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'Croydon doesn't have enough young, skilled workers'

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OPPORTUNITIES for new jobs in Croydon are growing but concerns remain about many young people lacking the know-how to impress employers.

The worries were raised at an executive club lunch organised by Croydon Chamber of Commerce, held at Croydon Park Hotel on Tuesday.

The panel comprised Toni Letts, the council's cabinet member for economic development, Steve Yewman, development director of Westfield, and Andy Smith, deputy chief executive of Croydon College.

Mr Yewman said that while the jobless total in Croydon had fallen from a high of 12,000 two years ago, he feared that many vacancies were being filled by people from outside the borough.

This, he felt, could be caused by a skills shortage in Croydon.

Mr Yewman said the Westfield/Hammerson Partnership's plans to redevelop the Whitgift Centre would bring 5,000 new jobs and it was the partnership's intention to fill those jobs locally.

He said they were working in schools and with community groups to help prepare young people to take those jobs.

Mr Yewman added that the school visits had raised concerns about links between skills and careers training.

It was a view which was echoed by Mr Smith and Cllr Letts, who believe the emphasis in schools on gaining good exam results meant not as much work is being done on preparing young people for work.

Mr Smith said the college ran a programme designed to demonstrate to students how to prepare for a job.

It teaches them the skills needed to prepare a decent CV and how to present themselves at an interview.

He said: "A lot of students don't understand what employers are looking for. It is about literacy, numeracy and teamwork, but also about attitude."

That meant simple things like being well-dressed and polite when going for an interview, he explained.

Mr Smith said: "We find that some students don't know how to greet an employer properly.

"It is not because they are being difficult; it is because no-one has explained to them what expectations are."

Cllr Letts said she believed employers could do a lot themselves to attract the kind of workers they needed by offering work experience places.

"As a council we are going to be offering 50 young people work experience and I encourage other companies to do so," she explained.

'Croydon doesn't have enough young, skilled workers'


Reports of body being dumped in Thames leads police to discover man murdered in Thornton Heath

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A MURDER investigation is underway after someone tried to dump a body of a man, who was killed in Thornton Heath, in the Thames. 

Police received a call shortly before 3am this morning (Friday) that a man was believed to be attempting to put a body in the river at Deptford Wharf in Lewisham. 

Officers stopped a car in nearby Evelyn Street and found the body of a man, aged in his 20s, in the vehicle. 

London Ambulance Service (LAS) arrived and the man, who had suffered head injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A Met Police spokesman said officers believe the man was murdered at an address in Thornton Heath. 

The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody at a south London police station.

The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway, of the homicide and major crime command. 

A woman was arrested in Thornton Heath this morning in connection with the incident. 

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder. 

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the incident room at Sutton on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Reports of body being dumped in Thames leads police to discover man murdered in Thornton Heath

Croydon Council may bring back weekly bin collections

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WEEKLY black bin collections could be reintroduced in certain areas of the borough under plans being considered by the council.

The Labour administration says areas where it believes fortnightly collections have led to overflowing bins and increased fly-tipping will be chosen.

Weekly collection of rubbish from black wheelie bins was scrapped in favour of a weekly food waste recycling scheme by the then Conservative administration in 2011.

Under changes being considered by Labour, who came to power in May on a pledge to clean up the town, certain areas would return to the old system.

Others which have not experienced problems would still have their landfill waste collected fortnightly, explained Stuart Collins, cabinet member for Clean and Green Croydon. The changes are part of a wider review of the borough's waste collection and recycling programme.

Asked whether that would include reverting back to weekly collections, Cllr Collins told the Advertiser: "Yes, but it would be based on need.

"In areas where fortnightly collections are clearly working, then there would be no need to change it. Where it is not, and that tends to be where there's a higher density of housing and more people living in each building, then these are areas we need to look at."

Cllr Collins said the decision would be made ward-by-ward because choosing individual streets would be too complicated.

The potential changes – which would include a push on educating people about the importance of recycling – have been welcomed by some residents.

