Quantcast
Channel: Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live

Croydon University Hospital ranked the second worst in England by new patients' survey

0
0

PATIENTS have ranked Croydon University as one of the worst hospitals in the country, the Advertiser can today reveal.

Ratings from the annual patients' survey, conducted at hospitals across England, will be made public in mid-April.

But the Advertiser has seen a copy of the survey for Croydon Health Services – the trust which runs the hospital – and it makes for grim reading.

The overall score for the trust means it is preparing to be ranked as low as second worst in the country.

News of the patients' verdict comes a month after results of a damning staff survey, in which a third of health workers – equivalent to more than 1,000 – said they would not want a friend or relative to be treated at the hospital once known as Mayday.

Croydon's average score over the more than 90 patient questions means it is estimated to rank 159 out of 161 trusts, when compared with the previous year's results, in the annual national inpatient survey for England set to be published on April 16.

However, the average "coquina score" – calculated from five key survey questions – could put it as low as 160th in the country.

Croydon scored 56.4 in this, well below the comparison national average of 67.

A spokesman for Croydon Health Services confirmed it does "not expect to see a significant change in scores" from the previous year.

The 2012 survey, answered by hundreds of patients over two months, also suggests standards have slipped.

When compared with the year before, Croydon did "significantly better" in two questions, but "significantly worse" in five.

Meanwhile Croydon Health Services remains in the top 20 per cent of trusts across England for just two questions, but in the bottom 20 per cent for a further 41 criteria, according to an analysis of the results drawn up by the trust's director of nursing Zoe Packman, and seen by the Advertiser.

The two categories which Croydon remains in the top 20 per cent for are:

Did you share a room with patients of the opposite sex?

Did you receive copies of letters sent between hospital doctors and your family doctor (GP)?

However, the 41 questions for which it remains in the bottom 20 per cent include:

From the time you arrived at the hospital, did you feel that you had to wait a long time to get to a bed on a ward?

How clean was the ward or room that you were in?

How clean were the toilets and bathrooms that you used?

Did you get enough help from staff to eat your meals?

Did you have confidence and trust in the doctors treating you?

Did nurses talk in front of you as if you were not there?

Were there enough nurses on duty to care for you in hospital?

Overall, did you feel you were treated with respect and dignity while you were in the hospital?

In reaction to nearly a third of respondents – 29 per cent – saying they felt nurses talked in front of them as if they were not there, Margaret Mead, Croydon Council's cabinet member for health, said: "Clearly this survey can't be ignored.

"Nurses talking as if patients weren't there means there obviously needs to be some training put in place. I think it is important that this survey is looked at and improvements are made in the areas highlighted of specific concern.

"I think it is fair to say a lot of people do receive good care at Croydon; not everybody has a bad experience, but there do seem to be issues."

The data leaked to the Advertiser is an analysis carried out by the company Patient Perspectives, which is commissioned to carry out surveys on behalf of the NHS.

The formal, final findings will be published by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) later this month.

Croydon Health Services this week stressed the data has not yet been fully published and suggested "the summary you have seen is not complete and may not be accurate".

However, a spokesman admitted: "We have said publicly in previous board meetings, and in discussions with our many partners and stakeholders, that we do not expect to see a significant change in our scores in the 2012 survey as many of the actions we have taken, such as increasing the numbers of nurses and midwives, will take a long time to have an effect."


Sample questions and results:
During your stay, were you ever asked to give your views on the quality of your care? Yes – 15 per cent No – 78 per cent Don't know/Can't remember – 7 per cent Total people asked: 394 How would you rate the hospital food? Very good – 16 per cent Good – 33 per cent Fair – 31 per cent Poor – 17 per cent I did not have any hospital food – 3 per cent Total people asked: 403 How many minutes after you used the call button did it usually take before you got the help you needed? 0 minutes/right away – 6 per cent 1-2 minutes – 17 per cent 3-5 minutes – 19 per cent More than 5 minutes – 13 per cent I never got help when I used the call button – 2 per cent I never used the call button – 43 per cent Total people asked: 385 Before the operation procedure, were you told how you could expect to feel afterwards? Yes, completely – 43 per cent Yes, to some extent – 30 per cent No – 26 per cent Total people asked: 276 Were you ever bothered by noise at night by other patients? Yes – 46 per cent No – 54 per cent Total people asked: 399 Did nurses talk in front of you as if you weren't there? Yes – 8 per cent Yes, sometimes – 21 per cent No – 71 per cent Total people asked: 397.

Croydon University Hospital ranked the second worst in England by new patients' survey


Police release CCTV image of missing 12-year-old Suada Gashi

0
0
POLICE have released a CCTV image which shows 12-year-old Suada Gashi before she went missing on Tuesday. The image shows Sauda leaving Victoria Coach Station at 12.40pm. She was in a three-quarter length black coat, black leggings, a cream top with black swirl pattern, tan Ugg boots and was carrying a black shoulder bag. Suada had been staying with her sister in Birmingham, who was with her when she boarded the non-stop coach to Victoria at 10am. After being picked up on CCTV she later informed a family member via 'Skype' that she was in Lewisham, but she has not been seen there. Suada had her mother's Post Office bank card which was used to make a withdrawal at an cash machine in Corporation Street, Birmingham, at 6.27pm on Tuesday evening. The card was used in Corporation Street again the following day at 10.09am, when there was an over-the-counter cash withdrawal from a Post Office at a newsagents. Suada is of Mediterranean appearance, slim build with very long black hair. Despite being only 12, she looks older. She lives in Lee, Lewisham, but has links to Elephant and Castle and Croydon. Anyone with information should call Lewisham Missing Persons Unit on 020 8284 8455 (staffed from 7am to 6pm) or 101, or call Missing People on 116 000.

