown Pavilion,
once a vandalised and
disused space, has been
transformed into the
Rowdown Reparation
Centre, teaching young
people how to make
toys for charity, restore
bikes, and transform rundown public spaces and
playground furniture.
Since opening in June
2009, the centre has had
many successes, including
the Cycle Recycle project,
which reclaims bikes
from police stations and
restores them.
So far, 27 bikes have
been returned to victims
of bike crime.
Mike Roche, the centre
manager, runs three
evening sessions and a
weekend session each
week for around 30 young
people, ranging in age
from 11 to 18.
He said: “The main
users are young people
on court orders for
community payback,
many of whom are not in
education, employment or
training.
“We teach them new
and valuable skills, and
that’s helped produce
a big cut in the rate of
reoffending.
“They learn the new
skills and respond in a
positive way.”
Developed by
Croydon’s youth offending
team, the scheme
aims to help young
people understand the
consequences of their
offending and to take
responsibility to change
their behaviour.
They are also given
the chance to repair some
of the harm they have
caused to the community
and, in some cases, to the
victims themselves.
The young people
are actively involved in
community projects, and
are often deployed to
help with gardening and
decorating at venues as
diverse as community
centres, cemeteries and
primary schools.
The skills they use
cover a number of
disciplines, such as
growing produce in
the centre’s allotments,
restoring memorial
benches and schools’
playground furniture, and
maintaining local ponds
and gardens.
John, 18, from South
Croydon, said: “I did eight
weeks in a row on the
carpentry project.
“I enjoyed it because it
gave me something to do
on Monday evenings, and
I used to get there early
so that I could do the
number of hours I had to
do more quickly.
“I learnt some new
skills in the things I made
and I’d like to find a job in
carpentry in the future.
“And I think I’d like
to come back to help
out other kids who get
into trouble and have
to come here to do their
community payback.”
The young people who
use the centre are taught
a wide range of skills,
including basic carpentry
for furniture renovation,
painting, gardening, crafts
and bike mechanics.
The skills gained
as part of the bike
maintenance project can
lead to the nationally
recognised Weldtech
mechanics qualification.
Among the crafts
taught is the design and
Youngsters debate big issues
Privileged: Colm and Charlotte outside the Palace of Westminster
Two Croydon students
were granted the rare
privilege of debate in the
chamber of the House of
Commons.
Charlotte Brown, 16,
and Colm Appleby Kenny,
13, were among 300
members of the UK Youth
Parliament discussing
such weighty topics as
sex education, university
fees, job opportunities,
transport and the Iraq
war.
Apart from MPs, UKYP
is the only group of people
allowed to debate in the
historic chamber of The
Palace of Westminster.
Colm Kenny said: “I
really enjoyed the debates,
and it was amazing to
see young people in the
chamber of the House
of Commons rather than
MPs.”
If you are interested in
becoming a member of the
UK Youth Parliament, the
deadline for nominations
this year is Thursday, 16
December.
For more information,
visit www.croydon.gov.
uk/youth-parliament
New skills: centre user crafts a possible career for himself
production of hand-made
greetings cards, with
profits given to charities.
These one-off cards can
be found exclusively at
the council’s Turnaround
Centre, in South End,
central Croydon.
Contributions to
community groups include
bird tables, planters,
memory boxes and
children’s toys, which are
produced at the centre
and given to schools, old
people’s homes and local
charity, The Valentine
Trust.
Founded by Vivian
Blake after her husband
Michael lost his battle
with oesophageal cancer,
the trust raises awareness
of the deadly throat
disease.
Vivian, also a parent
coordinator with the
council’s youth offending
team, said: “Mike Roche
organises a wide range
of activities for children
and young people and
encourages them to
become involved in
positive and rewarding
activities, which can also
develop a wide range of
skills.
“The items they give
are raffled at events and
help raise funds for the
charity.
“The most popular
items are, without
a doubt, the garden
furniture – everyone
wants to win these, as
they’re made to such a
high standard.
“So far the centre’s
helped us to raise £800,
which is absolutely
fantastic.
