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Hull City 0–1 Crystal Palace: Barry Bannan nets winner in front of new boss Tony Pulis

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CRYSTAL Palace are off the bottom of the Premier League tonight after a brilliant 1-0 win up at Hull City. Barry Bannan was the matchwinner, bundling home into an empty net after great play from substitute Cameron Jerome in front of new manager Tony Pulis. The 55-year-old was announced as the new Eagles boss three hours before kick-off, arriving at the KC Stadium with co-chairman Steve Parish soon after and posing for photographs with a number of Palace fans. And he would have been delighted with what he had seen, with caretaker boss Keith Millen now set to stand aside after a tremendous time in charge. Marouane Chamakh was involved in a clash of heads with Paul McShane after just two minutes, with both receiving lengthy treatment, The Moroccan's head bandage came off twice though during the first half, which led to him being substituted and replaced by Cameron Jerome. It took a while for Palace to get going, but they carved out their first chance on 15 minutes when the ball was eventually played in to Yannick Bolasie, but he was flagged for offside unfortunately. There was a scary moment for Julian Speroni when Danny Gabbidon played a strong back-pass to the custodian, and as he went to clear, the ball took a huge bobble and out for a corner. But Palace nearly caught Hull on the counter soon after, which saw Mile Jedinak play a fancy back-flick to Dikgacoi, who then found Bolasie on the left but he scuffed a shot wide. Chamakh, before going off, was winning the aerial battles from a defensive point of view, once in particular from a Hull corner with the likes of Curtis Davies lurking. Dwight Gayle then looked to have been taken out on the edge of the box, but the referee waved away any protests, before Bolasie showed some excellent trickery down the right but his pass towards the overlapping Joel Ward was sloppy. Dikgacoi won a corner after Barry Bannan's whipped-in delivery was cleared away, while Gayle took aim at goal when Jedinak teed the ball up from the set-piece. Chamakh made way on 36 minutes for Jerome, and the big striker looked bright in front of former boss Pulis. Speroni was forced into a save soon after, when Geoge Boyd's shot took a deflection off Ward inside the box, while Palace went up the other end and saw Dikgacoi play a decent ball towards Jerome, who couldn't quite reach it. The Eagles had a good chance on the stroke of half-time through a dangerous free-kick on the left, but Bolasie's ball in was cleared by Tom Huddlestone. Into the second half and Palace had a good chance to open the scoring when Jedinak went down the left and fed Bolasie in the box, but he was muscled off the ball. Then Speroni was called into action, staying big to deny Yannick Sagbo, who was one-on-one with the Argentine. The ball was eventually cleared up the field and found Bolasie, who looked up and played a superb ball in behind the Hull defence for Gayle, but his effort was snuffed out by Figueroa. Bolasie was looking bright, and he got the better of Maynor Figueroa down the right before seeing a good cross cleared. But he delivered again for Jerome, who forced a corner. The winger was tormenting Figueroa indeed, and again delivered well from the right but no one was in the Palace box to connect. He then had a go himself, collecting a misplaced pass from a Hull player before gliding in and out before dragging a shot wide, while Gayle sent a 25-yard effort well wide. Jerome nearly drew first blood midway through the half when he ran at the home defence before setting himself up on his right foot and drilling a shot narrowly over. Dikgacoi was on hand at the other end to deny Sagbo following a corner, and it was the South African's final contribution as he made way for Stuart O'Keefe. But they were dealt a big blow when Bolasie received a straight red card. After good play on the edge of the box, the winger shaped to shoot on his left and lunged with one foot to retrieve the ball. However, he caught Jake Livermore – and it was really only worthy of a yellow – before official Anthony Taylor produced the red. However, they silenced the home faithful soon after by taking the lead. Jerome was at the heart of Palace's opening – and winning – goal on 84 minutes. The on-loan striker powered into the box down the left before cutting the ball back to Bannan, who slotted home into the empty net. It was Palace's best chance of the match – and they took it, indeed. "One Keith Millen, there's only one Keith Millen", sang the Palace fans, who saw their caretaker boss point back in recognition. Hull nearly ruined the party at the death when Liam Rosenior rattled the post from long range following a corner, but despite attempts to get the ball back into box, referee Taylor blew his whistle to the relief of the Palace fans, players and staff. Keith Millen: You deserved that. Tony Pulis: Welcome, sir. Palace: Speroni, Ward, Moxey, Gabbidon, Delaney, Bannan, Dikgaco (O'Keefe 75), Jedinak ©, Bolasie, Gayle (Puncheon 86), Chamakh (Jerome 36). Subs Not Used: Alexander, Mariappa, Phillips, Williams. By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Hull City 0–1 Crystal Palace: Barry Bannan nets winner in front of new boss Tony Pulis