Police release CCTV image of missing 12-year-old Suada Gashi

Croydon Monster Raving Loony candidate defects to Conservative Party

0
0

WITH the party trailing in the polls behind Labour and Ukip, some might say you would have to be mad to join the Conservatives – a quality their latest recruit has in abundance.

For 17 years Monster Raving Loony John Cartwright's eccentric hat and brightly-coloured jacket have been synonymous with election time in Croydon.

But now he has swapped his badges for a blue rosette and, where he used to advocate the provision of free chocolate bars for students and pensioners, he has now joined a party backing benefit caps and NHS reforms.

The 44-year-old, who lives in East Croydon, made the announcement on April Fools' Day but told the Advertiser his defection was no joke.

He said: "What it boils down to is that I have gradually reached the position where I'm no longer a floating voter. I have reached the settled view that the future of this country can be best managed by the Conservative Party.

"Most importantly, I have come to realise that Labour governments always ruin the economy."

Mr Cartwright's defection is an appropriately bizarre twist to a political career which began when he founded the Chocolate Fudge Cake Party and stood in the 1994 local elections, winning 175 votes.

In 1996, he became a Loony, standing in the 2001, 2005 and 2010 general elections and winning 408, 193 and 192 votes respectively. In total, the former Trinity School pupil has fought 21 different election campaigns.

It was while canvassing during the Croydon North by-election last November that he discovered his efforts had become half-hearted.

"I realised that I was enjoying walking around the constituency so much that I kept on forgetting that I was supposed to be campaigning," he said.

"I wasn't enthusiastic about standing in the first place, because I was a bit concerned about splitting the Conservative vote. However, I spoke to Gavin (Barwell) and he told me not to worry because it was a safe Labour seat."

When asked whether he would miss being a Loony, Mr Cartwright said: "A little bit, yes. It was fun to go to the party conference. It's usually held in Hampshire. We hang around a pub for a few days and do a silly things.

"But I can quite easily manage without it, and it will be good not have to spend money on an election deposit any more.

"They always said I was too serious. I was a bit of a rebel like that."

Beneath his wacky exterior, Mr Cartwright has a reputation as a sharp mind with an encyclopaedic knowledge of politics. He is undecided as to whether Croydon North will be his final election.

"If the Conservatives are desperately short of people to stand in a hopeless ward then I would, but only if they can't find anyone else," he said.

As to what he will do with his iconic jacket, Mr Cartwright said: "I'm thinking of hanging it up in my room as an ornament.

"It's a bit ironic really. I remember around 2004 I realised I had so many badges that I needed a new coat. I went to lots of fancy dress shops but none had Monster Raving Loony yellow.

"In the end I settled for red because, at the time, I was centre left, not right. Turns out I should have got the blue one."

The Official Monster Raving Loony Party believes Mr Cartwright's defection could see Conservative Gavin Barwell move the opposite way.

Referring to the Croydon Central MP as "Gavin Barlow", spokesman R. U. Serious said: "John Cartwright has been a loyal supporter and active candidate for many years.

"His input, character and assistance has been greatly appreciated. He will be missed.

"However, our loss is the Conservatives' gain and we wish them both the best of luck.

"We are not sure that Croydon is ready for two political heavyweights, and foresee Gavin Barlow crossing the floor to represent us.

"With John's continued effort on behalf of the Conservatives, it may be that Steve Reed (Labour's Croydon North MP) may finally have met his most formidable opponent.

"Whatever happens, we wish him well."

Mr Barwell, who was in the year below Mr Cartwright at Trinity School, said: "John's passion for Croydon has been evident for years.

"I've long said to him that he should have got involved in one of the main parties and I'm delighted he has chosen the Conservatives."

Croydon Monster Raving Loony candidate defects to Conservative Party

Palace 0-0 Barnsley: Eagles may have to settle for play-offs after goalless draw

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace were held to a 0-0 draw against relegation-threatened Barnsley this afternoon at Selhurst Park.

Despite throwing the kitchen sink at the visitors in the final quarter of the match, the Eagles couldn't find a way through the Tykes' backline.

In a bizarre situation pre-match, referee Kevin Stroud deemed that both sets of Barnsley kits clashed with Palace, so the visitors were made to wear the Eagles' yellow away shirts - on the same day the club shop has slashed the away strip by 30%.

Jason Scotland had a couple of chances early on which flew wide, while goalkeeper Luke Steele dropped a routine catch into the path of Andre Moritz but the ball was cleared to safety.

Palace's first real chance of the afternoon came on 17 minutes when Moritz curled a delightful free-kick over the wall which looked to be heading for the top corner but Steele got across well to palm the ball away for a corner.

