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Croydon set for a week of rain after a scorching Sunday

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ENJOY today's sunny weather - it won't last. Temperatures are set to reach up to 22 degrees today in Croydon but, from tomorrow (Monday) until Thursday, forecasters suggest a drop to 17 or 18 degrees. And worse still, rain is forecast. Every, single day next week - at times, heavy showers. The first day of June is going to be lovely though, so make the most of it!

Croydon set for a week of rain after a scorching Sunday


Missing man from South Norwood turns up

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Missing South Norwood man, Alan Jarvis, has been found, the Metropolitan Police said at midday today (Sunday). A police spokesman said he had no details of where Mr Jarvis turned up but said he was "ok." Croydon police became concerned for the welfare of 50-year-old Mr Jarvis, shown in these images, when he went missing after boarding a 155 bus outside St George's Hospital in Tooting at 7.30pm on Friday. They were worried because he was in serious need of medical treatment.

Missing man from South Norwood turns up

BISHOP OF CROYDON: Bridge the North/South divide to create a more positive Croydon

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THE latest monthly column from the Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Jonathan Clark... SO THE elections have been and gone, and the political map of Croydon has changed – slightly. The control of the council may have changed hands, but as we all know, that depended on a few wards in the middle of the borough. The map of Croydon looks quite similar to how it did before: Labour in the north and (now completely) in New Addington, and Conservative in the south. In that, as in many other things, we are a borough of two halves. As I've got to know the borough over the two years I've been here, I've begun to realise that a lot of people don't know much about the 'other half' of the borough. Those who live in the north of the borough might come to the town centre, but wouldn't have much reason to go further. Those who live in the south of the borough tend to head in other directions, even for their shopping. But yet we are one borough, and a very large one. If Croydon were separate from London, a town of over 350,000 people would be a place to notice. As there are Church of England parishes all across the borough, I'm one of the relatively few people who do find themselves in South Norwood one week, and Kenley the next. What I see is the potential to tell a much more positive story about Croydon than the one we normally hear. It's a place with many resources and loads of energy, but in recent years we haven't managed to bring all those together. It's not just a job for political leaders, though they have a key role to play. It's for all of us to find a better story to tell about Croydon and its future – about the whole borough, not just part of it, and about all its people. So my commiserations to Croydon's Conservatives, and congratulations to Labour – but much more importantly, I hope that whatever our politics, we can find a story to tell together of Croydon's future as a good place to live and work.

BISHOP OF CROYDON: Bridge the North/South divide to create a more positive Croydon

Crystal Palace linked with move for Tottenham star

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CRYSTAL Palace are being linked with a move for Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore. The 24-year-old, capped once by England, spent last season on loan at Hull City, where he impressed in the promoted side's midfield alongside Tom Huddlestone. Hull would seem to be in pole position to sign Livermore on a permanent deal, but national newspaper reports suggest Tony Pulis could look to hijack the deal. Another centre midfielder reportedly interesting Palace is Steve Sidwell, who has been released by relegated Fulham. The former Aston Villa and Chelsea star, who scored in Fulham's win at Selhurst Park last season, has also been linked with Newcastle.

Crystal Palace linked with move for Tottenham star

Two people injured after car overturns in Park Lane, Croydon

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Two people were taken to hospital after the car in which they were travelling overturned this afternoon (Sunday). The accident occurred at around 4.20pm at the junction of Park Lane and Barclay Road, Croydon. A police spokesman said the cause was being investigated but it appeared the car had flipped onto its roof after colliding with something. No other vehicles were involved. The spokesman said: "The driver, a man in his 30s, and a female passenger were taken to hospital but their injuries are not life-threatening. "We are waiting to find out the extent of their injuries." The accident has resulted in the closure of the A232 in both directions near the junction while police and accident investigators are on the scene. Traffic around the area is congested.

Two people injured after car overturns in Park Lane, Croydon

Aaron Wilbraham not worried about finding new club following Crystal Palace release

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AARON Wilbraham insists he isn't "worried" about being a free agent following his release from Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The 34-year-old is said to be interesting a number of Championship and League One sides following a season in the Championship and a season in the Premier League with the Eagles. But he isn't going to rush a decision and told the Advertiser last week he has a few options on the table. "I would like to get it sorted as soon possible so you're settled and know where you're going to be, but I have been lucky to not be in this position before so I am quite relaxed about it," said Wilbraham. "I have known players who have been every year, getting year deals and being out of contract. "I am not too worried about, I'm just going to weigh up my options."

