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New injury concern for Crystal Palace ahead of Hull City game

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CRYSTAL Palace winger Jerome Thomas could miss Saturday's trip to Hull City through injury. The 30-year-old has injured his groin in training and will be assessed tomorrow. And the likes of Mile Jedinak, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Barry Bannan will also be given checks after flying back from international duty with their respective countries. Caretaker boss Keith Millen has told the Advertiser: "The only downside this week has been Jerome Thomas - he's hurt his groin. "We'll certainly have a look at him tomorrow. "The other three lads being away isn't ideal, especially as all of them are midfielders. "Mile played 90 minutes on Tuesday and he's flying back today. "KG was part of the South Africa squad, and Barry Bannan has played 75 minutes and 45 minutes for Scotland. "Everyone else is OK though." Follow us on Twitter @AdvertiserSport

New injury concern for Crystal Palace ahead of Hull City game


Crystal Palace star could return from injury for Hull City clash

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JONNY Williams completed 45 minutes for Crystal Palace's U21 side on Tuesday and could be in contention for the first team at Hull City this weekend. The Wales international has been out of action since damaging ankle ligaments in September in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia. He came through unscathed in yesterday's 4-3 win against QPR U21s, featuring in the opening half and witnessing a last-minute winner for the young Eagles. Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen has told the Advertiser: "He came through the match fine and is back in today. "He may come back into the squad tomorrow for full training, but he already had a full week of training before yesterday's U21 game. "It's great to have him back. Certainly, I think he'll come back into the squad - you want the likes of Jonny around as he livens it up and he's a great kid to work with. "I will check with the physio tomorrow but he's a fit young man anyway. "He could come into the squad, indeed."Follow us on Twitter @AdvertiserSport

Crystal Palace star could return from injury for Hull City clash

Dan Petrescu rubbishes Crystal Palace talks

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DAN Petrescu has rubbished claims he held talks with Crystal Palace about becoming their new manager over the weekend. The Romanian became the bookmakers' favourite to take the Selhurst Park hotseat, but national reports alleged talks had broken down, possibly due to wage demands. However, the former Chelsea defender has broken his silence and says any talk of arriving in SE25 may have come through his agent. "I have not been in talks with any club being under contract with another outfit," said Petrescu. "And I'm not set to do so in the future. Probably the clubs contacted my agent, not me. "I love England and I'm really pleased with the fact that English clubs still remember me, but currently a move for me to England is absolutely impossible as I'm still under contract with Dynamo (Moscow)". Tony Pulis is now said to be in "advanced talks" with Palace after initial discussions broke down last month.

Dan Petrescu rubbishes Crystal Palace talks

Coulsdon masterplan WITHDRAWN by council

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CROYDON Council has permanently withdrawn its Coulsdon Masterplan following a legal challenge from residents in neighbouring Chipstead. The shock withdrawal of the document setting out planning guidance for the town at a time of intense development follows a request by residents of Chipstead, Surrey, for a judicial review. The authority confirmed today it had agreed to "set aside" the masterplan following a "detailed review of the overall nature of the plan, the methodology used in drafting it and recent case law." The document was formally adopted as planning guidance in September and took more than two years to produce amid heavy consultation with residents across the area. But its many critics said it failed to plan properly for the traffic produced by a planned development of nearly 700 homes in Cane Hill, bordering Chipstead, among other concerns. Croydon Council says it will now 're-evaluate proposals around the [Cane Hill] site,' for which the planning application has been published over the last week. A spokesman added: "This follows concerns that were raised with the council's leader and the cabinet member for planning at a series of public meetings with ward members and local people." Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said the doomed masterplan had achieved some of its aims. He said: "One of the fundamental purposes of the masterplanning process is to make sure everyone is aware of possible future developments. "It also allows residents to voice their opinions and ensures that large building projects work well together with existing neighbourhoods. "These objectives have clearly been achieved and the masterplan has already done its job through the high level of community involvement which has been generated and the heightened awareness of current major planning applications submitted within the area. "By looking at these sites in an organised way and making landowners work together, we have avoided a situation which might have seen developers not talking to one another and drawing up proposals in isolation." He added: "Many of the conclusions which were included within the masterplan met with general consent during the consultation stage. "However we acknowledge that there are some elements which caused significant concern for some individuals and this is what has led to the current situation. "I can reassure people this work has provided us with valuable studies and analyses. "We have also had the opportunity to explore and assess a wide range of alternatives in advance of current major planning applications being submitted." Updates to follow...

