LAST week Labour leader Tony Newman said, if elected, he would pull out of the council's Urban Regeneration Vehicle (URV). What would be its future if you were re-elected?

"I find it quite interesting he is even thinking about pulling out.

"At the end of the day this is an agreement which is developing sites across the town, such as the Waddon Leisure Centre and Bernard Weatherill House. Who wouldn't want to share in the development profits of those rather than the traditional route of selling off assets and getting a capital receipt?

"It's not just the cost [of pulling out] it's the missed opportunities. At the moment College Green is the URV and we have a chance to really develop the cultural heart of the town centre. We would also be losing the ability to dictate and push on regeneration.

"We want use the URV to continue to develop the town centre, such as bringing Taberner House down and putting up a residential/hotel development. We have huge opportunities – we must not miss the boat."

The council has been criticised for its approach to culture over the last four years, with a number of venues closing. Do you think it will cost you votes next May?

"We asked what it was that people wanted to protect in terms of council services and culture was always towards the bottom of their priorities.

"There was a huge amount of publicity around the closure of the David Lean Cinema, for example, but I received about four letters. I walk around the town and talk to people about the cinema, and most didn't even know it was there. The audience figures spoke for themselves.

"All of these things are nice to have, and in an ideal world we would have all of them, but we're living in a very difficult financial climate and we've got to be responsible, which means making some hard decisions."

On the anniversary of the 2011 riots, you told the Advertiser: "I am sure there will be significant improvements in the look and feel of West Croydon over the next 12 months". A year later, very little has changed. Have you let those people down and will they see a difference before the election?

"I hope they will, but no I can't [promise]. There's an enormous amount of frustration along London Road about things not moving quickly enough, and I share that frustration.

"We should be moving along faster than we are but there are a very complicated set of issues behind this. If you take the rebuilding of the parade that burned down [Royal Mansions], there are a whole mixture of different freeholders and leaseholders on the site, which means it is difficult for insurance companies to come to a decision about who is paying what.

"We have done a lot to fight for funding from the mayor. Of that money £9.1 million is going to the benefit of London Road.

"But I agree that things are not moving as quickly as they should be, though there are processes that need to be gone through."

What will a Conservative council do to address the borough's housing crisis?

"We are looking at ways to secure housing on a longer term basis. For example, we have borrowed £20 million to buy 100 homes, and have already bought the first 69.

"They have to be in areas which are affordable, so they are in north Croydon, parts of central Croydon and also in Lambeth and Sutton. There's no point in us setting aside millions of pounds then going to buy in expensive areas.

"If we find the right properties, at the right prices, then we will buy in the south but the difference in price means we get more bang for our buck in north Croydon and places like Sutton.

"Once we have done these 100 we will review where we are in terms of numbers and we may buy more. It's an investment for the council because if the homeless problem goes away in a few years' time, we will be able to use them as permanent council houses."

How much will the Westfield and Hammerson agreement feature in your campaign, and how much credit will you take?

"I think we had a significant role. They didn't wake up one day and decide that Croydon might be a nice place to look at. They needed to be nurtured and to understand the journey we were on as a town.

"They came to the conclusion that we were creating an environment where a development like theirs would thrive. If you look back in ten or 20 years' time, people will see it as a huge milestone in the development of the town and I am proud to say we played a major part in that.

"If you look at Labour's plans, like dropping out of the URV, does that send the message that Croydon is open for business? I don't think so."

Given it's a key seat, how damaging could the approval of plans for an incinerator near Waddon be to your chances of reelection?

"For the last two or three years now Labour has been banging on about the energy to waste facility, or incinerator as they call it, but when we go out knocking on doors in Waddon it doesn't come up as an issue. They have failed to get this across as an issue in Waddon because when people look at the facts they see there are these types of facilities in other parts of the country and the scare stories that have been put out don't stack up. I think the whole issue smacks of desperation on their part. I'm happy to stand on our record in Waddon. We said we would build a new swimming pool and leisure centre and we have."

THIS is the dramatic way a learner driver's third ever lesson ended in Purley on Monday.

The instructor and her student remarkably escaped serious injury after a 40ft tree landed on top of their car.

The pair were driving up Riddlesdown Road at about 3pm when they stopped to let a car past them.

As they started off again, they heard what they thought was a crack of thunder before the roof above them suddenly smashed in.

Tony Steer was outside his house when he heard the towering beech tree give way.

He told the Advertiser: "I ran out onto the road and saw the car smashed in by the tree. There were two people inside so I rushed over and pulled them free.

"They had opened the doors but needed a hand getting out.

"Neither were hurt but they were very badly shaken.

"My wife is the real hero – she took them inside and made them a cup of tea."

The branch hit the driver's side of the car and smashed the windscreen, although the instructor was unharmed.

