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Portland Medical Centre GP retires after 40 years as doctor in Croydon

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PORTLAND Medical Centre has bid an emotional farewell to one of its longest-serving doctors.

About 100 patients and staff attended a party to thank Dr Sheila O'Hara, who has retired after 40 years as a Croydon GP.

They enjoyed tea and cakes at the practice in Portland Road, South Norwood, on Saturday.

"I have received many touching cards and presents from lots of patients but what impressed me most was the fact that so many came to the party – especially because the weather was so inclement," said Dr O'Hara.

She qualified in Manchester in 1969 and went on to become a GP trainer in 1981, chairing Croydon's training group. She sat on the borough's Local Medical Committee and also taught medical students across London.

In 2010, Dr O'Hara helped steer Portland Medical Centre through its most difficult period when concerns about disgraced GP Ravi Sondhi's finances threatened its future.

Following a petition from Dr O'Hara and her business partner Dr Paddy Jackson, the practice was awarded a new contract by the NHS.

It later emerged that Dr Sondhi had duped staff and patients out of more than £260,000.

Dee Matthews, senior receptionist, said: "The medical centre has been through a lot, but our patients have been really loyal.

"They were there for us during the bad times so Sheila wanted to organise a party to say thank you.

"I know they are really sad to lose her."

Mrs Matthews, 63, added: "It won't be the same without her. We won't have to make so many cups of tea or buy so many biscuits, that's for sure.

"Sheila is a real character. She's very British so it was difficult for her to shed a tear, but she came close.

"She's got a great sense of humour too and liked to join in with the banter."

Portland Medical Centre GP retires after 40 years as doctor in Croydon


Lives Not Knives founder honoured at national award ceremony

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AN INSPIRATIONAL campaigner who has spent her teenage years trying to protect the youth of Croydon has been honoured at a national award ceremony.

Young volunteer Eliza Rebeiro has won the prize for Bringing Communities Together at the largest youth volunteering awards in the country.

Eliza, 19, who set up the anti-knife crime project Lives Not Knives, has been named as the national winner in her category for the vInspired National Awards.

The annual ceremony celebrates the achievements and dedication of young volunteers and youth workers.

They aim to challenge negative attitudes towards young people by highlighting the creativity, motivation and generosity of some of the most inspiring young volunteers in the country.

Eliza has been selected from hundreds of nominations to be named as the winner in her category, after setting up Lives Not Knives at the age of 14.

Lives Not Knives aims to reduce gang-related violence in Croydon and neighbouring boroughs. After seeing two friends stabbed - one to death - Eliza decided she wanted to give young people in the area an alternative to knife crime.

She created T-shirts printed with the slogan Lives Not Knives and sold them to pay for an underage disco, where young people could go without fear of violence.

Since then the project has developed to outreach sessions in schools. She and a team of 20 volunteers now run roadshows, visiting over 30 local schools.

Eliza has recently expanded the project into Bromley and has also started working with the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in Croydon to educate young people about violence in relationships.

She said: "It's such an honour to be named a national winner. I don't volunteer for recognition, but it's great to know that people appreciate what I do. I hope that I can inspire other young people to volunteer.

"I am very proud of what I have achieved. My aim is to get the kids' priorities set before they go to secondary school. I want Croydon to be a community again.

"The riots were the only time I've seen people working together to achieve an ultimate goal and that was for something bad.

"Lives Not Knives has been my life for the past three years. It's the most I've ever achieved and has taught me more about myself than anything else I've done."

MP Gavin Barwell paid tribute to Eliza's work.

He said: "Whenever I meet Eliza I can't help but come away inspired. Here is a young woman who has made the conscious decision to dedicate her life to supporting other young people and encouraging them to make a difference in their communities.

"Lives Not Knives has gone from strength to strength under her leadership, so I'm delighted that vInspired have recognised her by making her a national winner. Her example is one that I know inspires many.

"Eliza has done a phenomenal amount of good in Croydon. Long may she continue to work her magic and make our town all the stronger for it."

The overall winners were chosen by a panel, including Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, at a star-studded ceremony in central London on Tuesday.

Lives Not Knives founder honoured at national award ceremony

Father of girl, three, hit by van in Croydon feels 'empty and lost'

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THE distraught father of a three-year-old girl hit by a van metres from her front door has described how her death has left him "empty and lost".

Olivia Langley's pushchair is thought to have been blown into an access road outside her home in Woburn Court on Monday and into the path of a delivery vehicle.

An inquest was told on Thursday that her mother, Louise Uffindell, went into her home to get something and, to her horror, came back outside to discover the van had collided with the buggy.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Olivia's father, Stewart Langley, said he felt "totally lost" without her.

He said: "I have been in a daze since it happened. It's hard to explain how I feel, I just can't believe my little girl is gone."

Miss Uffindell desperately tried to revive her daughter before she was taken to St George's Hospital, in Tooting, having suffered a cardiac arrest. Olivia was pronounced dead at 10.03am.

