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Men appear in court on New Addington shotgun charges

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FIVE men have appeared in court after a shotgun was found when two vehicles were stopped by armed police in New Addington. Armed police stopped a Ford Focus and a BMW in Wescott Close off Lodge Lane on Tuesday evening. A sawn-off shotgun and two rounds of ammunition were recovered from the back seat of the BMW. Edward Ephraim, 30, of Lennard Road, Croydon; Aaron Leacock, 26, of Starling Close, Croydon; Tyrone McNeish, 29, of Guinness Trust, Kennington; Jason Pindi, 28, of Hardam House, Tulse Hill, and Patrick Otim, 25, of Cudham Drive, New Addington, are charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. They appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Thursday ahead of a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on December 23. Police are still searching for a sixth man who fled the scene when the cars were stopped.

Men appear in court on New Addington shotgun charges


Volunteers defend Croydon soup kitchen after police accusations

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VOLUNTEERS have defended a soup kitchen accused of causing trouble in the town centre. It comes as the police release statistics to back up their claim that the soup run in Queen's Gardens is a source of unruly behaviour. Borough Commander David Musker said last week he wanted the soup run moved because it attracts people who "spend their money on alcohol rather than food". The kitchen has been in the gardens, opposite Taberner House, for 37 years and is run by volunteers from charity Nightwatch. Amanda Shortland coordinates dozens of people who give up their free time every evening to give out food and drinks, as well as clothes and blankets, to those who use the service. "I don't believe anyone would choose to go to a park late in the evening for food if they weren't in genuine need," she said. "The soup kitchen is not a source of antisocial behaviour. We always see people who are hungry, but only some have been drinking. "I believe that a meal, hot drink and conversation with our volunteers has the opposite effect and people are calmer and more likely to go back to where they stay than be looking to cause trouble in Croydon after we leave." A report leaked last week, produced by a senior council officer but prompted by Chief Superintendent Musker, had recommended using "all available bylaws" to ban the soup kitchen from Queen's Gardens. The plan was eventually shelved in favour of a "measured approach", at least to begin with. The Advertiser asked Croydon Police for evidence of the problems the soup kitchen, which runs between 9.30pm and 10.15pm, had been causing. This week it provided figures connected to a specific operation, launched in July, to tackle antisocial behaviour, begging and street drinkers in the town centre. Since then police have made 135 alcohol seizures, 13 arrests and seven fines in Queen's Gardens, but were unable to provide details of the offences or the times they took place. Like the rest of the town centre, the area falls within a dispersal zone, giving police additional powers to move on groups of people. Police said there have been 30 'dispersals' in Queen's Gardens since July, but again could not directly link them to the soup kitchen. There were 570 alcohol seizures, 99 dispersals and 40 arrests across the town centre as a whole in the same period. About 50 people gathered to use the soup kitchen on Tuesday evening. The volunteers arrived at 9.30pm and by 10.15pm all the customers had moved on. There was no sign of trouble as the crowd stood in the cold and drank soup and tea. The atmosphere was as menacing as it sounds. Volunteer Paul Scivier said: "I've been doing this ten years and in all that time I can probably count on one hand the number of problems there have been." Harry Lindsay, who has volunteered at the soup kitchen for the last 15 years, said: "It's too easy to say this section of the homeless is deserving and another isn't." "If there isn't somewhere for the undeserving to be fed should they go on the streets? There has to be a safety net, even if it also helps the most undeserving cases."

Volunteers defend Croydon soup kitchen after police accusations

Chelsea fan Jonny Williams admits Stamford Bridge clash will be 'special'

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BOYHOOD Chelsea fan Jonny Williams admits playing at Stamford Bridge will be "special" for him.

"I'm excited to go to Chelsea now," he said.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet. When I go there for the first time as a player, it will be special. I'm really looking forward to it.

"I'm not sure how many tickets I can get for friends and family.

"I probably won't be able to get many but we'll see."

Palace have kept four clean sheets in the past five games and go to Chelsea in confident mood.

There's no hiding the fact Jose Mourinho's men will pose a different test, but Williams says he's always believed in what his defensive team-mates can do.

He said: "I think our defence has always been good. Ian Holloway had them in shape previously and I think it's just carried on. There are no risks.

"We defend really well, and they're not exactly hoofed either – they're accurate, diagonal balls.

"That's really helped us to break on teams, and we didn't really take our chances at the start of the season.

"It was a fine line between getting a point and not getting a point against Tottenham on the opening day.

"It just wasn't going our way, but recently we've had our luck and it's been a great feeling."