Aaron Wilbraham not worried about finding new club following Crystal Palace release

New Addington councillors pledge more CCTV and parking - but fewer boulders

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MORE police, better CCTV, one-hour free parking – and fewer boulders – should be on the way for New Addington after last week's Labour victory in the council elections.

The party will now be expected to deliver on its wide-ranging manifesto for the estate after taking control of the ward and, for the first time since 2006, of Croydon Council.

For the past four years the ward has had one Tory and one Labour councillor; Tony Pearson and George Ayres – but Conservative Mr Pearson was defeated last Thursday while Mr Ayres stood down before the vote, with Labour's Oli Lewis and Louisa Woodley elected as the new councillors. Neighbouring Fieldway councillors Carole Bonner and Simon Hall, also Labour, were comfortably re-elected.

New Addington was seen as a strategically key area for Labour, who created a manifesto specifically for the ward, which included pledges for new CCTV, one-hour free parking in Central Parade and to get rid of the controversial concrete boulders in Central Parade.

The party had also promised a "new police team dedicated to New Addington", with Mr Lewis telling the Advertiser in April: "We are committed to at least two additional PCs at a cost of £72,000."

Mr Lewis said this week that pledge stood, adding on the promise of free parking: "It is down to our cabinet member for transport and parking to take that forward and get a timetable."

The CCTV coverage of Central Parade, he continued, would now be assessed and "then we will move forward with trying to upgrade it to top-quality, state-of-the art."

As for the boulders, installed using money from the Mayor of London to prevent illegal parking, Cllr Lewis said a vote could be held to determine their future.

He added: "I think they were symbolic of the council not listening; we want to make sure we are in tune with the community."

Labour's win in the elections came as Ukip also polled strongly, with Cllr Pearson beaten into fourth place by Ukip's Clive Christensen.

Mr Pearson, who lives in New Addington and was the first Tory councillor elected to the ward, said he was "disappointed, but sensible enough to know that is politics."

New Addington councillors pledge more CCTV and parking - but fewer boulders

Whitgift shopkeepers feeling the squeeze as Westfield development draws nearer

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INDEPENDENT shopkeepers at the Whitgift Centre are feeling the squeeze as Croydon's new £1 billion shopping outlet draws closer. The Westfield/Hammerson project was granted planning permission in November last year and although the new centre will pave the way for 5,000 new jobs, current traders will inevitably be disrupted. With uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment's start date, concerned business owners such as Rico Caleap, owner of the Classic Cafe, are worried about their futures. He said: "With the new Westfield coming I will probably be out of business from next year. I don't know if I will even make it through to Christmas. "Croydon will change and no doubt the Westfield centre will be good for the future of Croydon but it will unfortunately impact on local people like me." Although Mr Caleap appreciates the positive impact the redevelopment will have on the area, he called on Croydon Council to assist smaller shops and businesses such as his at this time. He added: "I would just like to see the council supporting the businesses that are already here as well as pushing through new ideas. "We have to look after what we already have before we can improve on it." The council already has a number of initiatives in place for independent traders and a spokesperson said it is planning to increase its support for existing businesses. The spokesman said: "We're actively working with local independent businesses as we recognise how important they are to the town. "They help lend the area its unique character and their role in the area's future cannot be understated. "We want to see them grow and prosper and we'll look to find ways they can benefit from the planned £1 billion investment project." A spokesman for the Croydon Partnership, the group formed by Westfield and Hammerson, said they are currently in talks with all Whitgift retailers to discuss their future plans and to ensure the regeneration of Croydon is for the benefit of all businesses. He said: "We understand the importance of encouraging local enterprise and ensuring that Croydon's retail centre has a very broad reaching appeal to consumers." Despite Westfield's promises and the council's efforts, many traders feel they have been left in the dark over plans for the centre. Florist Kathy Page runs Pure Flowers, which has been in the Whitgift Centre for more than 40 years. She described the situation as a very uncertain time for her business. She told the Advertiser: "At this stage I cannot say too much as no one really knows what is going to happen when Westfield comes in. "Right now we are unsure if we will be staying here or if we will have to leave." Similarly Jamie Verrinder, owner of Aquazoo aquarium shop, said unanswered questions about the Whitgift's Centre's future is piling pressure on independent traders. He said: "We are in a state of limbo. The aim for everyone now is to try to survive from now until the day comes when we are out and we get compensation. "The problem most people will have is staying afloat from now until that day. Uncertainty is cruel." , and right now we are all uncertain about our futures." Aquazoo was established in the centre in 1971 and Mr Verrinder has run the shop since taking over from his father in 2001. "The only way for Croydon to move forward in this day and age is to follow the money and unfortunately that is not with the local traders anymore," added Mr Verrinder. "I am happy to stay until the bitter end, whenever that may be, but I am concerned that a lot of local businesses won't be financially able to play the waiting game for much longer."