Lyndsey Hutson said: "I have three kids and fortnightly collections are not enough. I'm left with a black bin bag in my house most of the time because the bin gets filled up too quickly."

Lisa Gibbs, a mother-of-five, said: "My black bin is constantly overflowing, as are our recycling boxes. My garden is full of bin bags and recyclable rubbish. I'm sick of it.

"My bin keeps getting full of maggots and then loads of flies. It's disgusting."

Cllr Collins said the council, which must find £90 million of savings over the next three years, would fund changes to waste collection – which were said to have saved £600,000 each year when they were introduced – by making the entire system more "efficient".

One service up for review is green waste collection, which involves grass cutting, dead plants and leaves, and costs the council £1 million annually.

Cllr Collins told the Advertiser the service would continue for the coming 2014/15 financial year, but its future was under consideration in the longer-term and could be cut completely, meaning residents would have to take green waste to the borough's recycle and reuse centres. 

He added: "It's definitely not being stopped this year. However, we have £90 million of cuts that we have to make so we're looking at whether there is something different we can do with the service. We might provide it in a different way or we may stop it altogether. What we have ruled out is charging for it."

The wider waste and recycling review could lead to the end of separate boxes for plastics and paper, he explained, with one box for all types of recycling.

Its contractor Veolia, he added, will adopt a new way of working which will mean all its teams – dustcarts, street cleaners, and fly-tipping clearers – work together in teams based on smaller, more focused areas of Croydon.

Tory opposition

THE Conservatives would oppose any plan to scrap the green waste collection service, the councillor who introduced it has vowed.

Phil Thomas, shadow cabinet member for Clean and Green Croydon, said: "We introduced garden waste collection for environmental reasons and it has helped with our recycling figures. If you speak to most residents they really value that service.

"Cllr Collins claims to be the cabinet member for Clean and Green, well he doesn't seem very green to me. The Conservative opposition would be very much against any attempt to cut the service and we will do everything we can to save the service for residents.

"Yes the council has to save money but it's about priorities."

Cllr Thomas was less opposed to reintroducing weekly black bin collections but said, if the service is to change, all residents should benefit.

"You always have to review services and, if there are problems in certain areas, nothing is cast in stone. 

"But, Cllr Collins wants to introduce weekly collections for Labour wards, parts of the north. He is not interested in providing the service in Croydon Central or Croydon South. People in the south are going to be subsidising people in the north by paying their taxes for a second class service. The service should be the same for everyone."

Cllr Collins responded that if weekly collections were reintroduced they would do so where needed and regardless of political affiliation. 

Croydon Council may bring back weekly bin collections

Man charged with rape of two girls and further sexual assault in Sutton

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A MAN has been charged with the rape of two teenage girls and a further sexual assault in Sutton.

Daniel Elliot, 23, of Rosewell Close, Anerley has been charged with three offences and was due to appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates' Court today (Friday).

He has been charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Grove Park, Carshalton, on November 15, and for the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Beddington Park, Carshalton on September 5.

He has also been charged with a sexual assault on a woman in her 20s in Mellowes Park, Stafford Road, Wallington, on August 3. 

Man charged with rape of two girls and further sexual assault in Sutton

Premier League predictions: Can Crystal Palace pile the misery on Liverpool?