The Eagles' next chance didn't come until the half hour mark when Glenn Murray was played in by Wilfried Zaha down the right and his first touch took him away from a Barnsley player before entering the box, but Steele came out and denied the striker's effort.

Yannick Bolasie was in the thick of the action soon after, first slicing an effort well wide, before Murray missed the winger's cross at the back post.

And then Bolasie saw a low shot saved by Steele, before Moritz had a shot hacked away in the six-yard area 30 seconds later.

It was certainly an improvement from Ian Holloway's men heading into the half-time break.

The Eagles started bright in the second period and they went close to taking the lead on two separate occasions.

From 30-yards out, Moritz curled another free-kick over the wall, but Steele got down low to deny the Brazilian again, while Murray charged down a clearance from the custodian a minute later, only to see the ball go over the bar.

Kevin Phillips came on to replace Moritz after 64 minutes in a bid to freshen things up, and ten minutes later Stephen Dobbie came on for Bolasie.

With hardly any chances on goal for either side, the game lulled heading into the final ten minutes and Murray was taken off for Aaron Wilbraham.

And the forward nearly scored with his first touch but sent an effort wide from just outside the box.

Wilbraham then had two more chances with his head to give Palace the lead before Phillips blasted a first time effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

The Eagles were throwing everything at the Barnsley rearguard, and Jonny Williams was next to scupper a chance over the bar, this time from the edge of the box.

And their best chance fell to Wilbraham from 15-yards out when he blazed a shot way over following Zaha's cut-back on the right.

It was all Palace in the final stages of the contest but they just couldn't find a way to goal as four minutes added time were held high by the fourth official.

Dobbie had the final chance of the game with a free-kick, but he scuffed it high and wide.

Palace's chances of automatic promotion look to be over, especially as Hull City picked up three points at home again.

With no game next weekend, Palace are next in action on Tuesday, April 16, away at Ipswich Town.

Palace: Speroni; Ward, Ramage, Delaney, Parr; Williams, Jedinak; Zaha, Moritz (Phillips 64), Bolasie (Dobbie 76); Murray (Wilbraham 80).
Subs Not Used: Price, Richards, Marrow, Gabbidon.

Attendance: 21,281

By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Ikea Croydon pulls elk lasagne

0
0

ELK lasagnes have been taken off the shelves in Ikea, Valley Park, after traces of pork were found in Belgium.
The dish should contain 100 per cent elk meat, a type of moose, considered something of a Swedish delicacy, according to an Ikea spokesman.
But test results confirmed that one European batch of Lasagne ÄLG in fact contained 1.4 per cent pork.
Ikea issued a 'sales stop', withdrawing around 18,000 of its elk lasagnes from 18 European countries, including all UK stores, until the matter has been fully investigated.
An Ikea spokesman said concerned customers could return any Lasagne ÄLG back to the Croydon branch for a refund.
"Pork does not pose any health risks," he said.
"However, we do not tolerate any other ingredients than the ones stipulated in our recipes or specifications, secured through set standards, certifications and product analysis by accredited laboratories."  
It is the latest scare to hit the chain after almond cake with chocolate and butterscotch was removed from stores last month after traces of bacteria linked with human excrement were found.
Meatballs and hotdogs were withdrawn earlier after some traces of horsemeat were found.
Ikea said it was developing a comprehensive standard with requirements on traceability, slaughter, deboning and processing of meat products.
"The standard is developed together with a quality assurance company, SGS, and is expected to be ready before the end of April 2013," a statement said.
"The standard will be implemented during the next six months. Announced and unannounced audits together with tests and documentation will secure compliance."
   

 

Ikea Croydon pulls elk lasagne

POLL: Is Croydon University Hospital serving its patients effectively?

0
0
CROYDON University Hospital is back in the spotlight this weekend - with a new patients' survey set to rate it the second-worst hospital in England The hospital has endured a tough and turbulent couple of years, with its standards criticised by the Care Quality Commission, its finances under scrutiny, and its management ravaged by rows and resignations. The patients' survey - the results of which are due to be made public in full later this month - criticses aspects such as waiting times, cleanliness of wards/bathrooms, and the attitude of nurses. This latest report comes two months after the Advertiser revealed another survey showed nearly a third of staff at CUH wouldn't let their closest friends or relatives be treated at the hospital. With this is mind, we are asking you to have your say - by commenting below and voting in our below poll. Is Croydon University Hospital serving the borough's patients effectively? You decide

POLL: Is Croydon University Hospital serving its patients effectively?

Missing 12-year-old Suada Gashi found safe and well

0
0
MISSING 12-year-old Suada Gashi - who had not been seen since Tuesday - has been found safe and well. There had been growing concern for the schoolgirl after she failed to return home to Lee, in Lewisham, after travelling on a coach from Birmingham to London. Suada, who has links to Croydon, was picked up on CCTV leaving Victoria Coach Station at 12.40pm on Tuesday but had not been seen since. She was in possession of her mum's bank card which had been used in Birmingham, once that evening and again the following day. Police said Suada was found yesterday (Saturday) and thank the media for its help.

