WORRIED residents are ramping up their opposition to plans to build a new school in South Norwood, saying they "beggar belief".

The new school, which will be sponsored by Oasis Community Learning, was planned as a split site on the Croydon Arena and CALAT sites.

But last month there was confusion after it emerged the new school could instead be built on the site of Ryelands Primary, in Albert Road, with Ryelands being rebuilt on the CALAT site in Sandown Road.

The new 1,000-place secondary is intended to be a six-form entry sports and science college to form part of London 2012's Olympic legacy.

Whatever the nature of the plans, though, residents in the roads surrounding the site are vehemently opposed to them.

With signs saying "No To School @ Arena" displayed in many residents' homes, there is widespread hostility towards Croydon Council's proposed new school.

The campaigners produced a lengthy submission detailing their fears to the council's scrutiny committee last week.

They believe there will be unmanageable congestion around Arena tram stop, the Arena itself and the narrow residential streets which will serve as the school's main access point.

The document also questions whether this is the right location for the school site, with their figures pointing to a need for school places in the central and north-west parts of the borough.

Campaigner Sue Kennett said: "We all think it beggars belief really.

"The council admits that's where the need is, so why are they planning to build a school here?

"There are almost no transport links from that part of the borough to South Norwood.

"They have already identified West Croydon bus station as a bit of a hotspot for incidents between school children and that is where pupils for this school would probably have to come from."

Ms Kennett also points to the proposed school being on the border of Bromley borough, meaning Bromley students could be in the school's catchment area.

Ms Kennett added: "How will that help with the deficit of places in Croydon?"

There is also opposition to any potential infringement on metropolitan open land on the edge of South Norwood Country Park.

Frances Fearon, of Belmont Road, said: "The country park is a green jewel for Croydon.

"It is a haven of peace and tranquillity for wildlife and people and we cannot afford to put this delicate country park at risk with a massive new build.

"There are technical issues with the site which means that a great deal of excavation will probably need to be done before any construction takes place."

A council spokesman indicated there would be more to say by the end of July and any decision would take into account the wishes of the Ryelands board of governors.

PARENTS and pupils will say goodbye to a much-loved head after almost 30 years at the same Kenley primary school.

David Wilcox came to Hayes Primary School as deputy head 28 years ago when a third of the school was housed in 40-year-old huts. He then rose to head teacher 18 years ago and has overseen the school doubling in size.

Mr Wilcox told the Advertiser he was certain he was leaving the school on a high, having instilled a love of music and charity in his pupils.

"We have a long tradition of charity at the school and have encouraged the children to raise thousands of pounds each year," he said.

"We support a school in India and have provided them with a minibus to make sure children can get to school. At the moment, we are trying to raise £15,000 for three new classrooms there.

"I want pupils to see how important charity is and that not everyone is as fortunate as them."

Although he dedicated his career to education, the head's first love was music. When he first started out as a teacher, he was still studying music as a pianist and a singer in London.

He said: "Almost 40 per cent of the pupils play an instrument at Hayes which is far higher than the average. I've made sure children who would not have otherwise had access to music."

The school had to wait until 2002 before the huts were replaced with a permanent building and then two years ago, it was given £3 million in funding for expanding to two forms of entry.

"The greatest challenge was keeping the school running properly while the building was taking place but it has all been worth it and we've won a handful of awards."

Jo Doble, the head of the parent and teacher association, said Mr Wilcox always went "above and beyond" what was expected of him and had dedicated his career to the education and protection of children.

"On top of that, he is an extremely nice person and brilliant with the children."

Sarah Prouten, who has two children at Hayes and one who has now left, said they were apprehensive now the head was leaving because it had been such a good stint.

"He's a real laugh and an excellent head. Many of the head boys and girls at Riddlesdown Collegiate have been to Hayes which is symbolic of the school.

"The children are really sad – my daughter is leaving this year too so it's a bit emotional."

Mr Wilcox said he planned to continue supporting charity, playing music and doing some consulting in his retirement.

LABOUR has said reinstating axed school crossing patrols will be a "priority" if it wins next year's council elections.

Friday the last day at work for ten lollipop men and women being made redundant by the council to save £60,000.

Labour has belatedly voiced its opposition, more than six months after they were first announced.

This week, Labour leader Tony Newman said: "This is an appalling decision that will see children's lives put in danger."

Cllr Newman's scathing comments are in stark contrast to the party's position since the cuts were put forward in December.

It did not attempt to oppose plans at the town hall, no objections were received from any Labour councillor during the consultation process, and it would not back an Advertiser campaign against the cuts.

Cllr Newman said the party had not voiced its concern because it was convinced the cuts would be dropped.