Coulsdon masterplan WITHDRAWN by council

Father-to-be 'hacked to death with axe, machete and sword' in violent feud

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THREE killers shouted 'police' before storming a father-to-be's home and slaughtering him in front of his pregnant fiancée, the Old Bailey heard today. Danny Gough, also known as Danny McGinty, was pulled from the bed he was sharing with Kareena Modashia and hacked to death with an axe, machete and possibly a sword. Ammonia was squirted into the faces of Mr Gough, Ms Modashia and her mother to stop them identifying the attackers. Jurors heard Mr Gough, 24, was murdered at his home in Stockbury Road, Woodside, in December 2010, as part of an 'increasingly violent' and escalating feud. One of his alleged killers, Sam Monteith, 32, had been slashed and sprayed with ammonia by a gang involving Mr Gough some six weeks earlier, it was said. Stephen Dougherty, 35, and Paul West, 29, deny murder while Monteith is currently not fit to stand trial. Mr Gough's mother Debbie Gough, originally from Derby, wept in court as prosecutor Mark Heywood QC told the court: "This case concerns a truly vicious killing, it was motivated by vengeance and the need perhaps to maintain a degree of face. "It happened in a quiet residential cul-de-sac in the night hours. "The men who carried it out had surveyed their target, gathered information on his home, on his whereabouts and on his condition. "They waited until they judged that he, his family, his neighbours and those about him were at their least alert. "They had the information from someone close by, they dressed for the business and armed themselves with the kind of weapons which could be used silently but lethally, weapons with only one purpose - an axe, a machete and a long-bladed instrument, possibly a sword. "They went to his door, shouted police as a distraction, as a cover, they forced their way through the door and using information they went up the stairs and into the bedroom that he occupied with his girlfriend. "They dragged him from his bed, pulled him to the floor and hacked and stabbed at his body causing so many serious wounds that he had no hope of survival. "They left only when one of them said 'he's dead'. "They went together out of the house moving quietly and quickly away, no doubt towards a vehicle and they made good their disposing of anything that could link them to this crime. "They left only one thing behind by mistake, it was dropped in the final moments when other members of the house heard and were awoken - it was a Jiff lemon bottle filled with ammonia. "It was used to spray into the eyes of the deceased so that, although he was sleeping and naked, he was unable to defend himself. "They also sprayed the others, his girlfriend and her mother so that it disabled them from identifying the attackers. "The defendants are two of those responsible for that and are charged with the murder of the deceased man Danny Gough whose death took place on the night in the early hours of December 14, 2010. "That vicious, extreme violence had a purpose, it was motivated by revenge and by the need to send a message, a message that the men involved were not to be trifled with. "It was the direct result of an escalating feud between Dougherty, West and Monteith - a man waiting to be tried and not here - and the victim. "That feud became increasingly violent in the months leading up to this fatal attack. "The message was clear and for the time being the revenge was completed." The feud began when Mr Gough's friend Leanne Meredith was involved in a fight with Dougherty and Monteith in June 2010. "On the night of November 3 Monteith was attacked inside his home address by three men armed with a knife and with some ammonia," Mr Heywood said. "By his own account Danny Gough was one of the men involved in that attack." Monteith was left with a 10cm gash to his face and burns from the ammonia thrown in his eyes, the court heard. Dougherty, of no fixed address but formerly of Mijas, Spain, and West, of Eaton Avenue, Slough, Berks, deny murder. Monteith, of Brighton Road, Sutton, is not before the court as he is currently unfit to stand trial.