Chelsea fan Jonny Williams admits Stamford Bridge clash will be 'special'

Police: No plans to cut staff at Croydon custody centre

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THERE are no current plans to cut staff at Windmill Road custody centre, police have said. A well-placed source told the Advertiser that staff at the £17.3 million facility were informed last week of plans to cut two custody sergeants and change shift patterns. Croydon Police denied this was the case but said a London-wide review of custody services was currently being undertaken by the Met. A spokesman said: "There are no immediate plans to alter the staffing levels at our custody centre in Windmill Road. "However, the delivery of the custody function across all boroughs is currently being reviewed as part of the wider change programme within the Met and this is ongoing." The centre, which opened in April 2012, has recently been changed to include a public front counter as part of police station closures across the borough. Staffing pressures at Windmill Road are understood to be part of an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the death of Rebecca Sessacar at her home in Duppas Hill Terrace last December.

Police: No plans to cut staff at Croydon custody centre

UPDATE: Man seriously injured in Norbury Crescent fire

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A MAN has been seriously injured in a flat fire. The man, believed to be in his 60s, was pulled by firefighters from the blaze in Norbury Crescent this afternoon. He has been taken to King's College Hospital as a priority, suffering burns and smoke inhalation, a London Ambulance Service spokesperson said. The patient was in a "serious condition," taken by road accompanied by the doctor from the air ambulance, she added. Emergency services were called to the flat near St. Helens Road, at roughly 12.20pm. Four fire engines, 21 firefighters, police and paramedics attended. Road closures are in place in Norbury Crescent. A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a man from the property." Updates to follow....

UPDATE: Man seriously injured in Norbury Crescent fire

Croydon's maternity services among worst in country says CQC survey but progress being made

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MATERNITY services in Croydon are among the worst in the country according to a survey by the health watchdog. Croydon Health Services NHS Trust scored below average when women were asked to rate the care they had received. It was named as one of the seven worst-performing trusts in the country by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The survey, of women who gave birth in February, was sent out before a major refurbishment of Croydon University Hospital's maternity unit, improvements praised by the CQC during an inspection of the trust as a whole in September. Zoe Packman, director of nursing and midwifery, said: "This latest survey was done in February and it is disappointing that standards back then were not at the improved level they are now." The maternity services survey, published this week, saw a questionnaire sent to all women who gave birth in February 2013. Responses were received from 96 people who gave birth in Croydon. Mums were asked questions about various aspects of care and, based on their answers, trusts were then given a score out of ten. Croydon was worse than average in all three overall categories: Labour and birth (8/10), staff (8) and care in hospital after birth (7). It scored significantly worse than average in seven of the questions, including when women were asked whether they felt comfortable when giving birth. It lowest score was 6.1 out of ten for mums "feeling their stay in hospital after the birth was the right amount of time". The trust scored 6.7 out of ten for "cleanliness of toilets". However, it did score significantly better than average when mums were asked if their partners felt involved in the birth. Since the survey, the maternity unit at Croydon University Hospital has undergone a £629,000 makeover. The trust has also hired more midwives including Gina Brockwell, its first consultant midwife. The trust as a whole was inspected by the CQC in September. It was chosen as one of the first hospital to undergo the strict new inspection regime after being identified as "high risk" due, in part, to poor performance in patient surveys. The report, published last month, described maternity services as "caring, safe and well-led". "Most women and family members were happy with the maternity services and we saw evidence that they were both safe and caring," it added. Ms Packman said: "Mums and staff gave a hugely encouraging assessment of our progress in maternity care during a hospital inspection in September. "Choice on antenatal check-ups and the involvement of partners in labour and birth are areas where the patient survey shows we are performing well. "It also highlights where more can be done and we will continue to involve patients and staff to ensure professional and excellent care for every mother." A separate survey, published in September, rated Croydon's cancer care as the third worst in the country.