Missing 12-year-old Suada Gashi found safe and well

Daily Mail falls for Croydon Advertiser's Kate Moss statue April Fool

0
0
THE Daily Mail has reported that Westfield are to errect a statue of Kate Moss in their new Croydon shopping centre - less than a week after the 'news' was the Advertiser's April Fool.
We reported on April 1 that the Australian retail giant had commissioned the statue to "cheer up the town" after reading an article in the Mail which said Croydon was the second unhappiest place to live in the UK.
The prank claimed that directors had chosen Kate Moss because her famous haircut - the Croydon facelift - summed up their plans for the Whitgift Centre, but that Hammerson, partners in the £1 billion joint venture, preferred a statue of comedian Ronnie Corbett.
It also featured an image, created using Photoshop, of shoppers surrounding a huge statue of Kate in the Whitgift Centre.
Despite publishing an article after midday which said the idea had been scrapped, the Daily Mail published a story on its website yesterday which reported the plan as fact.
Towards the bottom of the article about Moss's appearance at an Aids charity fundraiser, it reports that the supermodel, who grew up in Addiscombe, is "soon to be honoured in her home town".
The reporter states that Westfield will build the statue and repeats our made up claim that the company has commissioned sculpter Marc Quinn to produce a replica of his 18-carat gold statue which shows Kate in a yoga pose.

Daily Mail falls for Croydon Advertiser's Kate Moss statue April Fool


Daily Mail falls for Croydon Advertiser's Kate Moss statue April Fool

0
0
THE Daily Mail has reported that Westfield are to erect a statue of Kate Moss in their new Croydon shopping centre - less than a week after the 'news' was the Advertiser's April Fool.
We reported on April 1 that the Australian retail giant had commissioned the statue to "cheer up the town" after reading an article in the Mail which said Croydon was the second unhappiest place to live in the UK.
The prank claimed that directors had chosen Kate Moss because her famous haircut - the Croydon facelift - summed up their plans for the Whitgift Centre, but that Hammerson, partners in the £1 billion joint venture, preferred a statue of comedian Ronnie Corbett.
It also featured an image, created using Photoshop, of shoppers surrounding a huge statue of Kate in the Whitgift Centre.
Despite publishing an article after midday which said the idea had been scrapped, the Daily Mail published a story on its website yesterday which reported the plan as fact.
Towards the bottom of the article about Moss's appearance at an Aids charity fundraiser, it reports that the supermodel, who grew up in Addiscombe, is "soon to be honoured in her home town".
The reporter states that Westfield will build the statue and repeats our made up claim that the company has commissioned sculptor Marc Quinn to produce a replica of his 18-carat gold statue which shows Kate in a yoga pose.

Daily Mail falls for Croydon Advertiser's Kate Moss statue April Fool

David Beckham supporting charity set up in memory of Carshalton teacher who took her own life

0
0

DAVID Beckham is supporting a charity launched in memory of a woman who took her own life.

Samantha Abbott, 41, jumped from the roof of a Sutton car park in 2009 after suffering from postnatal depression.

A teacher at Carshalton's Victor Seymour Infants' School, Samantha struggled to cope after the birth of her son Bosco in 2008.

Her older brother Simon, 45, has set up the Samantha Abbott Trust in aid of postnatal depression sufferers – but in the run-up to its launch has been violently mugged and viciously abused by online trolls.

Simon, who lives in Jersey, said: "I set up the trust to help with the grief but also to make sure something positive comes out of my sister's tragic death.

"I did not expect to be targeted by this section of the online community. They are sadistic.

"One person claimed to be a woman suffering from postnatal depression threatening to kill herself. Postnatal depression is no joking matter. A lot of new mothers are not supported correctly and live in fear of people thinking they are a bad mother."

Simon is also still recovering after he was attacked for his phone in Jersey last year, leaving him with blurred vision and memory loss.

Bosco, now four, lives with Samantha's former partner, who cut off contact with Simon since her death.

Simon said: "I have tried to get in touch a number of times but his office doesn't even seem to be aware of Samantha.

"Grief can do funny things to people, I can tell you that."

The trust will be launched with the Social Media Fashion Party on April 26 at Aura Mayfair.

The event will feature social media-themed cocktails and a chance to see clothes donated by celebrities.

And Simon hopes to stage a much grander event in the future. He said: "I want to hold a big fashion show but it is going to require a lot of volunteers because there is so much work behind the scenes."

Among the stars who have donated items or clothes to the trust are David and Victoria Beckham, Usain Bolt, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Coleen Rooney and Naomi Campbell.

Simon said: "The Beckham one took about three months of chasing people up until finally they got back to me saying they'd be delighted to donate something.

"Becks is good enough by himself, but Victoria as well is brilliant!"

Tickets to the event cost £25 and are available at http://socialmediafashionparty. eventbrite.co.uk

David Beckham supporting charity set up in memory of Carshalton teacher who took her own life

Croydon Police raid more than 30 homes in war on drugs

0
0

MORE than 30 properties across Croydon were raided for drugs as part of the town's "total war on crime".

The 31 raids led by the Met targeted households thought to be growing cannabis plants and dealing at a street level.

Officers from Croydon's Safer Neighbourhoods teams, as well as members from other local Croydon CID and uniform teams, started the raids at dawn on March 27 and made 11 arrests for various drugs- related offences. There were also arrests made for immigration offences and one person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Three cannabis factories were found and more than 80 cannabis plants were seized from addresses in St James' Road, Bates Crescent and Church Road.