Joyce Bennett, who runs Kenley School of Motoring, said she had rushed down to the scene as soon as she heard about the incident.

"I am so glad they are both OK, that's obviously our priority," she said. "The instructor walked the girl home. Poor thing, it was only her third driving lesson.

"It is incredibly dangerous; just imagine if it had been half an hour later when all the schoolchildren walk back home."

Mr Steer said: "Cars drive so fast down this road – if they hadn't had to stop to let the car coming towards them past, they would never have been hit by the tree."

Police arrived at the scene shortly after 3pm to block off the road but are not investigating the matter any further.

Tree surgeons working for Croydon Council were called soon after the crash to clear the road. They cut up the fallen branch with chainsaws and a woodchipper.

The tree, which is thought to be more than 100 years old, straddled two properties and was rotten on the inside.

On public land, the council is responsible for making sure trees are safe. However, on private land, it becomes a civil matter.

THE owner of a children's home found to have breached half a dozen fire regulations has insisted the building is safe and the children who live there are not in danger.

McRae Residential Care Services, which runs the home in Liverpool Street, Thornton Heath, have been found to have broken seven aspects of the Fire Safety Order 2005.

Managing director Kevin Henry said he was "surprised" by the breaches but that there was nothing to be "seriously concerned" about.

"I wouldn't want anyone to think there isn't a fire alarm system in place or there's no fire doors," he told the Advertiser.

"Everything is there, [the fire brigade] just want it at another level."

Among the issues raised by London Fire Brigade (LFB) was the "failure to provide a suitable method of giving warning in case of a fire".

Investigators also found the home, which cares for looked after children, had not "provided and/or maintained adequate and clearly indicated emergency routes" and failed to "ensure the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices are maintained in efficient state, in effective working order and in good repair".

The LFB inspection, conducted in July, also raised concerns about the lack of emergency plan, said staff had not been given "adequate" safety training and ruled that managers had failed to complete a risk assessment.

McRae, which also runs a home in Lodge Road, Croydon, were issued with an enforcement notice giving it until mid-October to make improvements.

Mr Henry, given an OBE for services to further education in 2011 as part of his work as chair of governors at Croydon College, told the Advertiser: "Anyone reading that might think looked after children are in danger. That's not the case. Technically it could be if we had a fire tomorrow, if the fire alarm system didn't work and if staff weren't aware; all sorts of things would have to go wrong for things to be of serious concern.

"The fire brigade are obviously looking at a worst case scenario so, with respect to that, we will do what we are required to do."

Mr Henry, now a governor at a special school in South Croydon, said the issues raised were as a result of a change in regulations, even though the law came into place in 2005.

"This building has been registered for something like 20 years," he said.

"The fire alarm system was put in place, as required, at the time. We have had the same system in place ever since. It has been checked regularly. We have an annual contract with a fire prevention company. It gets serviced every year and we have drills.

"It has never been a problem, but now [the fire brigade] say the regulations have changed."

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order applies to virtually all buildings, places and structures, including shops, restaurants, offices and nightclubs.

An enforcement notice is issued when fire safety officers decide the act has been breached. If not acted upon then a prohibition notice will issued, preventing the premises from being used.

Croydon Council said it used to place children at the care home but no longer does because the company decided not to retender its contract.

THE school brought in to improve Addington High has come under fire from education inspectors.

Ofsted has criticised teaching and leadership at Ravens Wood School in Bromley, while an exam board is investigating alleged "malpractice" over school coursework.

The school – which is academy sponsor for Addington High – has lodged a formal complaint about the Ofsted report, disputing its findings.

A statement from Ravens Wood this week said: "We have grave concerns about the professional conduct of the inspection team and therefore dispute the judgements reached."

Jo Tanner, chairman of governors at Addington High, said she remained confident that Ravens Wood could help Addington, despite the Ofsted verdict.

She added: "We are thriving as a school. The support that we have had thus far has encouraged us and enabled us to produce the best results that we have ever seen in terms of GCSEs.

"We remain completely focused for an 'outstanding' from Ofsted within three years."

Asked whether she was confident Ravens Wood could help them achieve that, she replied: "Absolutely."

Ofsted inspectors said not enough teaching at Ravens Wood was good enough to ensure "consistently good progress from all students in all subjects."

They said leaders relied too much on intervention programmes, rather than on improvements "to the daily diet that students receive in lessons".

They added that leaders' and managers' checks on teaching "lack rigour", with too much reliance on consultants.

Governors, they added, had not challenged leaders enough on their assessments of the school.

However, they said pupils' achievement was "good" overall, with most students making "good progress in many subjects".

They added: "Students make good progress in the sixth form because of very stable staffing and sometimes exemplary teaching in many subjects."

The school has been knocked down to a "requires improvement" rating – after "outstanding" ratings at its last full inspection in 2007 and an interim inspection in 2011.

