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A quarter of corner shops could close due to tobacco smuggling

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A new survey has found that 23 per cent of corner shops in the South East are under threat due to lost sales from tobacco smuggling and cross-border shopping. The figure is up from last year when the survey found that 15 per cent in the region were under threat. The survey by the Tobacco Retailers' Alliance (TRA) also found that nearly a half of corner shop owners – 45 per cent - have considered reducing staff due to lost sales from tobacco smuggling and cross-border shopping, up from a third (32 per cent) in 2012. Debbie Corris, shopkeeper and South East spokeswoman for the TRA said: "These results show that tobacco smuggling is not only a threat to the livelihoods of independent retailers but one that continues to worsen. "The high levels of tax on tobacco mean that a smuggler selling at half the price I charge will make more money selling his tobacco here than almost anywhere else in the EU. "The government needs to allow tax levels in the other member countries to catch up with those in the UK so that smugglers do not see the UK as the most profitable place to ply their illegal trade." The EU is currently considering whether to ban large ranges of tobacco products from retailers' shelves including packs of cigarettes under 20, packs of loose tobacco under 40gms, menthol cigarettes and "slim" cigarettes, as well as dramatically increasing the size of health warnings. Ms Corris added: "If the EU bans these products, it will play in to the hands of the smugglers who will happily be able to provide them to anyone that wishes, no matter what their age. "This will affect the livelihoods of independent retailers across the UK and ensure that the criminal activity of tobacco smuggling blights our communities for years to come."

A quarter of corner shops could close due to tobacco smuggling


Combined team earn promotion

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THE combined team of Dorking & Mole Valley Athletic Club and Reigate Priory Athletics Club have won Division Two of the Ebbisham League to progress into the top division.

After two meetings, Dorking and Reigate were second, only half a point behind strong South London Harriers. Whoever won of the two teams would go up.

At the final league meeting, at Walton, only five scoring athletes from Dorking and Reigate were absent.

Highlights included Dorking and Reigate taking first (Chris Chalder), second (Jake Hourihane) and third (Callum Holder) in the U13 75m hurdles, a ten-point maximum.

In the field events, Andrew Pardoe won the high jump (1.30m).

Claude Remner finished third in the javelin A-string, which included UK number one Sam Mace (Walton AC), and claimed valuable points in the B-string discus with Louis Amoroso in the A-string.

Henry Allan came second in the U15 triple jump, his first time at this event, and Oliver Appleby finished third in the shot.

At halfway, Dorking and Reigate were six points behind South London and only three ahead of Walton.

This was preceded by 800m success with Ewan Bate winning the A string and Cameron Smith coming second against older entrants in the B-string.

Under 15 Sam Cliff, a 1500m specialist, recorded 2min 20.9sec, only 0.6sec off his personal-best.

A 200m triumph followed with U15 Tom McGachie finishing second in the A-string and Matt Ford hanging in for first in a tight race.

Flowers aiming to bloom at Brands

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MATT FLOWERS is looking for some home comforts as he aims for a podium finish at Brands Hatch this weekend.

The Banstead racer has been making steady progress in his debut season in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, securing a top six finish in his last meeting at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

But now, the 25-year-old is looking to finish the season strongly with two meetings to go, the first of which is at one of his favourite tracks this weekend.

"I am really looking forward to it," he said. "It is a really good track and I won there last year and had a few podiums before, so I am confident around the track.

"It is my home track as well, so hopefully I will have a bit of home support and I can build on my performances from Spa, which were a step in the right direction."

Flowers currently sits ninth in the championship standings and has no chance of winning the title, but he is still intent on finishing the campaign well, adding that it was important to build momentum looking ahead to next season. He said: "I want to at least try and repeat my performance in Spa and if I can try and get a podium, that would be brilliant.

"My aim is to get a podium finish before the end of the season and the clock is ticking.

"It will be difficult, but I see no reason why I can't challenge and it would give me a lot more confidence moving forward."

And Flowers says he feels confident in the car and his own ability, adding that he has learnt a lot in his debut season in the GT5 Challenge, which should stand him in good stead next year.

"I think it is just about getting that extra little bit of speed in and out of the corners and I know the car is capable and I can do it. It is just about going out and doing it.

"I feel pretty comfortable in the car but I just need to maximise the results I can get between now and the end of the season, so that I can carry some momentum into next year."

New campaign group want new homes proposal refused

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A PROPOSAL to build on the former garden of Bletchingley's Whyte Harte Inn has run into fierce opposition.

More than 50 residents and organisations, the Historic Conservation Team at Surrey County Council, and Bletchingley Parish Council have already objected to the planning application for four three-bedroom homes, with 11 car parking spaces.