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Premier League football returns with a bang this weekend as Arsenal meet Manchester United, with both sides looking to push into the top four. But which of the two rivals will come out on top in this heavyweight clash at the Emirates Stadium? And can Crystal Palace pile the misery on Liverpool at Selhurst Park? Our resident tipster, Bobby Dubz, previews this weekend's games below. Chelsea v West Brom Can anyone stop Jose Mourinho's men in their seemingly relentless charge towards the Premier League title? Chelsea are looking like champions elect, even if we are only in November, with very few teams looking like they can stop the Blues. And even if striker Diego Costa and midfielder Cesc Fabregas fail to shake off injuries in time for this game, Chelsea should still have enough to defeat the Baggies. West Brom are a decent side and have the ability to cause problems, particularly with the in-form Saido Berahino, but Chelsea are very strong at home under Mourinho and it is hard to see anything but a home win. Prediction: 2-1 Everton v West Ham This clash has all the makings of a classic, with both Everton and West Ham in good form. Both of these teams come into the game protecting unbeaten runs, with the Toffees not losing in four games and the Hammers unbeaten in five Premier League games. Everton have certainly picked up after a slow start, while West Ham have been a surprise package, with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho shining up front for Sam Allardyce's men. This will be a tough match for the Hammers, but they are capable of frustrating the hosts at Goodison Park and continuing their unbeaten streak. Prediction 1-1 Leicester City v Sunderland Leicester City need a win, and soon, after a woeful run of recent results. Having started the season well, the Foxes have suffered an alarming dip in form having taken just one point from their last six games. They have had some tough games in that run, but this is the sort of game that boss Nigel Pearson will be targeting for a victory. However, Sunderland are not the same proposition that they were three weeks ago, having picked up four points in their last two games, including a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in their last away game. The Black Cats will view this game as a good chance to continue their recent upturn in form, and keep moving up the table. Prediction 1-1 Manchester City v Swansea City Few people would have predicted that this game would be third versus fifth at this stage of the season, but Swansea City have been impressive this season. Under Garry Monk, they have started well this season and recovered from a small blip with a fine victory against Arsenal before the international break, giving them confidence for the trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. This game is not quite the same daunting prospect that it was last season, with Manchester City not firing on all cylinders so far this campaign, but with the squad at Manuel Pellegrini's disposal, surely they will pick up, not forgetting that they are still third despite not being at their best. Prediction: 3-1 Newcastle United v QPR Alan Pardew deserves a lot of credit for the way he has turned around Newcastle's fortunes in recent weeks. The Magpies boss was under huge pressure after the poor start to the season, but a five-match winning streak has transformed the atmosphere among the Geordie faithful and Pardew probably did not want the international break. However, they are up against a QPR side that have not travelled well so far this season and despite their recent improvement, including a 2-2 draw with Manchester City before the break, it is hard to see them getting anything from this one. Prediction: 2-0 Stoke City v Burnley Stoke City will fancy their chances in this one, despite Burnley finally claiming their first league win of the season against Hull City before the international break. It was a deserved win for the Clarets, but an away game at the Britannia Stadium is a difficult one and the Potters are starting to put some results together. Mark Hughes' men have been inconsistent this season, but will be buoyed by their win against Tottenham last time out, and should have enough to win this one. Prediction 2-1 Arsenal v Manchester United Manchester United have a lengthy injury list and are likely to have a makeshift defence at the Emirates Stadium. That is not what you want against an in-form striker like Alexis Sanchez and a player with a point to prove in Danny Welbeck, if fit for the match. Add to that the fact that Arsenal could have Olivier Giroud available again and the Gunners will hope they have enough firepower to defeat their rivals and push into the top four. Prediction: 3-1 Crystal Palace v Liverpool (Sunday) Losing Daniel Sturridge for another few weeks is a massive blow to Liverpool, who are still struggling for form in the Premier League. This game will bring back painful memories for Brendan Rodgers' men after they threw away a three-goal advantage at Selhurst Park back in May. But this is their chance to banish those memories and get their season back on track after some indifferent results. Palace are not on a great run, with just one point from the last 15 available and undoubtedly they will need to improve on that soon if they are to steer clear of relegation zone. They will give Liverpool a good game and could cause a few problems, but it is hard to see the Eagles soaring to victory. Prediction: 1-1 Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur Both sides come into this game off the back of a poor performance and result before the international break. Hull lost at Burnley and Spurs were defeated at home by Stoke, so both Steve Bruce and Mauricio Pochettino will be demanding more of their sides in this game. Hull are more than capable of frustrating the top teams on their day, and will fancy their chances against a Tottenham side, who are still looking short of the ingredients for a top four push. Prediction: 2-1 Aston Villa v Southampton (Monday) It is the league's worst attack versus the league's best defence at Villa Park on Monday. With Christian Benteke suspended, the shot-shy hosts will be looking for others to pitch in with goals against a Southampton side that continue to surprise everyone. The Saints are riding high in second place and will want to keep their form going ahead of a tough run of fixtures, with games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United to come after this one. Prediction: 1-2

Premier League predictions: Can Crystal Palace pile the misery on Liverpool?