Croydon's maternity services among worst in country says CQC survey but progress being made

New appeal in hunt for killers of father-of-four Trevor Ellis

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THIS harrowing picture of Trevor Ellis in hospital has been released by detectives hoping to find his killers. Mr Ellis, 26, was shot in the head after a high-speed car chase through Croydon during the summer 2011 riots. Detectives investigating the murder have released new pictures, including a harrowing photograph of the father-of-four in St George's Hospital. Mr Ellis, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday on tomorrow (Saturday), was discovered by police slumped in a car in Duppas Hill Road at 9.20pm on August 8, 2011. He was taken to St George's, in Tooting, but died the following day. In an interview on the anniversary of the killing last year, detectives told the Advertiser that the perception that Mr Ellis, from Brixton Hill, was involved in looting may have discouraged witnesses from coming forward. Detective Inspector Jim Redmond said, regardless of what he did that night, the young father was a victim of a "cold-blooded murder" that police were "desperate to solve". Mr Ellis was with Blaze Aitcheson-Daley, 22, and Tyrone Cooper, 26, in a black Ford Fiesta parked in Scarbrook Road on the night of August 8. Cooper and Aitcheson-Daley had returned to the car with stolen goods taken from Cash Converters, an offence for which they were later jailed. There is no CCTV footage of Mr Ellis entering the store. His group became involved in an argument with another group, or approximately nine people, which culminated in a car chase involving three cars which began in Scarbrook Road and ended in Duppas Hill. Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway, of the homicide & major crime command, is now leading the investigation. "I believe his killers were actively involved in looting and responsible for robbing at least two people that night," she said. "They thought nothing of arming themselves with a gun and ultimately taking a young man's life leaving four young children without a father. "His family should have been with him this very weekend celebrating his 29th birthday. "Instead they continue to mourn his loss. "Plenty of time has past since the night Mr Ellis was killed and we know that allegiances shift. "We urge anyone with information about this murder to come forward and help police." In a statement issued through the police, Mr Ellis' family said: "Trevor was a father, son, brother and a charming family member missed by all that knew him. He has been murdered needlessly with no remorse. "Please help us bring the killers to justice with any information you may have no matter how insignificant it may seem. No one deserves to die this way." Thirteen people have been arrested during the investigation into Mr Ellis' death. They have all since been released with no further action. Anyone with information relating to any aspect of the incident is asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4005. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New appeal in hunt for killers of father-of-four Trevor Ellis

Police hope 12 most wanted will be driving home to Croydon this Christmas

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Police have issued a festive plea for information on the whereabouts of 12 men - presumably to discuss whether they have been naughty or nice. Detective Sergeant Steve George, from Croydon's Wanted Offender Unit said: "Some of these men have been wanted by us for some time now and we've run appeals to try and find them and others. Some are wanted in connection with serious offences and it is certainly in the interest of the public that these people are located by us. "We are hopeful that somebody will know where these people are and get in touch. We've had some good successes with recent appeals, with a man who was wanted for more than three years located after we released his image to the media. "You don't have to leave your name or details and you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers with any information you have. They pass details to us anonymously and we can do the rest." Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of any of the 12 people should contact police by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They are: Keroy Orlando Whittle, 32, wanted in connection with an allegation of possession with intent to supply illegal drugs. Has links to Mitcham and Croydon. Jordan Jemal Burton, 21, wanted in connection with a burglary. Links to Croydon and Slough. Patrick Fowler, 47, wanted for failing to appear at Croydon Crown Court on October having previously been charged with burglary. Links to New Addington and Croydon. Kadie Spence, 26, wanted on recall to prison having previously been convicted of possession of a firearm. Links to Croydon and South London. Ricky Covington, 26, wanted on recall to prison, having been convicted of burglary.Links to Upper Norwood, Crystal Palace, Abbey Wood and Belvedere. Sharif Balogun, 42, wanted on recall to prison, having previously been convicted of burglary.Links to central Croydon, South Norwood and Tunbridge Wells. Faisal Butt, 36, wanted in connection with an allegation of fraud and theft of motor vehicle in Croydon. Links to Morden and South Croydon areas Jermaine Green, 30, wanted for failing to attend Southwark Crown Court on October 2 having been charged with dangerous driving and criminal damage. Links to Streatham area. Rafal Satysiak, 38, wanted in connection with a burglary in Croydon. Links to central Croydon. Daniel Anderson, 25, wanted in connection with a serious assault in Croydon. Links to Woking and Southwark areas. Michael Phelps, 25, wanted in connection with a serious assault in Croydon. Links to Croydon and Penge. Christopher Willmott, 27, wanted for failing to appear at Croydon Magistrates'Court on November 5. Links to the Croydon and Thornton Heath

Police hope 12 most wanted will be driving home to Croydon this Christmas


Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray: I'm aiming for end of January return

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CRYSTAL Palace striker Glenn Murray is confident he will be back playing in the first few weeks of 2014. Last season's top goalscorer was talking to Sky Sports News this evening ahead of this weekend's Premier League games. And he recalled how his long-term injury came about in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against arch-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in May. "I snapped my ACL and done both my cartilages (in my knee)," said Murray. "I turned in the box and I did think I had been brought down for a penalty, but I turned around to see nobody there, and it was extremely painful. "It's coming on very well. Hopefully end of January I should be back in the first team. "It is extremely frustrating but I've just got to keep my mindset right and look forward to getting back."

Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray: I'm aiming for end of January return

Thieves post back some of the xmas cash stolen from dying man

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A TERMINALLY ill man was left distraught after a bag containing thousands of pounds he had saved to pay for a family Christmas was stolen.

But in a bizarre twist, some of the money and a valuable piece of jewellery were then anonymously returned in a jiffy bag.

Trevor Pollitt, who has lung cancer and is still struggling to cope with the sudden death of his 30-year-old son two years ago, withdrew about £2,500 last week to pay for food and presents for his family over the festive season.

However, the 67-year-old left his bag, which contained the money and a gold chain with boxing gloves on it – a gift from his wife worth another £3,000 – in a trolley at the Elmers End Tesco last Wednesday.

His wife, Karen, told the Advertiser: "He was picking his grandson up from school and stopped in Tesco to buy a few things.

"He put his bag in the trolley and left without it. It took him ten minutes to realise – he's really ill and sometimes not all there – and when he went back it was gone."

The couple, of Stroud Green Way, Shirley reported the loss to the police, but had little hope of the bag's return until a jiffy bag arrived in the post on Monday.

But the parcel only contained the gold chain, £900 in cash, Mr Pollitt's freedom pass and driving licence. His bank card and the remaining money was missing.

"Each thing was in a separate envelope in this jiffy bag so they really sifted through things and decided to keep about £1,500," Mrs Pollitt said.

"I'm so angry and it makes no sense. I would always hand something I found into the police, it's the right thing to do."

Mrs Pollitt has appealed for the person to return all the cash and her husband's bank card.

"We struggle as it is and really struggled to save that money for Christmas and now it's gone," she said. "Someone horrible out there has his bag without thinking about what it must be like for him."

She said the incident had upset her grandson Jordan, who just wanted his grandfather's bag returned to him at Christmas.

She added: "My husband feels like he's let me down at Christmas. We're only just getting over losing our son two years ago and now this happens."

Their son, Lee, was a well-known stable groom who was found dead at his sister Trevvena's home in New Addington in 2011 at the age of 30.

Police confirmed the couple had reported the lost bag and its contents last Wednesday, as well as the bizarre return of some of the cash this week.

However, they said they could not give the incident a crime reference as there was no evidence that someone had stolen the bag.

Thieves post back some of the xmas cash stolen from dying man

Push for East Croydon station revamp by 2018

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THE pressure is on Network Rail to expand East Croydon Station by providing two new lines and platforms.

The council and Gavin Barwell MP are pushing for work to start on the project to coincide with the opening of the revamped Whitgift Centre in 2018.

The £1 billion Westfield/Hammerson development is expected to significantly increase passengers coming into East Croydon.

The concerns are that existing congestion at the station will become worse if nothing has been done about the track and platform expansions in time for the opening.

Croydon Central MP Mr Barwell, who was planning a meeting with Network Rail this week, said: "It is essential that we get this work done as soon as possible."

At present no money has been scheduled for the scheme in the 2014-2019 funding tranche, with much of that budget going towards improvements in the Redhill area.

In a statement issued this week, Network Rail said tackling congestion points at East Croydon and Windmill Junction, on the northern side of the station, were being looked at as the next possible project to follow the Redhill scheme.

The statement read: "The ideal time to get cracking on those is the early part of the next control period, from 2019-2024, as the area is due to have its signalling renewed then."

Bringing the two sets of work together is considered by Network Rail as the most cost-effective way of bringing about the improvements.

All the works are designed to reduce pressure on pinch points on the London to Brighton line, which Network Rail said "limit the number of trains we can run and make it harder to recover from delays when they do occur".

The statement continued: "We are working with MP Gavin Barwell and other interested parties to build the case for doing the work, and the funding to match.

"Our Route Utilisation Strategy will be published next autumn, which will have a more detailed breakdown of the work that is needed to keep this stretch of railway running in the next 30 years."

Mr Barwell said he would be lobbying for Government funding to fast-track the scheme, adding: "I want to get ministers down here to look at the situation."

Push for East Croydon station revamp by 2018

Croydon man remembers Nelson Mandela's 'extraordinary humility'

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A BUSINESS leader who left South Africa due to its racist laws has recalled his meeting with the country's first black president.