Mr Langley, 31, a scaffolder, said: "I was at work when I heard.

"I had a missed call from Louise and another one from her mum. Then I received a text saying I had to call them urgently.

"They said Olivia had been hit by a van and taken to St George's, so I went straight there. While I was on the way I got a another call explaining they had lost her.

"When they told me I felt empty, totally empty.

"I've tried to work out how it happened but I can't get my head around it. I must have driven to the house a million times. I can't understand how something like this could happen.

"All I can think is that it's a freak accident like people have said.

"Louise is an amazing mum. I know there's nothing she could have done."

Mr Langley described Olivia as a "princess" who loved watching television, especially her favourite programme Peppa Pig.

He said: "Olivia was an absolutely beautiful little girl. She was also a typical little girl – a bossy boots.

"She used to boss me about all the time, but I didn't mind because she was an adorable princess too. She was so likeable."

Mr Langley lives with his partner Ashleigh Sharp and their two children, Charles and Jessica, in South Croydon. He last saw Olivia on Saturday.

He said: "The kids adored her, particularly Charlie, and she loved them as well.

"I know she was young but you could tell she felt like a big sister to them."

Olivia was on her way to Woodside Primary School and Children's Centre when the tragedy occurred.

"She loved it there because she was a very sociable and outgoing child for her age," said Mr Langley.

"I want to say thank you to all our friends and family.

"They probably think we don't appreciate their support because we haven't been able to reply to everyone's messages, but we're very grateful."

A 36-year-old man, who works for delivery company DPD, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and taken to a south London police station.

He was bailed later that evening to return at a date in early May pending further inquiries.

DPD expressed its "deepest sympathy" and said it would cooperate with the police investigation.

The collision is being investigated by officers from the Road Death Investigation Unit at the Met's Catford Traffic Garage.

Detective Sergeant Matt Austin told Croydon Coroner's Court the van driver had told police he was reversing his vehicle "very slowly" at the time.

Anyone who witnessed what happened has been urged to call the police on 02082 851574.

Father of girl, three, hit by van in Croydon feels 'empty and lost'

Palace 0-4 Birmingham City: Eagles embarrassed at home by rampant Blues

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CRYSTAL Palace were thumped 4-0 by Birmingham City at Selhurst Park this evening.

Despite promising signs from the Eagles, they fell behind against the run of play in vital moments of the contest before they had the final nails in the coffin confirmed with two further goals conceded.

It had been a great chance to go second in the Championship after Watford had been held to a 3-3 draw against Burnley and the Eagles will be hoping Hull City slip up at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Palace had the first effort of the match when Yannick Bolasie cut the ball back on the right and it looked as if a Birmingham player was set to clear, but it fell to Kagisho Dikgacoi on the edge of the box, who lashed over.

Blues youngster Nathan Redmond was looking lively in the opening stages and responded with a shot at the other end, but the ball went harmlessly over Julian Speroni's crossbar.

Glenn Murray then had three chances to open the scoring shortly before the midway point of the first period when he couldn't quite collect a ball into the box from Mile Jedinak for the first, before shooting wide from the edge of the box 30 seconds later.

And Palace's top goalscorer also saw a looping header go onto the top of the net from Dean Moxey's crossfield pass.

However, Birmingham took the lead thank to a fine finish from Redmond after 24 minutes, but there was a hint of handball from a visiting player in the build-up.

The ball was played in towards Redmond 35-yards out, which Jedinak was a whisker away from intercepting, but the Blues player burst into the box and found the bottom corner with his left foot.

Speroni then pulled off a stunning save to deny Ravel Morrison from a close range effort, but from the resulting corner, Birmingham doubled their lead thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Damien Delaney, who was under pressure from the towering Nicola Zigic.

Selhurst was stunned, and the prospect of going second in the Championship looked a distant way off from reality after Watford had been held to a 3-3 draw against Burnley earlier on.

Kevin Phillips, facing one of his former clubs, nearly got a goal back for the Eagles shortly before the break when a ball was played into him on the edge of the box and as he looked to nip the ball past the onrushing Jack Butland, a Birmingham defender managed to deflect the ball away for a corner.

Palace boss Ian Holloway brought on Stephen Dobbie for Jazz Richards at half-time and moved Dikgacoi to right-back, and the Eagles looked much better in the opening moments of the second period.

Dobbie was denied by a super save from Butland when he picked his spot towards the bottom corner from the edge of the box, before Jedinak headed over from the resulting corner.

And then Dobbie delivered in from the right for Phillips, who nipped in at the back post with the smallest of touches to beat Butland but the ball went agonisingly wide of the far post.

It was a positive start for the hosts, and as everyone knows, the next goal during a 2-0 scoreline is crucial.

However, Birmingham killed the game off with two further goals midway through the half.

The third was scored by Morrison, who placed a low first time shot beyond Speroni from Mitch Hancox's low cross, and they grabbed a fourth five minutes later on 70 minutes thanks to a stunning free-kick from Newcastle United loanee Shane Ferguson.