“The key rings and
badges they produce also
play a very important role
in raising awareness of
oesophageal cancer.”
www.croydon.gov.ukyoursafety 19
We felt that if a few of us had the radios
local troublemakers would be deterred
from creating problems
Ken Burgess
Safer by radio
With the Christmas shopping season reaching its peak, retailers are
making full use of a radio system that gives them the edge over thieves.
The fight against business
and retail crime in
Croydon is being won
thanks, in no small part,
to the coordination work
of the council’s closedcircuit television (CCTV)
control centre.
Working in tandem
with Safer Croydon Radio
(SCR), the control centre
was a major player in 442
arrests arising from 560
crimes reported to it last
year, an impressive record
of almost 80%.
And countless more
criminals were stopped
before they could do
wrong by vigilant shop
staff armed with their
SCR-issued radios.
SCR was set up
in 1994 in Croydon
town centre with only
12 members. Today,
membership stands in
excess of 200 across the
borough.
On joining the scheme,
businesses are issued with
radios to communicate
directly with each other
and the CCTV control
room.
This allows for quick
and effective sharing of
crime-related information
between businesses, and
allows them to inform the
control room operators
where to direct CCTV
cameras to maximize
effectiveness.
In 2009, the council’s
CCTV team, which
monitors the SCR
network, was directly
involved in more than 560
incidents, and assisted
with more than 442
arrests.
Ken Burgess, who
owns Burgess Boys pet
shop in New Addington,
joined the scheme in July
2009 and has seen other
local traders join.
He said: “There are
quite a few of us now in
New Addington that use
the radios.
“It’s the general level
of antisocial behaviour
that we want to control.
“We felt that if a few
of us had the radios, and
the local troublemakers
knew, it would deter them
from creating problems
– and I’m glad to say it’s
worked.”
Any local businesses
or traders who would like
to join the scheme can
find more details at www.
croydon.gov.uk/scr
Alternatively, call
Paul Greenslade, SCR
coordinator, on 020 8760
5448.
Kit meets the kids
Support grows for groundbreaking centre for young people following
visit from Deputy Mayor of London.
Young people had the
chance to sing the praises
of one of Croydon’s newest
services when the Deputy
Mayor of London visited the
Turnaround Centre recently.
Settled: Katie Cabot has turned
her life around with the help of
the Turnaround Centre
Having heard about
the UK’s first dedicated
one-stop-shop youth service
centre, Kit Malthouse
wanted to find out more.
During his visit he spoke
to three young people
who had used the service,
including 21-year-old Katie
Cabot.
Following arguments
with her mother, Katie
became homeless at 15.
She moved in with her
boyfriend of the time, but
that relationship became
violent and, suffering from
depression, she was forced
to return to her mother’s
house.
In desperation, she
turned to the housing
advice service of Croydon
Association for Young Single
Homeless (CAYSH), now
part of the Turnaround
Centre’s drop-in zone.
She said: “At first, they
placed me in bed and
breakfast, and then, a week
before my 18th birthday,
I was given supported
housing and things started
to get better.
“I started college and
got my confidence back. A
year later I was nominated
for my own place and
moved into a studio flat,
then I was offered a position
working for CAYSH.”
Two years on, she is in
the same flat and has now
successfully gained an NVQ
level 2 in business and
administration.
She has been seconded
through CAYSH to the
Turnaround Centre and
works as an initial contacts
officer at the South End
centre’s drop-in zone.
Mr Malthouse said:
“I met some great young
people today who used
the centre to help them
tackle some really tough
problems.
“It provides excellent
services to some of the
most vulnerable kids
facing everything from
homelessness, crime, family
problems and bullying.
“The fact that some of
these youngsters have now
become members of staff
shows how much they truly
value the centre.
“Initiatives like this
help control anti-social
behaviour and steer people
onto the right path, which
makes Croydon a safer
place for everyone.”
Met matters
Don’t make it a merry
Christmas for thieves
December is the season
of good will, a time for
family and sharing.
Sadly, some people think
you should share more
than you intended, which
could ruin your festive joy.
Christmas shopping bags
and gifts in the home, give
some people an excuse to
help themselves.
I want everyone to
enjoy Christmas, so
please don’t make it easy
for a few opportunists.