"There were various indications from within town hall the council would see common sense," he said.

"Then, a few weeks ago, it decided to sack these lollipop people. There has been a wave of public anger.

"We're approaching the last day of term and I would hope this opposition, even at this late stage, with five or six weeks to reflect, might be an opportunity for the council to have a rethink."

The ten patrols are on zebra or automated crossings outside, or near, primary schools.

When asked whether he would reverse the cuts if Labour wins next May, Cllr Newman issued a qualified pledge.

"Yes," he replied. "If parents wish them to be reinstated and the money is there, then we will reinstate them. But we're still trying to get to the bottom of what the budget gap is going to be.

"What I can't do is promise we will reinstate them on day one, but clearly this is a priority."

He added: "Parents should be the judge here. Neither I, nor council officers, should decide. The parents know about the traffic conditions at their school and if they think their children are best served by a crossing patrol, then absolutely we would support them."

Parent governor Jo Wittams, who led the campaign to save the two lollipop people outside Broadmead and The Crescent Primary schools, was surprised by the party's late opposition.

"While I'm baffled by the timing, I welcome the intervention and I'm relieved to hear that Labour is committed to restoring these vital patrols," she said.

Any hope that the council will reverse its decision at this late stage looks forlorn, however.

Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, said: "We're at a point where we have to look at every discretionary service. The decision has been taken and we're going to go through with it."

A CAMPAIGN reflecting mounting concern over the impact of major developments planned for Coulsdon is gathering pace.

As of Wednesday, 300 people had signed the Save Coulsdon petition, calling on Croydon Council not to approve major planning applications until the draft masterplan for the town has been "robustly scrutinised".

Cane Hill developer Barratt Homes is expected to submit a full planning application over the next few weeks to build more than 650 homes on the site.

The draft masterplan, meanwhile, which sets out a template for the development of key sites in the town, has been open for public comment and the final plan will be considered by the council's cabinet in autumn.

Residents' concerns around the redevelopment of Cane Hill and the Lion Green car park at its foot include pressure on local schools and roads.

Coulsdon parent Norma Maynard, who started the Save Coulsdon campaign, said: "I am concerned that due process is not being carried out, and I am concerned that, barring one man, every person I have spoken to is concerned about the traffic.

"We cannot get any real answers about where the traffic assessments were carried out."

A key concern is the ability of Portnalls Road on the west of Cane Hill to serve as an access route to the development, amid fears the traffic impact is being grossly underestimated

A council spokesman said a traffic assessment for each planning application will be published for comment when statutory consultation on the applications begins.

She said: "Discussions are ongoing with Transport for London. Each planning applicant must demonstrate consideration of the traffic implications of all proposed schemes within the Coulsdon masterplan area; not just their own in isolation."

Cane Hill developers have said Transport for London is opposed in principle to the access route residents are calling for, on the A23 Brighton Road at the southern end of the bypass.

Speaking at a recent public meeting, Barratt project manager Marcia McGinty said: "One of the fundamental principles for Cane Hill is to act as a catalyst for the town centre. If you have an access onto the A23 that will be a cut through, where is the incentive to use the town centre?"

No one from Transport for London was able to provide a comment before the Advertiser went to press.

A council spokesman added: "As mentioned in the petition, the council does take seriously the level of robust scrutiny we give to masterplans and planning applications.

"However, we must also consider a legal duty to determine planning applications within 13 weeks."

The Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, visited The Power Centre at Carshalton College on Friday 19th July to get a taste of industry recognised renewable energy training and to experience first-hand from our students how they were being prepared for a bright future in the renewable energy sector.   He was also joined by Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington.

Edward Davey and Tom Brake had the opportunity to sit in with learners on a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) training course and to gain some knowledge on how solar panels work and how they are installed and maintained by fully qualified engineers.  

A number of Liberal Democrat MPs spent Friday visiting local apprentices to highlight the work which the Liberal Democrats in government are doing to create more private sector jobs and apprenticeships.  Since the coalition government was formed in 2010 over a million new private sector jobs have been created.  Now we are looking to create a million more.

Commenting on his visit, Edward Davey said, "The Power Centre does fantastic work training apprentices and upskilling workers to provide services across a number of different forms of energy. It was fantastic to be able to take the opportunity to sit in on a lesson about installing solar panels and to be able to see, first hand, the learning process behind this.  I am proud of the work the coalition government is doing to expand Green Jobs and I am delighted that a partnership which includes Kingston College is leading the way in this."