Substitute Andre Moritz nearly grabbed a consolation when his fierce volley narrowly went wide of Butland's goal, while Dobbie had a couple more efforts but to no avail.

And former Eagle Darren Ambrose came on for Birmingham in the dying moments and got a good reception for the home faithful.

It simply wasn't Palace's day.

The Eagles travel to face Holloway's former club Blackpool on Easter Monday.

Palace: Speroni; Richards (Dobbie 46), Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey; Dikgacoi, Jedinak (c); Bolasie, Williams (Moritz 70), Phillips (Wilbraham 70); Murray.

Subs Not Used: Price, Ward, Parr.

Attendance: 17,189


By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Ollie's Way: Glenn Murray deserved player of the year award

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I WAS very disappointed that Glenn Murray missed out on the Championship player of the year award last Sunday. What more could he have done?

He's had a fantastic season, but they gave it to someone who is on loan and I find that hard to believe, I really do.

Glenn is having his best season ever and this bloke Vydra is very young and talented, but he is owned by a fantastic football club that are richer than most – and that's certainly not Watford, is it?

I don't know what more he needed to do to get that award but it's not about that, he knows he's having a good season and hopefully it will get even better from now on in.

I think his contract talks are close to being agreed and I've got no worries he's going to sign a new one.

I know Wilfried won the young player of the year award last year, but well done to Tom Ince because he's worked hard and he's a fantastic and emerging talent so good luck to him.

It's good to see Nigel Adkins back in management this week at Reading and good luck to him and whatever he needs to do.

How they expect Nigel now to pick up the reins and do better than Brian McDermott with that group of players, I do not know.

But who am I? I'm just someone who is trying to work hard and earn a living, but it does beggar belief to me how he can get sacked at Southampton by them saying he's not good enough and then he gets the Reading job, taking over someone who beat him last season in the Championship.

I find that hard to believe, but well done and good luck to him.

And how ironic is it that Nigel's first home game is against Southampton next weekend?

I know which team I want win and that will be Nigel's team because it was a terrible sacking.

It happens to everyone in this day and age, but Nigel didn't deserve to lose his job and now he's got another guy's job, who didn't deserve to lose his.

England played well on Tuesday in the first half, but Montenegro got back in it with the help of that crowd – I had never heard anything like it.

How someone is allowed to sing into a megaphone as well, I do not know, and every time they went to take a corner they were bombarded with God knows what – it was disgraceful.

I like the way we're trying to play and the combination of the young and the old players.

I think we will be top of the qualification group if we continue to play like that.

Unfortunately, they got a goal, and on the balance of play they probably deserved one.

And how unlucky was Wayne Rooney when he hit the post with that chip? He was the best player on the pitch.

Addiscombe family get £3,000 donation to George's wheelchair fund

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LITTLE George Tappenden is a great deal closer to the special chair that could change his life - thanks to a whopping £3,000 donation from a local charity.

Eighteen-month-old George, who lives with his parents and sister in Addiscombe, suffers from the wasting disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

The condition has deprived George of all movement in his legs, and children with SMA often do not live past the age of eight.

The Advertiser is now spearheading a drive to raise £21,000 and buy George the Snap Dragon wheelchair, which will allow him to sit and stand unsupported.

Donations have been flooding in from Advertiser readers, since we told George's story last week.

And Brighton Road firm Axis Europe, which deals with social housing across the country, has shown incredible generosity, by donating £3,000 through its charitable arm the Axis Foundation.

Projects it has donated to in the past include buying a summer house for a homeless shelter and funding the Purley Youth project, which took 33 children on an excursion to the Downe Activity Centre in Kent.

Axis Foundation chairman Peter Varney said: "When we set up the foundation we wanted to make a difference in the communities that Axis works in.

"Instead of doing big grandiose things we wanted to do smaller projects where we could make a difference to a community or an individual, so this fits perfectly.

"Hopefully this chair will bring a dramatic change to George's life, which is exactly what we are aiming to do and why the foundation was set up."

George's mum Lucy Frost was thrilled when she found out about the donation. She said: "The money has already gone up so much since last week, we are so grateful as a whole family, it's brilliant.

"£3,000 is such a huge amount of money and goes a long way to helping George get his chair and live a more normal life.

"He is already such a little cheeky and mischievous little boy, so when he gets the chair I know he will be loving it and moving about everywhere."

Other donations in the past week include:

Addiscombe hairdresser Ricky Daniels, who raised £135 via a raffle.

The Kidsplay Cafe, in Lower Addiscombe Road - £300 through a cake sale

Mark Lambeth, from Crawley - £1,700 so far to run next month's Paris Marathon

A charity football match, due to be held in Kent on Sunday, had to be cancelled because of the snow.

Lucy added: "The closer he gets to getting his chair the more excited he becomes.

"We're so thankful and I hope people continue to support us."