Submitted by London-based developer Bacchus Partners, the application was sent to Tandridge District Council in June.

But now a group of protesters is calling for the application to be refused, after setting up a campaign group to fight the plans.

Speaking out against the plans, Surrey County councillor Helena Windsor, said: "Two other planning applications in recent years have been firmly rejected and this one must be too.

"Tandridge District Council has no need to allow building on greenfield sites in Bletchingley, or anywhere else in the district, so it has absolutely no reason to disregard the advice of county officers and approve this plan."

Objections include that the plans are wrong for a greenfield site, which is in the heart of a conservation area, and is also in the green belt.

Other objections include the dangers a new access road, which would open into Outwood Lane, might bring.

Outwood Lane resident Martin Brown said: "The area is a really important conservation area and the pub itself is Grade II* listed." Developer's spokesman Will Kitchener said: "We are working hard to address the concerns of stakeholders and are continuing to liaise with officers over these important proposals which will enhance the conservation area and breathe new life into this dormant site."

A new website against the proposed development has been launched to provide information about the proposals and the new campaign group, and can be found at www.bletchingleycampaign.org.uk

The planning application will next be discussed by the district council by November.

To find out more and to view that application, visit the district council's planning website and search for application number 2013/852.

New campaign group want new homes proposal refused

Selhurst Park to 12Bet: Crystal Palace in talks for stadium name change

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CRYSTAL Palace could be set to rename their Selhurst Park stadium, with strong rumours linking online betting company 12Bet.com to SE25. One fan online has posted a photo of the stadium layout outside the ground, which has the sponsors' name above, but Palace are yet to make an official statement. However, a Palace board member has told the Croydon Advertiser sports desk: "We can't confirm it yet - it is something that hasn't been announced yet. "It's something that Steve (Parish) has been dealing with. It might be, it might not be, but unfortunately it's no further comment. "It has been mooted but I don't know for sure. "Steve has been negotiating to have a stadium sponsor though."

Selhurst Park to 12Bet: Crystal Palace in talks for stadium name change

"Huge" shortfall in new homes

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The South East is facing a major shortfall in new homes over the next five years, according to planning consultants. The report, South East Housing Land Supply Update, examines the published five year housing requirement and land supply position of the 68 Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) across the South East. It shows the region will require around 208,000 new homes over the next five years. The report, commissioned by Turley Associates, also reveals that LPAs across the South East claim to have land available for around 164,000 of these homes, leaving a shortfall of at least 44,000 homes. Ryan Johnson, director and member of the residential development sector team at Turley Associates, said: "Local authorities are required under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to identify and update annually a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide five years' worth of housing against their objectively assessed housing requirements. "Our research and report shows that at least 41 of the region's 68 planning authorities fall short of their five year land supply targets." In Surrey, there is a requirement of 16,497 new homes needed, but only enough land to build 14,088 homes, a shortfall of 2,409. In West Sussex, 28,569 homes are needed, compared to the 16,059 that could be built – a shortfall of 12,510. Mr Johnson added: "The need for housing in the South East remains high. Home ownership is increasingly beyond the reach of many lower income households, which will undoubtedly impact on the ability of existing and future generations to live and work in the areas they were born. "The impact of this on the pace of economic recovery across the region will no doubt continue to be keenly debated. "Despite this, less than half of the region's local planning authorities have adopted core strategies. This leaves planning policy in these authorities in a state of flux and uncertainty that will further delay the delivery of much needed homes across South East." The South East Housing Land Supply Update report provides a snapshot of housing needs across the South East's 68 local planning authorities as of April 1, 2013.

Call to ban cars from South Norwood High Street

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SOUTH Norwood High Street should be shut off to cars and pedestrianised, a Labour councillor has suggested.

Councillor Wayne Lawlor believes pedestrianisation could be the answer to the high street's deterioration in recent years and would like a public consultation on its future.

Cllr Lawlor said: "The High Street is crying out for something because it has been seen to deteriorate for quite a long time now.

"I would like to see a return to the sort of businesses we had my childhood. Things like stationery shops.

"It would also help businesses like coffee shops thrive and if there were no cars that would definitely help it."

Cllr Lawlor suggested the pedestrian-only zone could be between Saint Dunstan's Road and the corner of The Alliance pub.

He would also like to see Station Approach closed to vehicles.

Cllr Lawlor added: "The council needs to show the High Street a bit of love because there is so much potential there.

"It would need a lot of public consultation with residents and businesses to see what would work best, but it used to be a thriving business district and that is what we should aim for again.