Crystal Palace co-owner hints Keith Millen will stay at the club

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PALACE co-owner Steve Browett has dropped a strong hint that Keith Millen will remain at the club. Croydon-born Millen is a popular figure with Eagles fans and has steadied the ship since Ian Holloway's departure - with four points and two clean sheets in the past two games. New boss Tony Pulis has yet to confirm the make-up of his backroom staff, but he did once sign Millen as a player. And, in response to a question about the caretaker boss on the BBS fans' site this evening, Browett wrote: "Keith is a top man, as I have said all along, I think that you can expect good news on this subject on Monday." Eagles fans on Twitter are in no doubt that they want Ian Holloway's former assistant to remain at the club, after he today guided Palace to a 1-0 win at Hull. Advertiser columnist Alex White said: "Keith Millen played under Tony Pulis at Bristol City so lets hope he stays In some capacity." @CPFC_PAT tweeted: "I hope Keith millen stays in the management team #cpfc he deserves it," while Linda Lake simply said: "Please keep Keith Millen at #cpfc." Browett's latest message tallies with what he told the Advertiser last week, while the manager search was still ongoing. He told us: "He [Millen] is a Palace supporter and his dad played for Palace. "He has got the support of the players and the board and he has done a very good job. "When we appoint a new manager it will be down to him who is in his backroom staff. "He will choose his backroom staff, but if he does have a place for Keith, I would love that."

Crystal Palace co-owner hints Keith Millen will stay at the club

Two pubs in Purley and Coulsdon saved from closure

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TWO pubs have been saved from closure following a buyout deal after their owner went into administration.

The Pembroke, in Coulsdon, and The Rectory, in Purley, have both been bought by Stonegate Pub Company after The Bramwell Pub Company was placed into administration late last month.

About 35 of Bramwell's 185 pubs across the country have been closed due to the administration, including The Pilgrim in Caterham.

A spokesman for Stonegate said: "We can confirm that The Pembroke in Coulsdon and The Rectory in Purley are two of the 78 pubs acquired from the administrator of the Bramwell Pub Company.

"We are delighted to have acquired these fantastic sites along with securing the jobs within the premises.

He added: "We look forward to welcoming the team to the company and successfully operating the businesses."

The buyout has saved 17 jobs at The Pembroke, in Chipstead Valley Road, and 19 at The Rectory, in Brighton Road, the spokesman added.

The company has also bought Old Bank in High Street, Sutton, saving another 13 jobs.

Stonegate runs several venues in Croydon, including The Wattenden Arms, in Kenley, The Green Dragon, Reflex, Yates's and The Goose, all in the town centre.

Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, said The Pembroke's future without Bramwell had looked shaky before Stonegate stepped in.

He said: "The receiver was looking for buyers and they were allowed to keep trading.

"But at the Pembroke one night last week they had lager but no real ale.

"We are all very pleased about Stonegate stepping in.

"The Pembroke is a nice pub and we like it and we hope they don't make too many changes.

"In general we like it as it is and we hope they don't put up the prices."

The Pembroke was formerly a Co-op supermarket, reversing today's trend of pubs being turned into convenience stores.

The Bramwell Pub Company reportedly went into administration due to cash flow problems, with Stonegate said to have bought the best-performing sites.

Stonegate describes itself as an "innovative and passionate team with big ambitions for the future."

Two pubs in Purley and Coulsdon saved from closure

We put YOUR questions to Croydon South Tory hopeful Chris Philp

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LAST week, Chris Philp was chosen as the Conservative candidate for Croydon South at the 2015 General Election. As he got to know his new patch, Georgie Keate put your questions to a man who could be our next MP...

Q: You ran for the Hampstead seat in 2010 and for selection in Tonbridge three weeks ago. How can you convince voters you are not just a career politician?

A. I was brought up in West Wickham, so my roots are in south London. It's up to me over the coming weeks and years to demonstrate my commitment and hard work that I will get things done and stand up for people here. I will be doing it the hard way; knocking on doors and talking to people house by house.

I will also be holding a meeting in the Croydon Conservative Association office on December 7 at 1pm to meet resident group leaders and anyone who wants to come along.

Q. Croydon South is a safe Conservative seat. Will you put your constituency above Westminster?

A. It is an MPs ongoing commitment, and not just the duration of an election campaign, to be part of the furniture and to be accessible to local people. Picking up local issues and supporting local people will be my priority.

Q. Will you support local groups campaigning to keep community facilities like leisure centres and libraries when the council seeks to close them?