Deva Ponnoosami, of South Croydon, had a one-to-one chat with then-president Nelson Mandela in 1996, at his offices in Johannesburg.

The meeting was set up by Beryl Baker, who was Mr Ponnoosami's friend and Mr Mandela's personal assistant.

The 70-year-old said he recalled the leader's extraordinary humility, adding: "I arrived for a 10am meeting and he was on the telephone and his PA said he will only be a few minutes.

"When the light on the phone went out she said, 'You can go in now'.

"And then I walked into his room – all the curtains were drawn because his eyes were in a terrible state because of the chalk in Robben Island.

"And as he walked towards me he said to me, 'Beryl tells me you are a very busy bloke; I am so sorry to keep you waiting'. It had only been about four minutes!"

Mr Ponnoosami came to Croydon in 1962, due to apartheid rules in South Africa making it illegal for non-whites to study accountancy.

He recalled: "When you went to the post office you had to be in a queue that was separate from the whites – and you could have a long queue in the non-white section and two or three people on the white side."

Mr Ponnoosami now owns a rare print of an award-winning painting of Mandela which shows his face in the shape of South Africa and in the colours of the African National Congress. Only 1,000 were ever produced.

Recalling Mandela, he added: "It is unbelievable that anybody could come out of prison 27 years later and say, 'Let's let bygones be bygones'."

Croydon man remembers Nelson Mandela's 'extraordinary humility'

Blow for campaigners against Coulsdon car park development

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DOCUMENTS relating to Croydon Council's ownership of Lion Green Road do not say that the land must be used only for the community.

The records appear to dampen local speculation to that effect, which has emerged amid a row over its potential use for a supermarket development.

The land is owned by the council which uses it as a public car park but wants to turn it into a Waitrose supermarket, drawing complaints over potential traffic and loss of parking. Several local residents have since claimed the council might not be allowed to do so, due to conditions placed on the land's use. Documents from the Land Registry show Croydon Council bought the 3.2 acres from the Secretary of State for Social Services in 1970.

The conveyance on the £8,330 transaction shows requirements on the council to put up chain-link fencing and other practicalities, but makes no mention of its use.

Nor are there any references to such a use in the title documents, also available through the Land Registry.

A spokesman for Croydon Council said the authority had leased the land for "a period of time" before the 1970 sale.

He added: "The land was acquired under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations Act, 1967. The Secretary of State did not impose any restrictive covenants limiting the future use of the land.

"Any future dealings of the car park will be by virtue of the provisions of s. 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 or similar authority."

Records suggest the previous owner as far back as 1878 was a J. Tucker.

Roger Packham, from local history group the Bourne Society, said the J. Tucker was most likely local farmer Joseph Tucker.

The plans for a supermarket and health centre in the car park, with parking underneath, have yet to be decided upon – although a target date was set for October.

Blow for campaigners against Coulsdon car park development

Chelsea 2–1 Crystal Palace: Eagles dominate chances in narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge

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CRYSTAL Palace were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Chelsea this afternoon in a performance they can be proud of. Marouane Chamakh equalised for the Eagles just five minutes after Fernando Torres had given the hosts the lead, only for Ramires to restore the Blues' lead. It in a frantic start in west London, both sides looked to play a passing game, and the Eagles in particular stood out with their closing down. But the Palace support was in full voice too, sounding out the whole of Stamford Bridge with ease. However, Chelsea began to get into their stride and opened the scoring on 17 minutes thanks to Torres. Brazilian midfielder Willian let fly from 25-yards out, Palace keeper Julian Speroni pulled off a great save onto the post, but the Spanish striker followed up the rebound. It was very nearly 2-0 moments later when Branislav Ivanovic burst into the box on the right and drilled a low shot just past the far post. The Eagles were forced into a change on 25 minutes when Stuart O'Keefe came on for former Fulham man Kagisho Dikgacoi, who appeared to be limping and headed straight back to the dressing room with physio Alex Manos. Michael Essien had the next chance, shooting just wide of Speroni goal from range, but then out of nowhere, Palace got themselves back into the contest with an equaliser on the half-hour mark. Joel Ward, playing at left-back, got forward and delivered a brilliant low cross for that man Chamakh to score his third goal in three games. The Palace fans went wild in the corner of The Shed End as the Moroccan was mobbed by his team-mates. However, their joy was shortlived as the Blues went ahead again, this time on 35 minutes thanks to Ramires' curled effort from outside the box. And Speroni got down well to deny Chelsea a third when Willian's low shot took a deflection inside the box. It was a slow start to the second half for Tony Pulis' men as Chelsea applied heavy pressure, with Eden Hazard a constant thorn on the left and Juan Mata shooting just wide. Cameron Jerome then ran at the Chelsea defence and drove a shot narrowly over, while Michael Essien was lucky to stay on the pitch after what appeared to be two-footed challenge on Chamakh. And from the resulting free-kick, Damien Delaney came charging in with a header but it was gathered by Cech. The Eagles continued to battle, and Bolasie was next to have a chance, sending a looping header over the bar from Jason Puncheon's cross. Delaney may have done better midway through the half, connecting with another header which sailed over from Puncheon's free-kick. Palace were very unlucky not to equalise on 76 minutes though when Jerome burst into the box, cut the ball back to O'Keefe, who fired towards goal only to see it blocked. And from the resulting corner, Delaney got in front of his marker and sent a header inches past the near post with Cech stranded. Despite Palace's dominance in terms of chances, Chelsea nearly wrapped things up in the final seven minutes when Ramires found himself bearing down on goal alongside Demba Ba, but his weak effort was clawed away by Speroni. And the custodian pulled off a stunning double stop in the final two minutes, standing big to deny Andre Schurrle and then Ramires' follow-up. Chelsea may have won the match, but Palace certainly stood up and were certainly the better side in the second half. They just need to take their chances. A lot of positives to take for Pulis ahead of next Saturday's game against Newcastle United. Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Delaney, Gabbidon, Ward, Jedinak, Dikgacoi (O'Keefe 26), Bannan (Bolasie 51), Puncheon, Chamakh (Gayle 88), Jerome. Subs Not Used: Price, Parr, Williams, Campana. Attendance: 41,608 By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Chelsea 2–1 Crystal Palace: Eagles dominate chances in narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge

Job losses and service cuts as Croydon Council loses more funding

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CROYDON Council will have to cut £2 million in services – including youth activities and volunteering – as well as finding another £15 million in savings, to cope with another slash in Government funding.

More than 10 per cent has been shaved off the council's funding from last year, meaning that the authority has endured a 31 per cent cut since 2010.

In proposals going before a scrutiny committee on Tuesday, the budget for children, families and learning is to be slashed, with a £900,000 cut to early intervention, family support and integrated youth services.

Up to 35 jobs could be cut from the service, with another 13 at risk of redundancy. Investment into the voluntary sector will also be affected, with a £125,000 cut.

The chief executive's department is to experience a £1 million cutback, by reducing service managers and manager support, as well as removing £250,000 from its training budget. It also hopes to save £93,000 by axing the Your Croydon magazine.

In total, the proposals could cost 50 council jobs and put another 23 at risk.

Jason Cummings, the committee's deputy chair and Conservative councillor for Heathfield, said: "Cuts always need to be scrutinised, but people need to remember that Croydon has cut fewer services than neighbouring boroughs by making more efficiencies. Children's centres and libraries have remained open through innovative savings."

The plan also sets out how the council plans to save money without cutting back on services.

The budget for adult social care could see £5.9million worth of savings by changing care for the vulnerable and housing schemes.

Sean Fitzsimons, the committee's vice chair and Labour councillor for Addiscombe, said it was crucial to properly scrutinise the efficiency proposals to make sure they were not "cuts masquarading as savings", adding: "A saving is when a service is provided for the same number of people but it costs less. A cut is when the council stops paying for something. We need to make sure those differences are clear."

The biggest savings are likely to come from a £3million cut in the cost of the council's IT system, whereas one of the smallest savings at £10,000 comes from cutting ties with Arnhem – a town it has been twinned with since 1946.

In the proposals, a review of the council's care contracts will be made, a move which hopes to save £600,000. Up to 15 jobs could be lost at the council and another eight are at risk through the efficiency plans.