"There are too many money lending and chicken shops and that is not what you want to see when you walk down a high street.

"We would have to work hard and find diversions for traffic and I know it will certainly be no quick fix."

Gavin Barwell, Conservative MP for Croydon Central which includes neighbouring ward Woodside, said he would be willing to explore the prospect.

However, Mr Barwell added: "I would be slightly nervous about the idea because it serves as a major through route for cars and also a key bus route."

Other South Norwood residents were slightly more sceptical about Cllr Lawlor's idea, pointing to the traffic that already passes through the street.

John Rother, of Design Brothers, on Station Road, said: "The High Street is a busy place and needs to bear traffic.

"I think people would come to view the place as pain rather than somewhere they would like to visit."

Ian Bone, a South Norwood Tourist Board associate, said: "It's a nice idea but I'm not sure it would work really.

"I'm just not sure where the traffic would go or what shops people would be coming to visit."

Call to ban cars from South Norwood High Street

Shih tzu loses eye after being mauled by dog

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A BELOVED pet shih tzu lost an eye after being mauled by another dog.

Now the injured animal's Purley owner has launched an appeal to find the owner of the aggressive dog, whom she claims simply walked away after the attack.

Antonia Tully received a panicked call from her 16-year-old son, Matthew, at about 9pm on Saturday to tell her their family pet Bertie had been attacked.

She said: "I was at the seaside with my husband and our two younger children when we got this call from Matthew and his brother who were dog sitting at home.

"We had to get a friend to go round and pick up them and Bertie, all covered in blood, to take to him the vet.

"Bertie had to have his eye removed because of how bad the wound was.

"The vet said he hadn't seen injuries like that for a long time."

Matthew had been walking back to his home in Whytecliffe Road North when a man walked past with his dog on a lead.

"The dogs had a 'dog meet' and sniffed each other," explained Mrs Tully.

"There was no indication this dog was aggressive or had a problem with other dogs.

"Suddenly the other dog viciously attacked our dog and its owner walked away saying, 'Not a lot you can do about that'.

"My son had to just pick up Bertie, who was pouring with blood from his wounds, and run home."

Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to identify the breed of dog that attacked his pet but thinks it may have been a dachshund or sausage dog.

"The most disturbing aspect was the lack of surprise on the part of this owner at what his dog had done," Mrs Tully said.

"This strongly suggests that this wasn't the first time it had mauled another dog."

Owners with dogs that kill a person can serve a maximum sentence of two years under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Since 2005, 16 people have been killed by dangerous dogs.

There are also, on average, 210,000 attacks and 6,000 hospital visits caused by dangerous dogs each year.

However, the Government this week launched an online consultation to ask the public their opinions about tougher sentences for owners of dangerous dogs.

Under the new proposals to be tacked onto the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill 2013-14, owners with killer dogs could be sent down for life, while attacking and injuring a person or killing a guide dog could get an owner ten years in jail.

"I really think there should be some sort of penalty for owners with dogs that attack other dogs," said Mrs Tully.

"It becomes habit and they will attack a child next."

Shih tzu loses eye after being mauled by dog


Help find a cure for boys like Alex

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Boys with incurable disorder, Adrenoleukodystrophy, have only a matter of a few years to live.

Last year, Alex Hunt, from East Dulwich, lost his fight against Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD, a rare neurological disorder that deteriorates the myelin sheath, the insulating material surrounding the nerves, leaves healthy young boys in a semi-vegetative state within months. 

Many young boys start to have behavioural problems at school, difficulty speaking, hearing and coordinating, and eventually suffer from paralysis and seizures. Born in 1993, Alex was a typically active healthy young boy excelling at school. In 2001, he was diagnosed with ALD and within a short space of time became fully dependent. Doctors gave him only a few years to live. But, Alex had survived for more than a decade, being one of the few lucky ones to have done so.

ALD Life, a small independent charity based in south London, help provide support to patients and families affected by this cruel and devastating disorder across the UK. Set up by Alex's mother, Sara, the charity has started a medical research appeal to fund research into finding a cure for ALD.
Last year, the charity gave over £10,000 in funding to research institutions to carry out research into ALD.

She said, "At present, we receive no government funding and funds to support research comes straight from charities such as ourselves.
Unfortunately, as the only patient support group for the disorder in the UK, there isn't enough funding available to support research into ALD. 
That's why we've started an appeal. To be able to help more research projects will hopefully help us save precious time before a cure is hopefully found."

Donate now by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/ALD-Life-Medical-Research-Appeal or texting CURE86 £2 to 70070.