When doing your
Christmas shopping,
be mindful of your
possessions, keeping
handbags and Christmas
shopping in sight. These
can be a temptation for
some.
Be careful when taking
out money from bank
machines, use well-lit
areas and keep your
wallet zipped in your bag
or a pocket.
Keep your home
safe, too, and make
sure unopened gifts and
shopping bags are not on
view through windows,
doors or letterboxes.
When you’re out
visiting family and friends,
lock all the doors and
windows. This may seem
like common sense but
with busy lives, they can
easily be forgotten.
Less obvious things
that might help a burglar
are ladders, for reaching
upper windows, and
garden tools, for forcing
entry.
Don’t make it easy for
a burglar to get into your
house.
We have lots more
information and advice
at www.metbumblebee.
org and you can always
ask your local Safer
Neighbourhood Team
for help.
Christmas parties
are one of the best parts
of the season, but a
few drinks can lead to
people taking risks with
their safety or behaving
antisocially.
Again, be mindful of
using bank machines and
watch your possessions.
Plan your route home
and, if possible, travel with
others. Never take the risk
of saving a few pennies by
taking unlicensed taxis.
Christmas can bring
tension and, with extra
belt tightening this
year, anxiety could run
high. Add a good dose
of alcohol to this and
the season’s festivities
become a nightmare for
some.
Unfortunately, this is
often when we see a rise
in incidents of domestic
violence. This abuse can
be financial, physical and
emotional or, for the
elderly and children, it can
mean neglect.
We take this kind
of violent crime very
seriously.
When we get any
report of domestic
violence, our dedicated
and specialist community
safety officers, who are
based at the Family
Justice Centre, are on
hand to deal with the
investigation and work
with support services.
Croydon is home
to Europe’s first Family
Justice Centre, which
offers a huge range of
help and support for
victims of domestic
violence.
If you’re concerned
about someone, please
contact the centre on
020 8688 0100. In all
emergencies, or where
someone is at immediate
risk, call 999.
I do hope Christmas
is a time of joy for all in
Croydon. Here’s wishing
you a happy and safe
festive season.
Ch Supt
Adrian Roberts
Croydon borough commander
20
yoursafety
£90,000
December 2010 | Your Croydon
the sum of which Croydon residents would have
been swindled over the past year but for the
council’s trading standards team
Beware the uninvited workman
A spate of incidents in which unwitting elderly people have been conned out of thousands of pounds has
prompted trading standards officers to warn of the dangers.
Trading standards officers
in Croydon have saved
residents a whopping
£90,000 so far this financial
year by foiling heartless
conmen.
Officers have stepped
in to prevent bogus callers
carrying out unnecessary
work to the homes of
vulnerable elderly residents.
Sadly, however, there
have been occasions on
which they were not alerted
before the victims had been
fleeced of large sums of
money.
The two cases
highlighted below reveal
how these callous thieves
take advantage of the
trusting nature of older
residents living alone and
made to feel anxious about
the condition of their
homes.
Alan Phillips, Croydon’s
head of trading standards,
said: “These people are
heartless thieves who will
steal a vulnerable person’s
life savings without a
moment’s hesitation.
“They work to
established routines,
pointing out non-existent
– or easily rectified –
problems and then demand
vastly inflated, upfront
payment before starting
work, often taking their
victim to the bank or a cash
machine in order to get the
money.
“The problem often
escalates at this time of
year and we would urge
everybody to employ only
qualified craftsmen who
are able to give a business
address and provide the
necessary written quotes
and notice of cancellation
rights.
“If you have any doubts
about somebody knocking
on your door and saying
work needs to be done
urgently, call Consumer
Direct on 08454 040506.
“And we’d ask residents
to keep a watchful
eye open for elderly
neighbours who may be
being targeted. Concerns
can be reported to the
trading standards team by
calling 020 8726 6000.
CASE STUDY 1
CASE STUDY 2
In mid-October two men knocked on the door of an
elderly woman living in Croham.
After telling her that some of her roof tiles were
broken, they immediately erected scaffolding, without
giving her a quote for the work and the required notice
of cancellation rights and seven-day cooling-off period.
They told her that more tiles than originally
expected needed to be replaced and, quoting a cost of
£10,000, demanded £4,000 upfront and pressured her
to sign a form granting them permission to start work
right away.