The inspectors visited in June, and their report was published on Tuesday this week.

Exam board Pearson, meanwhile, is investigating the school over an allegation regarding students' BTEC ICT coursework.

A Pearson spokesman said: "We take any allegation of malpractice extremely seriously and will always take appropriate action, in the interests of fairness for all learners, when such incidents are discovered."

A school spokesman said the school was cooperating fully with the investigation.

Ravens Wood was enlisted this spring to share advice, support and resources with then-failing Addington High as its academy sponsor. John Hernandez, who was its deputy head until 2010 and is now head of Norlington Boys, is Addington High's executive head.

School's new rewards scheme for pupils – page 19.

PALACE manager Ian Holloway has paid tribute to Peter Morley CBE after the club president sadly passed away last Sunday.

In what has been a very sad time for his family and at Palace, Holloway remembers the first time he met Peter and hailed him for the gentlemen he was and what he meant to the club.

"For me, my first knockings at Palace, Peter Morley sums it up and the whole club," Holloway exclusively told Advertiser Sport. "We've lost an important piece of our fabric, and what I mean by that is he was always polite, always positive and always very friendly.

"He's helped Palace through all sorts of times and actually running it when we were in administration.

"He was so kind and so warm when you first meet him. For me, when I first came to the club with my wife, he and his family were there and made us feel totally and utterly settled and welcome.

"I can't thank him enough. From my point of view, he goes down in our family of Palace as losing a hugely important member who has helped us, and everything he has done has made us very proud to be linked with Palace.

"It was a very sad day and all our love is with his family. I'm sure all the Palace fans will be joining with me at this very, very sad time for everybody.

"I will remember him as a person who linked me with the club immediately, just by the person he is."

There are now plans for the players and management to wear black armbands against Swansea City this weekend, but Holloway has called on the club to announce a minute's applause, which will celebrate Peter's life and all he did for the Eagles.

"I would imagine so [to wear black armbands] on Sunday, but I want a minute's applause for him," said the boss.

"We should celebrate, and that's how you get over this sad time in my opinion. How can you get over losing someone you loved that much?

"You have to try, and the best way to do it is to remember and smile about all the times when you were with him. No one can take them away.

"For me, for him to see us get promoted again, how fitting? That makes Wembley even more poignant for me."

Looking ahead to the game at Selhurst Park, Holloway wants the Palace fans to make it a difficult place for Michael Laudrup's team to come to.

And he revealed he watched their game on Monday night against Liverpool in a local pub.

"Swansea have had a tough week and they played Valencia on Thursday night – they're not used to that and then playing on a Sunday," said Holloway.

"I thought they played well against Liverpool and it was an excellent game. However, I don't have Sky yet so I ended up watching it in a Palace pub in West Wickham.

"It will be a tough test but I'm looking forward to it and one I think we can rise to the challenge of.

"I'm looking for our crowd to get right behind us and cause them a few problems."

Meanwhile, Holloway admitted he's been a big admirer of how the Swans play, which goes back to the days of Roberto Martinez in charge.

"People know I look at Swansea and they've helped me by watching them," he said.

"My old football philosophy was when Roberto Martinez was there, and I used to go there when I didn't have a job and I loved the way they played."

THE sale of 24 items from Croydon Council's prized Riesco collection of Chinese ceramics will take place in Hong Kong in November, auction house Christie's has announced.

The controversial sale is expected to raise between £9 million and £14 million and the council has said the money would go towards the £24 million refurbishment of Fairfield Halls.

News of the sale comes in the same week as the Museums Association's ethics committee has said the council will face disciplinary action over the sale proposals.

Council officials will now be asked to attend a disciplinary hearing to explain the reasons for the sale and if the authority is judged to be in breach of the association's code of ethics, it could face expulsion.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, has given short shrift to the threats from the association, also dismissing suggestions that the sale is taking place in Hong Kong to reduce tax burdens.

He said: "The fact is if the items are exported VAT is not payable. If they stay in this country then the necessary VAT will be paid."

Cllr Pollard said the items would go into a sale of other pieces of Chinese ceramics taking place on November 27.

It made sense, he said, to include the Riesco pieces in a specialist sale.

Cllr Pollard accepted expulsion from the Museums Association could damage the council's cultural reputation.

He added: "There are a number of people who care very passionately about this collection and feel the sale is the wrong thing to do. I understand that.

"But when you talk to ordinary Croydonians, they either don't know about the collection or when they find out keeping it will cost council taxpayers £1 million a year say 'why on earth would you keep it?'"

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, Labour opposition culture spokesman, said: "Expulsion from the Museums Association would cut Croydon's cultural reputation to pieces."

SUMMER may only just have ended but, in Coulsdon, the countdown to Christmas is already under way.

The Coulsdon West Residents' Association and local businesses are organising a bumper Yuletide festival for the town – but still need more help to make it all happen.