Crack cocaine and heroin were also discovered and seized at an address in Lancing Road.

In Isham Road, several mobile phones, laptops, bicycles, sat-navs – all believed to be stolen goods – were also seized at an address in Isham Road.

Chief Inspector Ray Rogers said: "The successful operation here in Croydon reinforces our commitment to the total war on crime.

"We're determined to keep on targeting those within our communities that are involving themselves in drugs and other criminal activity in Croydon.

"We would also ask our local residents to keep on telling us about the presence of drugs in their neighbourhood so that we can take action."

In addition to the raids, the Met has created a mobile "mock cannabis farm", which will tour London neighbourhoods to help residents to spot the tell-tale signs of cannabis production.

The mobile farm will be coming to Croydon's streets in the next few months.

Whitgift School rugby captain praises team's performance in national tournament

0
0

WHITGIFT School might have failed to reach the heady heights of last year's Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens this time around, but captain Adam Worth still had a smile on his face after bringing the curtain down on a memorable week.

Worth and his team-mates arrived in south west London having made it to the Open final in 2012, only to finish runners-up to Coleg Sir Gar.

But despite winning all four of their games last Thursday to reach the quarter-final pool, two defeats to last year's nemesis Coleg Sir Gar and Truro College meant Whitgift's adventure ended there.

However, despite falling just short of lifting the Open title for the first time since 1967 once again, Worth insists playing against some of the UK's best rugby schools can only help his side's development.

"It was much more closely contested than when we played Sir Gar last year in the final," said Worth, who also watched on as the junior side failed to escape their group.

"I think the wet conditions played a big part in how we played, I think we adapted very well to that.

"I know all the boys really enjoyed it and it was great to push them so close this year but we wanted to go further, we wanted to be pressing for the title really.

"But I think that the way that we played, we can be very proud of that and it's been an honour to play with the boys.

"I've only played here twice and it's a shame I couldn't play here more really.

"I'm looking forward to coming back here next year to see the rest of the boys playing and support Whitgift."

More than 600 teams of all levels from across the UK as well as international visiting teams took part in the tournament, which is now in its 74th year.

The 7,500 participants age from 13 to 18, with boys and girls taking part in the various different competitions during the week.

And World Cup winner Jason Robinson, speaking in his role as an ambassador for HSBC, insisted that the tournament is continuing to go from strength to strength.

"This is a great competition, it is very competitive but at the same time it is all about improving as well," he said.

"While everyone wants to come here and win, there are actually teams here that don't play a lot of rugby, playing for the first time and I think that is important.

"You look at the result in the Six Nations for England and it just highlights the fact that we need to produce more kids who are comfortable with the ball in their hand.

"Sevens just strips it down. The emphasis is not on the scrum, the maul or kicking. It is about running with the ball, creating space, playing with your head up and using those skills.

"Especially with sevens being an Olympic sport now, this competition is more important than ever with the future of this sport in this country in mind."

HSBC is proud to sponsor the world's largest school rugby tournament. For more information, visit www.rpns7.co.uk

Whitgift School rugby captain praises team's performance in national tournament

Businesses commit to In Croydon 4 Croydon initiative

0
0

A HOST of businesses have put pen to paper to pledge their future to Croydon.

Allianz Global Assistance, Croydon Business Improvement District, Mott MacDonald, Westfield and the Whitgift Foundation are among the clutch of organisations to sign up to the In Croydon 4 Croydon initiative.

The brainchild of business support group Croydon Commitment, the pledge aims to make sure businesses commit to investing in the borough, both economically and socially.

The first wave of firms signed the four-point pledge at a launch event held at Fairfield Halls last Tuesday.

The pledge commits businesses to: engage with the community; where possible, recruit and buy locally; get involved with youth training; and to promote Croydon.

Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell urged organisations to put an emphasis on the last of the four pledges, encouraging them to promote the borough.

He said: "We shouldn't be frightened to acknowledge that the town has a major image problem. The outside perception is very different to the reality, but we have a huge range of things going for us.

"The crucial work we have is to tell people about the great things in Croydon, the great opportunities for those wishing to invest and to ensure that the great news relating to Westfield and Hammerson is the first of many announcements of investment in the town, creating jobs and opportunities."

Council leader Mike Fisher echoed Mr Barwell's view, saying: "Our joint goal must be to continue working together to improve Croydon for people living and working in the borough as well as building capacity in the local voluntary and community sector."

Matthew Sims, chief executive of Croydon Business Improvement District, called upon more organisations to back the pledge at last week's launch.

He told the audience: "In Croydon 4 Croydon needs you and your business to commit, offering your time, your energy and your resources to a cause that will help to improve our borough.

"You can make a significant impact on the development, growth and perception of Croydon and make a huge difference in supporting the changing face of Croydon."

Croydon Commitment, founded in 2004, is a corporate-led social responsibility charity that promotes the work of local charities and voluntary groups.

Businesses commit to In Croydon 4 Croydon initiative

Fears over 'parking nightmare' at Purley Hospital

0
0

A LACK of parking provision will cause a "nightmare" for patients when the revamped Purley War Memorial Hospital opens this summer, a residents' leader fears.