To support George, visit www.justgiving.com/george-tappenden or www.georgesrainbowfund.com

Addiscombe family get £3,000 donation to George's wheelchair fund

South Croydon nursery closed after Ofsted inspection prompted by whistleblower

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ONE of the borough's largest nurseries has had its licence suspended by Ofsted.

Cherubins Day Nursery in Warham Road, South Croydon, was shut last Thursday following an unannounced inspection prompted by a whistleblower.

The nursery, which has more than 100 children on its books, will be closed for six weeks while an investigation takes place over allegations relating to safeguarding.

The owners confirmed its licence had been temporarily suspended "without prejudice".

"We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved shortly and the setting reopened," a spokesman added. "We are unable to give any further comment."

Ofsted said that in order to protect the whistleblower it could not give details of the suspension.

"The protection of children is our first priority and parents should be assured that we have made an unannounced visit to check that appropriate safeguarding provisions are in place," a spokesman said.

"The nursery's registration was suspended by Ofsted pending further investigations."

Some families discovered the nursery had been closed only when they received a call asking them to collect their children.

The sudden closure left dozens of parents searching for emergency childcare, prompting the council to step in.

The Advertiser has seen an urgent message sent to children's centres asking them to help.

"Cherubins' registration has been temporarily suspended by Ofsted and as one of our larger nurseries, several families will be seeking immediate, alternative childcare," it read.

"We are guaranteeing payment for those children claiming free entitlement from the day they start with a new setting, ie, foregoing the normal notice period detailed on the Croydon Free Entitlement Agreement."

When the Advertiser contacted the nursery directly, a member of staff said it would be closed for two or three weeks because of "building work".

Cherubins offers full day care for children aged three months to five-years-old and after school clubs for those between 4 and 11. It employs 29 members of staff.

This is the second time in a year that concerns about the nursery have been raised with Ofsted.

Last April it conducted a spot-check after a "safety incident" during a trip for children to a holiday club.

The inspection was prompted by members of staff who alerted Ofsted to an issue around the suitability of someone who had come into contact with the children.

The nursery was served an enforcement notice which noted it had updated risk assessments for trips and reviewed outings procedures with staff. It was then allowed to reopen.

Cherubins was judged as satisfactory when subject to a full Ofsted inspection last October.

Ideas put forward for improving Fair Field

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MORE than 100 ideas were put forward at a public meeting to brainstorm thoughts for improving the Fair Field area.

Two weeks ago the Advertiser revealed that the council's Fair Field Masterplan had been finalised at a town hall cabinet meeting.

The multi-million pound transformation of the areas around Fairfield Halls and Croydon College was given the green light by the cabinet following several months of public consultation.

In light of the news, the South Croydon Community Association organised a public meeting, open to all Croydon residents, to brainstorm ideas for what they would like to see in the area.

Some 106 ideas were raised, including activities taking place at the College Green in the summer, a concession coffee shop or restaurant, a fringe theatre group for youth, a scrapping of the Fairfield booking fee and a Croydon Music festival.

At the council cabinet meeting on March 11, Councillor Jason Perry, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The mix of cultural, educational and local enterprise activities alongside a refurbished Fairfield Halls and a residential community will revive Fair Field's historic role as a thriving regional destination."

Another association public meeting will be held in a month's time, to discuss how to bring residents' ideas to life.

E-mail scca@btinternet.com for details about the meeting.


Glenn Murray 'happy' to sign new Crystal Palace deal

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CRYSTAL Palace hotshot striker Glenn Murray has agreed a new three-year contract at the club.

The frontman has been in the form of his life this season, notching 30 goals already and the Eagles were keen to tie him down to a longer deal, with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season.

And manager Ian Holloway revealed in his weekly press conference on Thursday morning that the club and the hitman had agreed a deal in principle.

A delighted Holloway said: "Glenn Murray has agreed a new three-year contract, which is great news for this club."

The Advertiser spoke to Murray on Tuesday when he admitted he was "happy" to stay.

He said: "I'm happy at the club and I wouldn't be scoring goals if I wasn't.

"I feel that if you're happy off the pitch, you play well on it – I am enjoying my time at Palace."

Last Sunday, Murray was pipped to the Championship player of the year award by Watford's loan striker Matej Vydra, who has scored nine league goals fewer than the Eagles frontman.

But despite the disappointment felt by everyone at Selhurst Park, Murray says "it's no big deal" and wants to concentrate on hitting his season targets.

"It was just nice to be nominated if I'm honest," he said.

"To be nominated as one of the top three players in the division was an achievement in itself.

"I was disappointed I didn't win but it's not the end of the world and I'll just carry on – I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

"It would have been nice to win, but I haven't, so it's no big deal and I'll just get on with it.

"The decision doesn't necessarily motivate me more and I haven't been scoring goals to win that award.

"It would have been something nice along the way, but my attitude to scoring and missing out on that award won't change that – I still want to score goals."