Help find a cure for boys like Alex

Free office furniture offer as Croydon Council prepares for move

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CHARITIES, schools or not-for-profit groups in need of office furniture could find help is at hand from Croydon Council.

The authority is planning to get rid of a wide range of furniture when it moves from its Taberner House headquarters into its new home at Bernard Weatherill House, in Fell Road, during September and October.

To ensure as many pieces as possible can be reused, the council is urging groups to come forward and make a claim for the type of items they are interested in.

The furniture, which is free of charge, must be used within the borough and not be resold. Any pieces that are not suitable for reuse will be recycled.

Interested organisations should visit www.croydon.gov.uk/furniture and complete the online request form by Friday, August 23.

An inventory and a full list of terms and conditions can also be viewed online.

Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for corporate and voluntary services, said: "We want to make sure that all the furniture in Taberner House can be reused, and if it can't, that it is recycled.

"This is a great opportunity for charities and schools to pick up furniture free of charge, and we urge them to come forward to make their claim."

Free office furniture offer as Croydon Council prepares for move

'My rap tribute to brave dad gunned down while protecting me'

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THE stepson of an heroic dad shot dead as he tried to protect his family has told how he has poured his grief into music.

Karl Wilson – who raps under the name Konan – was chased home to Langdale Road, Thornton Heath, by jealous rival Christopher Thomas, for dating his ex-girlfriend.

However, it was his stepdad, Carlton Ned, who was shot dead when he tried to save Karl and his mother by running Thomas and his accomplice out of their home.

While the judge handed Thomas, 21, a 35-year sentence on Monday for murdering Mr Ned, Konan, 23, took to YouTube to release his and fellow rapper Krept's song My Story, which retells the night of terror.The video, which you can watch below, has already been viewed more than 300,000 times.

He told the Advertiser: "The hardest part of making this video was writing the song.

"I had to relive all these memories and completely take myself back to that place and the nightmare of what happened.

"It's really helped me through the process. Watching it back was just mad and when I released it on Sunday, it was just like relief flooding through me, that maybe this was going to be all over."

The video shows Karl returning home and barricading himself, his mother, Donna Michael, and his stepdad in a bedroom just before the gunman breaks in.

Mrs Michael was shot in the chest as she begged for her life while Mr Ned, 41, chased the two men out of the house – but he was shot dead at the foot of his stairs.

Konan said: "I began making the film about a year ago but could only release it now that the court case is over. I want to inspire people and tell them that despite what happens, you can still achieve your dreams.

"I'm amazed, it's already had nearly 250,000 views on YouTube in three days. All sorts of performers and TV producers are getting in touch now.

"I want the message of this video to reach as many people as possible. This kind of thing happens in Croydon a lot and people just don't get to hear of it.

"Hopefully this will raise awareness about this kind of violence and put an end to it."

Karl said he and his mum were homeless for a year after the murder in July 2011, when the house was designated a crime scene.

He added: "We couldn't stay there while the police were investigating and we did not want to return afterwards. I only got somewhere to live a year after."

Police arrested Thomas three weeks after the murder.

But he was not charged until August 2012 because of the difficulty in collecting enough evidence.

This was a month after police put out a £20,000 reward, for anyone who came forward with information.

Police are still looking for Thomas's accomplice and have asked anyone with information to call 0208 358 0248 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CARLTON Ned's wife, Donna Michaels, told the court of her torment via a victim impact statement.

She said: "From the day Carlton was killed my family and I have been trying to come to terms with his death.

"There can be no reason on earth he deserved to die that way. We are just an ordinary family who want to work, come home and to do family things day by day.

"Our house was for us our castle. Now this has been wiped clean by one night of madness.

"Our home was violated that night which resulted in me being shot and wounded and Carlton being killed. I live with the pain of losing my husband prematurely. My family has been devastated with what has occurred.

"This young man has shamed his family, left them with the disgrace and stigma. I am as sad for his family as much as my own."

'My rap tribute to brave dad gunned down while protecting me'

Children 'start one in four of all fires'