Father-to-be 'hacked to death with axe, machete and sword' in violent feud

Cannabis factories found during South Norwood burglary raid

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POLICE chanced upon two cannabis factories in South Norwood while searching an address in connection with a burglary. Officers executed a search warrant in Elborough Road last Saturday (November 16) in connection with a burglary in the area two days before. However, during the search, they discovered a number of cannabis plants and growing equipment in the loft of the premises. A further search of the adjoining premises led to the discovery of further plants. Police arrested three men – aged 20, 30 and 52 years old - on suspicion of burglary and production of cannabis. All three men have been bailed to return to a south London police station in mid-January pending further enquiries.

Cannabis factories found during South Norwood burglary raid

Hunt will not compel health chief over NHS Croydon scandal

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HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt will not compel the former head of NHS Croydon to explain a £28 million misreporting of the trust's finances. Caroline Taylor repeatedly refused to give evidence to a committee of councillors investigating the scandal. They wrote to Mr Hunt in May and asked him to compel her, and other key figures, to answer their questions. Mr Hunt, who replied to the letter this week, said it was "not possible" for him to intervene because he did not have the authority. He said primary care trust (PCT) chief executives answered to Sir David Nicholson, the head of NHS England. Mr Hunt did, however, say new guidelines would be adopted as a result of the Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee's (JHOSC)report. These would grant future committees extra powers to call witnesses currently employed by the NHS. He rejected calls to extend those powers to former employees, which was a recommendation of the JHOSC report. Committee chairman Jason Cummings said he was "frustrated" at the lack of action over Ms Taylor, but encouraged by aspects of Mr Hunt's response. He said: "We're disappointed that she is not going to be compelled to answer questions with regard to what went on. "That disappointment is tempered somewhat by the clarification he has agreed to in terms of official scrutiny guidelines. "If those had been enacted prior to our investigation we would have had more opportunity to speak to different people from the PCT who would only put one person in front of us." NHS Croydon posted a £5.54m surplus in 2010/11 when it was later revealed to have overspent by £23m. NHS London's investigation blamed system errors and said health services had not been affected. It found no individual at fault. But Dr Peter Brambleby, the former director of public health who resigned over his misgivings about the PCT, said the financial mismanagement had led to a screening programme for heart disease and stroke to be scaled back. In response six local authorities set up a joint scrutiny committee to investigate, which concluded the misspending had been "deliberately hidden". But its work was hampered after key players refused to take part, including Ms Taylor, who earned £145,000 a year as chief executive and went on to be administrator at the now dissolved South London Healthcare NHS Trust. Finance director Stephen O'Brien and Mark Phillips, the interim deputy director of finance who made "unwarranted adjustments" to the agreement of balances while in charge of the trust's cash also declined to take part. NHS London then fastidiously stuck to guidelines which meant they only needed to send one official to the hearings. In a letter to the JHOSC, Mr Hunt said new advice would make it clear that non-executive directors and NHS employees "must cooperate fully with scrutiny, with complete openness to financial management". He said he was "unable" to extend the guidelines to compelling former employees, such as Mr Phillips, to take part, because it was "essential" the responsibility lay with current staff. Mr Hunt added: "I recognise the frustration of the committee in not being able to compel the former chief executive of Croydon PCT to attend its meetings and answer questions. "It is essential that local government scrutiny functions can hold local NHS to account on behalf of their communities." Referring to the report, he said: "Recommendation 9.4 proposes the Secretary of State should use his...powers to compel the former chief executive of the primary care trust to give an account of events in Croydon. "This is not possible. PCT chiefs were accountable to Sir David Nicholson, as the NHS Chief Executive, and account officer for NHS expenditure. "The Secretary of State does not have accounting officer powers. "The permanent secretary of the Department of Health is an accounting officer, but there was no accountability line from a PCT chief executive to the Department of Health's permanent secretary." A source told the Advertiser that members of the committee felt Mr Hunt had "passed the buck" and questioned why it had taken him six months to say it was not his responsibility. Cllr Cummings said it was unlikely the council would pursue the matter with Mr Nicholson, but added: "I don't fully accept that he is responsible. Who did he report to? "It's one thing to say perhaps we should have asked Mr Nicholson, but we've gone to his boss. There are lines that go all the way down from Jeremy Hunt." Mr Hunt said new guidelines would be published shortly. His letter draws to a close the work of a committee which, by Cllr Cummings'own admission, failed to hold those responsible for the scandal to account. But the Heathfield councillor said the investigation had not been a total failure. He said: "We may not have achieved all our goals but I believe the problems we shed light on are far less likely to occur again as a result of the committee's work."