A. It is difficult to generalise but would I look at each issue properly. When these things come up, I want to understand the issue and talk to residents. If I felt the local authority, the London Assembly or the Government had got it wrong, I would actively advocate in support of whatever was the right thing for local residents.

For example, when I was a councillor in Camden, I successfully campaigned against the shutting down on police stations. That shows I am not afraid to get involved.

Q. Police stations have closed down all over Croydon South. There is now only one contact point left, open for only three hours a week. Will you put pressure on the mayor to have a police station in the south of the borough?

A. The deal in Croydon was the borough would get an extra 117 police officers in consideration of station cutbacks. We can look towards a creative solution and look to find places where the police can base themselves in the community.

I plan to meet with Steve O'Connell and Stephen Greenhalgh, deputy mayor for policing and crime, to explore whether it is possible to find a base in the south of the borough.

Q. What can you do to stop town centres and high streets like Purley and Selsdon dying?

A. It's a valid concern and definitely true. One thing we could do is give small businesses and independent shops more business rate relief.

All small shops pay pretty much same as big shops and shopkeepers will tell you the rates are a real killer.

If you can give them bigger relief, that would make their businesses more viable and fill up vacant properties.

Q. Do you support the loosening of restrictions for developing on green spaces and putting up private extensions?

A. The Government has delivered on promises to stop garden grabbing and I fully support that.

I do think the eight metre extension allowance is too much. It used to be three metres and probably needs looking at. I also think developing on brown field sites like Cane Hill is much better than on green spaces. It's very important to protect this area because it is what makes it so nice.

Every council has a five-year housing plan where they have to draw a map pinpointing which sites are suitable for development. If they do not have one, developers can exploit areas through the backdoor by going to the Planning Inspectorate for permission to build on a site. I will be watching Croydon Council's plan closely.

Q. What are your ambitions in Westminster?

A. This is not about identifying some job and wanting to be a minister; politics should be about getting something done. There are three things I want to achieve.

The first is making sure that children of all backgrounds, particularly those in the state sector, have the same opportunities as those who are better off. It is not the case at the moment and you shouldn't have to pay for a good education.

I was lucky, I went to a good state school, so I want to make sure all children have that opportunity.

Secondly, I want to make sure the NHS looks after us the way it should. I have two deep personal experiences – one bad when my father got MRSA, and one good, when my twins were born 25 weeks prematurely this year.

I want to make sure the problems at Croydon University Hospital are tackled and it is not ignored for years, like Mid-Staffordshire.

The third is the economy and jobs in the UK. I want to make sure Britain stays competitive globally and the next generation have jobs and opportunities.

We put YOUR questions to Croydon South Tory hopeful Chris Philp

Double celebration for charity founder Eliza

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THE young founder of an anti-knife crime charity had two reasons to celebrate this week.

Eliza Rebeiro, 20, started Lives Not Knives (LNK) aged 14, to give young people a support network after two of her friends were stabbed – one to death.

After making LNK into a registered charity, Eliza won the Young Star award at the Women of the Future ceremony in London on Wednesday last week.

The night of recognition at the Marriott hotel in Grosvenor Square was a well-earned break from a manic week, in which she had also been setting up a new base for LNK in Centrale.

Eliza said: "It was a fantastic night and it was amazing to meet lots of women in business who are really on top of their game.

"It was also nice to be recognised for my work as well."

She was given the keys to a spacious unit on the upper level of Centrale just six days before the launch of the charity's new base.

Eliza, who is helped by her mum Monique Rebeiro, added: "It was a bit of a mad week as we pulled everything together for the launch and did all the painting and fitting.

"But the place looks amazing and it's huge, so it should be a good space for Croydon's young people.

"There aren't really enough places where young people can go for help and advice."

Half of the unit will be used to accommodate referrals from the Job Centre and co-ordinate programmes designed to get more young people into work.

The other side will offer help to budding entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, including everything from CV guidance to interview training.

Eliza said: "Everyone who comes to us has an inspiring story and they all know what they want but they don't know how to get there. That's where we come in.

"It's about making sure young people are given opportunities to show what they can do.

"We want to make a lot of corporate partnerships with businesses that can offer young people work programmes and get them valuable experience.

"We've had lots of support, which is vital because that is what a lot of young people need so desperately."

Double celebration for charity founder Eliza

Man arrested after car flips and lands in a Coulsdon road

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A CAR flipped and landed in the middle of the road after a crash in which four parked cars were badly damaged. One man has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following the incident in Coulsdon shortly after 11pm last night. A firefighter at Purley fire station, who attended the scene in Chipstead Valley Road, said: "The cars hit are quite seriously damaged. "The car that flipped, a Vauxhall Astra, was on its roof so the roof was flattened. "And on the driver's side the wheel was completely off. "We made the area safe and disconnected the batteries." Firefighters returned to the scene at one o'clock in the morning after the tow team reported possible smoke coming out of the car. It turned out there was no cause for concern. The man arrested was taken to a south London police station, where he remained this morning. His involvement in the incident was not immediately clear. (Updates to follow).