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FIREFIGHTERS in Croydon are braced for a spate of deliberate blazes over the summer – with bored primary school pupils the most likely causes. Officers have been visiting schools and youth centres in a bid to tackle youngsters' desire to play with flames, with under-10s thought to be the cause of 1 in 4 deliberate fires. But Peter Clark, who organises the educational visits for London Fire Brigade, said he was still expecting a spike in blazes throughout August. He said: "We are anticipating and gearing up for an increase in instances over the summer period as there are young people who will engage and obviously a lot depends on the weather." His concerns were backed by Bob Penny, Station Manager at London Fire Brigade, who said: "The thing with deliberate fires is they are seasonal. If we have a long hot summer firstly those that choose to engage in it are out and secondly a lot more dry combustible material for them to set alight." Mr Penny said it was often an innocent fascination of fire that got out of control. He said: "As they get older it can be a manifestation of antisocial behaviour, but certainly a lot of incidences are very young children simply being fascinated with fire, the consequences of which can be quite severe." There were more than 200 deliberate fires in Croydon over the past two years, with Fieldway the worst affected. A deliberate fire could be anything from an out-of-control bonfire to a torched car. Mr Clark said the New Addington and Fieldway estate's high youth population was a probable reason for its once high number of deliberate fires, but stressed this is now in sharp decline. He added: "Last year we had one who was climbing out of their bedroom window and shimmying down their drainpipe after being put to bed in the evening, then going out and setting fire to things." Mr Clark encourages parents to share concerns about fire-setting behaviour among their children, so they can be spoken to before things get out of hand. In June, two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson and manslaughter after a fire in a derelict building killed homeless father-of-two Sylvester Menzelevski, 35. The 14-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl have been bailed to return pending more enquiries over the fire at the former Sea Cadets building in Davenant Road, South Croydon. Partly prompted by that disaster, officials have also been upping efforts to make sure derelict buildings are properly boarded-up. Acting Chief Inspector Pete McGarry, said officials have identified about 90 unused buildings in the borough. Authorities have also been working to remove potential fuel sources such as fly-tipped rubbish and abandoned cars. Deliberate fires in Croydon: 05/2011 to 04/2012: 289 Deliberate fires in Croydon: 05/2012 to 04/2013: 201 Deliberate fires by ward 04/2011 to 04/2013: (brackets denote last six months up to and including 04/2013) 1. Fieldway: 72 (6) 2. Broad Green: 51 (12) 3. New Addington: 48 (6) West Thornton: 31 (6) 4. Selhurst: 27 (4) 5. Fairfield: 25 (4) 6. Waddon: 24 (5) 7. Heathfield: 23 (2) 8. Ashburton: 21 (4) 9. Thornton Heath: 20 (4) 10. South Norwood: 19 (5) * The highest across London is Cray Valley East, in Bromley, with 135. Fieldway comes in at number 7 out of all London wards Deliberate road vehicle fires by ward 05/2011 to 04/2013 1. New Adddington: 24 (3) 2. Fieldway: 14 (1) 3. Ashburton: 10 (1) 4. Broad Green: 10 (2) 5. Coulsdon East: 9 (2) 6. Selhurst: 8 (0) 7. Thornton Heath: 8 (1) 8. Waddon: 8 (3) 9. Addiscombe: 7 (0) 10. Heathfield: 7 (1) Deliberate fires in homes by ward 05/2011 to 04/2013 1. West Thornton 8 (2) 2. Broad Green: 7 (1) 3. Waddon: 6 (0) 4. Addiscombe: 4 (1) 5. Bensham Manor: 4 (1) 6. Fairfield: 4 (0) 7. Thornton Heath: 3 (1) 8. Fieldway: 2 (0) 9. New Addington: 2 (0) 10. Selhurst: 2 (0)

Children 'start one in four of all fires'

Boy's beloved stolen buggy recovered just in time for big race

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A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD has been reunited with his stolen kart just days before he was due to race in it.

The vehicle, called a mini-sprint, belonged to young Harry Franklin. It was taken from his family's West Croydon lock-up on Friday night, and eventually found in a nearby garage on Tuesday.

Harry's mother Carolyn Franklin had appealed on Facebook and online racing message boards for the return of the vehicle, handmade by Harry's father and grandfather.

The search was all the more desperate because Harry was due to race today.

Luckily the appeal drew hundreds of responses, and eventually an accurate tip-off.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed, from the bottom of my heart," said Mrs Franklin, of Montacute Road in New Addington.

"People even offered money and the use of another one for this Saturday's racing. There are some decent people out there."

Mrs Franklin hid the disappearance from the youngster at first, hoping it would turn up before his fortnightly race.

But, as hope faded and the family spent more and more time driving around Croydon searching, she was forced to admit the truth.

"I said, 'I think I need to tell you we are actually looking for your minisprint," she explained.

"He was very angry when it was found damaged."

The distinctive vehicle is emblazoned with the name of Harry's sponsor and his dad's employer, Stak Scaffold Ltd, and painted red, Harry's favourite colour.

It was found in a garage after a tip-off, but was missing a back axle and with broken metal sheets, which Mr Franklin will now have to repair.

The vehicle cost around £2,000 to build and used to belong to Harry's older brother George, now aged ten, before he outgrew the sport.