Tom Brake said:

"I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with students to learn the ins and outs of one of the most promising forms of renewable energy - Solar PV.  At the end of the session, I almost felt qualified to install solar PV panels myself! "

Both ministers were welcomed to the Centre by Peter Mayhew-Smith, Principal of Carshalton and Kingston College. An interview and photo opportunity took place with Building magazine for their feature on the Green Deal.

The Power Assessment  and Training Centre, a partnership between Carshalton and Kingston Colleges, provides industry responsive gas, plumbing, electrical, construction and renewable energy courses, ensuring that employers across the building services engineering, construction and low carbon energy sectors have the skills required to increase productivity and take advantage of emerging business opportunities.

The Power Centre, as part of Carshalton College, is undergoing extensive construction and re-modelling to incorporate exciting new plans for a dedicated Environmental Technologies teaching, demonstration and research facility, allowing access to retrofit and energy efficiency training at craft, technician and professional levels across a range of technologies including solar thermal, heat pumps and insulation.

As a Lead Hub within the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies network, The Power Centre is currently leading a transformation in the way the UK plans, develops and delivers skills in a wide range of renewable and environmental technologies.

HE WON a bronze medal and moved up the rankings to sixth in the world for his age group, but Jacob Paul still thinks he could have run faster.

The Banstead teenager smashed his personal best time in the 400-metres hurdles twice at the 2013 European Junior Championships on his way to taking bronze in a time of 50.71 seconds the final on Sunday.

But having run the draining race three times in as many days in the heat in Rieti, Italy, Paul admits the intense schedule took it out of him – insisting he felt he could have ran a sub-50 time.

"I got two new personal bests in three days, but all three times were faster than I'd run before the weekend," Paul explained.

"The conditions were pretty perfect, and the track was fast but the heat was a little bit much, especially when you were warming up.

"It was a lot of hard work coming together for my coach Marina Armstrong and I.

"After I'd run 50.74 in the heat I felt quite relaxed and I was thinking in the semi and in the final I might have run low 50s or even a sub-50 was possible, but I think three races in three days was intense."

Despite Paul, having turned 18 in February, being at the lower end of the U20 age group, the weekend's results moved him up to sixth in the world at the 400m hurdles.

And with that in mind, Paul is targeting next year's World Junior Championship and has his heart set on bringing home some silverware yet again.

"Next year I will still be a junior, whereas a lot of the others I've been racing against were born in 1994 so they will be too old for next year's World Junior Championships in the States," he said.

"I hope if I work hard to get my time down over the winter I will get selected and then I'll be aiming firstly to make the final, but possibly to medal."

REIGATE Priory Cricket Club play host to a star-studded Lashings XI tomorrow (Friday) with famous names such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Ali Brown taking to the Park Lane crease.

Priory host Lashings on a near-annual basis but this year's match, which will be a Twenty20 contest, is special as the club will be raising money to build a new clubhouse.

"We have raised a lot of money over the years for various charities but this year it is a cause a bit closer to home," admitted Priory president Andy Packham. "The redevelopment of the clubhouse will cost in the region of £400,000 and we hope to raise a few thousand towards that on Friday."

As well as the cricket match, which starts at 3pm, there will be a barbecue, auction for sporting memorabilia and, with the club's nickname being the Llamas, the Ashdown Forest llamas will be in attendance.

Priory expect more than a thousand spectators for what the club president has called "the biggest event in Reigate's sporting calendar".

"It has been going for 13 or 14 years and even missing a few we have hosted Lashings at least ten times. It's a big event," Packham explained. "There is always a big crowd because people love to see the big Test players in action, and equally our players love playing against them."

Lashings XI: John Emburey, Saqlain Mushtaq, Wasim Jaffer, Ed Giddins, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam Ul Haq, Cephas Zhuwao, Alan Wells, Ali Brown, Jason Swift, John Lever.

It is £5 to get in on Friday, with discount for concessions.

ASHES winner Simon Jones believes his old employers Hampshire will be kicking themselves that they didn't tie down Rory Burns as he continues to go from strength to strength at Surrey.

Jones got a first hand look at Burns while at Hampshire as the now 22-year-old briefly played for the second XI during the 2010 season, although he had long turned out before then for Surrey.

And it was for Surrey that he made his first-class debut, turning out against Cambridge MCCU in May 2011, with Burns coming to the fore in his second season in the LV> County Championship this term.

Burns is nearing the 741 first-class runs he scored last year, with 569 opening up prior to the clash with Nottinghamshire at the Oval, in which he made 57 in the first innings.

And former England fast bowler Jones, part of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad, insists he could tell from Burns' short run at Hampshire that he was a player to look out for.