Coulsdon Yulefest will feature a Santa's Grotto and 15-foot Christmas tree – marking the first time the town has had a festive fir "in decades".

Christmas lights, an ice rink, carol singing and a Christmas market are among the events in the pipeline.

The town has suffered a lack of Yuletide celebrations in the last few years, in part due to the council's town centre manager being made redundant in 2011.

Chris Thairs, from CWRA, said organisers of Coulsdon Yulefest hope to boost footfall for traders as well as community spirit. He said: "This is the time of year when traders should be getting the most from their businesses but there is nothing there to help them.

"So the idea is if you could put in some sort of festival and they can do the rest. It is also to get the community together at what should be such a cheerful time of year.

"We have not had a Christmas tree I think in decades – probably since the 80s."

He added he hoped this year would mark a new beginning for Christmas celebrations in the town.

"We want to make an impact so that people remember it for the next year and coming years," he said.

"It is not going to be a one-off."

Organisers hope to hold the market in Chipstead Valley Road on December 6 to 7 and the ice rink a week later.

A number of local businesses are helping out. IHS, publisher of military magazine Jane's Defence Weekly, headquartered in the town, is sponsoring the tree. Barratt, the developers of Cane Hill, has contributed £2000 towards Christmas lights and Art Rebellion, the art cafe in Brighton Road, is hosting Santa's Grotto.

Other businesses involved so far are Purnell and Powell, Frames, Streets Ahead and Chandlers Home Design. But more sponsors and helpers are needed, with sponsorship packages available.

Peter Appleford, also of the CWRA, said he was looking forward to the event: "It will be nice to bring people together and it will be good for the traders."

A spokesman for Barratt said: "We often support local events and are delighted to be donating £2,000 to Coulsdon Yulefest.

"Barratt is entirely committed to Croydon and the local area and have been for a number of years."

For more information visit yulefest.co.uk

MANCHESTER United are a colossus; a behemoth in the footballing realm, ready to trample over all who walk in its path.

The fight between Palace and Manchester United was a battle akin to David and Goliath; only that Goliath had a handy little helper to the side of him, dressed in yellow, ready to give a hand.

The blame for Saturday's result doesn't squarely lie with Jon Moss, but his decision to award a penalty just before half-time, giving United a further helping hand by showing Kagisho Dikgacoi a red card, swayed what was already a tough encounter for Ian Holloway's men right in David Moyes' favour.

Moss had, in fact, had a reasonable game up until the decision came to award the penalty.

You wonder if United's presence – not their fans who, for most of the game were deadly silent – but their league presence, their position in the world game, sometimes affects a referee's decision making.

The reality is that dealing with a complaint from a club the size of Crystal Palace is much easier to handle than a complaint from a club the size of Manchester United.

Had the tackle by Dikgacoi been a penalty, and had Moss not awarded it, there would have been an intense review of the decision, lasting weeks if not months, bringing great embarrassment on the referee and his cohorts as well as the Premier League and the FA.

And while, at the end of the season, a poor decision might be the difference between Palace getting relegated or not, for United it could mean the difference between a title win or not – a difference which would, in the world of mass media, have had far greater consequences with thousands of words referring to that decision by Moss.

It's a tough league to compete in, not just because of the jump in quality but because Palace just aren't important enough for referees, the FA or the league to fight for; because a decision against Palace is easier to defend than one against the league champions and their millions of supporters.

For shame.

A NATIONAL TV star and one of 'Britain's sexiest women' – Susanna Reid has come a long way since her schooldays in Croydon.

But football keeps bringing the BBC Breakfast news presenter home and her love of Palace ensures a part of Croydon will be forever in her heart.

"I am a big Crystal Palace fan," said the 42-year-old, soon to be gracing our screens as a contestant on BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

"I was born in the area so it is natural to support Palace.

"And then when I worked at Five Live a friend there said 'let's get a season ticket,' back in 1995.

"That was one of the years that Palace made the play-offs."

Nowadays, however, the mother-of-three's punishing schedule makes it harder to get to matches, and the season ticket is no more.

She commutes from her home in Lambeth to the BBC's new headquarters in Manchester to front BBC Breakfast during the week, dashing back to pick up her three young sons from school.

It may push her schedule to the brink, but Susanna says she leapt at the chance to join Strictly.

"I wanted to do it because on Breakfast we have interviewed people who have been on Strictly through the years and they are so buzzy about it," she said.

"When I danced for the Children in Need special I think we all got a little bit bitten by the Strictly bug.

"It is like being with a cloud of sequins. It's absolutely fantastic; it gives you such a buzz and a glow."

Her children, aged 11, nine and seven, are getting used to mum's new moves.

"My children have had a look because I recorded what I did in the rehearsal room," she added.