Mrs Franklin said George, too, was angry when he found out about the theft of the cart, which had been kept safely in the lock-up over the past four years.

Harry only took up the sport this season, and competes every other weekend in Dartford, Kent.

Mrs Franklin added: "He totally loves it, he's very good and keeps him busy every other Saturday evening, where he's made friends with other boys and girls for his age."

Police are now investigating how the vehicle came to be in the garage.

Boy's beloved stolen buggy recovered just in time for big race

Croydon's Miss GB hopeful inspired by Marilyn Monroe

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A MARILYN Monroe-wannabe from Purley has landed herself a place in the south-east regional final of Miss Great Britain.

Personal assistant Bianca Mcdouall, 25, is hoping to be selected for the national final in Leicester on November 14 and 15.

The former Riddlesdown Collegiate girl said: "I have always fancied doing something like this. I've watched Miss World with my mum since I was a little girl and always really admired the girls in it.

"When I told my friends, they were loving it. It is just such a great honour to be chosen, even if I don't go any further."

Bianca's place in the south-east final represents quite a turnaround in fortunes after a period out of work.

She added: "I've been a PA since I was 17 but I was made redundant two years ago. But I haven't sat about moping.

"I've been up to London every day looking for work and now I've landed myself a job as a PA at a fantastic law firm.

"We all have bad things happen to us, you've just got to keep on going."

Bianca, who loves her day job and has no particular plans to go into modelling full-time, said she was nervous about her south-east heat, which takes place on August 31.

She said: "It's definitely going to be a nerve-wracking experience, but the organisers have just said I should be myself and let my personality show.

"My dress is really nice, so I'm looking forward to wowing the judges with that."

In the past, the Miss Great Britain title has been held by successful glamour models Leilani Dowding and Danielle Lloyd.

But Bianca is hoping to channel the spirit of a glamorous yet tragic film star into the contest.

She said: "I think Marilyn Monroe is absolutely fascinating. She's so beautiful and wore amazing clothes, but then she had the same insecurities as every other girl. She is probably my biggest inspiration."

To support Bianca, like her photo at www.facebook.com/MissSouthEastGreatBritain

Croydon's Miss GB hopeful inspired by Marilyn Monroe

Kenley traders worried by plan to axe parking officers

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KENLEY shopkeepers have criticised plans to slash the number of officers patrolling parking spaces along the parade.

The traders have lobbied hard to have the parking restrictions enforced to stop cars hogging the bays all day – a problem that prevents shoppers from stopping at their shops.

Vijay Ghadia, who runs the chemist's, told the Advertiser: "We really need the officers here, our business suffered when they weren't and they will again if they go."

At the moment, two patrol officers are provided by the Safer Transport Command (STC) which is a section of the Met and funded by Transport for London.

Florist Marilyn Poulton said all the shops had flourished as soon as officers began enforcing the one-hour restrictions outside the parade a few months ago.

They have been a continuous presence since then, based at Kenley Police Station.

Kodees Kana, who runs an off licence next door, said: "People just park outside all day otherwise and make no room for people who want to stop and come to our shops."

Traders were dismayed to receive a letter from the STC saying that situation was "not sustainable" as the officers were meant for the "rest of the south east" and a different solution would have to be found.

Ms Poulton said the other options – a patrol van visiting occasionally or cameras installed – were either ineffective or unlikely to be implemented.

The head of the Kenley and District Residents' Association, Chris Stanley, said a STC officer paid a visit during a committee meeting in July.

"We had a talk where the sergeant said the Met had to pay out for the patrol officers specially. Reading between the lines, they obviously think it's costing too much money," he said.

"He told us their patrols will be under review to see if it's the right way to enforce the parking.

"Obviously we have the shopkeepers' interests at heart and we have asked for a meeting between the police, traders and residents.

"The police seem to be running their own agenda without referring back to anyone. If the parking spaces aren't enforced then people simply do not shop in Kenley."

Local councillor Steve O'Connell said: "I have opposed this plan robustly to the police.

"I understand they cost the police but the enforcement has been very good and has made a difference to the shops in Kenley."

Traders, the residents' association, Croydon Police and TfL have all been invited by the STC to a meeting about the parking issue on October 4, in the village hall, at 7pm.


New WI to spread wine drinking and knitting across Croydon

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THREE young mums are hoping to provide an "outlet for women in the community" by setting up a Croydon branch of the Women's Institute (WI).

Amy Le Pelley, Florence Hallett and Abi Lynn, in their mid-thirties, say the institute is no longer seen as "jam and Jerusalem" and is having a revival.