Man arrested after car flips and lands in a Coulsdon road

VOTE: Hull City vs Crystal Palace man of the match

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ON THE day Tony Pulis was appointed as Ian Holloway's successor at Selhurst Park, his new team registered their second win of the Premier League season. A late goal from summer signing Barry Bannan gave the Eagles a 1-0 victory at Hull City - a real feather in the cap for caretaker boss Keith Millen. Bannan, aside from his goal, again impressed with his midfield play, while the back four and keeper Julian Speroni deserve huge credit, for ensuring a second successive clean sheet. But who do you think deserves to be chosen as Palace's man of the match? Vote in our poll on the right-hand side of the page. The results will be revealed, along with a full match report and analysis, in Friday's Advertiser.

VOTE: Hull City vs Crystal Palace man of the match

Happy ending for Selsdon Little League kids after kit theft

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A CASH-STRAPPED football club which was raided by thieves has been given a new look after local businesses stepped in to replace their strips.

The Selsdon Little League, run for more than 400 children who cannot afford to be members of private clubs, was targeted in July when thieves caused £1,200 of damage.

The club had its generator, worth £500, equipment and strips stolen, forcing the managers to consider closing it.

Mik Simmons, the club's vice-president, said the league was now in a better position than they were before the raid, despite the council still charging a "fortune" for the children to use the pitches in Sanderstead.

"We have more sponsors now than we did before the incident which is great and enough to keep us going until the beginning of next year," he said.

"What we don't understand, as a club run by volunteers for kids who would not otherwise get to play sport, is why the council charge us up to £3,000 to use the pitches.

"Other little leagues around the country are recognised for their work and can use them for free."

Mathew Crawford-Thomas, who has two sons in the league, brought up the incident at his company, Columbus Direct, and decided to ask them for help.

He said: "I heard what had happened and just thought, 'You know what, the company isn't short of money, I'm sure they will help'. I asked our head of money and they said it was no problem and would pay for new strips to be made for the children."

The firm donated £500, while other donors included Dynamo Boxing, £720; Medipharm, £500; Sanderstead Residents' Association, £600; Dave & Co Builders, £400; and Liverpool Victoria insurance company, £230.

Sponsors have their names on the new kits and have pledged to keep supporting the club.

Club chairman Bob Clewley said: "We pride ourselves on our ethos of over 20 years of sport for every child.

"But the theft compromised our ability to deliver that to the full while we sorted out the mess these thieves left behind."

The chairman said the league had been devastated by the raid, when they realised they did not have enough money or insurance to recover the damages.

Mr Simmons added: "People have come forward who we would have never expected.

"They came and found us after hearing what happened. They've helped us get back on the roads so we're very thankful."

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the club can visit selsdonlittleleagues. leaguerepublic.com

Happy ending for Selsdon Little League kids after kit theft


Keith Millen will be staying at Crystal Palace

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KEITH Millen will be staying at Crystal Palace after a successful spell as caretaker manager, new boss Tony Pulis has confirmed. Millen guided the Eagles to four points and two clean sheets during his four matches in charge, culminating in Saturday's 1-0 win at Hull. And Pulis - who managed Millen as a player at Bristol City - confirmed Ian Holloway's former number two would be remaining at the club in some capacity. He said: "Keith [Millen] will be staying. I worked with him at Bristol City and there's no problems there, he will be staying." Co-chairman Steve Parish also praised Millen during Monday's press conference, saying the steady hand applied by the Croydon-born boyhood Palace fan allowed the board more time to seek the right man for the permanent manager's job. Parish said: "Keith was doing a great job and he was taking the side back to what we wanted. "I didn't think there was any great desperate need to change things quickly."