Hunt will not compel health chief over NHS Croydon scandal

Crystal Palace players told to expect culture shock under Tony Pulis

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SHOULD Tony Pulis take the Crystal Palace managerial vacancy, the current squad have been warned to expect a "culture shock" and that they'll need to be ready to work hard. The Advertiser spoke to a source close to the former Stoke City boss, and they believe Pulis will want respect at all levels from the Eagles if he's to take on the job. "His best credentials as a manager is his honesty - he is a very honest and forthright guy," our source said. "It would be a case of you do it his way or you don't. I would think the Palace players would get a culture shock if he takes over because he will work them hard. "He works hard himself and he expects players to work hard. "If Tony undertakes a job, he certainly does and will give it 100 per cent." However, it isn't just the players who will need to work under him – the board of directors need to be onside with him too. "He's very much in demand, but that's because he's a very, very good manager," added our source. "He has got to work with the right people. I think he follow's Sir Alex Ferguson's mantra of picking a chairman rather than a club. "He has got to get on well with the chairman of a club. If there is any doubt then that's it."Follow us on Twitter @AdvertiserSport

Crystal Palace players told to expect culture shock under Tony Pulis


Tony Pulis could bring former Eagle Dave Kemp to Crystal Palace if appointed

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IF Tony Pulis takes the Crystal Palace vacancy, he could bring in a certain former Eagle as his right-hand man. That's the view of a source close to the former Stoke City manager, who has spoken to the Advertiser. "There is chance he could bring in David Kemp, who is a former Palace player and was his number two at Stoke City," said our source. "David went back to the United States as he's got an American wife. I would think David coming back to Palace would be quite a lure for him. "They are quite a managerial partnership and they are no-nonsense guys. "Tony will not stand for anything bad – it's either his way or that's it. "One thing I will say is, don't ever cross Tony. Always stay onside with him."Follow us on Twitter @AdvertiserSport

Tony Pulis could bring former Eagle Dave Kemp to Crystal Palace if appointed

Jobs in Croydon's libraries under threat

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AROUND a dozen library staff could lose their jobs as part of a restructuring project announced today (Wednesday). The threat to jobs comes from Cultural Community Solutions, part of the Carillion group, just a month after John Laing Integrated Services sold its interests to Carillion. The new contractors are, however, promising there will be no cuts to frontline staff or to the opening hours of the libraries. In fact, the company had no option on that front because protection for both is built into the contract with the council, agreed after the authority decided to privatise the running of the libraries. In addition to Croydon, Cultural Community Solutions runs libraries in Ealing, Harrow and Hounslow and in a statement issued on Wednesday, the company indicated the job losses were likely to come from the ranks of back room staff across all four boroughs.. The statement said: "As a result of significant developments in the way that local library services are now managed, Cultural Community Solutions has announced proposals for a new integrated staffing structure. "This will enable us to continue to deliver high quality library services across four London boroughs and ensure a sustainable future for the libraries." It added the proposed changes would take advantage of new technology and ways of working and focus on streamlining back room functions. It continued: "The new structure will protect opening hours and frontline roles as well as creating a number of new positions to focus on the delivery of community outreach and engagement to ensure the library services are accessible to all our communities "Regrettably these proposed changes will put a number of jobs at risk, but we are making every effort to ensure that these losses will be no more than one full time post per library. "We will also explore opportunities for redeployment across our wider business." The company said consultations had started with all affected staff and their unions. In addition to the central library in Katharine Street, Croydon, there are 12 branch libraries in the borough. Councillor Tim Pollard, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for culture, said: "It was always inevitable that new operators managing libraries in different ways would look at how they worked strategically. "It has also always been on the cards that the roles of some staff in the back office might change or posts made redundant." This, he said, was a consequence of the company looking at centralising some of its back room functions across the four boroughs. Cllr Pollard said: "The key thing from the public's point of view is that they are going to continue to get the library service they know and expect. That is protected through the contract."