"The comment yesterday was 'Kevin [her professional partner Kevin Clifton] can really dance but mum, you need to step it up a bit'.

"I was afraid they would be embarrassed but I think they are used to seeing mum on television."

Susanna was born in Purley in 1970 – "it has changed a lot since then" and then lived in Warlingham, Surrey, and Selsdon.

She attended Croham Hurst School and the private Croydon High – and has "nothing but good memories" of her time there.

At 16 she moved into inner London with her mother and attended St Paul's Girls School in Hammersmith.

She "honestly could not assess" how much attending the leading private school shaped her life, adding: "I found St Paul's to be a really inspiring place.

"It was quite intimidating to begin with but I had two great years there and some outstanding, particularly inspiring teachers."

But while she may be a serious news presenter nowadays, the media tends to focus on her appearance.

"I think it is unavoidable when you are on TV and I just try and ignore it as much as possible," she said.

"I am a professional doing my job and I think its important that viewers love what you do."

Susanna has made FHM's 'world's sexiest women' list (at no.96), and Zoo Weekly's top ten 'Britain's sexiest mums.'

But she would advise budding journalists to work on their resilience rather than their appearance.

She recalled, age 11, penning a review of a production of Joseph and the Amazing Techni-color Dreamcoat and hopefully sending it in to Croydon Advertiser.

She said: "I got a sweet, short reply [saying no]. If I got knocked back I bounced back.

"The other thing is to take advantage of all your opportunities. That was the advice mum gave me – always take your opportunities."

A FORMER fighter pilot is hoping to find witnesses to a wartime plane crash to help him write a new book.

Alan Pollock, who was born in Purley in 1936, is appealing for information, especially from those who may have seen the plane come down near Coulsdon Sixth Form College on September 7, 1940.

The pilot was Squadron Leader Caesar Hull – a celebrated pilot of South African origin. Squadron Leader Hull, who was killed in the crash, is the subject of a book which is currently being written called The Laughing Falcon, The Story Of Sqn Ldr Caesar Hull DFC.

Mr Pollock said: "It's the last piece in the jigsaw. If we can find someone who saw the crash, we will know a bit more about the end of Mr Hull's life.

"It's the last chance for the authors because it's now 73 years since the event and everyone is getting too old or dying."

Mr Hull was best friends with Peter Townsend, another Second World War pilot who became known for his romance with Princess Margaret.

Both served in 43 Squadron, based at Tangmere, from 1936 and when Captain Townsend shot down the first enemy aircraft over Britain in 1940, the pair went to visit the injured survivors bearing gifts of fruit and cigarettes.

While his friend was grounded with a foot injury, Mr Hull battled German air raids on the first night of the Blitz but was shot down over Purley Boys High School, which is now Coulsdon Sixth Form College.

Mr Pollock, who joined 43 Squadron after the war, has been working with Steve Gooch – the school's assistant principal – to help find the missing link.

Mr Gooch said: "Before the school was being rebuilt last year, we had a meeting with residents.

"A lot of old locals came and there was a conversation about the crash – some of them were at the school at the time.

"So it's a question of finding them and seeing what they remember."

The school houses a sculpture in memory of Squadron Leader Hull .

Mr Gooch said he hoped to invite the pilot's surviving sister, Wendy, to the official presentation of the memorial on November 11.

Mr Pollock added: "Caesar was a real hero. That first night of the Blitz was a real turning point in the war and it's the stories like this that matter.

"'The Laughing Falcon is nearing final preparation and that is why any additional witnesses to the events of that day, and Caesar's tragic last flight in his Hurricane, crashing at the old Purley Boys High School and so close to Kenley that day, will be so valuable to the historic record."

Do you know anyone living in the area in 1940 who might have seen the crash? Call the newsdesk on 01737 783832.

PUPILS at school which was taken over by an academy because it was failing are to be 'paid' to turn up on time.

Youngsters at Addington High are being awarded points worth a penny each for achieving targets such as perfect attendance or being extra helpful.

The points can be traded to buy certain goods such as computer games.

The Vivo Miles scheme, in place in thousands of schools across the UK, was launched for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils at a special assembly on Tuesday.

School leaders are confident the scheme will improve children's motivation and behaviour.

Vice Principal Mike Piper told pupils they would not be rewarded for doing what they should be doing, but for extra good work.

He said: "You get Vivos for doing really, really good work, not just handing in something that is normal.

"Vivos for excellent work – Vivos for really, really good behaviour in class."

The only exception to this is attendance.

Students will be rewarded if they come to school on time every day for a entire half term. It has not been decided how much.

They will also be rewarded for helping out at school outside class and participating in school life.

The school, which became an academy under the sponsorship of Bromley-based Ravens Wood school this year, has spent £5,000 to implement the scheme so far.

Mr Piper told pupils he estimated the school would spend about £15,000 on points by the end of the year.