The estimate then rose to £12,500, and, two days
later, they asked for another £4,000.
She was unable to find the money for another week,
and, leaving the scaffolding in place, the two men left
the job.
Consumer Direct and the trading standards
department were alerted and the woman cancelled the
job, at which point the scaffolding was collected.
The true cost of the work required was estimated at
far less than the £12,500 she was quoted, and the sum
she paid.
An elderly Addiscombe man was visited by a caller who
was “working in the area” and had noticed a damp
problem in the house.
At the rear of the house, the caller said the problem
needed immediate attention and asked for money for
materials.
As before, no paperwork nor information of
cancellation rights was offered.
Over the next two days he conned the elderly man
out of £10,000, which the victim paid in cash, without
receipts.
Bank staff became suspicious when, a day or two
later, the victim tried to withdraw another £5,000, and
the trading standards department was called.
On speaking to staff and the elderly man, officers
were convinced he had been the victim of a scam.
An alert shopkeeper had noticed two men acting
strangely outside the bank while the resident was inside
and had made a note of their van’s registration number.
Police are investigating.
Unfortunately, the victim’s house was damaged by
the unnecessary work carried out.
www.croydon.gov.ukyourheritage 21
A colourful Chinese lion dancer will lead the parade of
bright lanterns made by local primary school children
and families, accompanied by musicians.
First steps to stardom
Once again, musicians and singers are given the chance to impress industry
movers and shakers.
Boy from the ’hood: last year’s Testing 1,2,3 winner, Joe Hood
Time is running out
for Croydon’s hottest
unsigned music acts
keen to take part in next
year’s Testing 1,2,3.
Now firmly established
in the musical calendar,
the competition is open to
Croydon-based individuals
and bands who feel
they have what it takes
for a future in music.
Next February the
judges will be looking
for 18 acts to appear in
three nights of heats on
22, 23 and 24 February.
On each night one of
the following categories
will be judged:
• Singer/songwriter
• Urban
• Bands
Two acts from each
night will be sent through
to the final, on 25 February,
by a panel of respected
music industry judges.
The sheer quality
of younger musicians
now making their mark
on the music scene has
prompted the organisers
to open the competition
to anyone aged 14 or over
on 1 February. 2011.
The competition is
organised by Croydon
Council’s arts, museums
and community
development division, and
supported by generous
sponsorship from local
music companies.
The winners will
receive extensive local
coverage and everything
an artist needs for a
release package, including
performance opportunities,
recording time, a photo
shoot, bespoke T-shirts
and cinema tickets.
Previous winners
have gone on to play
major festivals and tour
nationally. And 2007
entrants Four Kornerz were
nominated for a Mobo.
Finals judge, and
former head of events at
Xfm, Jim Benner, said:
“I’m astounded by the
emerging music talent
coming out of Croydon.”
For an entry form,
email testing123@
croydon.gov.uk or go to
the ticket office, Croydon
Clocktower, Katharine
Street, CR9 1ET.
All entries must
be received by 9am
on 13 December.
Tough choice: the Testing 1,2,3 judging panel
Festive parade and singalong Library refit
proves a hit
Pupils from local schools shine Eastern light into dark winter evening.
Chinese whispers: central Croydon glows with the lantern-making efforts of local schoolchildren
Lights, dancers and
music inspired by the
mysterious Orient will
brighten central Croydon’s
early evening on
Thursday, 16 December.
From 4.30 to 6.30pm,
the Glow winter parade
will process from North
End and along Surrey
Street, before gathering
in the pumping station
piazza for a festival
of songs, stalls and
festive activity.
A colourful Chinese
lion dancer will lead the
parade of bright lanterns
made by local primary
school children and
families, accompanied
by musicians.
The event is funded
by Croydon Bid and
delivered in partnership
with Croydon Council
and local companies.
Figures show users delighted with
Thornton Heath’s new-look library.
While dividing opinion
on its looks, the recent
refurbishment of Thornton
Heath Library has opened
a new chapter for the
Brigstock Road building.
Library visits for July
and August were 36,879 –
up by 225% on the same
period last year, when the
library was in temporary
accommodation, and
49% better than in 2008,
when the library was last
open on the same site.