Jobs in Croydon's libraries under threat

Convicted murderer of New Addington teenager still on the run

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A CONVICTED murderer is still on the run more than a month after escaping from a mental health unit. Lerone Boye, 27, was sentenced to 28 years behind bars last year for the murder of New Addington teenager Kelvin Chibueze in 2011. Boye escaped from the John Howard Centre on Wednesday, October 16, in Kenworthy Road, Homerton, east London. Police are appealing for anyone who might have information as to his whereabouts. There is some intelligence to suggest Boye may be in east London and he is known to have links to Barking, Newham and Ilford. He is described as black, 5ft 10ins and of slim build with a distinctive horseshoe shape scar on his right cheek and a gold tooth in his upper row of teeth. Boye was last seen wearing a grey/blue sweatshirt with a grey vest over the top and grey jogging bottoms. He was sentenced alongside three other men for the murder of Mr Chibueze in Ilford on August 15, 2011. The 17-year-old, of Underwood in New Addington, was chased out of a car park before being stabbed to death. He had short hair and a goatee beard. Police are advising the public not to approach him but to call 999 if seen. Anyone with any information about Boye's whereabouts can also call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Convicted murderer of New Addington teenager still on the run

CQC raises 'serious concerns' about Urgent Care Centre

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THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised "serious concerns" about Croydon's Urgent Care Centre. The unit, which is attached to the A&E department at Croydon University Hospital, is run by Virgin Care and sees patients when they first arrive at the hospital. During an inspection of the trust as a whole in September, CQC inspectors were given details of two patients whose conditions may have worsened because staff took too long to assess them. Adults who walk into the emergency department report to reception which is run by Virgin Care staff. People with certain conditions (chest pain, for example) should be sent straight through to A&E. Other people must be assessed by a Virgin Care professional within 20 minutes. The CQC highlighted serious incidents where the condition of two patients worsened, potentially as a result of waiting more than 20 minutes. "We were so concerned about the potential impact of this on patient safety that we ordered an urgent inspection of the Urgent Care Centre," the hospital report said. "Although Croydon University Hospital staff are trying hard to work in collaboration with the other provider, the provision of care was not safe." The report, published on Thursday, added: "Most of the staff we talked to said this provision of care for adults is not safe. "If patients are not assessed in 20 minutes, some patients who require rapid tests and interventions to prevent their condition from deteriorating may not receive them promptly. "Staff also said they were wrongly sent to the urgent care centre instead of A&E." A previous CQC inspection, in July, said people using the service were not being given appropriate information in relation to their care and treatment. It also highlighted the possibility of patients being wrongly assessed and thus put at risk of serious illness or injury. The findings of the latest inspection have yet to be published.

CQC raises 'serious concerns' about Urgent Care Centre

Hospital requires 'significant' improvement but CQC gives trust reason to be optimistic