Keith Millen will be staying at Crystal Palace

Council the gives green light to Westfield/Hammerson plan

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ON WHAT was described as an "historic night for Croydon" the council gave the green light to Westfield and Hammerson's £1 billion town centre regeneration project. The plan will see the existing Whitgift Centre replaced by 1.4 million sq ft of shopping space, leisure facilities and between 400 and 600 new homes, creating up to 5,000 new jobs. Concerns were raised about parking, the impact on transport and affordable housing, but the landmark scheme was unanimously approved by the council's Strategic Planning Committee at Croydon Town Hall tonight (Monday). Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said: "I hope we look back on this decision in ten years time as a bright new beginning for Croydon." Council leader Mike Fisher said: "These are very exciting times for Croydon. "This application has brought together two major developers to revitalise the town centre. "It's very good news. Now what we need to do is get on with it." John Burton, Westfield's director of development, said: "This is a significant step forward in our plans for the redevelopment of Croydon's retail town centre and importantly creates 5,000 new jobs. "We believe that our proposed £1bn investment into the transformation of Croydon's leisure and shoppping offer has the potential to act as a major catalyst for the wider physical and social regeneration of the town." Peter Cole, chief investment officer of Hammerson, said the approval brought the "world class" scheme one step closer to reality. The plan will now be subject to approval from the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. A busy council chamber was taken through detailed plans for the developers' joint venture. The scheme will see the majority of the Whitgift Centre knocked down and rebuilt, though the facades of some buildings on George Street and Allders will be retained. A 24-hour pedestrian route through the centre, linking East and West Croydon like never before, was a key feature of the proposal. Labour councillor Paul Scott said the "key issue" was how the transport system would cope with the development. Mike Kiely, head of planning and building control, admitted that some impact could not be mitigated, but said the council and Transport for London (TfL) were working hard to address the issues, and pointed to £15m investment in the tram network and £10m in buses as evidence. Referring to the walkway through the shopping centre, Mr Kiely added: "The public visiting the site will find their way around a lot easier than they do now." Bensham Manor councillor Alison Butler raised the issue of affordable housing, saying she was "disappointed" the council had "settled" for a minimum of 15 per cent. Mr Kiely said anything more would have made the residential side of the plan "unviable". The committee received a late objection from Minerva, which raised concerns about transportation issues and said planning permission would leave the council open to legal challenge. William Hicks QC, representing the company, said 113,920 sq metres of parking spaces would make it "very difficult to provide future regeneration schemes in Croydon". He claimed the tram network would require significant alterations, adding: "My overall conclusion is I urge you not to determine today. More time will lead to better development, criticisms to be addressed and reduce the risk of legal challenge." Eagle Croydon Centre, landlords of the Whitgift and Allders car parks, "strongly urged" the committee to reject the application because there had not been a "proper and full consultation". But the panel unanimously voted in favour of granting conservation area and outline planning consent. Mr Burton said the Westfield/Hammerson partnership was "determined to bring a scheme which is regeneration in every sense". He added: "Croydon will rise to a place it used to hold in London - the very top." Mr Barwell added: "Most importantly this will turn around Croydon's decline. There is evidence that is already happening." Steve O'Connell, London Assembly member for Croydon and Sutton, said the town has had its fair share of "well-meaning but false dawns". He added: "What is in front of you is once in a generation; a historic opportunity to secure the prosperity of our town and its residents." Addressing concerns raised on the night, Cllr Jason Perry, cabinet member for regeneration, said a scheme of such size was "never going to tick every box". "I believe the scheme is a game changer," he said. "It's a catalyst for the town and will restore Croydon's place. This is an historic day." Labour councillor Paul Smith summed up the mood, saying: "My only frustration is impatience. "A decision will be made today, but we will want to see it tomorrow. We need this as quickly as possible." The vote was met by a large round of applause from the public gallery. If approved by the Mayor and Communities Secretary, compulsory purchase orders required before building work could start in March. The aim is for the scheme to be completed by Christmas 2017.

Council the gives green light to Westfield/Hammerson plan

Minerva slams council after Westfield/Hammerson go-ahead

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MINERVA has slammed the council after a planning committee approved Westfield and Hammerson's £1b town centre regeneration project. The company, the landlord for the Allders building, raised late objections to the plan before it was given the go-ahead this evening (Monday). In a statement released after the approval, a Minerva spokesperson said: "Today's decision shows a clear disregard for the interests and concerns of local stakeholders in Croydon. "This decision has been made hurriedly, with the council failing to adequately address significant objections and concerns in their report to the Strategic Planning Committee. "It is in the interests of Croydon that a comprehensive and sustainable solution to regenerate the whole of the town centre is found, but this decision fails to achieve this and risks constraining any future growth and investment plans. "The delivery of the development also remains inherently uncertain as Westfield and Hammerson do not own the whole application site and have not engaged in any constructive dialogue with the landowners." William Hicks QC represented Minerva at the Strategic Planning Committee. He said the scheme's 113,920 sq metres of parking spaces would make it "very difficult to provide future regeneration schemes in Croydon". He claimed the tram network would require significant alterations, adding: "My overall conclusion is I urge you not to determine today. More time will lead to better development, criticisms to be addressed and reduce the risk of legal challenge." Eagle Croydon Centre, landlords of the Whitgift and Allders car parks, "strongly urged" the committee to reject the application because there had not been a "proper and full consultation". But the panel unanimously voted in favour of granting conservation area and outline planning consent. The Allders building is currently occupied by department store Croydon Village outlet, which has struggled since opening in September.