Book borrowing has
also soared – up by 143%
on last year, and 31%
more than in 2008.
Another sign of
approval came in
registration of new
members with 1,411
names being logged
in the first couple of
months – up by 482%
and 273% respectively.
Councillor Sara
Bashford, cabinet member
for culture and sport,
admitted that the design
of the library’s frontage
had provoked a “love or
hate” response, but it had
certainly made a mark in
terms of user popularity.
She said: “The new
exterior of the library
with its pavilion and
eye-catching statement
letters declaring LIBRARY
is attracting new users.”
22
yournews
yourevents
December
May 2009
2010 | Your Croydon
Fairfield, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG
Box Office 020 8688 9291
Book online at www.fairfield.co.uk
where you can choose your own seats.
A booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply
Clocktower: Madame Galina
Ballet Star Galactica
Fairfield
’80s MANIA
Wednesday 1 Dec 8pm
Come and join the biggest
party this season with ’80s
Mania’s “Do You Know It’s
Christmas?” tour. £18.50
FORCES’ SWEETHEARTS
AT CHRISTMAS
Thursday 2 Dec 2.30pm
The magic of the ’40s
favourites – Vera Lynn,
Gracie Fields, Marlene
Dietrich, The Andrews
Sisters and many more – all
neatly packaged with some
Christmas surprises. £10
LDN WRESTLING
Thursday 2 Dec 7.30pm
A brand new wrestling cast
comes to Croydon. Enjoy a
night of professional wrestling
with the top stars of LDN
Wrestling. Adults £12, child
£10, family ticket £40
GLENN
Friday 3 Dec 7.30pm
Including Glenn Miller tunes
such as: Tuxedo Junction, Little
Brown Jug, American Patrol,
Pennsylvania 6-5000, In the
Mood, Moonlight Serenade.
£18.50, £20.50
CHRISTMAS COMEDY CLUB
Friday 3 Dec 8pm,
acts start 9pm
Food available, bar ’til
midnight. Book your parties
now! £15, £19.50. Ticket &
meal package. Further Comedy
Club events – 10, 17 & 23
December
SACREBLEU THE
CHRISTMAS CABARET
Friday 3 Dec 8pm
Nick Miller presents
Croydon’s regular first-Friday
of-the-month variety show.
A great night out. Bar ‘til
11pm. Food available.
£14.50, concs £12.50
ARTHUR DAVISON
FAMILY CONCERT
Saturday 4 Dec 11am
A festive Christmas concert
featuring the wonderful story
of The Sleeping Beauty as well
as a Toy Symphony, a Sleigh
ride for Santa, a Children’s
Overture, a Feather Dance,
and the lively Can-Can.
Warehouse
£7.50, groups of four or more
£6.50 each. Season and family
season tickets available.
Carl Davis
CHRISTMAS PRAISE
Saturday 4 Dec 7.30pm
With All Souls Orchestra
& Christmas Praise Choir.
A feast of orchestra, solo
and choral fare, under
the direction of principal
conductor Noel Tredinnick.
£12.50, £16, £18.50, £21
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
With The Salvation Army
Sunday 5 Dec
2.30pm & 6pm
Including bands, choirs, a
dance group, timbrels and a
visit from Father Christmas
with a free gift for all children
attending the concert.
Adults £8, children £4
Lee Mead
PANTO: CINDERELLA
4 Dec to 3 Jan
Prince Charming invites
you to the most magical
Royal Ball ever! Starring
everyone’s favourite foxy
friend, Basil Brush as
Buttons, International film
legend Shirley Anne Field as
The Fairy Godmother and
Gemma Bissix (EastEnders,
Hollyoaks) as the beautiful
and downtrodden Cinderella.
£17 – £24, great group
rates available.
LT EVENT: TRINITY
BOYS CHOIR
Tuesday 7 Dec 1.05pm
In this, his retirement year,
conductor David de Warrenne
will present a selection of his
most popular arrangements.
£5, Show Card £4.50
Sat 11 December 7.30pm
LONDON MOZART
PLAYERS
The LMP’s new principal
flute Juliette Bausor is joined
by The Queen of Harps,
Catrin Finch, for Mozart’s
Concerto for Flute and Harp.