Crystal Palace star backs Wigan Athletic chairman over Malky Mackay

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder James McArthur has backed Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan over the controversial appointment of Malky Mackay.

McArthur left the Latics on transfer deadline day in September for the Eagles but has kept on eye on their alarming progress.

Wigan have plummeted down the Championship table and sacked boss Uwe Rosler last week.

But they appointed Mackay on Wednesday and it has cause widespread criticism following his homophobic and racist allegations at former cub Cardiff City.

"Malky did a good job with Watford and got Cardiff promoted," McArthur told the Advertiser.

"He's an experienced manager and he's had a tough time recently, but the chairman at Wigan, Dave Whelan, will always give people chances.

"He has done that with Malky and hopefully he will do well there.

"It is surprising and disappointing to see them down where they are but I am sure they will keep going with Malky."

Crystal Palace star backs Wigan Athletic chairman over Malky Mackay

Opposition View: Liverpool fan hopes to banish painful memories at Crystal Palace

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WE spoke to Liverpool fan and journalist Stuart Ballard ahead of Sunday's match at Selhurst Park...

It's been an inconsistent start to this season so far for you?

It's been hard to watch considering the nature of play we became accustomed to last season. The new players haven't settled in as quickly as we had hoped so we've reverted back to that 'transitional period'. There can only be so much transition before you expect results and after last year we thought we had passed that.

How much are you missing Luis Suarez?

Looking past the drama that he brought with him, he is a world-class striker. He's probably the best striker we've had in the Premier League era and last year he carried the side to our closest title challenge. I do feel that Daniel Sturridge had a big part to play in that as well and we've missed him just as much.

Mario Balotelli might miss the match through injury. A big miss or not?

He needs some time out of the firing line because he is being made a scapegoat. Flip the coin and he is arguably Brendan Rodgers' strangest signing so far because he doesn't fit the bill in terms of the work rate we got from Suarez last year. I'm happy to give him time though because there's no doubting his talent.

Who should Palace look out for now heading into the game?

Emre Can has impressed in the last two games against Real Madrid and Chelsea. Albeit both were losses, he looked comfortable on the ball and showed he's not afraid to shoot.

Which Palace players do you like the look of?

Last season's 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park was heart-breaking and on the day Dwight Gayle was brilliant but he hasn't been given too many chances this year. Yannick Bolasie is an interesting player and is a tireless runner for the team. A little bit gangly at times but he has certainly been a threat going forward for Palace.

And finally, a score prediction?

Going to the Selhurst again after what happened last season is daunting for every Liverpool fan and I can see Palace making the most of our defensive frailties. But I'll be brave and go for a 3-1 win to Liverpool.

Lack of goals not affecting Crystal Palace striker

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PALACE striker Marouane Chamakh says his lack of goals isn't affecting his game this season and is happy with the important role he plays.

The 30-year-old may not grab the headlines but his work-rate is appreciated by manager Neil Warnock, his team-mates and the fans, linking midfield to attack.

And he certainly comes in handy when defending corners too with his aerial ability.

"I am working hard and the manager tells me to take my chance in the side," said Chamakh.

"I am focused on scoring if I can, and if I don't I am focusing on the next time. I am happy with how it's going.

"I work really hard and if I can score, then great. If not, then hopefully next time."

For the full interview with Chamakh, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Lack of goals not affecting Crystal Palace striker


Crystal Palace boss: Swansea the best side I've seen this season

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NEIL Warnock has hailed Saturday's opponents Swansea City and knows just how hard it will be at the Liberty Stadium after watching them play Arsenal recently.

Last season, the Eagles secured a 1-1 draw but the south Wales outfit have continued to play an impressive brand of football, stemming up from the days of when Roberto Martinez was manager.