When questioned on what those personal targets were, including whether he can hit the 40-goal barrier, Murray admits it will be tough to do that in what he describes as "one of the best" campaigns he's experienced.

"That would be a big ask with just eight games left," he said.

"I do have targets but I'll keep them to myself – hopefully I can reach them and I'll let everyone know after.

"I think this season is definitely one of the best in my career.

"We've got to finish it off now and our side is one of the best, but without the goal of promotion, it won't mean quite as much."

Glenn Murray 'happy' to sign new Crystal Palace deal

Wilson's School pair face each other in Selhurst Park match

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TWO former Wilson's School footballers are set to come back to the borough of Croydon today (Saturday) to take part in the traditional Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity football match.

Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park has been chosen to stage this year's game and it will be a proud moment for Wilson's to welcome home Anthony Childs and Michael Moneke.

And the school's head of football, Mark Simmons, paid tribute to the pair who are set to be on opposite sides rather than playing alongside each other.

"Both of them are fantastic players," he said. "Anthony Childs was my first team captain and he scored some of the best goals I've ever seen at Wilson's School.

"In particular, he once scored a 40-yard strike against Hampton, and then in the away fixture against them, he scored a 25-yard volley. He also scored the winning free-kick against Hampton in the Surrey Cup final.

"Michael Moneke played centre-half and he's someone I'd take to war if I had to. And he was also head boy of his year group.

"He puts his body on the line and he shuts down the ball with his head sometimes.

"And being brave, he used to score goals from set-plays from corners or free-kicks because he had so much desire to win the ball.

"Being an enforcer, he never got beaten for pace and he'd always make amends and cover around others."

Furthermore, Simmons believes Childs, who is set to line up for Cambridge, was one of a kind in the school's history and pointed out his main attributes.

"He would win everything in the air.

"He was good on the ball and had a good range of passing, and his goals ratio was outstanding," he said.

"Even in training, he was the most serious trainer and there was a joke going around that his team never lost in training because he'd make sure they didn't lose.

"He was a winner and was probably one of the best central midfielders, if not the best we've ever had at Wilson's."

Moneke was in Year 11 at the school when he first witnessed Childs' ability, and Simmons revealed he would have wanted them to play in the same team more often.

He said: "I only managed to get them playing together in a couple of games due to their age gap – Michael was coming up as a Year 11 and I got him involved in some National Cup games.

"When they got to play with each other, Michael knew of Anthony because of skill and goals, and then Anthony got to watch Michael when his team won a competition at Redhill."

Next week, the school are planning to bring as many of their former players together to celebrate the success they had while Childs and Moneke were with them.

And Simmons believes they could play semi-professional at a good standard.

"They have the ability to play at a good non-league level but obviously, at the moment, their academic studies come first,"

"We've got a little reunion next Wednesday because Anthony was part of one of the most successful teams at Wilson's – they won seven trophies with him being captain.

"And Michael was part of a team that was part of the most successful years, from Years 7 to 13, they won the most amount of trophies.

"Anthony was captain of the best first XI and Michael was part of a team that won nine trophies in those seven seasons – and that's not including all of their league fixtures they won three times."

However, Simmons says he will not be able to attend tomorrow's game in SE25 as he is already away on tour with the school.

But he says there will be a good Wilson's contingent in support of the two boys.

"I've spoken to them via e-mail and I've wished them good luck ahead of Saturday.

"My loyalties are divided but I can't make it as we're on a football tour in Spain, with our Year 9 team.

"In fact, the Valencia Cup was one of the trophies Anthony won with us – we were the first team from the United Kingdom to win that.

"There are a number of staff going to the game at Selhurst Park, plus a number of players and pupils too.

"I'm really proud of them and it's really good to hear from them after they've left the school.

"We took them on so many tours and around the country, so we're over the moon they're playing for the two biggest universities in the country."

Wilson's School pair face each other in Selhurst Park match

Southern refurbishes train fleet

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MAKING journeys more pleasant for its passengers is behind Croydon-based rail operator Southern's refurbishment of its fleet of Class 377 trains.

The programme started in August 2011 and Southern has just finished work on its 100th train. It aims to have completed the upgrading of all 182 - a total of 700 carriages - by January 2015.

The work on both the exterior and interior of the train includes a deep clean, new carpets and seat covers, interior paint repairs, and graffiti resistant panels.

The programme also includes the overhaul of the bogie wheels which means that crucially, the time the train is out of service is considerably reduced.

The refresh programme is completed in-house at Southern's Selhurst Depot, resulting in considerable time and financial savings when compared with sending them elsewhere.

John Killeen, Southern fleet manager, said: "With around a million miles under its belt, each train becomes rather tired inside, so this refresh is breathing new life into these 10-year old trains.

"The project is being delivered on plan and within budget, which is good news for our passengers who are enjoying trains that are now as good as new."

Southern refurbishes train fleet

Croydon Council calls on businesses to take advantage of tax relief scheme

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RENEWED calls are being made by Croydon Council to the borough's small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of its business rate relief scheme.