Conducted by David Stern.
Tickets: £10 – £29.50
LEE MEAD
Sunday 12 December 8pm
An exclusive appearance,
direct from the West End
musical Wicked, Croydon is
one of a handful of dates Lee
has chosen to do this year.
£27.50
Film: THE KID (15)
Tuesday 14 Dec 8pm
£5, ShowCard £4.50
MICKY FLANAGAN
Tuesday 14 Dec 7.45pm
Micky Flanagan draws on his
East End background as he
ruthlessly deconstructs the
Cockney myth. £15 (£2.50
booking fee per ticket)
Film: MADE IN
DAGENHAM (15)
Thu 16 Dec 8pm
Filmed at Fairfield!
£5, ShowCard £4.50
Brand new 2010
THAT’LL BE THE DAY
CHRISTMAS SHOW
Wed 15 Dec 8pm
The nation’s most successful
touring rock‘n’roll production
returns. £19, £21.50
CHRISTMAS with
THE RAT PACK
Friday 17 Dec 8pm
Beat the winter blues with the
special Christmas version of
the hit show for the festive
season. £25.50, £27.50
Sat 18 December 7.30pm
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATION with
CARL DAVIS
Carl Davis returns to direct
this annual extravaganza of
festive and orchestral classics,
not forgetting carols for all!
£16 – £29.50 (Choir stalls
unavailable for this concert)
KEEP IT MOVING
Tuesday 21 Dec 7pm
Be amazed by watching some
of the UK’s most popular
dance groups perform under
one roof and celebrate dance
as a whole art form. £10
SING-A-LONG-A
SOUND OF MUSIC
Monday 20 Dec 2.30pm
SING-A-LONG-A
HAIRSPRAY
Wednesday 22 Dec 8pm
SING-A-LONG-A ROCKY
HORROR PICTURE
SHOW (12-years plus)
Thu 23 & Thu 30 Dec 8pm
Screenings of the classic
films with on-screen lyrics!
Fancy dress not obligatory
but highly recommended!
Tickets £10 per show
Party Special – £16 per
ticket which includes ticket
to the show, pre-show
hot fork buffet and bar.
KICC WATCHNIGHT
SERVICE 2010
Friday 31 Dec 8pm
Hosted by Pastor Dipo
Oluyomi; featuring special
guests, KICC SW choir and
others. Free admission – call
020 8947 4700 for tickets.
Crystal Palace
December home fixtures
Date TeamKick-off
11
Hull City
5.20pm
26
Norwich City
1pm
A Fistful of Barton
A dastardly foreign plot to
flood the markets with stolen
gold has plunged the world
economy into deep chaos.
One man alone can track
down the sordid source of the
mucky metal: Dick Barton!
During the run of A Fistful
of Barton you can wine and
dine in the theatre – having
pre-ordered your meal, you
then collect it from the bar in
the interval. A limited number
of premium seats with tables
seating four can be reserved
for £2 to make your meal
even more enjoyable. Food
orders must be made at
least 48 hours in advance.
Food can be ordered online
or by fax to 020 8688
6699. Food not available
Saturday matinees, Sundays
or Tuesday, 28 December.
10 December 2010 to 20
February 2011; Sunday at
5pm, Tuesday at 6.30pm,
Wednesday-Saturday at
7.30pm; 26 Dec: 4pm and
8pm; 12 and 19 Feb: 4pm
Tickets: £11 - £17
Clocktower
Upfront Comedy Club
South London
Thurs 2 Dec 8pm
The Clocktower is presenting
Upfront Comedy the first
Thursday of every month.
£9.50, £7.50 concessions
Brendon Burns:
Y’Know – Love‘n’God‘n’
Metaphysics‘n’Sh*t
Sat 4 Dec 8pm
A comic love letter, and
a preamble through the
Edinburgh Comedy Award
Winner’s brilliantly insane
mind, this show has a giant
twist in its tail… as always,
nothing is as it seems.