Where the cash will come from Care The council is currently facing a £1.8million overspend from the second quarter of 2013 although cabinet members are busy presenting a recovery plan to reduce it to £454,000. However, the forecast has improved from the first quarter due to a £800,000 sum from the Department of Health to cover the effects of winter pressure on social care services. A sharp increase in the number of children in need has resulted in the council spending £1.6million over budget, while the cost of children in care has risen to £1million in in-house fostering and another £1million in foster placements. The council also hopes to install specialist bathrooms in sheltered blocks for the elderly so that fewer need constant care or placements in care homes, saving save £250,000. Similarly, £500,000 could be saved by extending an initiative to move vulnerable people from residential care into supported housing within the community. The council also hopes to save £452,000 by increasing the number of foster parents looking after children in care. Environment Like Croydon's care contracts, the council has proposed re-tendering deals with the companies who look after parks and green spaces, saving £563,000. It also plans to save £247,000 from its green and food waste disposal. Health A further £500,000 could be saved due to the Health and Social Care Act 2012 which will see the council and Croydon's NHS clinical commissioning group (CCG) paying for services together. Education For children's services, £1million could be saved in special educational needs (SEN) through a Government education grant. However, the council also plans to save £280,000 by encouraging more children with SEN not to travel on council transport. Income Parking fines should boost council coffers by £300,000 while more fines for speeding or driving in bus lanes could provide another £185,000. The proposals also seek to collect £100,000 more by charging schools for their advisory education psychology service and £83,000 through its school improvement service. Cremation fees are planned to go up to raise just £14,000, while the council hopes to make £25,000 by charging for a scheme for vulnerable adults which helps them live independently and £30,000 for Careline, which wires up houses with emergency phone lines.

Job losses and service cuts as Croydon Council loses more funding


Croydon's X Factor stars want homecoming gig

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ROUGH Copy have called on the council to host a special concert in honour of Croydon's extraordinary success in this year's X Factor competition. The borough may not boast the winner of the 2013 contest but we can claim a quarter of the finalists. Rough Copy were the last to leave, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final. But the boys told the Advertiser this week that their journey has "only just begun". And they want that new chapter to begin with a celebration in their hometown. Band member Kazeem Ajobe said: "Croydon Council should sort something out. We aren't part of the competition so we don't get a homecoming. "We have a big theatre at Fairfield Halls so that would be nice." The Advertiser understands plans were being made for a homecoming in the event of Rough Copy reaching this weekend's final. But the band would still like the opportunity to thank their fans. Kazeem added: "We would not be here without them; it is them that put us here."

Millions of TV viewers saw the Croydon trio lose out to dreadlocked singer Luke Friend on Sunday night's live semi-final.

Rough Copy were eliminated having received the fewest public votes, after the four judges couldn't separate the two acts.

But despite losing the public vote for a place in the final, the boys have nothing but generous words for the voters who got them so close.

Sterling Ramsey, 25, who moved to Croydon around three years ago, said: "We are feeling good, man, feeling great; very happy. We are just so blessed to have got so far in this competition.

"It would have been the icing on the cake to get to the final but it is what it is."

Kazeem, 24, added: "Thank you to all the people that voted. We would not be here without them; it is them that put us here, so thank you."

The band's X Factor journey nearly ended almost as soon as it begun. Immigration problems stopped former Selhurst High student Kazeem leaving the country to audition at judges' houses, so the other two members were forced to perform in front of mentor Gary Barlow as a duo.

But those troubles have since been resolved with some help from MP Gavin Barwell and Kazeem said he is now free to "travel the world."

He said: "It was a little technicality we had last year and a bit of this year but it is sorted now otherwise I would not be part of X Factor.

"Mr Gavin Barwell – you know what, it was a little campaign. He did his best in terms of he gave us a little backing; a couple of letters to the Home Office, just to fasten the process.

"He just gave us a little backing and put a little politics behind it, do you know what I mean, but it is all good."

Sterling, meanwhile, has also made unwelcome headlines over claims that he left a job at William Hill due to accusations of stealing from them.

He told the Advertiser: "I did leave William Hill, definitely, but the circumstances were not correct.

"I left William Hill and that was it. I don't agree with some of the context that was said in the article but I am leaving it at that."

Referring to media attention on the boys' past, he added: "Everyone has their own history; everyone has their own past.

"People may have done something they did not want to do, but no one will ever know the reason why.

"But what I can say is there are things like that which change your life around; things that make you want to work with the youth and want to change their lives."

The boys are now plotting their next move, post X Factor.

Joey, who attended Croydon College, said: "The Rough Copy journey has not ended – the journey has just begun for us. That was one hurdle and now we are going to the next hurdle, so keep supporting us."

And they are likely to continue in the leather shorts and complicated get-ups for which they have become renowned.

Sterling said: "We brought that to the table. We had a meeting with the designer and said, 'This is what we are about,' and they agreed – they loved it. It was not like the styling team told us to wear it.

"When you are on a show like this you have to use it to your advantage."

Croydon's X Factor stars want homecoming gig

Coulsdon's answer to Braveheart could stand in council elections

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A RESIDENTS' association, whose leader wants to divorce Coulsdon from Croydon, could spark a political revolution by standing for next year's council elections.