And they are now lead by a man who played under Martinez with the Swans, in the shape of Garry Monk.

"I think they are the best side I've seen this year," Warnock told the Advertiser.

"I saw them against Arsenal recently and they absolutely destroyed them. I know they won 2-1 but they were brilliant on the day, so I know how difficult it's going to be for us.

"After the Liverpool game, though, we go there in good spirits. Garry is a nice bloke and he was a nice, genuine player.

"He knows the situation there and knows all the players, and because of that he's fitted in well.

"He has signed one or two players who have really gelled superbly. Wilfried Bony is different class too and has fitted in to the Premier League."

For the full interview with Warnock, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace boss: Swansea the best side I've seen this season

Croydon Village Outlet set for Black Friday relaunch as Zervo after take over

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AN ENTREPRENEUR has taken over the troubled Croydon Village Outlet department store, securing the jobs of 90 employees ahead of a Black Friday relaunch.

The former Allders department store in the town centre is set to be relaunched tomorrow (November 28) at 10am, as Zervo, after a rescue package with a "significant capital injection" from retail entrepreneur Clive Coombes.

Mr Coombes, who unsuccessfully tried to take over electronics brand Comet after its collapse in 2012, says the store will offer "a broad expanse of consumer goods at extremely competitive prices".

The rebranding marks a new start after a difficult year for Croydon Village Outlet, which opened in September 2013 after Allders closed a year earlier.

In September this year the Advertiser reported how the store's future remained unclear, with it in administration and the company in charge, Metro Outlet Croydon, having eight unpaid county court judgements totalling more than £35,000 against it.

Under the new name Zervo, Mr Coombes said the department store will continue to sell ladies and gents clothes, jewellery, perfumes, footwear, furniture, toys and travel accessories at "fantastic and discounted prices".

He had been working with a recruitment company to make jobs available to ex-services personnel, he added.

Croydon Village Outlet set for Black Friday  relaunch as Zervo after take over

Crystal Palace legend and free agent signs for League Two side

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CRYSTAL Palace legend Clinton Morrison has signed for Exeter City on non-contract terms.

The striker has been a free agent since leaving Colchester United in the summer and has agreed a deal down in Devon.

"I've been doing a lot of media work so I was going to concentrate on that, but watching football and going to games this season I have missed playing football - I've still got that hunger and desire to play," Morrison told the Exeter City website.

"I came down here for a couple of days to train and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to sign.

"I've still got that hunger and desire – I think the day you see me step onto that pitch and put the shirt on, you'll see.

"I don't take prisoners, I want to win the game and I'm passionate. I've just got to keep going, work hard and try to impress my new team-mates.

"It's a good standard at this level and it's good football. I still love football – when I was training today I really enjoyed it.

"The day when you roll out of bed and you can't be bothered – that's when you know it's time to call it a day, so I'm really glad I've got this opportunity to come and play football." 

Morrison looks set to make his debut at Accrington Stanley on Friday night.

Crystal Palace legend and free agent signs for League Two side

I saw Steve Round rumours but there's no truth in it, says Palace boss

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ON Wednesday there were rumours that former Everton and Manchester United assistant manager Steve Round could be on his way to Crystal Palace.

However, Neil Warnock has played down the link and believes David Moyes' former number two wants to manager in the Football League instead.

"I saw the rumours and I don't know where that's come from. There is no truth in it at all," he told the Advertiser.

"If somebody became available who I think could help us then yes, but there is nothing in it with Steve.

"I know him and he wants to be manager himself now. That's why he didn't go with David Moyes to Real Sociedad. 

"I believe he wants to start lower down in the divisions."

For the full interview with Warnock, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

I saw Steve Round rumours but there's no truth in it, says Palace boss

Croydon primary schools reopen three days after pipe leaves sites without water

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PARK Hill infant and junior have reopened three days after a burst pipe left the schools without water.

Some 600 children missed three days of school this week after the underground pipe cracked over the weekend.