Just 40 spaces have been included in the plans, following lobbying by the Croydon Council's previous chief exec, despite an estimated 3,000 visitors a week.

At the moment, the 40 spaces included in the planning permission will be reserved for patients and ambulances – staff will have to park elsewhere in the town during their shifts.

The Purley and District Residents' Association has been working to come up with several parking options after discovering the hospital and the council have made no plans to solve the problem.

Tarsem Flora, a local architect and the group's chairman, said: "We are looking at double the number of visitors to the hospital but no parking provision. It will be a nightmare."

He has drawn up three options – using space at the Purley Resource Centre, developing the green space behind the hospital or reserving spaces at the public multi-storey car park in the town centre.

Mr Flora added: "We have been trying to organise a meeting with the council since last year and have written them a letter. However, this has been a very slow process and the council is yet to agree a date.

"It is a top priority for the town as there is no infrastructure in place to support the increased number of people who will visit the new hospital.

"Even if the council agreed to one of our plans, it would never be finished in time for the hospital's opening."

In a letter seen by the Advertiser, the then chief executive of Croydon Council, Jon Rouse, argued Purley had a high "public transport accessibility level" which meant planning policy "encouraged a reduction in onsite parking provision". He also said the town's public car parks could cater for the hospital's visitors.

However, Purley's residents are concerned the number of people coming to use the new hospital will be far higher than the number using the old. They fear the lack of spaces will result in irresponsible and dangerous parking throughout the town.

The finished building will serve 80 per cent of the south of the borough's healthcare needs – the equivalent of 90,000 outpatient appointments a year – up from 40 per cent in the old building.

Fears over 'parking nightmare' at Purley Hospital

Kevin Phillips: I can't take any more play-off heartbreak

0
0

KEVIN Phillips says that he would prefer to go up automatically with Palace rather than face further play-off heartbreak.

The 39-year-old has played in three Championship play-off finals throughout his career and has lost all of them – and he admits the possibility of facing Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley would be "intense".

Phillips lost his first one in 1998 against Charlton Athletic while he was at Sunderland, then he was part of the West Bromwich Albion side that lost to Derby County in 2007 before last season's disappointment with Blackpool against West Ham.

"People tell me that the play-offs is one of the best ways to go up, but believe me, going up automatically, there's no better feeling," he said.

"As players, you get longer time to rest and you get more time to prepare for the following season, so automatic promotion certainly benefits everyone.

"As a loan player, you do feel that intense feeling and there's always a different atmosphere in derby matches.

"I've played a in a few over the years and in some where there's more than 50,000 people.

"Down at Brighton, there's only 20,000 or so fans, but if Palace were to meet them in the play-off final, there would be 80,000 people at Wembley – it would be some final.

"We've seen the Manchester final in the FA Cup and other derbies, but I'm pretty sure it would be intense."

The striker, who admits he's a fan of the red side of north London, admits he did find it surprising there was a huge rivalry between both clubs.

"I do find the geographical rivalry a bit crazy between the clubs looking from the outside in," said Phillips.

"For me, when I came down to Palace, I didn't even know it was a derby against Brighton – I thought it would be either Palace v Charlton or Palace v Millwall.

"When I was told it was Brighton, I was a bit shocked, but that's the way it is.

"As an Arsenal fan, it was the rivalry between us and Tottenham I was brought up on."

During his successful career, Phillips played for three of the biggest clubs based in Birmingham, and despite the fierce rivalry, he doesn't suffer any abuse for his previous connections.

"I'm fairly lucky that I did quite well at Birmingham City, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion," he said.

"I still live in the area, so whenever I'm out I don't get any trouble whatsoever.

"People are respectful and thankful for what I did for their clubs and I certainly enjoy living in the Midlands."

And with only six games remaining, the forward isn't even thinking about his plans for next season.

He said: "When I signed a deal with Palace, I was pretty resigned that my Blackpool career was finished.

"My total focus and priority and focus is trying to help Palace gain promotion."

Kevin Phillips: I can't take any more play-off heartbreak


In Chloë's Name campaign backed by Teenage Cancer Trust

0
0

THE Teenage Cancer Trust this week backed the Advertiser's In Chloë's Name campaign.

Launched in memory of Purley teenager's Chloë Drury, the campaign aims to break down the obstacles which prevent under-18s from having the pioneering treatments her family believe may have saved her life.

Chloë was just months short of her 18th birthday when she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

But because of age, and her despite her family's efforts, she was denied the chance to take part in medical trials which saved others with the same condition.

Chloë died on February 28.

Speaking to the Advertiser this week, the chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Simon Davies, said there was currently a "broken system" whereby young people with rare conditions are overlooked by pharmaceutical agencies, international regulatory bodies, and the NHS.

"There are many stages which have to be passed for a drug to even become available in hospital," said Mr Davies.

"In Chloë's case, the clinical trial she needed originated in America and had been used for adults with breast cancer.

"Scientists realised it would help with Ewing's sarcoma, Chloë's rare bone cancer, and so patients with the disease were also allowed on."

Chloë, however, was not allowed, because the trial had only been run for adults, and she was 17 years and eight months.