He added: "That is £15,000 that the school has put aside in order to reward everybody in this room for doing the right thing."

Students buy goods available on the Vivo Miles website and they are delivered to the school.

Each teacher will have a maximum number of points they can award each week.

There is a tracking system to make sure teachers are being fair, while youngsters have a password and card so the system is secure.

Mr Piper added: "Let's be realistic, in the society in which we live, dangling the carrot does not do them any harm.

"The vast majority of them will do the right thing anyway, so it is just about recognising that."

Year 7 pupils have given the scheme an early thumbs-up.

Bailey Barham said: "I am going to listen much more in class and concentrate."

Jimmy Hewlett said: "It is brilliant. You can buy stuff but you don't have to work for it outside of school. I want to get an iPad. I am going to be more helpful."

Anna May added: "I think it is good because it helps people in their behaviour."

KEITH Millen has picked out two men for Sunday's opponents Swansea City who Palace will need to watch out for.

Having played out a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at home thanks to Jonjo Shelvey and Michu's goals, Millen believes the latter will be "dangerous" and that the Eagles will need to take advantage of the Swans playing an extra match in the Europa League on Thursday, where they impressively swpet aside Spanish giants Valencia 3-0 away from home.

"I thought Liverpool were in control for 60 minutes, but then Swansea made a little bit of a change in midfield and suddenly took control of the game," the assistant boss said this week.

"They're a good footballing side and I think we've got to take advantage of their preparation with them playing Monday and then against Valencia on Thursday, and then coming to Selhurst on Sunday will be an issue for them.

"Michu and Wilfried Bony, if you let them link up, I think they're really dangerous.

"Two or three times, they're little one-touch, clever play around the box is a threat, and they certainly like to keep possession of the ball like Swansea have done now for a few years.

"They have slightly changed their style so we've got to make sure they don't get into some sort of pattern and flow, where all of a sudden they're comfortable and enjoying their game."

And Millen has called on the Palace fans to come out in force and make the visitors feel uncomfortable.

He said: "We can't allow teams to come to Selhurst and let them play. We've got to break them up and look to hurt them as well.

"Similar to Sunderland really, we had a good build-up and the fans got behind us and made it an intimidating place – it's got to be like that on Sunday."

A RETIRED nurse has described how he fought for his life and lost the sight in one eye after contracting Legionnaires' disease.

The 68-year-old, who lives in Purley, is one of four people in Croydon to have been diagnosed with the potentially fatal lung infection.

He spent a month in hospital, including treatment in an intensive care unit.

The man, who asked not to be named, has been left virtually blind, unable to move his fingers and with impaired speech – all from an infection which began like a common cold.

"I started to feel unwell one Friday in July after I came from work, it felt like flu," he said.

"After the weekend I thought I had fully recovered. Then, on the Monday, I became very breathless.

"My GP said it was flu but my wife thought it was more serious so she took me to A&E at Croydon University Hospital.

"I can't remember what happened once I got there. I was asking for oxygen. I am from a medical background so I realised I was in a lot of trouble."

The man was rushed to intensive care and put on a ventilator for several days.

He was then moved to a specialist unit at St Thomas' Hospital, in Southwark, where he was diagnosed with Legionnaires'.

Doctors are investigating four cases of the infection, all confirmed within the last month.

Laboratory tests confirmed this week that three of the four strains are definitely not linked, leading experts to declare the disease does not pose a wider threat to the public.

They have yet to identify sources of the bacteria which is often connected to foreign travel.

The Purley victim, who was among the first three cases to be identified, fell ill a week after returning from a holiday in New York.

Although retired, he had been working at a care home in South Croydon when the symptoms emerged.

The Legionella bacteria is found widely in rivers and ponds, but can thrive in artificially heated water sources, such as showers or baths.

"Some guy from the public health team turned up to my house," said the patient, who was eventually transferred back to Croydon University Hospital before being discharged earlier this month.

"He didn't take any samples. He just took a look at the shower and the back garden and said it was all OK.

"They didn't go to my workplace, they just made a couple of phone calls."

Now blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other, he contacted the Advertiser after his wife read our coverage of the cases.

"The disease has really affected me," he said.

"I can barely see and my fingers are stiff and painful. I can't even dial a phone properly.

"I find it difficult to walk. My wife is having to do everything for me.

"The most frustrating thing is not knowing how it happened."

The man said he was not sure, from what he had been told by doctors, as to whether he would regain some of his sight.

A PROPOSED care home for three elderly people with mental difficulties has drawn nearly 40 objections from neighbours.

Those living nearby claim the proposed use of the house in Mead Way, Coulsdon, would be unsuitable for its residents, too noisy, and eat up a much-needed family house.

Despite this, the plans were approved by the council's planning committee last Thursday.

Mead Way resident William Murray spoke on behalf of "36 objecting neighbours" at the meeting.