Whitgift shopkeepers feeling the squeeze as Westfield development draws nearer


Lantern tribute to murdered teen Fico Dougan

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FRIENDS and family of murdered teenager Fico Dougan released lanterns in his tribute on the day he would have turned 18. His heartbroken parents were among those who gathered next to his grave at Queen's Road Cemetery, Thornton Heath, on Saturday and released dozens of lanterns into the sky. Prayers and poems were read in honour of the John Ruskin college student, who was stabbed to death at a friend's house in Ockley Road, Broad Green, last September. Fico's father, Ernest Dougan, thanked everyone for the "love you have shown for Fico" and urged the many teenagers present to make the most of their lives. He said: "Dream, dream, but work towards your dreams... you cannot make excuses, you cannot blame people. Be accountable for whatever you have done. "Your parents will guide you, will direct you, but you are accountable in the end for whatever you do. "Be ambitious, have a goal, work torwards it. It takes hard work." He added: "This is what I would have encouraged Fico [to do], so please, please this is my message for all of you." - Uriah Gardner, 17, was convicted of Fico's murder last month at the Old Bailey and is due to be sentenced later this month.

Lantern tribute to murdered teen Fico Dougan

Thornton Heath man on murder charge

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A 23-year-old Thornton Heath man will appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow (Tuesday) charged with murder. Daniel Agyeman is the fourth person to be charged by police in connection with the death of a man in Dagenham on May 18. Ashley Latty, 25, from Leyton died of multiple stab wounds following an altercation between two groups outside The Beaver Centre in Selinas Lane, Dagenham. Agyeman was arrested on Friday and appeared before Highbury magistrates on Saturday when he was remanded in custody to appear again at the Old Bailey tomorrow. Three other men have been charged with Mr Latty's murder and have been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on August 6.

Thornton Heath Station improved by multi-million pound investment

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A £4.5 million investment programme at Thornton Heath Station has been completed. The bulk of the money invested by Southern has gone on providing three new lifts which make the station completely step-free. A total of £300,000 has been spent on refurbishing the ticket hall which includes a purpose-built ticket office, an additional cash and card ticket vending machine, three new customer information screens and a larger retail unit. The booking hall has also been completely redecorated and provided with new flooring and energy efficient lighting. Julie Boyle, Southern's senior project manager said: "The booking hall at Thornton Heath Station was looking tired and was in need of a major makeover. "At busy times, it became quite congested because of poor layout, but now we've moved the ticket office and added another ticket machine, there's much more space and our passengers now find that buying a ticket is easier and more convenient."

Thornton Heath Station improved by multi-million pound investment

Croydon College recognised by Queen for volunteering

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CROYDON COLLEGE has been recognised by the Queen for its outstanding volunteer work. It has become the first college in the country to receive the Queen's Award for Volunteering, the equivalent of an MBE. More than 1,500 of its students volunteered for 18,000 hours last year, campaigning, fundraising, and representing young people at the UN. Frances Wadsworth, the college's principal and CEO, said the college was "very proud" and praised head of student life Di Layzelle for creating a thriving volunteer culture. She said: "Volunteering supports our community and improves students' awareness of others' needs, but we recognise it develops valuable employability skills too. "Student volunteering at Croydon College is on a remarkable, laudable and significant scale, led by an inspirational manager, Di Layzelle. "I am incredibly proud of the work that Di has achieved with our students and the scope and levels of the support they have delivered to benefit others. She added: "The Queen's Award for Volunteers is a wonderful recognition of exceptional work and we are very proud to receive it." A-level student Ryan Raghoo, 17, has volunteered for UNICEF with the college and said: "Through my work with UNICEF I have been involved with national and international campaigns; I have been given the chance to go and teach human rights in Denmark. "I would encourage everybody to volunteer, it is a precious opportunity to develop as an individual." Fellow A-level student Amethyst Low, 19, said she considered herself "lucky" to have volunteering opportunities, adding: "I recommend that every young person does some form of volunteering; it can be so beneficial on both a social and mental level." Ms Layzelle, who has been at the school for 25 years and developed opportunities with UNICEF and a Volunteer Pledge Award, deemed her work with students "exhilarating" and "rewarding". She added: "It should never be underestimated how much young people can achieve." In Park Lane, central Croydon, Croydon College has 8,000 students studying a huge range of subjects. Nominees for the prestigious award are looked at first by local assesment panels, which decide which to send to a national committee. The committee then makes recommendations to the Cabinet Office, which sends a final list to the Queen for approval.