£15, £13 concessions
Foxtrot-Tango-Charlie
(16 yrs-plus)
Wed 8 Dec 5.30pm
£5, £3 concessions and those
living/working in Croydon
The Clocktower’s monthly
dance event with Dorothy’s
Shoes and The Gentlemen
Friends. £5, £3 concessions
and those living/working in
Croydon
Ignite Top Secret
(14 yrs-plus)
10 Dec 6.30 to 11pm
Youth arts company Ignite is
back with its last 14-plus live
music/club night of the year
but this is no ordinary Ignite
event. The Ignite [Top Secret]
theme will be announced
online just days before
the event. All tickets £5 in
Advance
Ingnite presents No Noise
in the Library (14 yrs-plus)
6.30 to 11pm
Ignite welcomes the most
exciting young emerging
dubstep/drum & bass/electro
house DJs in Croydon to
its newest event for young
people, run by young people.
All tickets £5
Club Soda
15 Dec 7 to 11 pm
This is a fantastic live event
run by people with learning
disabilities. Live music, open
mic, chill out spaces, karaoke
bar, theatre, films and, of
course, the famous dance
floor. All tickets £6
Adam Ingham’s Christmas
Circus
17 to 21 Dec 3pm & 7pm
Daily
With all the thrills and fun of
the big top featuring award
winning clowns, acrobats,
aerial artistes and jugglers,
contortionists and illusionists
in the warmth of the theatre.
Tickets £7, concessions £5,
family tickets £20 – two
adults and two children
Madame Galina Ballet Star
Galactica
23 Dec 8pm
Madame Galina has gathered
the finest collection of topquality cabaret acts from all
four corners. The show will be
a miraculous spectacular of
the finest entertainment for
miles. £9, £7 concessions
yourevents
yourdiary
Details of all Croydon
Council meetings can be
found on the council website
at www.croydon.gov.uk/
meetingsofthecouncil
Croydon Clocktower,
Katharine Street, Croydon
ticket office: 020 8253 1030
email: ticketoffice@croydon.gov.uk
text: 07771 837121
David Lean Cinema
The Illusionist (PG)
FrI 03 – Thu 09 Dec
French with English subtitles
A new animation
based on an unproduced
script written in 1956
by French actor/director
Jacques Tati as a letter to
his estranged daughter.
Metropolis (Reissue) (PG)
Wed 08 & Thu 09 Dec
Painstakingly reconstructed
and digitally restored with
a new recording of the
original score, audiences
can at last see the iconic
futuristic fairytale as Fritz
Lang had envisioned it.
Burke & Hare (15)
Fri 03 – Thu 09 Dec
A comedic take on the true
story of the 1828 Edinburgh
body-snatchers. They
discover that a dead body
can fetch a hefty price.
The Girl Who Kicked The
Hornets Nest (15)
Fri 10 – Thu 16 Dec
Swedish with English subtitles
The final of the Millennium
Trilogy by Stieg Larsson.
Lisbeth is awaiting trial
for three murders. Mikael
must prove her innocence.
Made In Dagenham (15)
Fri 10 – Thu 16 Dec
Made in Dagenham shows
how, in a country already
crippled by strikes, a group
of women working for Ford
managed to overturn an
age-old hypocrisy. Features
scenes filmed in Croydon.
Mary & Max (12A)
Wed 15 & Thu 16 Dec
Using clay animation this
dark comedy/drama is
the story of two unlikely
pen pals – Mary, a lonely,
eight-year-old Australian
girl, and Max, a 44-year-old,
overweight New Yorker.
Contains suicide references
and infrequent drug use
Alpha & Omega (U)
Sat 18 Dec
Autism-friendly screening
Two young wolves are thrown
together into a foreign
land and need each other
to return home, but love
complicates everything.
Secretariat (U)
Fri 17 – Thu 23 Dec
Based on the remarkable true
story of a stallion that become
the first Triple Crown winner
in 25 years and, reputedly, the
greatest racehorse of all time.
The American (15)
Fri 17 – Thu 23 Dec
French with English subtitles
Jack is a master assassin
but vows that his next
assignment will be his last.
An Ordinary Execution (15)
Fri 17 – Thu 23 Dec
An imagined encounter
between the aging Joseph
Stalin and a young doctor
with extraordinary
healing abilities.