He said: "None of us are against community care and all agree with the concept of vulnerable people being integrated in the community."

But, he added, the design was too cramped and difficult for the proposed residents and on a dangerous part of the road.

He said there was a strong chance of noise "bearing in mind the mental state of the proposed residents".

The home's would-be founder, Lucy Phiri, assured residents it would not cause a nuisance.

She said: "People are living longer and they should be able to live independently within the community despite their mental health problems.

"They should not be discriminated against."

Rodney Burridge, 79, lives next door to the site and looks after his 99-year-old mother at home.

He said he was concerned his mother would be disturbed through the thin walls separating the houses, as well as for the elderly in the home.

He said: "I am worried about the noise and the disturbance, and I am worried for the residents who might not be able to get around."

Explaining his reasons for looking after his mother in the home she has lived in since 1948, he added: "I felt that it was her home and she would not want to go into an impersonal care home."

"I am going to try to keep her here as long as possible."

BIG business could hold the key to extending the tram line to Sutton, by sponsoring the system.

Sutton's London Assembly member has asked the mayor to look at the idea, which could be compared to the funding Barclays provides for the City's "Boris Bikes".

Mr Johnson has made it clear that while he supports the £200 million plans to link Sutton and Wimbledon with a new Tramlink line, it is unlikely Transport for London will put up all the money.

He had indicated that the local authorities and businesses set to benefit from a new line are going to have to pay their fair share.

Steve O'Connell, Sutton and Croydon's assembly member, said he accepted the need for local financial support but believed that getting major corporations interested in a sponsorship deal could help spread the burden more evenly.

He said: "We have Barclays sponsoring the Boris Bikes scheme and the Emirates sponsorship of the cable car system over the Thames.

"I believe there could be other corporations who would be interested in sponsoring trams.

"They are looking for recognisable and popular brands for sponsorship and the trams running in Croydon have proved to be both.

"The mayor has agreed to the idea in principle and I think companies would be keen to be associated with Tramlink if approached.

"I am very happy with the idea of a branded tram system if it helps get the extensions up and running."

Mr O'Connell added: "This is not a way of letting the mayor off the hook but the money cannot all come from the public purse."

Sponsorship of a sort already exists in Croydon, where the council has draped its Love Croydon brand across a tram.

The concept has been welcomed by Ross Feeney, chief executive of Successful Sutton, the town centre's Business Improvement District.

He is one of the signatories of a letter sent to the mayor, outlining the economic benefits a tram extension to Sutton would bring and urging him to sanction the scheme.

Mr Feeney said: "It is a creative solution. There is no reason why individual tram stops or trams could not be sponsored, or even the project as a whole."

IT MAY be pouring with rain, with lorries thundering past belching black fumes, but "Prince Harry of Ghana" says he's the happiest man on earth.

"I love my job. Too much!" he said, sitting on a chair at the junction where Purley Way meets Waddon Way.

Harry Okaine is dressed in huge sunglasses, a floppy hat and holding a board directing passers-by to the New Era Metal Recycling Ltd's scrapyard on the industrial estate.

He is there from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and has become a mainstay for commuters and traders with his enormous grin.

"I came here from Ghana – I am Prince Harry from Ghana," he said, as yet another van rushes past, the occupants honking their horns and waving.

"In 2001 I came here and found work. I have five children and a wife at home and I wanted them to have a good education.

"I send money back to Ghana so they can all go to school. Now my three oldest are at university.

"My oldest daughter is studying fashion, my oldest son is doing computing and technology and one daughter is training to be a nurse. After they finish I want them to come here and study, even if the fees are £9,000 now."

Mr Okaine, who lives in Greenside Road, said he has not seen his family since 2003.

"But what can you do? It was so important that there was money to pay for their education. I was a bus driver in Ghana and my wife worked in the market; it would never have worked," he explained.

"People always ask me, 'How are you so happy all the time?' I say to them, 'God has given me five beautiful children and a wife. He has given me a job and a house and food and money for my family."

But there have been difficult times and business has not always been good. He said: "Two years ago we had a recycling yard but it burnt down. That was very painful. Then the company started the scrap yard.

"I used to walk about – up and down this road with my board – but now another person has joined and I have been sitting in this spot for three months. It's worth it.

"I miss home but this is something I have to do. I speak to my family twice a week but they have got older without me there.

"I like Britain. There is security here and I feel like people are kind.

"Whether the rain is pouring or the sun is shining, you have to be happy!"

AS I walked into the reception of what was, until a matter of weeks ago, Westwood Girls' College, I was greeted by an unexpected sound.

Not the din of pupils travelling between classes or playing outside, nor teachers telling them to slow down or tuck their shirts in, but Chopin's piano solo Etude #1 in C major.

Classical music does not just flow through the reception area either. It is now played in the school hall and many of its corridors.