Croydon College recognised by Queen for volunteering

South Norwood Tourist Board announces referendum on SE25 leaving Croydon...and joining bonnie Scotland

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THE South Norwood Tourist Board (SNTB) has announced a referendum over whether SE25 should leave Croydon - and join bonnie Scotland. Associates of the SNTB have asked residents to vote on September 11 – at polling stations around South Norwood a week prior to the Scottish independence vote – on whether the area should go tartan. Voters will also be asked if they want South Norwood to break away from Croydon entirely and if it should become the People's Republic of South Norwood. It is not thought Croydon Council is prepared to sanction the plans but the Advertiser understands the SNTB doesn't really care either way. Ian Bone, SNTB associate, has also extended an invite to Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond to come down and secure vital votes in the build-up to the referendum. The count is set to take place at McStanley Halls, with a reception afterwards at Haggis Academy South Norwood. SE25 has almost no links to Scotland, save for Crystal Palace legends Jim Cannon and George Burley, as well as former Woodside councillor Karen Jewitt. But Mr Bone thinks the union could work in South Norwood's favour – although some Scots fear it could instigate the South Norwood question. The SNTB previously launched a bid to have South Norwood recognised as a second Lake District and also started a festival celebrating the life of Pickles, the dog who found the 1966 World Cup in a bush in Beulah Hill. South Norwood is at least 350 miles away from the English-Scottish border. Are you a Scottish person living in South Norwood? Please contact newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

South Norwood Tourist Board announces referendum on SE25 leaving Croydon...and joining bonnie Scotland

Crystal Palace team beaten in final by Liverpool at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium

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LIVERPOOL gained some form of revenge against Crystal Palace by beating them in a schools competition at Manchester City's stadium a fortnight ago. The Eagles were represented by pupils from two Croydon schools at the Etihad Stadium in a competition run by the Premier League a fortnight ago. Teams from Woodcote Primary School, in Coulsdon, and Coloma Convent, in Shirley, were selected to represent Palace at the Premier League Schools Tournament on May 20. Woodcote's team reached the final of the 19-team competition but there was to be no repeat of the 3-3 thriller which cost Liverpool the title last month as The Reds' representatives, Plantation Primary School, ran out victors Woodcote's Nathan Young-Combes scored eight goals in seven games in the under-11 mixed tournament. Coloma's team went out in the group stages after a loss to a an outfit representing Arsenal in the under-13 girls category. The schools were selected after competing against teams from Croydon, Sutton and Bromley.

Crystal Palace team beaten in final by Liverpool at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium

Man found dead in grounds of disused building in Morland Road, Addiscombe

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AN UNIDENTIFIED man was found dead in the grounds of a disused health clinic in Addiscombe last month. Police have released an e-fit of the man, who was found at 3.05pm on Thursday, May 8 at 6 Morland Road. His death is being treated as non-suspicious but it did not appear to police as if he had been sleeping rough. The man's age is estimated at between 45 and 55. His clothes appeared clean and it is believed he was living in rented accommodation but recently lost his job. He is described as black, of medium build and between 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall, with short black and grey hair and a full black and grey beard. His clothes included a black v-neck sweater, brown shirt, blue denim jeans with a brown belt and black lace-up boots. He also had a dark green t-shirt with him and a small black bag was found near to his body. Police are looking to speak to any landlords who had a tenant matching the description who has recently gone missing or not paid their rent. The Morland Road NHS Clinic used to operate from the site but a spokeswoman for NHS Property Services said it had handed the lease of the buildings back to South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SlaM) a few weeks before the incident. SlaM is looking into the ownership of the site. Anyone with information is asked to call Croydon Missing Persons Unit on 020 8649 0016 or 101. All calls with be treated in confidence.