It Happened One Night
(Reissue) (PG)
Wed 22 Dec & Thu 23
Ellie Andrews has just tied
the knot with society aviator
King Westley when she is
whisked away to her father’s
yacht and out of King’s
clutches. Ellie jumps ship
and eventually winds up on
a bus headed back to her
husband. Reluctantly she must
accept the help of out-ofwork reporter Peter Warne.
It’s A Wonderful Life (U)
Fri 24 Dec
As a boy, George Bailey
(James Stewart), dreamed of
23
travelling the world, far away
from small-time Bedford Falls.
Fate conspires to keep George
in the town all his life and
one Christmas Eve he reaches
the conclusion that he’s
worth more dead than alive.
He was planning without
Clarence, angel second-class,
who shows George what life
and Bedford Falls, would be
like if he had never lived.
Legend of the Guardians –
The Owls of Ga’hoole 3D (PG)
Wed 29 & Thu 30 Dec
Soren, a young barn owl,
is kidnapped by owls of
St. Aggie’s, ostensibly an
orphanage, where owlets
are brainwashed into
becoming soldiers. He and
his new friends escape to
the island of Ga’Hoole, to
assist its noble, wise owls.
Miral (12A)
Fri 24 – Thu 06 Jan
At the age of 17, Miral
is assigned to teach at a
Jerusalem refugee camp
where she is awakened
to the reality of her
people’s struggle. Contains
moderate language,
violence and injury detail
Somewhere (15)
Fri 31 Dec – Thu 06 Jan
A bitter-sweet drama about
a hard-living Hollywood
actor and the pressures of
living in the spotlight.
Dates for your diary
Council
Meeting: Monday, 6 December Deadline:Monday, 22 November
Monday, 31 January
Monday, 17 January
Monday, 28 February
No public questions at this meeting
To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council
meeting, email it to council.questions@croydon.gov.uk; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and
complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the
council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call
020 8726 6000 extn 63876.
Scrutiny
Scrutiny meetings (start at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, unless where stated)
Meeting: 7 December Community services and safety sub-committee
14 December Scrutiny and overview committee
11 January Health, social care and housing sub-committee
18 January
Scrutiny and overview committee (Room F9)
25 January
Community services and safety sub-committee
8 February
Scrutiny and overview committee
5 February
Health, social care and housing sub-committee
1 MarchScrutiny and overview committee
8 MarchCommunity services and safety sub-committee
22 MarchHealth, social care and housing sub-committee
29 MarchScrutiny and overview committee (Room F10)
For information on scrutiny, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or
email scrutiny@croydon.gov.uk
Neighbourhood partnership
Neighbourhood partnership meetings (start at 7.30pm)
Meeting: 19 January
Group: South Norwood and Selhurst
Meeting: 25 January Group: Purley and Kenley
Meeting: 26 January
Group: Sanderstead, Croham and Selsdon & Ballards
Meeting: 2 February
Group: New Addington and Fieldway
Meeting: 9 February
Group: Addiscombe, Woodside and Ashburton
Meeting: 16 February Group: Broad Green and Waddon
Uncle Boonmee Who Can
Recall His Past Lives (12A)
Wed 05 & Thu 06 Jan
Thai with English subtitles
Boonmee is a farmer who
comes home to die among
his beehives and tamarind
plantation. He is soon visited
by the ghost of his late wife
Huay and by his long-lost
son Boonsong. Contains one
scene of moderate sex.
Meeting: 2 March Group: Thornton Heath, Bensham Manor and West Thornton
Meeting: 9 March
Group: Fairfield, Heathfield and Shirley
Meeting: 16 March
Group: Coulsdon East and Coulsdon West
Meeting: 23 March
Group: Norbury and Upper Norwood
For further information and venues of Neighbourhood Partnerships, visit the website at
www.croydononline.org/neighbourhood_partnerships/, email neighbourhood.partnerships@
croydon.gov.uk, write to Neighbourhood Partnerships, Democratic and legal services, Taberner
House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62564 or 62811.
Croydon Community Police Consultative Group
Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council
Chamber of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further
information, go to www.croydononline.org/ccpcg
Forthcoming meeting dates are: Wednesday, 19 January; Tuesday, 29 March