"That's one of my ideas," said Chris Everitt, head teacher of newly opened Harris Academy Upper Norwood.

"Surprisingly enough, the kids really like it," he added as the music switched to Vivaldi's Nisi Dominus. "It gives a calming feeling to the hallways.

"When you see the students moving around between lessons it's completely different to how it was.

"As well as the music, every member of staff comes out and we all stand with high-vis jackets on so students know exactly where we are.

"It has sped everything up. Lessons start on time and pupils don't miss any learning which is really important.

"The philosophy we have is every minute counts, so we really make sure we reduce those minutes that are missed."

The head teacher's taste in music is far from the only change pupils were met with when they arrived back at school earlier this month. Gone are the uniforms, replaced with Harris' preferred blazer, jumper and tie combination.

It has also dropped the school's language and arts specialism to focus on maths. Pupils now have to stay an hour longer on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for extra lessons in the core subjects.

They will also be tested six times a year instead of four to improve the use of data and produce reports for parents at the end of every half-term.

The measures, used to varying degrees at Harris' three other secondary schools in Croydon, have been brought in to reverse a slump in GCSE results – the lowest in the borough two years in a row – and an Ofsted report which placed Westwood in special measures last year.

Mr Everitt attributes the slump to weak leadership. Before he was appointed in April, Westwood had a series of interim leaders after its last substantive head, Karen Benton, went on long-term sick leave.

He makes no apology for his tough new approach.

"I expect my staff to work very hard and for everyone, from the teachers to the dinner ladies, to take responsibility," he said.

"If we pull together we will achieve. If we pull in different angles, well, you've seen the stuff from last year. Thankfully the school is a different place."

That "stuff" was a dispute between Mr Everitt, supported by the governing body, and a number of teachers who objected to their lessons being monitored more than three times a year.

Negotiations between the two sides proved fruitless and staff, backed by two unions, staged three separate days of strike action in the middle of the pupils' GCSEs.

"I haven't experienced anything like last year," said Mr Everitt when asked whether any ill-feeling remained.

That may be because more than half of the school's teachers left over the summer.

"I made my vision clear," he said, when asked why so many had chosen to leave.

"I have been absolutely explicit that all teaching in this academy has to be good or better. Our students deserve that."

The 12 staff who chose to stay, and the two dozen who arrived in the summer, should not expect Mr Everitt's attitude toward lesson observations to soften.

"I am more than happy to negotiate with the union reps, but I think it is fair to say I do have non-negotiables," he said.

When asked whether teachers should expect to be monitored more than three times, Mr Everitt said: "Yes. I have been up front with staff right from the beginning. It's like any job. People are accountable for how they perform.

"If monitoring and evaluation improves teaching then there should be no issue with it, no matter how many times it is."

As Westwood no longer exists, the academy is not judged to be in 'special measures'. As a new academy it will be visited by Ofsted but not face a full inspection this academic year.

Even so, Mr Everitt says he has set every area of the school "massively aspirational" targets.

These include at least 55 per cent of Year 11 hitting the Government's GCSE target next summer.

"Staff are tired, of course they are," he said.

"It has been a really intense few weeks and rightly so. We've got to get it right. The first 100 days are absolutely crucial."

"The music is really soothing"

PUPILS have had a lot to take in over the last few weeks but say they have already noticed improvements from "chaotic" Westwood. "There's a big difference in the students' behaviour in class," said Claudette Johnson, 15. "There's less distraction. People are more willing to get on with their work so we have more time to actually learn instead of stopping to deal with bad behaviour in lessons. "I don't know why, but everyone's attitude has changed towards school. People are a lot more serious." Shennel Kotadia, 15, said: "I think the uniform does get us into the mode of education and being focused. It definitely plays a part. "When I first saw it, I didn't like it that much but when I put it on I preferred it. I like the tie. "It makes me feel I am going to school and I am there to learn." Samantha Murfett, 12, believes the use of classical music has made moving between lessons less hectic. "It's really soothing and I'm more calm walking around the school – though it might be because we know every teacher is looking at us," she said. "Every single teacher is on the look out, which definitely makes you move faster to lessons." Claudette added: "It's more controlled instead of the chaos we had last year. "My parents prefer it like this because it's stricter but a more comfortable environment to work in as well. We're learning and have fun at the same time."Mixed plans HARRIS Academy Upper Norwood will accept boys for the first time from next September. "The reason for making the change is that Westwood is under-subscribed," said Mr Everitt. The all-girl school received just 70 applications for 180 places in the new Year 7 intake. "Going co-educational will help ensure there are more applications from local families," said Mr Everitt. "This is important because only once every place is taken will the school receive its full funding from the Government." to pay for teachers and other resources." Mr Everitt said teachers would receive extra training to prepare for mixed classes next year. The school is to invest in boys' toilets and changing rooms.