Minerva slams council after Westfield/Hammerson go-ahead

VIDEO: How Croydon's Westfield shopping centre could look

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A VIDEO of what Croydon's Westfield shopping centre could look like has been released by the developers involved in the £1 billion scheme. The clip, which features a fly-by of the town centre, modelled in 3D, was shown during a council committee meeting last night where the project was given outline planning consent. It shows the Whitgift Centre being transformed into a new leisure, shopping and residential district by Westfield and Hammerson. The video zooms in to show artist's impressions of entrances along Wellesley Road and North End, as well as the proposed 24-hour pedestrian walkway through the complex. It also depicts the large residential towers which will form part of the scheme. After being given the go-ahead by the council, the plan will be scrutinised by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson before being looked at by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

VIDEO: How Croydon's Westfield shopping centre could look

£10,000 reward for help finding escaped killer Lerone Boye

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DETECTIVES are offering a reward of up to £10,000 for help in finding a convicted murderer who escaped from a mental health unit. Lerone Boye was last seen on Wednesday October 16 before his escape from the John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road, Homerton, E9. The 27-year-old was sentenced in December 2012 to 28 years for the murder of New Addington 17-year-old Kelvin Chibueze in Ilford on 15 August 2011. Met police detectives are offering the reward for information leading to his whereabouts and arrest. They say some intellience suggests he may be in east London. He also has links to Barking, Newham and Ilford. Boye is described as a black man who is 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He has a horseshoe-shaped scar on his right cheek and a gold tooth in his upper row of teeth. When last seen Boye was wearing a grey/blue sweatshirt with a grey vest over the top. He was also wearing grey jogging bottoms. He had short hair and a goatee beard. The public are advised not to approach Boye but to call 999 if seen. Anyone with any information about Boye's whereabouts can also call police on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

£10,000 reward for help finding escaped killer Lerone Boye

How Croydon reacted to Westfield/Hammerson approval

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APPROVAL of Westfield/Hammerson's £1bn regeneration scheme was hailed last night as a "historic day for Croydon". Politicians and community leaders have universally hailed the project as a bright new dawn for the town. While plenty of residents share their outlook, there are those who are more skeptical, with reaction on social media ranging from optimism to cynicism. Posters on the Advertiser's Facebook page welcomed the news, though some urged caution. Adam Lowe said: "They're investing in shops which will pump money into the local area, and benefit the surrounding area financially. It's simple economics. Croydon will gain as a whole." Richard Gianella said: "[It] needs to happen to revitalise the area. I just hope it takes account of historic landmarks such as the Alms Houses at the end of the high street." Sarah O'Byrne said: "Croydon can't get any worse than it is now. It can only help the borough massively." Stephanie Mills said: "It's long overdue. I never go to Croydon anymore. I find it the least child friendly place. I'd rather drive to Crawley/Bluewater/anywhere. "This could be the best thing to happen to Croydon in a long time, providing it's done right." Others, however, are less than convinced. Avril Jones posted: "The town needs lots of independent stores to set it apart from every other boring, chain store-infested town in the UK. I'm not sure WestHammers will bring that." Sharon Murray called it an "ignorant waste of funds", adding: "The town centre doesn't need revamping. People need homes first and foremost. "Once again I'm disgusted with the council/government for choosing to ignore the needs of the community for a few posh shops in a borough that is poorer than most and can't even afford the basics." @dealneil said on Twitter: "It'll be too big, ugly and drag shoppers away from other areas." Some people preferred to get carried away with the positives. @PookyYuen tweeted: "Wozas Croydon's Whitgift is making way for Westfield!! Loved shopping in Croydon as a kid. Getting even better." @CharlieKamale said: "Rahh Croydon's actually getting a Westfield...Mad mad mad."