Man found dead in grounds of disused building in Morland Road, Addiscombe


Crystal Palace midfielder Adlene Guedioura left out of Algeria World Cup squad

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Adlene Guedioura has been left out of Algeria's World Cup squad. The former Nottingham Forest and Wolves man had been tipped to make the African side's 23-man squad, having played a part in their pre-World Cup friendlies. But Guedioura, who struggled to make an impact in SE25 after joining Palace in the summer transfer window, has failed to make the cut. Algeria will face Belgium, Russia and South Korea in Group H in Brazil.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adlene Guedioura left out of Algeria World Cup squad

Croydon commuters promised a 'world class' service as part of new deal

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A NEW franchise has been picked to take over the running of rail services through Croydon. Govia Thameslink will replace First Capital Connect services from September and then incorporate the South Central franchise – operated as Southern and Gatwick Express – when it expires in July 2015. Govia say services will improve for passengers along the London to Surrey routem which takes in stations including Norwood Junction, East Croydon, and Purley. New off-peak services calling at Coulsdon South and Purley will be brought in from December 2015. Other planned improvements include boosting capacity, more reliable journeys, and four trains per hour on the Thameslink network. Nearly 1,400 new electric carriages will be rolled out across the new franchise, providing 10,000 extra seats every weekday into central London during the morning peak by the end of 2018. Rail minister Stephen Hammond said the deal is part of a plan to create a "world class railway". The deal will also mean better, more regular services to and from Gatwick Airport, the new operator has said.

Croydon commuters promised a 'world class' service as part of new deal

Crystal Palace star admits interest in services from Swansea City

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams has reportedly admitted that Swansea City are after his services. However, despite the Welsh outfit seemingly showing an interest, the 20-year-old has said it would be hard to leave the Eagles. Williams has been at Selhurst Park since he was eight-years-old. "I spoke to my agent who says [Swansea] were interested," Williams has reportedly told BBC Radio Wales. "I need to play football, preferably at Palace, but if not I'd have to consider playing elsewhere. "Swansea are a great team. They've shown over the last few years that they can do it at the top level. "I haven't heard much personally about if anything's been offered - but I'm sure I'll know more about it in the next few weeks. "It's hard to think about (leaving Palace) because I've been there for so long. "If I can get in the team at Palace, that's the main thing."

Crystal Palace star admits interest in services from Swansea City

Tony Pulis always left things late with transfers, says Stoke City chairman Peter Coates

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STOKE City chairman Peter Coates says former boss Tony Pulis used to make decisions on bringing in new players until the last minute. Pulis, now at the Crystal Palace helm, made the Potters into an established Premier League outfit before leaving last year. He joined the Eagles in November and turned their fortunes around before making a number of impressive signings in the January transfer window. Stoke supremo Coates, however, says his current boss Mark Hughes wants their transfer business done a lot earlier than previous years. "Tony Pulis had a preference for leaving things late," Coates has been quoted. "I wasn't always sure he was right but that's what he felt, so we tended to go down that path. "Mark would rather do things earlier. They're all different. The outcome is the important thing."

Tony Pulis always left things late with transfers, says Stoke City chairman Peter Coates

Gas canisters used in Thornton Heath train station attempted break-in

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British Transport Police have confirmed that gas canisters were used in an attempted theft from a cash machine at Thornton Heath rail station this morning. BTP and officers from the London Fire Brigade attended the scene and made the canisters safe after the incident was reported shortly after 4am. Detective Inspector Andy Rose, of BTP CID, said: "The station booking hall was broken into and the ATM inside was badly damaged in what we believe was an attempted theft. "However, the assailants were disturbed at 4am and left the scene empty-handed. "When our officers arrived they found the ticket office had been broken into and gas canisters had been used as part of an elaborate attempt to break open the cash machine." Detectives are examining CCTV footage from the booking hall and outside the station, while crime scene investigators are searching the station for evidence. DI Rose added: "We believe two men were involved in the incident. The first is described as white, in his 40s, 6ft 2in, slim build, wearing a yellow high visibility jacket, orange high visibility trousers and a black scarf around his face. "The second man is described as 5ft 8in, slim build, wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and black balaclava." "We want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, or has any information that could assist us in our investigation." Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident SSUB/B6 of 03/06/2014. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Gas canisters used in Thornton Heath train station attempted break-in

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