"Everyone I've spoken to – medical professors, pharmaceutical companies, politicians, health groups – have said this should not be happening and that something needs to change so that teenagers like Chloë are given a chance to live," said Mr Davies

"I truly believe that Chloë could become the inspiration to really get this issue moving forward. Issues like this need a human face and a human heart – otherwise the tragedy of what really happens gets lost in the debate.

"What we need to do is draw together all the components that make up these restrictions and write up a proposal which will demand change from every single level.

"There is a big momentum for this and we need to keep Chloë's story alive."

In Chloë's Name campaign backed by Teenage Cancer Trust

Croydon minicab driver lured to dead-end street and robbed at gunpoint

0
0

A MINICAB driver has described how he was lured into a trap and threatened by a gunman who demanded: "Give me the money".

Rafaqat Ali was booked to take someone called Alex from Lindfield Road, in Addiscombe, to East Croydon Station shortly after midnight on Monday.

When he parked up, a man knocked on his window. "He told me his name was Alex so I opened the door and he got into the front passenger seat," said Mr Ali.

"He said his friend was going to pay and a few seconds later another man tapped on my window.

"I wound it down and he asked how much the fare would be. I said £5 and he reacted angrily, claiming it used to be £3.

"As I said 'maybe in 1983' he pulled out a gun and pointed it at me. He said 'give me the money, give me the money'.

"I didn't know whether the gun was real or not but I didn't want to stick around to find out, so I got the hell out of there."

Mr Ali, 41, put his foot on the accelerator and sped off up the road – with "Alex" still sitting beside him.

He said: "He didn't threaten me. He was probably scared because I drove like a crazy man."

When Mr Alireached the end of the cul-de-sac, he told his "passenger" to get out.

"He was saying 'boss, boss, I'm still in here'. I shouted at him to leave and he got out. Then I turned the car around and drove away as quickly as I could."

Mr Ali, who works for South End-based Circuit Cars, called the cab office to explain what had happened and reported the incident to the police.

His vehicle has since been taken away for forensic examination and on Monday, he was asked to attend the custody centre at Windmill Road to go through mugshots.

He describes the first man, who identified himself as Alex, as black, 5ft 7in and in his early 20s. The second man was white and a similar age and height.

The former security guard, who lives in Croydon and has been a minicab driver for six months, said he will go back to work once his car has been returned.

He said: "Nothing like this has happened to me before, but the other drivers have spoken about being threatened and abused.

"It's a dangerous job but I'm not going to quit. I have to put food on the table."

Mr Ali added: "I'm convinced it was a trap. Who pulls a gun on someone because they want to pay £3 not £5?

"They called a cab to that street because it's a dead end and it's hard to get away."

Police confirmed detectives were investigating and urged anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Croydon minicab driver lured to dead-end street and robbed at gunpoint

Fox drags 'severed head' across Croydon back garden

0
0

THIS is the moment a fox dropped a severed head after dragging it across a Croydon back garden.

Playwright David Trotter, 33, said he was shocked when he saw the ghoulish theatre prop – modelled from his own face – being pulled across the lawn in the animal's jaws.

He said: "I just stood there thinking: 'What on earth is going on, this can't be real'. I reached for my camera to try to get a picture with a flash and then it ran off.

"Normally the foxes around here are really timid so I was surprised to see it in the garden anyway. I went outside with my camera and walked right up to it.

"The fox had dragged the head a few metres away but it dropped it back to the floor and then just looked up at me and stared at me right in the eye."

Mr Trotter, who is directing a play in which a body which has been eaten by cougars is found in a remote cabin, had the head for the dead character cast from his own face using latex.

He put it outside on Sunday to make it look more weathered, only to see a cougar look-alike prowl across his lawn and fasten its jaws around his own fake neck.

He said: "It was unbelievably creepy – there were so many parallels with my play and, I mean, the severed head on the lawn was me – the fox was dragging my head off into its lair!"

Mr Trotter, who wrote his play The Bloody Bride for Croydon's Exit Theatre group, said he was tempted to replace the play's cougar for a fox after what had happened to him.

"My play is a murder mystery where a body is found mauled by cougars. It turns out eventually that the body was killed first and then eaten by the animals so it's really a whodunnit. I could easily swap it for foxes."

He added that the head had been made with make-up and special effects like fluff that looked like chest hair on it.

He said: "That was the part the fox was gnawing at when I opened the door. I didn't even think at the time it was maybe because it looked like an animal or human carcass – that's so disgusting.

"Maybe he thought it was a carcass and was trying to carry it off home. Whatever it was, it was a very well-nourished fox.

"The day after it happened was April Fool's day – I knew anyone I tried to tell wouldn't believe me. All my friends think it's hilarious that a fox tried to carry off a severed head that looks like me."

Mr Trotter's head will be fully repaired in time for the play's premiere at the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre in Carshalton on April 17.