How Croydon reacted to Westfield/Hammerson approval

What the papers say about Westfield/Hammerson deal

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CROYDON made national headlines for the right reasons as the Westfield/Hammerson deal was approved by the council. Several broadsheet papers have covered the news, noting cause for optimism in a town which has endured its share of setbacks in recent years. The coverage has been positive, though a number of commentators have noted that previous developments have turned out to be false dawns. The Financial Times said outline planning approval is a "milestone" for the plan. "It would provide the trigger for a dozen or so property schemes, transforming the economic fortunes of the area by creating a magnet for south London shoppers and laying the groundwork for a resurgence in business and new residents," its article adds. The paper said Croydon has experienced a "slow and sometimes painful decline" since the 1960s and 1970s and that the story of the last decade has been "one of failed development" capped by the August 2011 riots. It said residents "tantalised in recent years by false hopes for the town's renaissance" have something to be positive about. Louis Buckland, 18, told the paper: "I hope it will shift perceptions. A lot of my friends are fed up living in Croydon. You say the word and people think of the riots." Independent trader Mark Sawyer wants to sell perfumes in the new Westfield. The redevelopment, he says, has "got to be good for Croydon". "The shops here are old and outdated. It needs to happen."The Guardian said Croydon had "suffered through more than a decade of underinvestment" and a "widely held perception the area is not safe". Like other papers, it points to the riots in August 2011, describing in particular the destruction of House of Reeves as "the lasting image of the violent unrest". That could be about to change, it says, after Westfield and Hammerson ended their battle of wills and came together to create the plan that was approved by the council's Strategic Planning Committee last night (Monday). The paper acknowledges the "huge" hope and expectation behind the deal, but says the developers "have their work cut out to convince people that Croydon is a welcoming place for families". An article in The Times, which is behind a paywall, said Croydon is known for being "concrete, ugly and the butt of the country's 'worst town' jokes" but could now be in line for a "makeover". It quotes the Hammerson/Westfield partnership as claiming the 1.5 million sq ft retail and leisure scheme could be "the blueprint for a modern town in a digital age". What do you think of plans for a Westfield shopping centre in Croydon? Let us know below

What the papers say about Westfield/Hammerson deal


Sanderstead dancer wins West End role in Billy Elliot

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REBECCA White may have been practicing her dance moves for years, but it was her way with words that landed her a part in the West End on Friday. The aspiring performer won a walk-on role in Billy Elliot the Musical, after answering a question posed to the fictional star: "What does it feel like when you are dancing?" The 18-year-old performed in two group scenes in the hit show by Lee Hall and Elton John, which sees a boy from a mining family fight to become a dancer, amid the pit strikes. Former Reigate College student Rebecca beat more then 1,300 entrants to the part and was still "buzzing" on Monday. She said: "I have yet to have a good night's sleep from it. "It was so overwhelming - when I came off stage after the first sequence I had tears running down my face. "For me it is such a dream because that is what I want to go into." Rebecca danced and sang during the opening sequence and during the miners' song Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher. The Sanderstead resident was also introduced to the audience at the end of the sell-out show at London's Victoria Palace. She said: "When I was performing I could blank out the audience and concentrate on performing. "But when I did the bow that is when I was looking around the auditorium and it really hit me - Oh My God everyone is staring at me. "I like performing but I don't actually like all the attention being on me." The lucky performing arts graduate also got to hang out backstage with cast and crew including Ali Rasul, 12, playing the lead role of Billy Elliot. Rebecca said: "He is just loving life; he is so young and so talented -and he was not scared at all . "It was so nice to talk to everyone back stage - they kind of felt like family. They were lovely and they were just looking after me and asking me how I felt." Rebecca, who entered the contest on Facebook, had two rehearsals before taking to the stage in costume and wig for her one-off role. She said: "It was nice to be on stage as someone else. "The lady was like, "What can you be called?' - and I think we went with Barbara." Rebecca says the show has fuelled her ambition to work in musical theatre - and she will be watching the film of the show. She said: "I know I am going to watch it and be thinking, "Why did I do that? I am so critical of myself." Her winning answer to the question was: "It makes me explore my artistic side and emotions through movement - it makes me feel happy and alive and it makes me feel more passionate about the career I want to do."

Sanderstead dancer wins West End role in Billy Elliot

FANS VIEW: Crystal Palace win at Hull was straight out of the Tony Pulis textbook

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ROBERT Sutherland, from Palace fanzine Five Year Plan, brings us his latest view from SE25... THE relief was palpable. It had been nine years since Palace last won an away game in the top division. It had been months since the club had won a game at all. Frustration, sadness and impatience had taken hold as Steve Parish and co. did their due diligence before appointing a new manager – the fear that Palace had given up had set in. But football is a crazy, organic representation of life as a whole. Just when you think things have reached their worst possible point and there is no hope of recovery, Palace find a way to re-inject some excitement and purpose to the proceedings. Forget relegation – the win at Hull City gave Palace hope, and as a club, we thrive on that stuff. Keith Millen is the man to be credited with setting the foundations of an unlikely recovery. Realising that the club's chances of staying up would rely on defensive solidity, his approach has been one of pragmatism and defiance. As a Palace fan, Millen understands the importance of the club's status as a Premier League club; that he has been reassured about his role at the club by newly-appointed manager Tony Pulis is news that Palace supporters can all rejoice in. What Pulis will bring is a greater level of organisation, defensively and across the pitch. Players will be expected to play their roles with greater responsibility. There will be a greater reliance on set pieces, throw ins and corners. There's a good chance that Pulis will approach the remainder of this season with the same attitude and directness that his Stoke side featured, albeit with a different set of tools – Palace just don't have the same kind of squad that Stoke had. Pulis has also made it clear that he's not just at Palace to fight fires, but that he's relishing the challenge he's faced with. While the club had an opportunity to appoint a variety of managers following plenty of interviews, Pulis clearly impressed the most – not only does he bring organisation but he also brings a more comprehensive approach to managing the club. His comments in the press conference showed that he'd done his research and understood the task at hand. The remainder of this season will be about results like the one at Hull. Fighting against all odds, grabbing solitary goals but producing performances that fans can be proud of. That's the Palace way, isn't it?