Amy, the group's president, said: "The three of us have young children and although we value the support and friendship we get from the vast number of parenting groups in Croydon, especially Croydon NCT, we felt we wanted something that was about us.

"Somewhere we could meet once a month and have a little 'me time'."

Set up in 1915, the WI now comprises 6,600 groups across the UK, but there is currently no central Croydon branch.

Ms Le Pelley added: "Some people envisage the Women's Institute as being all about Jam and Jerusalem, its members being mainly older women and that they are mainly set up in rural communities.

"However, this is no longer the case.

"It is enjoying a revival, with membership increasing by a quarter in the past three years.

"More women are interested in learning skills such as crafting and baking thanks to television shows such as The Great British Bake Off and Kirstie's Handmade Britain."

The Croydon group is due to be formally recognised by the WI in October and until then is meeting informally. It held its first meeting, a wine-tasting at Matthews Yard cafe in central Croydon, two weeks ago, and forthcoming events include an expert talk on forensics and a cupcake class.

The calendar will depend on what members want, and Ms Le Pelley said the WI strongly believes groups should "not be led by individual people or those who shout the loudest".

She added: "There aren't many organisations where you can drink wine and knit at the same time if you want to.

"It is also important to maintain the older traditions from previous generations and pass them on to the future generations."

The group has a Facebook page, Croydon's Crafty Crumpets, which has more than 100 friends.

Amy added: "I think that our Facebook page shows we are a friendly, supportive bunch.

"It can be hard to make friends in Croydon, especially if you are at work all day or in between school runs.

"We aim to introduce you to people who will become lifelong friends who share the same interests."

New WI to spread wine drinking and knitting across Croydon

Waste protesters call on Boris to halt incinerator

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BORIS Johnson is being formally urged to reject plans to build an incinerator on the Sutton/Croydon border.

Solicitors acting for the Stop the Incinerator campaign sent a letter to the mayor on Friday, outlining seven reasons why he should stop the proposals from Viridor to build the waste to energy plant on land off Beddington Lane.

The letter says if he will not reject the scheme outright, Mr Johnson should take on the role of the local planning authority and make a decision himself based on evidence.

The letter urges rejection on the grounds the development would be in Metropolitan Open Land – equivalent to green belt – and fails to comply with local, national and international waste strategies.

It also claims it will cause "increased damaging emissions" in an area acknowledged to have poor air quality.

The mayor is reminded the site was promised for use as country parkland, adding "under this proposal it would be importing waste from four London boroughs and two 95-metre chimneys will cast a shadow over the remaining area of parkland, deterring visitors."

The letter says objectors believe the chimneys breach the London Plan tall buildings policy and that the development will damage wildlife habitats.

Finally the letters say Viridor has failed to consider the use of renewable energy policies.

Paul Pickering, from the Stop the Incinerator Campaign, said: "We need to reuse and recycle our waste, and use alternative technology like anaerobic digestion.

"We hope the mayor will recognise that this is a precious habitat for endangered birds and wildlife."

The Viridor scheme, which will burn 275,000 tonnes of waste annually, was granted planning permission by Sutton Council in May.

Since then, the mayor has received online and paper petitions signed by 1,680 people and more than 2,000 individually signed letters, asking him to overturn the decision.

Waste protesters call on Boris to halt incinerator

'We must ban travellers from site after third camp in two months'

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A COURT order is needed to ban travellers from a site they've pitched up at three times in eight weeks.

This is the view of Labour councillor Paul Smith, who is urging the council to seek a court injunction covering the open land in Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, enabling it to take swift legal action to remove travellers and prosecute them for invading the land.

The council has agreed to take a tough stance against specific groups of travellers who have been moving around the borough camping illegally.

It is gathering evidence which it will present to the High Court, seeking an injunction against these travellers.

Breaching any injunction would be an arrestable offence.

The council took the step after it revealed it had to deal with 83 illegal camps in the last year.

The total bill for removing the travellers and clearing up after these encampments came to £128,000.

Cllr Smith believes the authority has a wider opportunity to prevent a return by gaining an injunction relating specifically to Mayfield Road.

He has written to Simon Hoar, the council's cabinet member for community safety and protection asking him to investigate the injunction possibilities.

Cllr Smith told the Advertiser: "As I understand it, an injunction can be sought on a particular site if it can be proved that it is particularly vulnerable.

"This latest camp is the third one in Mayfield Road since the beginning of June and, quite frankly, if this isn't a site for an injunction I can't believe anywhere else will be."

The latest group of travellers moved onto the site at the end of the July and moved on Tuesday after the council got a temporary court order.

Cllr Smith said: "They had been there for 11 or 12 days and that is too long."