Fox drags 'severed head' across Croydon back garden

Warlingham 36-56 Sevenoaks

0
0
IN PREVIOUS years this fixture has always produced a high number of points being scored and in fairly good conditions and on a dry pitch, this mid-table match produced a similar result. With both teams already securing there London South East 2 division status for next season, this match could have been a bit of a write off, but from the outset this match had a 'super 15's' feel about it with very little rucks and mauls and  a lot of attacking running rugby.
Warlingham started the stronger of the two teams and it was clear to see that they had the better of the Sevenoaks pack in the set plays and early breaks from no 8 Mike Fair and Zack King gained Warlingham early territory and forced 2 penalties in which the usually reliable kicker Mark Kozminski sliced wide. With Warlingham still on the front foot it was Sevenoaks who struck first when a missed timed pass was intercepted by the Sevenoaks right winger and he showed a clean pair of heels and ran 60 meters to set Oaks on their way. Warlingham were somewhat shell shocked but soon managed to get the set piece working again with clear domination at Scrum time. An attacking scrum 5 meters out from Oaks line led to Warlingham's first penalty try of the afternoon and Kozminski found his kicking boots to level the scores up.
Warlingham then got into their stride and with more territory gained by booming kicks from Asa Wright led to Warlingham's second try of the afternoon through another driving scrum which was eventually touched down by Mike Fair. Kozminski added the extras. Although Oaks were not having it their way at scrum time, they posed a constant threat out wide it was clear to see that the very quick full back much preferred running with the ball than kicking it. Warlingham constantly kicked the ball down his throat and every time he counter attacked with great return in tantrum with his 2 wingers. It was Oak's left winger that finished off a free flowing move to bring the tie level.
Into the deep stages of the first half and it was Warlingham's pack who struck again with another Penalty try being awarded to them at scrum time. Props Keiron Scutt and Ant Abou-Zeid were really enjoying themselves in the set piece and must of felt rather aggrieved only going into the break 1 try to the good.
With a slight breeze in Warlingham's favour for the second half and clear forward domination, the match looked as thou it was heading in the direction of the Hamsey Green side. This was not to be the case as Oaks continued to play a very open style of rugby in which Warlingham couldn't compete with them. With continued loose kicks going to the Oaks full back, Warlingham struggled to keep the dangerous Oaks backs at bay and 2 early tries from well finished moves earned Oaks a well deserved lead. The Oaks kicker was also on song all day and I don't believe he missed a single kick all afternoon.
Warlingham battled hard and the game was anyone's for the taking, good breaks from Joe Mccavoy and Jon Osborne came to no avail as the ball was turned over in midfield by the Oaks number 6, who then broke at least 4 or 5 tackles to put his outside centre under the posts. Warlingham once again found themselves under their own posts regrouped. A stern taking too by Captain King briefly woke up Warli who then went down the other end and finished off a good backs move of their own. Converting his own try was Mark Kozminski.
Just as Warlingham started to pick up the pace and looked as thou they were going to have the last laugh in this topsy turvy game, Oaks struck again. The full back breaking tackles for fun and setting up another try from his own half finished off this time by the number 12. This was to be the way for Oaks next two tries as well and although Warlingham managed a consolation try from Luke Delderfield it was too little too late as Oaks scored their 8th try of the afternoon in similar fashion.
It is very rare that a side dominates up front so much and still concedes 8 tries, but the Oaks to their credit they finished off some brilliant moves and were well deserved winners. Warlingham have one final game left of the season against promotion seeking Charlton Park and will hope to improve upon their defensive woes to build on for next season.
Warlingham: Abou-Zeid, Scutt, J.Delderfield, L Delderfield, Ray, King, Fair, Wrightson, Mcavoy, Wright, Wrightson, Skinner, Atkinson, Osborne, Kozminski, subs – Murtagh, Nunn, Street.

Palace defender: Don't forget where we were in August

0
0
PETER Ramage has reiterated it's important to remember just how far Palace have come this season and that it was important to stop their recent rot with a clean sheet against Barnsley on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, however, was happy with the performance from his team-mates.
"We're frustrated we didn't win more than anything else," he said.
"It was nice to stop the rot in terms of conceding goals and getting a clean sheet.
"We created so many chances and we were unable to put it in the back of the net.
"Everybody is doom and gloom, but we're fourth in the league – six points ahead of seventh position.
"People have got to realise we lost the first four games of the season and we were bottom of the league adrift, and now we've turned it around.
"OK, we haven't won the last four games but we didn't play badly against Barnsley.
"We were disappointed to send the fans away without a win, but as a team, we were happy with our performance."
The stopper also said it was a strange situation regarding the home and away kits for both sides.
"It's the first time I've across it," said Ramage.
"It was a bit of a shambles before the game – first they were wearing their home kit, then their away, then we were wearing our away kit, and then they ended up wearing our away.
"The kitman had to go and mark up all their shirts which I don't think he was too happy about, so it was strange.
"I thought everybody played really well but we weren't able to score, which is the biggest, and hardest, thing in football."
With no game this weekend, attentions now turn to Ipswich Town on Tuesday next week, and Ramage is hoping the extra days off will help them prepare.
And he hasn't given up hope of claiming second spot in the Championship either.
"Until somebody says we can't get it, there isn't one person in that dressing room that's not going to strive to get it," he said.
"Winning games will get us the momentum again and performing well.
"It was important to stop the rot with a clean sheet to start again.
"We just want to keep going, but we'll use the ten days now to our advantage and hopefully we can get some good training under our belts and get back to winning ways at Ipswich."
Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport
Palace fans on Facebook, have your say on our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport


Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images