While the water main has not been permanently fixed but a temporary solution has been found to enable pupils to return to the schools, in Stanhope Road, today (Thursday). 

Catherine Daniels and Jane Charman, head teachers of the junior and infant schools respectively, apologised for the disruption and thanked parents for their support during the "unavoidable" closure.

In a joint statement they said: "While it has not been possible to fix the burst water main permanently, a temporary fix has been found which will enable the schools to operate safely.

"Staff and governors would like to thank the very many parents who have sent messages of support during this unavoidable closure, and apologise for the disruption this will have caused to many families."

Lessons are expected to continue as normal today, but breakfast and after-school clubs have been cancelled.

They asked the junior school's 330 pupils to bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water, while children at the infant school are to be provided with their food.

Parents were kept up-to-date with developments via the schools' websites and by text message.

There appears little ill will despite the disruption.

Jon Ellacott, who has four children at the schools, told the Advertiser he did not blame anyone for what had happened.

He said: "As much as it is an inconvenience, it certainly isn't the schools' fault.

"There is a massive hole in the reception playground, right by one of the classrooms, plus there is no running water as all the mains water has no doubt been shut off to rectify the leak.

"These things happen, and while it is not exactly ideal for a lot of the parents, especially those who work, it is unavoidable.

He added: "I went down to the school on Wednesday morning and they are just as eager to get the kids back in as soon as possible. They don't want them missing out on their education."

Croydon primary schools reopen three days after pipe leaves sites without water

Palace defender has chance of being back for Tottenham after calf tear

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PALACE boss Neil Warnock says Damien Delaney has "an outside chance" of featuring against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday.

The centre-back limped off against Liverpool last weekend with a calf problem, and thankfully a scan has revealed it's not as bad as first feared.

Warnock looks set to play Brede Hangeland alongside Scott Dann at Swansea City on Saturday and is praying both come through it unscathed after losing Adrian Mariappa to injury too.

"It is better than we thought with Damien," said the boss. "The scan showed a Grade One tear in his calf, which could be a couple of weeks.

"He has an outside chance for Tottenham next Saturday but I would imagine definitely for the one after against Stoke City."

For the full interview with Warnock, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace defender has chance of being back for Tottenham after calf tear

Bishop of Croydon to head council's £200,000 fairness commission

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THE Bishop of Croydon Jonathan Clark has been appointed as chairman of the council's forthcoming fairness and opportunity commission. 

Council leader Tony Newman announced the news at a meeting of Croydon Congress this morning (Thursday). 

The inquiry, which will cost £200,000, will explore whether wide-ranging public services, such as housing, health and social care, could be provided more fairly.

Cllr Newman called the inquiry a "once in a generation opportunity" while the Conservative opposition has branded it a "complete waste of money". 

The Bishop has previously expressed his desire to be involved in order to give the commission a "wider voice". 

He told the Advertiser in July: "It is important that it is not a party political thing and that it addresses the needs of people of Croydon across the whole borough."

The commission, whose wider members have yet to be appointed, could publish its findings in January 2016. 

Bishop of Croydon to head council's £200,000 fairness commission


Addington Judo Club secure medals at nationals in Kettering

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ADDINGTON Judo Club on Sunday sent a team of three to the British Judo Council nationals at Kettering.

Jamie Hewlett, although classed as a veteran, was entered in the open age (-73k) category, fighting over 16s half his age. He won both his bouts with ippon to take gold.

Emma Brown, having not fought for 12 years, met two national squad members (-57kg) and although putting up a brave fight, was beaten by their superior experience. However, she still came home with a bronze medal.

Club instructor Gareth Merredew narrowly missed the -90kg category and so had to enter at -100kg. He won both bouts in his pool before losing in the final and bagging silver.

Next on the agenda for the club are some smaller competitions in the new year, which lead up to the national open in May.

This is a huge turn around for a club that five years ago had only five members. More than 50 aged five to 52 are now on the books.