The £1.14m scheme, funded from the Mayor of London's £23m regeneration funding for Croydon, allows eligible companies to get discounts of up to 65 per cent in the first year

The scheme is open to businesses moving into premises in Croydon town centre with an annual rateable value of £25,500 or above.

The discount lasts for a period of up two years.

The initiative aims to encourage businesses that are expanding and struggling to find affordable commercial spaces to relocate to the centre of Croydon, where good quality offices and retail premises are available.

Councillor Vidhi Mohan, the council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "I would encourage businesses who believe they are eligible for a reduction in the rates to contact us.

"Not only will this scheme enable growing businesses to save thousands of pounds, but it will create jobs, fill empty commercial space and put money into the economic growth of the whole borough".

Businesses wanting to find out more should contact the council at economy@croydon.gov.uk

Crystal Palace fan banned for abusing Steve Parish on Twitter

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A CRYSTAL Palace fan has been banned from Selhurst Park for abusing Steve Parish on Twitter.

The co-chairman had already warned abusive supporters that they faced being excluded from matches after he was subject to a torrent of expletives following the defeat to rivals Brighton.

Parish highlighted one fan – Mark Barber – who took to Twitter to hurl abuse at him.

In response, Parish tweeted: "Does anyone know this guy?" along with a copy of Mr Barber's message, which insulted both him and Eagles boss Ian Holloway.

When asked why he didn't ignore the abuse, he replied: "Because I want to find him and I want to ban him, as well as report him to the police."

Another poster supplied Mr Barber's address and last week he received a letter banning him from Selhurst "indefinitely".

Mr Parish said: "I don't care what people have to say but pure verbal abuse is hatred. It's unacceptable to me and I don't see why I should tolerate it."

After Mr Barber posted a picture of the letter on Twitter, several other fans also abused Parish.

One, @wayneoG, tweeted: "Leave him alone... if you can't handle a bit of abuse, don't run our club #manup."

Mr Barber's twitter account has since been deleted.

London 2012 Olympic finalist Lawrence Okoye set for switch to the NFL

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OLYMPIC discus finalist Lawrence Okoye has revealed he wants to play American Football in the NFL.
The 21-year-old former Whitgift School pupil has enjoyed huge success in a short space of time, since swapping a potential career in rugby for the field event.
Okoye is already the holder of the British record for discus and finished 12th in the London 2012 Olympic final.
But today, Okoye - who weighs in at 21 stone - has said he wants to look at playing in the NFL.
Okoye attended a recent trial in Atlanta, Georgia during a break from warm-weather discus training, and has a second trial next weekend in Dallas.
If his move to the NFL goes ahead, he will miss the 2013 athletics season, including the World Championships in Moscow in August.
However, Okoye has stated he "does not intend to quit athletics completely" and is looking to compete at the next Olympics, in 2016, in Rio.
Okoye today told a national newspaper: "From my mid-teenage years, everyone kept telling me to give American football a go, and I thought about applying for an American college scholarship when I was 16.
"I've always been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember and whenever I've arrived in the States the customs officers always ask me who I play for. I want to give this my best shot.
 "It's a rare life opportunity."

London 2012 Olympic finalist Lawrence Okoye set for switch to the NFL

Croydon's Westfield will feature statue of Kate Moss

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WESTFIELD is to erect a statue of Kate Moss as the centrepiece of its new shopping centre in Croydon, the Advertiser can reveal. The Australian retail giant commissioned the statue to cheer up the town after reading an article in the Daily Mail which claimed that Croydon is the second unhappiest place to live in Britain. Directors are thought to have chosen Kate Moss because they believe her famous haircut – the Croydon facelift - sums up their plans for the town centre. The decision has upset Hammerson, partners in the £1 billion joint venture, because they favoured Ronnie Corbett. Westfield are understood to have asked sculpter Marc Quinn to build a replica of his famous 18-carat gold statue which shows Moss in a provocative yoga pose. The sculpture would be given pride of place in the entrance to the new shopping centre, though they have not ruled out commissioning a much larger statuette to be placed in the main food court. A well-placed source told the Advertiser that Westfield are also considering naming the building the Kate Moss Mega Mall, with Hammerson preferring Ronnie Corbett's Castle. A 20ft replica of the proposed statue was put on display for shoppers at the Whitgift Centre this weekend. If the pose proves too racy then Westfield will approach the artist who designed the statue of pop-legend Michael Jackson outside Fulham's Craven Cottage. If this plan gets the green light it will be the first statue to feature changeable clothes, with Westfield hopeful of recouping the costs by letting the sculpture out to fashion retailers such as Topshop and Zara. Other Croydon stars, past and present, were considered, including athlete Natasha Danvers, composer Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Crystal Palace legend Neil Shipperley. An online petition calling on Westfield to drop Moss in favour of a 30ft statue of Darth Vader – in honour of actor Dave Prowse – has already attracted 41 signatures. However, the supermodel, who grew up in Addiscombe, is arguably the most famous person to come out of the town. A spokesperson for the 39-year-old refused to comment on the speculation because Moss is fed up of being referred to by the tabloids as the Croydon Clotheshorse. Frank Lowy AC, chairman of Westfield, told the Advertiser: "We have ambitious plans to establish Croydon as south London's premier shopping district and could think of no one who better symbolises what we want the borough to become than Kate Moss." David Atkins, chief executive of Hammerson, said: "Our directors remain unconvinced that immortalising someone who grew up in Croydon, but no longer seems to want anything to do with the area, is sort of message we want to promote. "A statue Ronnie Corbett would be preferable, particularly as it would save some money." Westfield hopes the statue will be ready in time for the new shopping centre to open on April 1, 2018.