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THE test results are in, the diagnosis has been given and, though it is far from out of the woods, inspectors say there is definite cause for optimism at Croydon University Hospital. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has delivered its verdict on the hospital following a comprehensive assessment of all its services. The inspection team that visited the hospital in September found there were areas of care which required "significant improvement". Its report, published today, said priority needed to be given to staffing levels in older people's wards and that too many elderly patients were being discharged in the evenings. The 20-strong panel of doctors, nurses, managers and trained members of the public called for reduced waiting times for outpatients and said the hospital's rundown A&E department was putting patients at risk. They also raised "serious concerns" about the attached urgent care centre, run by a private company, which sees people when they first arrive at the hospital. But they praised recent improvements brought about by dedicated staff and a senior leadership team which is beginning to move Croydon Health Services in the right direction. Matthew Trainer, CQC director for London, said: "This report highlights reasons to be optimistic about the future of the hospital. "We've been impressed by what we have seen from the new management team and we were struck by the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff. "We have seen some promising signs but the report makes clear there are areas of improvement which must be made before it can be considered a good hospital. "What I will say is that we have been in and out of Croydon over the last couple of years and this was probably the most positive visit yet." John Goulston, the trust's chief executive, said the report should give people "confidence" about the quality of care at the hospital. Croydon was among the first four hospitals to face the CQC's tough new two-day inspection process after being identified as 'high-risk' under the revised criteria. It was chosen also because its patient experience scores in 2012/13 were among the worst in the country. The report said the A&E must be improved. "While staff employed by Croydon University Hospital were well-motivated and tried hard to make the arrangement work, the department has high staff vacancies and the environment in A&E made it hard for staff to deliver good care," it said. While the inspection team accepted staffing levels were being addressed in certain areas as the result of a major recruitment drive, funded by operating a deficit budget, it raised concerns about older people's wards. "These wards were busy, and both staff and patients recognised that care was poor because of a lack of enough staff with the right mix of skills," the report said. It also found that, in August, 244 non-elective patients over the age of 65 were discharged between 6pm and 9pm. Some were only dressed in their nightclothes, which was "not warm or dignified". The inspection team, led by Professor Edward Baker from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, said older patients must only be allowed home at appropriate times. The CQC said the overall level of care in the hospital was "mixed", praising the trust's recently refurbished maternity unit, but describing the inpatient ward for children as "cramped". The Critical Care Unit was also said to be overcrowded and over-reliant on bank (agency) staff at weekends and nights. Despite areas of improvement, poor patient experience was "still a theme across the trust", it added. Part of the team's concern focused on the condition of outpatient facilities, where waiting lists were poorly managed and patients were forced to stand due to a lack of chairs. Some of the panel's harshest criticism was reserved for the A&E which, it said, is not "well designed or maintained". The report said: "It was cramped and lacked lines of sight between staff and patients. The observation ward was very crowded. Vacancy levels were high." This week the trust submitted a business case for a new A&E department, costing £17 million, to the NHS Development Authority. The current unit was built in the 1970s and designed for 70,000 people a year. It currently sees 130,000. If funding is secured building work could start as early as next spring. The CQC, while recognising widespread evidence of progress, said the trust faces a "significant challenge" to improve care and change the "culture" of the organisation. But it praised the awareness and initiative of staff, and said standards were being raised in some areas. Mr Goulston said: "What this report should do is give the people of Croydon some confidence about the quality of care and the service that is being provided at the hospital. "Maternity, children's services, surgery and the acute medical unit – which cover a large part of the hospital – they all got very good reports. "Clearly there are other areas where we need to make improvements but the good thing is they don't come as a surprise. We know those services must get better." The stricter, more-wide ranging inspections were prompted by the shocking revelations at scandal hit Mid Staffordshire and Sir Bruce Keogh's review of 14 trusts with high mortality rates. Croydon will eventually be given an Ofsted-style rating when the hospital is re-inspected around next September.THE GOOD - The trust was praised for: - Sustained improvements to maternity services, an area previously criticised by the CQC - The care of people with dementia in A&E, as the first trust to have a 'dementia zone' - The new acute medical unit - The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clinic, which is "working well" to prevent avoidable respiratory admissions - The palliative care team, which is carrying out good joint working with a local hospice - Leadership team making improvements - Staff are committed and enthusiastic THE BAD – The trust was told it MUST take action to improve: - Arrangements between A&E and the privately-run Urgent Care Centre - Staffing levels to provide care in older people's wards - Reduce discharges in the evening, especially for older people, and make sure people are properly dressed before they go home - Improve outpatients to reduce waits, ensure there is enough seating and tell people why they are waiting and for how long - Improve care plans to make sure they involve people and reflect their needs