Nevertheless, the club are always seeking new judoka, from five upwards. They train on Tuesday evenings at the Addington Community Association sports hall; ages five to nine, 7.15-8.15pm, ten to 15, 8.15-9.15pm, over 16, 9.15-10.15pm.

The cost is £1 per person with the first session free.

For more information, call Steve on 01689849462 or go to Facebook under Addington Judo Club or Gareth judo Merredew.

Ten times more Croydon families in emergency housing than in 2008

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THERE are ten times as many homeless families from Croydon living in emergency housing than six years ago.

Figures, which lay bare the housing crisis facing the borough, show the number of families housed by the council because they have nowhere else to go has increased from 61 in 2008 to 610 this week.

Peter Brown, the council's director of housing need, said the situation had become "desperate".

"We're doing everything we can to find more homes," he added.

A third of the 610 families currently in emergency housing are staying in shared accommodation such as bed and breakfasts. Seven have been there for more than the legal limit of six weeks.

Croydon's problems have deepened despite the council borrowing £30 million to invest in buying and sourcing homes in the last two years.

Alison Butler, cabinet member for housing, said the council remained critically short of temporary housing.

"We're facing an absolute crisis because, more and more, we haven't got anywhere to move these people on to," she said.

She said two former office blocks in Thornton Heath, bought by the council to convert into 189 flats, would come into use in January and that extra effort was being put into persuading landlords to take social tenants, a supply which has dwindled significantly.

Cllr Butler added that the council also had plans to build homes itself, including a scheme in New Addington announced this week, but was "treading water" until all these solutions were introduced.

Recent measures have been unable to stem the council's reliance on emergency housing.

Last year, the then Conservative-led council invested £10 million it had borrowed from the Public Works Loans Board (PWLB) into a property fund in order to buy 94 one and two-bedroom homes in London.

That followed £20 million loaned from the PWLB a year earlier which was used to directly purchase 80 homes. Cllr Butler said the money had been "slowly making a difference".

"The problem is we have more people coming in than we have moving out," she added.

The housing shortage has meant the council has had to look further afield for homes. So far this year 15 families have been housed outside of London, it said.

Romand Lewis, 32, and his wife Serita, 31, were evicted by their landlord from a flat in Clarke Close, West Croydon, earlier this month.

Mr Lewis, a trainee nurse at Croydon University Hospital, was offered a bedsit 30 miles away in Woking, Surrey, and given no choice but to accept the placement or be classed as making his family intentionally homeless.

They had so little money when they arrived at their emergency home they could not afford to buy blankets, so the couple and their two-year-old daughter Kayleigh slept curled up in their jackets.

The family later attended a meeting with council officers in Croydon but, Mr Lewis said, they were unable to afford the train fare back to Woking so slept on a friend's floor until their child tax credit came through.

"I tried to tell the council we couldn't afford to live in Woking and work in Croydon but they weren't interested," he said. "It's no way to treat people. My wife is in tears every night."

Ten times more Croydon families in emergency housing than in 2008

Palace free-kick king 16/1 to open scoring at Swansea

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THE Eagles travel to south Wales at the weekend to take on Swansea who have certainly had the better of recent arguments between the sides winning four and losing none of their last six games with Palace.

The Swans are 4/5 at BetVictor to maintain that excellent record with Neil Warnock's side 4/1 and the draw at 13/5.

Mile Jedinak's sensational free kick was his fourth strike in the PL this season and takes him one clear of Fraizer Campbell and two ahead of Dwight Gayle who grabbed the equaliser at the weekend.

Campbell remains odds on favourite at 4/5 to be the Eagles' top league scorer this term with Gayle 9/4, Jason Puncheon 4s, Marouane Chamakh 5s and Jedinak still 10/1.

Gayle is 17/2 to score the opening goal on Saturday with Jedinak 16/1 and the latter is 11/2 to find the back of the net at anytime at the Liberty Stadium.

Palace have only scored once in their last half dozen games with Swansea but that came in the 1-1 draw at the Liberty when the sides last met and I think they can pick up another point.

BetVictor bet 15/2 the game finishes 1-1 and that might be just a shade too big.