"I played with Rory at Hampshire when I was coming back from injury. I like the way he looks. I was surprised he wasn't kept on by Hampshire," said Jones, who is helping to promote the LV> County Championship Breakthrough Player Award.

"But they had players in his position and he got picked up by Surrey. He has been scoring runs for them and has done himself no harm in terms of showing what he can do.

"He has performed brilliantly. I felt he was not given a fair crack at Hampshire. But he looks a really good prospect. It's one of those things.

"I have been around a long time and have seen youngsters coming through into first teams. It can be a hard place to go into when you are young. But he is so keen to make an impression and has done well at Surrey."

Burns' form has seen him nominated for the LV> County Championship Breakthrough Player Award along with Sussex's Luke Wells, Leicestershire's Shiv Thakor and Yorkshire's Gary Ballance.Durham's Scott Borthwick and David Willey at Northamptonshire complete the six up for the prize.

Jones, who played 18 Tests for England, insists that, win or lose, Burns has a big future.

"I think they are all in with a good shout of picking up the award. Just to be nominated and to have their efforts recognised is brilliant," Jones added.

"It just shows how strong English cricket is and that there is a strong bunch of youngsters coming through. It's a tough pick.

"They all have the ability to express themselves in the big games and be able to stand out and be noticed.

"You can either hide away or be counted, and the best way is to stick your neck out, and they have all done that."

Simon Jones was speaking on behalf of County Championship title sponsors LV>. To Vote for your LV>County Championship Breakthrough Player, visit www.LV.com/cricket

THE way we played on Friday, we deserved to lose.

I know it is easy to say from the side of the pitch, holding the drinks bottles, but we didn't bat well, and didn't bowl particularly well either, unlike in recent T20 games.

Although to be fair, having batted first, we didn't have a lot to bowl at.

We were about 20 or 30 runs short of a competitive total against Hampshire but the main problem is that we keep losing wickets in clusters.

We just aren't making the most of our time with the bat but that can happen in Twenty20 cricket.

Having said that, I still think we are good enough to qualify for the T20 quarter-finals; I think two wins from three games should do it.

We have the talent in the squad and I know the team will be working hard to put right what was wrong against Hampshire.

I did a little bit of fielding against Hampshire but the highlight of the game for me was meeting Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby player Leigh Halfpenny at the Kia Oval.

We are represented by the same agency but it was great to meet him, I do love rugby, and he seemed like a really good lad.

This week I've been playing for the seconds in Somerset. We had a one-day game and then a three-day game.

We lost the one day game; I got 12, I was maybe a bit rusty, but after gaining a reputation as the non-wicketkeeping wicketkeeper, I was pleased to have some time behind the stumps.

I stumped a couple of batsmen, so it was enjoyable.

When I was younger I used to fancy myself as a spin bowler and it was only by chance, and a bit of bullying that I ever took up wicketkeeping.

There was a boy in my team who was a good spin bowler and was involved in the England set-up, so it was suggested I try wicketkeeping instead.

As we are in Somerset for most of the week. we are staying in a hotel and it is rock'n'roll in the Surrey rooms.

The highlight would be the intense and competitive game of Jenga I had with Tom Jewell and Matt Dunn. I am definitely the Jenga king.

AFTER a blistering run in the Friends Life t20, Surrey may fear their season is taking a turn for the worse after a second consecutive loss in the competition.

Surrey's lack of prowess with the bat caught up with them against Hampshire last Friday as they lost by seven wickets at the Oval.

Having won the toss, Surrey elected to bat first but could only manage 126-6 from their 20 overs.

And executive director Alec Stewart, who has been overseeing the first team since the sacking of Chris Adams, believes Surrey need to aim for a high run rate.

"We managed to win four on the bounce through some very good bowling and good fielding," Stewart said. "The batting needs working on. I want to see players play with a more positive intent, but not a reckless intent.

"The batters know, as a group, they have got to post bigger totals, take sensible options and make sure we have a total which the bowlers then have a chance to defend.

"You have to rebuild but there are ways of rebuilding, without coming to a full stop, to still tick the scoreboard over. That is a skill in itself.

"You are going to lose wickets because it is an attacking game. We have got to make sure we take the right attacking options and don't give ourselves next to no chance in defending a total which is 30 or 40 runs light of what it should or could have been."

Zafar Ansari top scored for Surrey with 29 and new signing Kevin O'Brien scored 16 not out on his debut, but Ricky Ponting will have been disappointed to have notched just three.

Reigning champions Hampshire always looked confident of chasing the total down and did so in 18.2 overs.

Despite Azhar Mahmood (2-31) taking the wickets of both Hampshire openers and Ansari running out a further batsman, the visitors reached 127 for the loss of just three wickets.