FANS VIEW: Crystal Palace win at Hull was straight out of the Tony Pulis textbook

Crystal Palace star Barry Bannan dedicates Hull City win to Keith Millen

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CRYSTAL Palace's Barry Bannan was delighted with Saturday's 1-0 victory at Hull City and believes the result will spur them on in the next few games against teams just above them in the league. The Scotsman fired home a late winner to take all three points in front of new boss Tony Pulis soon after Yannick Bolasie's red card. "It was brilliant and of course, the three points was the most important thing," Bannan told the Advertiser. "To just get on the scoresheet was great. It was a big relief and we had been struggling to get a win. "To come to a team that is going to be around us and win the game was brilliant. "The boys put on a great performance. We have done so for the last couple of weeks now and it's encouraging. "We've played really well and there will be a new-found confidence in that changing room now. "We look forward to the games coming up and we just want to keep each game as it comes. "These games are ones we can win against teams around us. "We won't set a target, we just look forward the next game and take it from there." And the former Aston Villa midfielder said the win at the KC Stadium was for caretaker boss Keith Millen too. "He's been brilliant – he's kept everyone smiling and we've all been enjoying training," said Bannan. "I've just enjoyed working with him and I think a big part of the result against Hull has to go to him. "The three points is for him I think and it would be great to see him stay on. "He's stepped in as the manager and it would be good to see him get a job, whether it's with us or elsewhere."

Crystal Palace star Barry Bannan dedicates Hull City win to Keith Millen

New Addington man revives dad's legendary Christmas lights display

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AN ELECTRIFYING Christmas tradition is to be revived to raise money for charity. The epic Christmas lights outside the home at the corner of Homestead Way and King Henry's Drive were a sight to behold for nearly 20 years between 1984 and 2004. But when the display's creator Derek Hopkinson died from cancer aged 66, the tradition sadly went with him. Now his son Alex Hopkinson is reviving the show in memory of his dad and to raise money for St Christopher's Hospice which cared so well for him. He has been dusting off and preparing the festive lights for one month and his show now numbers some 10,000 lights including beaming Santas and nativity scenes. Mr Hopkinson will be hosting a switch-on ceremony at 7pm on Sunday with local youngster Ellie Gardner doing the honours amid a host of surprise treats. Mr Hopkinson said: "My father used to love that time of year - I think it was one of the best times of year for him - he loved people's reactions and their faces when they saw the lights. "People are already stopping to take photos when they pass, and that is when the lights are switched off." A collection box will be placed next to Father Christmas for St Christopher's Hospice, of which Mr Hopkinson said: ""They really looked after my father; they were excellent - they were there to support us and they really helped us out." In 1997 his father's show won the award for best Christmas lights in the south-east in a competition run by ITV. Back then, Mr Hopkinson added, the electricity bill for the lights used to be about £150. Now it is "probably more," he agreed.

New Addington man revives dad's legendary Christmas lights display

Police hunt offender who breached licence nearly four years ago

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POLICE are still trying to find a man wanted on recall to prison nearly four years after he disappeared from authorities. An arrest warrant was issued for Gentian Morina, 29, on March 12, 2010, after he broke the conditions of his release from prison. He had been oonvicted of ABH in December 2008 and was last known to live at an address in Old Palace Road, Croydon. Officers have been unable to track him down despite various appeals. Morina - who may also be using the name of Edmond Kurtaj - is now believed to be living in the Thames Valley region, with links to the Oxford and Reading areas. Detective Sergeant Steve George, from the Wanted Offender's Unit in Croydon, said: "We have been looking for Morina for some time now and we've had recent information suggesting that he is in the Thames Valley area. "We would ask anyone who might know or recognise him to get in touch with us." Anyone with information should contact police in Croydon on 020 8649 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police hunt offender who breached licence nearly four years ago

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