Palace are out to 7/4 to be relegated with the three promoted clubs 7/1 from 8s to be the sides back playing Championship football next term. Despite Burnley's win at Stoke that quote remains too big.

Villa are the visitors to Selhurst Park on Tuesday as there is a full midweek PL fixture list and, at the time of writing, the Eagles are 11/10 to pick up back-to-back home wins with Villa 27/10 and the draw 12/5.

For all your sporting odds, check out BetVictor.com.

Palace free-kick king 16/1 to open scoring at Swansea

Darth Vader actor and Croydon resident Dave Prowse on returning as Green Cross Code man

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A LONG time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the actor who played Darth Vader was known to millions as the Green Cross Code Man.

Now Dave Prowse, 79, has stepped back into the shoes – but not the suit – of his other famous alter-ego for a relaunched Green Cross Code campaign aimed at adults rather than children.

Prowse is most famous for playing the notorious villain Darth Vader in Episodes 4, 5 and 6 of the Star Wars franchise and has called Carlyle Road, in Addiscombe, his home since 2000.

The former bodybuilder, who used the force to become British Heavyweight Weightlifting Champion for three years running in the early 1960s, said he was keen to stop any Luke Jaywalkers out there from getting into trouble on the roads.

Prowse said: "I think it's really important because adults are so unaware, they are so engrossed in 101 other things whether it be their iPhone or headphones, they don't notice what's around them.

"The number of children in road accidents fell hugely when we ran the original campaign in the 1970s, so people do listen.

"I tried to get back into the original [Green Cross Code Man] costume but only the shoes fit me."

Prowse, who says Croydon is a "great place to live" was appointed MBE for services to charity in 2000 but will forever be remembered as cinema's arch-villain.

"Star Wars has taken over everything I've ever done," he added.

"I still go to lots of conventions all over the world which are fantastic.

"I enjoyed working on episodes 4, 5 and 6 but I think they dropped a clanger with the last ones; they were cobblers."

With a new trio of sequels being filmed at the moment, interest in the Star Wars franchise has never been higher.

But although most of the old cast have been asked back, Prowse never received the call.

He said: "I haven't seen the scripts for the new ones but I think they are going to be very good. They've been asking whether I want to come to the launch and the premieres so that's exciting for me.

"I wish I was involved in some way. Obviously my character's been killed off now but I would like to be involved in some way, I could be any character in a mask."

A famous myth peddled by fans of the sci-fi films is that George Lucas chose to dub over Prowse's voice with that of American actor James Earl Jones because the Addiscombe resident's Bristol accent was too strong. This is something that irks him to this day.

"It's a painful story," Prowse said.

"I learned all the lines and delivered them all on set but through the mask they couldn't hear them properly. I had a chat with George Lucas and he said we would go and record it in the studio in America.

"But once the film was done they chased back to America and they hadn't realised they hadn't dubbed my voice.

"At that point, it would have cost too much money to get me to America, so they got James Earl Jones in, who is a fantastic actor and did a brilliant job.

"But it was quite upsetting everyone thought I wasn't used because of my accent. I could have done just as good a job, I wasn't going to say 'ooh arr lightsabre', but I have to live with that."

Darth Vader actor and Croydon resident Dave Prowse on returning as Green Cross Code man

Crystal Palace midfielder joins Championship strugglers Blackpool

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Stuart O'Keefe has completed a loan move to Championship strugglers Blackpool.

The 23-year-old will stay at the Bloomfield Stadium until January 1, 2015.

O'Keefe last played for Palace against West Ham at the end of August but suffered a serious ankle injury and was not included in Neil Warnock's 25-man squad ten days later as a result.

Charlton Athletic wanted O'Keefe at the start of November but instead went for Francis Coquelin of Arsenal, and it is understood they were not one of three Championship clubs to make an enquiry for the Palace man this time around.

Tangerines boss Lee Clark is expected to throw the defensive midfielder straight into action at Rotherham on Saturday.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia) 

Crystal Palace midfielder joins Championship strugglers Blackpool

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