Hospital requires 'significant' improvement but CQC gives trust reason to be optimistic

Police find new clues into suspicious death of Paula Newman

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POLICE investigating the suspicious death of Paula Newman in New Addington have said there are new clues into what happened hours before she was taken to hospital. The 20-year-old from Beckenham was rushed to Croydon University Hospital at 8am last Tuesday after ambulances were called to reports of her having a heart attack. A 33 year old man, thought to be the woman's boyfriend, was arrested shortly after but bailed on Friday until mid-January pending further investigation. Last week, police discovered Paula fell from a black BMW 325 on Monday night between 8.45pm and 11.30pm somewhere in New Addington. They believe the 33-year-old man arrested on Tuesday morning was driving the car when the woman fell out and sustained fatal head injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Diane Tudway, leading the investigation from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, told the Advertiser today: "We are now interested in what was going on in Elmside in New Addington in the early hours of Tuesday morning. "We think Paula and a man were in that area then and have been asking people if they saw anything suspicious during that time." DCI Tudway said whether the car was moving or stationary when Paula fell out was the "million dollar question". It is thought Paula and the man travelled in the car to Elmside after the incident where they remained in the early hours of Tuesday morning. They then went to Dunsfold Way, a five minute drive away, before 8am when ambulances were called to take Paula to hospital. A postmortem on Wednesday revealed the woman died of head injuries rather than a heart attack as originally thought. DCI Tudway said: "I believe this lady died as a result of the injuries sustained from falling from the car." Police believe there was at least one other person in the car as well as Paula and the driver. "The local community have been really helpful in coming forward and speaking to us but we still need anyone who has heard anything or saw anything at the time to get in touch," DCI Tudway said. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police find new clues into suspicious death of Paula Newman

UPDATE: 21 firefighters put out Addiscombe house blaze

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A HOUSE blaze in Addiscombe this morning had to be tackled by 21 firefighters. Part of the roof of a three-floored semi-detached house in Bingham Road was damaged in the fire. No one was injured in the blaze, which was attended by four fire engines from Woodside, Croydon and Beckenham. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

UPDATE: 21 firefighters put out Addiscombe house blaze


Jail for New Addington fraudster who targeted pensioners

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A FRAUDSTER from New Addington who targeted elderly pensioners by pretending to be a courier has been jailed. Elliot Dini, 24, was sentenced to 12 months behind bars after a series of frauds in Bromley, Surrey and Croydon. Dini, of Netley Close, New Addington, was arrested after Croydon police were contacted by a bank concerned one of its customers was being defrauded. A 77-year-old man, of Courtwood Lane, Forestdale, had phoned his bank after he was contacted by phone by a fraudster claiming to be a financial advisor from the local branch of his bank. The victim became suspicious as he didn't recognise the fake advisor's voice. The bank, who had not contacted the elderly man, phoned police and when officers arrived at the address in Courtwood Lane, they found Dini in the man's front room. Dini had arrived at the address, telling his victim he was a courier sent by the bank to collect his bank cards. Officers arrested him at the scene on suspicion of fraud and carried out checks of his mobile phone, linking him to similar offences in Bromley and Caterham, Surrey. All of Dini's victims were aged over 70 and he defrauded over £2,100 from them. Dini was charged on July 18 with two counts of fraud by false representation, which he eventually pleaded guilty to. Three other offences were taken into consideration on November 8 before he was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court this week. DC Robert Jamieson, who investigated the case, said: "Dini was literally caught red-handed. Thankfully the victim contacted his bank on his mobile phone and they immediately called us as they suspected he was being targeted by fraudsters. "We have seen a big increase in the number of these courier frauds recently, and people are still being targeted by other fraudsters. "It is vital that the public are aware of how these conmen operate and that they never give their PIN or bank cards to anyone - whoever they claim to be."