The chairman of Coulsdon West Residents' Association (CWRA) says members want representatives tied to the area rather than a political party.

In an authority where the ruling party has a majority of just four, the move could have a big impact.

CWRA chair Richard Thurbon said: "One man can make a difference – there is always something one councillor can do or one councillor can say that will change the course of everything."

Discontent with the council has reached boiling point over plans for huge developments in Cane Hill and the proposal to build a supermarket on the Lion Green Road car park.

While the developments are broadly welcomed, many have accused the Tory-run council of failing to listen to concerns over how roads and schools will cope with the influx of people.

Speaking to the Advertiser on Wednesday, Mr Thurbon said the idea of the apolitical association running for places on the council had backing among residents.

He said: "People are frustrated that the only people listening to them at the moment are the residents' associations. The point is that people want to see a material change in things and if this is the way to bring it about and it is the right thing to do, then that is why we exist. If they want us to run for these things then that is what we will do."

He added his committee should be voting over the next few weeks on whether to go with the plan, which would require a constitutional change, before putting the idea to members.

The candidates would be the first the Advertiser knows of in Croydon to run for a residents' association rather than a political party or as an independent.

The CWRA manifesto would likely include a plan for the area to be part of Surrey rather than London and re-form the urban district council that was dissolved in 1956.

But its councillors would also campaign for the Freedom Pass, the popular transport perk for London senior citizens, to be extended beyond the city's borders.

West Coulsdon ward and neighbouring East Coulsdon are currently represented by Conservatives.

Coulsdon's answer to Braveheart could stand in council elections

South Norwood retirement block to house homeless families

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PLANS to convert a retirement home into flats for homeless families are set to be approved by Croydon Council despite opposition from residents. Tonbridge House, in South Norwood, will be used as temporary accommodation for families with children. Existing tenants will be given the choice to stay or be moved elsewhere, despite the majority saying they "fully disagree" with the plan. The council is set to offer each household £4,000 towards resettlement costs. Converting the flats is part of a wider effort to tackle record levels of statutory homelessness in Croydon. A report, set to go before Monday's cabinet meeting, recommends the conversion should be approved. Consultation with residents at Tonbridge House began in October, and the results show that 76 per cent of the occupants who answered the survey fully disagree with the plan. Two indicated a willingness to move if the nature of the block were to change. The report, however, says the rationale behind the proposal – reducing the number of homeless families staying in bed and breakfasts – is "very compelling". To tackle concern among tenants about antisocial behaviour, the council said "greater sensitivity" would be applied to the selection of families to ensure "any problems are not exacerbated". Sheltered housing in Gillet Road, Thornton Heath, has already been converted for use by homeless families.

South Norwood retirement block to house homeless families

Tony Pulis praises Stamford Bridge display - but says Crystal Palace's home form is the key

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TONY Pulis was full of praise for his side's effort at Stamford Bridge – but believes their home form will ultimately determine their Premier League fate. The Palace boss saw his side put up a strong fight but lose 2-1 to the title-chasers on Saturday. He's now hoping positive aspects from the performance can be taken into Palace's upcoming home games, which Pulis says are vital. "As I've said all along, it'll be our home form that determines our season," he said after yesterday's match. "If we can show the commitment we've shown today and take some of our opportunities, then we'll give it a good crack" There was an injury blow for the Eagles, as midfielder KG Dikgacoi limped off at Stamford Bridge. Pulis said: "It looks as though he's got a little calf strain, which is what we don't need at the moment, because he's been very god for us. "Having said that, little Stuart [O Keefe] came on and did fantastically well, and was very unlucky not to get the equalising goal." Reserving more praise for goalscorer Marouane Chamakh – who netted for the third game running – the Palace boss added: "Chamkah has been excellent since I walked through the door. He's linked up play and we've played some good football when we've got it into him." Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho felt his team deserved the three points but was complimentary about the Palace display. "I think they have the DNA from their manager and they put up a fight," he said.

Tony Pulis praises Stamford Bridge display - but says Crystal Palace's home form is the key

VOTE: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace man of the match

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CRYSTAL Palace pushed Chelsea all the way, before falling to a narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Marouane Chamakh netted for the third successive game, while keeper Julian Speroni was in fine form at the other end, as he defied Chelsea's expensively assembled attacking force. There were solid performances elsewhere too, as Palace acquitted themselves well against Jose Mourinho's title-chasers. But who gets your nod as man of the match? Please vote in our poll at the bottom of this page. The results will be revealed - along with a full match report and reaction - in Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

VOTE: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace man of the match

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