Council leader Mike Fisher said the local authority would look closely at any ways of ridding the borough of illegal camp sites quickly.

Councillor Fisher said: "What we are doing with injunctions is fairly Draconian and if we are going to be successful we have got to make sure we have dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts before going to court.

"We have to have a weight of evidence behind us."

Cllr Fisher added: "We will look at any reasonable measures to remove these people. They often leave behind a mess which is a danger to health and they cause a lot of upset to residents."

Cllr Hoar said injunctions could be "site specific" but it would be a complicated process.

He says targeting individual groups of travellers is a better way of dealing with the problem.

'We must ban travellers from site after third camp in two months'

Woman at tram stop hit in face by '150m to one' golf shot

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A WOMAN was struck in the face by a freak "150 million to one" golf shot while waiting for a tram.

Anne Mulholland, 66, was waiting at Arena tram stop with her sister and cousin when an errant golf ball from the World of Golf driving range flew over netting – 400 yards away.

The impressive drive (Tiger Woods only averages 325 yards) struck a tram shelter and bounced back on to Anne's chin, causing bruising and bleeding from her gums. While Mrs Mulholland was tended to by her two relatives, a further three golf balls flew over the netting next to the tram stop.

The driving range backs on to the tram stop, yet World of Golf said it was the first incident of its kind at their driving ranges. They also said more than 150 million balls had been hit in six years without an accident like this occurring.

Mrs Mulholland, who lives with her sister Vera Stork in Westgate Road, South Norwood, said: "Whoever it was must have been a hell of a golfer. It came from nowhere and I didn't see it. If I had seen it I would have ducked.

"I am lucky it just hit my chin. If it had hit my eyes or brain I could be dead now.

"We are so paranoid to stand at that tram stop now because of what happened. It could have been a child or someone old."

Mrs Mulholland and Ms Stork were at the beginning of a planned day trip to the South Bank in London with their cousin Jill Ebell, 62, who was visiting from Australia.

The three women were waiting for a tram to Elmers End, from where they planned to travel to London.

Ms Stork, 69, now wants both World of Golf and Transport for London to work together to put safety measures in place.

She added: "There was a witness who was really shaken up because she lives in the flats nearby and almost on a daily basis waits at that stop with her daughter and grandchildren.

"Will it take something worse than what happened to my sister to get something done about it?"

In his apology, Grant Wright, chief executive of World of Golf, said his company had worked hard to ensure incidents like this did not happen.

He also said there would be a full investigation.

Mr Wright added: "I am extremely sorry this happened and all of us at World of Golf are shocked balls may have escaped our protective netting."

Woman at tram stop hit in face by '150m to one' golf shot

Council agrees to stump up for heritage open day this year

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AFTER a year out, Croydon is rejoining the annual celebration of the best of London's buildings.

Open House, scheduled for September 21 and 22, gives people the chance to visit buildings across London which are rarely or never normally open to the public.

Last year Croydon missed out because the council said it was unable to pay Open House the £4,000 required to gain a place in the official brochure, enabling a local initiative to be publicised.

It cited budget cuts as the reason for pulling out.

As a result, no Croydon buildings were included, and the borough was the only one in London to be excluded.

This week, Councillor Jason Perry, the cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said the money had been found to allow Croydon to play a full part in Open House this year.

He said: "I think people missed the event last year.

"The costs are relatively small and we have managed to find the money from within existing budgets."

Cllr Perry added: "We have got a great heritage in Croydon and I don't think we make enough of it, to be honest.

"It is good news that we can now be included in the brochure and people across London can find out what Croydon can offer."

The council itself will be taking part this year, opening up its Taberner House headquarters in Park Lane.

Cllr Perry said: "This will be last chance people have to visit Taberner House before the move into new offices in Bernard Weatherill House."

There are proposals to demolish the office block and replace it with four buildings, ranging from six to 30 storeys high and containing more than 400 homes and commercial space.

The Whitgift Foundation is also joining in offering tours of the Almshouses in North End and Old Palace School in Old Palace Road.

Other buildings being opened include Shirley Windmill, in Windmill Close, and Fairfield Halls, where behind-the-scenes tours of the entertainment complex will be offered.

Catherine Shirley, from the Whitgift Foundation, said one positive outcome of Croydon not taking part last year was the foundation's decision to organise the Croydon Heritage Festival in June, which celebrated the borough's history and culture.

But she said: "We are delighted Open House is taking place in Croydon this year.

"The festival showed it is very important that the borough's heritage is celebrated.

"We are looking forward to welcoming people."

Council agrees to stump up for heritage open day this year

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