Croydon's Westfield will feature statue of Kate Moss


Few in Croydon understand biggest ever NHS reforms, say experts

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THEY are arguably the most significant reforms in the history of the NHS, but as GPs take over designing local health services from today (Monday), few understand what the changes will mean.

This is the verdict of two leading figures responsible for making health decisions, past and present, for Croydon.

Currently procurement of health services is the responsibility of primary care trusts (PCTs) such as NHS Croydon.

PCTs will be replaced by GP-led clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) who will be responsible for 60 per cent of the NHS budget.

Croydon CCG, made up of all 61 of the borough's GP practices, will decide whether to pay hospitals to provide services, from urgent and emergency care to mental health and rehabilitation.

Toni Letts, former chairman of NHS Croydon, has been involved in establishing the new system. She said: "Most people will know that something is happening but do they know exactly what? No.

"I'm afraid the focus has been very much on closing down an organisation, which is quite sad and painful, but something good will rise from it.

"So if people are looking for balloons at surgeries saying 'We're part of the GP commissioning group' or 'We're now commissioning services for you', that's not going to happen. There's no big bang or launch.

"Things will seem very much the same, only they will get better."

The reforms met widespread political and professional opposition when they were finally passed last year.

Ministers argue GPs are better placed to respond to patients' needs because they are in regular contact with them, and say this will improve the quality of care, while critics describe the reforms as "privatisation by stealth".

There appears to be a lack of knowledge among patients as to what it all means, in part due to a lack of public engagement. Fewer than 30 people attended Croydon CCG's first open board meeting last September, and attendance has since dwindled even further.

"At the first meeting held in public there were around 20 people, which was wonderful," said Mrs Letts.

"At subsequent meetings there has not been that sort of number, but there were a lot more than we used to get for the PCT meetings.

"One of the things I suggested was that there should be mugshots of the CCG board member at every GP practice, so that everyone knows who they are.

"There should also be a newsletter about what was decided at the last board meeting and when the next one is.

"There needs to be an information flow between the commissioning groups and the patients but I've not seen that, have you?"

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, Croydon CCG's assistant clinical chairman, says patients will see the benefits in the years ahead.

"This is a challenging but exciting time for the NHS and its staff and we have been working hard over the past 12 months to make sure the move from the old NHS structure is as smooth as possible.

The reason for this hard work is so that, in the short term, local people don't notice any difference in the day to day care they get from their local NHS; on the frontline it's business as usual.

"It's over time, though, that the benefits of having local GPs making the decisions will really start to be felt.

"Croydon GPs know their patients and know what their needs are - we see them every day in our surgeries."

Croydon CCG faces major financial hurdles to achieving goals such as reducing the number of patients who attend Croydon University Hospital's accident and emergency unit.

It has been left a legacy of debt at a result of NHS Croydon's £28 million overspend.

"We have a significant financial challenge and we need to continually improve the quality and reputation of healthcare in Croydon," added Dr Fernandes.

"What stays the same is how closely we work as one NHS, in partnership with other neighbourhing CCGs, Croydon Council and the local hospitals.

"We are determined to make sure we deliver the best healthcare for the people we serve."

Local authorities will be responsible for public health from April. Croydon Council has been allocated £18.32 million which it will use to tackle issues such as obesity and sexual health.

"I hope people are aware, though whether they fully understand the changes is a bit of a sweeping statement," said Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult services and health.

"We have tried to publicise it as much as possible. There have been public shadow health and wellbeing board meetings, various papers published, and I have spoken about it in my bulletin.

"There's always more than we can do. Healthwatch (a patients' group) is involved and they will be engaging with the public about services and their needs."

Few in Croydon understand biggest ever NHS reforms, say experts

Gareth Gardner blooms as perfect champion

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GARETH Gardner produced a near punch perfect display last Saturday to claim the Queensbury Boxing League's British light middleweight title on a unanimous decision.

The 28-year-old carpenter, from New Addington, entered the contest off the back of an incredible run of form, during which he had claimed titles in three different weight divisions in the UK's premier boxing league.