Jail for New Addington fraudster who targeted pensioners

Lewis Gill remanded in custody over Bournemouth death

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A MAN has appeared in court charged with killing a 40-year-old man in Bournemouth. Lewis Gill, 20, of no fixed abode, was charged with manslaughter following the death of Andrew Young on November 6. Gill, who was arrested in Croydon the following weekend, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and case management hearing on January 24. A preliminary date of May 6 has been set for a trial. Mr Young sustained head injuries outside a Tesco Express store in the Charminster area of Bournemouth at 3.35pm. He later died in custody.

Lewis Gill remanded in custody over Bournemouth death

Wife faces further wait as husband's visa appeal delayed

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A WIFE who has not seen her husband in more than two years because his visa was refused will have to wait a few weeks longer to find out whether they will be reunited. Dora Herbert, 57, has not seen her partner Jesus Osei Sarpong since they were married in Ghana in February 2011. Mr Osei Sarpong was denied entry into the UK because he failed to meet the language requirements. His appeal was due to be heard on Tuesday but was postponed because the UK Border Agency could not find a judge to hear the case. Mrs Herbert, of Oakbank, New Addington, only discovered the proceedings had been rearranged when she arrived at the court in Feltham, in south west London. "I thought the uncertainty was going to be over but now I have to wait another two weeks," she said. "My blood pressure is going through the roof. I just need to have an answer." The hearing has been rescheduled for November 29.

Wife faces further wait as husband's visa appeal delayed

FANS VIEW: Tony Pulis could be Crystal Palace's route one to survival

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THE news filtered through on Tuesday that perhaps Tony Pulis would be the man to replace Ian Holloway at Crystal Palace, bringing a mixed reaction from supporters, myself included. We have all seen how Pulis' side works, as it did at Stoke City. Strong defensively, direct in style and aggressive in attack, his Stoke team became synonymous with ugly football. There is a great fear among Palace fans that this kind of approach would be implemented at Selhurst Park. The reasoned response to that fear is that he most probably will play a direct style, and that the team will be built on a strong defensive basis. It could lead to a number of the ball-playing signings the club have made seeing less action in the coming months, and could see the team fighting for 1-0 wins and 0-0 draws. What it could also lead to, however, is security in the Premier League. While we are languishing at the bottom of the table with a six-point deficit, it's a deficit which isn't insurmountable and one which a manager with the right philosophy could overcome. Pulis' style is one which, while not aesthetically pleasing, will still get supporters excited. I have been critical of his approach in the past but, given Stoke's success under the Welshman, it could be an appointment which stabilises the squad at a time when it's needed most. Besides, since Holloway's departure, Keith Millen's side have played a more defensive style, with some success – Pulis would enhance that style and give the players a very specific playing philosophy. The club have spent the last four weeks interviewing for the position; it's now time to make a decision and to appoint a new manager. While plenty have been linked with the role, Pulis is one manager whose name hasn't been ruled out and whose first interview seemingly garnered enough interest to warrant a second, more serious discussion about the position. Pulis could well give this squad the best chance of Premier League survival, which would lead to an entirely different level of investment in the club's infrastructure. Survival could lead to a new stadium being built and would give the club an even greater opportunity to continue operating without investment from rich benefactors. If the former Stoke boss can do that, he's the right man for the job – no matter how we play.

FANS VIEW: Tony Pulis could be Crystal Palace's route one to survival

Poundland to open a new store in Thornton Heath

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POUNDLAND has announced plans to open a new store in Thornton Heath. Europe's biggest discount chain has made public its intention to open a shop in the area, though a spokesman could not confirm when the store would be opening. Poundland's trading director, Richard Lancaster, said: "Poundland has grown significantly over the past 12 months and it's fantastic to see this expansion continuing with a new store in Thornton Heath. "We're looking forward to opening our doors."

Poundland to open a new store in Thornton Heath

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