It was clear from the opening seconds of his latest title challenge that he would not be denied a fourth title as he set about champion Aaron Lowery with ferocious intent, unleashing vicious combinations that left the judges and the packed arena at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in no doubt who the victor would be.

Talking after the contest, the delighted newly-crowned champion was quick to praise to the former champion and said he had really enjoyed another memorable night in his boxing career.

"Lowery was a lot better than I thought he would be, and I have to give him credit for playing his part in a fantastic fight," said Gardner.

"We'd been working on loads of new things in the gym in the build-up to this fight and I really thought I would be able to stop him with those body shots I was landing in there.

"But, fair play to Aaron, he took everything I gave him and he was a worthy champion."

Looking ahead after what ranks as one of the greatest performances inside the league during its short history, Gardner has set his sights on defending the title and taking on whoever the league wants to give him.

He added: "I think I deserve a rest after Saturday night.

"But I'm looking forward to getting back into the gym over the coming weeks and defending this title against whoever the shows' promoters decide to put in front of me."

Also in action, Gardner's stable mate Steve Orford produced the knockout of the night when he successfully defended his Southern Area cruiserweight title by destroying Brighton-based challenger Mark Smith in the third round of their contest with a brutal left hand.

Orford, making the second defence of his crown, looked in control of the contest during the fight, but had to take a number of spirited shots from the ambitious Smith in an exciting opener.

But when Orford's southpaw straight-left caught Smith in the third round, it was game over as referee Ken Curtis had no option but to halt the contest with Smith's legs doing a funny dance in his own corner.

With both contests due to be televised soon on prominent sports channel British Eurosport, both champions can look forward to seeing their night's work again.

Gareth Gardner blooms as perfect champion

South Croydon internet predator jailed for eight years

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AN INTERNET paedophile who sexually abused a schoolgirl has been jailed for eight years.

Umesh Kulasingham, 39, from South Croydon, was found guilty of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 to 15, two counts of grooming a girl under 13 and 13 counts of possession of indecent cartoon images of children on Tuesday.

He was also found guilty of one count of failing to provide passwords for his computers.

Kulasingham, who used the aliases Fiaz Khan, Arun Kula and Don GT, contacted the victim when she was just ten years old in 2009. He persuaded her to pose indecently for him over the internet and also sent her indecent images of himself.

Two years later, Kulasingham threatened to send pornographic images of the girl to her friends if she refused to meet him. When she did, he sexually abused her.

He was arrested after the victim's brother and sister discovered explicit text messages on a mobile phone.

DC Sarah Garrick, from the Met's Operation Sapphire Complex Case Team, said: "Kulasingham is a very cunning, deceitful man, who hid the true nature of his offending from all his family.

"We know that he was in contact with a number of other young girls who have never come forward. We would encourage them to do so."

If you or anyone else has been contacted by Kulasingham or someone else using the same method, call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Croydon internet predator jailed for eight years

Croydon BID cash pays for more town centre police

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TOWN centre businesses have backed another £100,000 cash injection to help keep the shopping area safe.

The money from the Business Improvement District (BID) will pay for the continued employment of five police officers to patrol the town centre.

The £100,000 funding is being matched by the Metropolitan Police, boosting the town centre officer numbers to ten.

The latest six-month deal, which will be reviewed in October, comes after further discussions on the importance of town centre safety between the BID board and the Met.

The BID has a total budget of around £1 million a year to improve the town centre environment, with the aim of making the shopping centre more attractive to visitors.

It is funded by a one per cent levy on town centre businesses with a rateable value of more than £40,000.

Police station closures confirmed – page 7.

East Croydon development plan makes progress

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THE long-awaited development of the Ruskin Square site next to East Croydon Station is a step closer this week.

Site owners Stanhope/Schroders announced on Monday that the first residential phase of their overall home and offices development had been granted delegated planning permission by Croydon Council planning officers.

The scheme will provide a total of 161 new apartments, ranging from one-bedroom apartments for two people to two-bedroom flats for four people.

The building will vary between 9 and 22 storeys in height, and the development also includes a roof garden and private communal space.

Stanhope/Schroders, working as the Croydon Gateway Ltd Partnership, will be partnering the property development and management company, Places for People, on the scheme.

The development will offer a range of homes for sale, rent and part ownership.

Places for People will be managing the development and will also be responsible for the scheme's 34 affordable homes.

Ian Mason, fund director at Schroders, said: "We are delighted the first phase of housing at Ruskin Square has been approved. We expect to be on site shortly to commence preparatory works.

"We want to ensure that there is animation and activity on this important site, together with the new bridge at East Croydon Station, so that Ruskin Square fulfils its role as Croydon's gateway.

"With other positive developments in planning and development in the town, this is great news for the regeneration of Croydon."

Ruskin Square recently received a £3.7million loan from the Government-backed Get Britain Building fund, which is designed to help kick-start housing schemes which may have stalled.

Under the terms of the loans, work on the scheme must be judged to have started by the end of this month and be completed by the end of March 2015.

East Croydon development plan makes progress

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