PICTURES: Black Sheep - The bar that set itself apart from the flock
Man in court charged with exposing himself to girl, 16
Man admits racial abuse during drunken rampage at soup kitchen
X FACTOR: Hannah Barrett and Rough Copy song choices revealed
Far-right activist admits assault and firing air rifle in New Addington
Susanna Reid the new favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing
Is this jewellery yours? Man found with bag of swag
DATA BLOG: Where is the best place to live in Croydon?
Regina Coeli head under fire as school put into special measures
A CATHOLIC primary school in South Croydon has been put into special measures after another damning Ofsted report.
Regina Coeli, in Pampisford Road, received a "requires improvement" rating in October last year and had two interim inspections in January and July to monitor its progress.
But despite going into partnership with the "outstanding" St James the Great Primary, in Thornton Heath, the South Croydon school was rated as inadequate in its latest Ofsted report published last week and is now being monitored by Croydon Council.
A meeting was called at the struggling primary on Tuesday evening to discuss its future, and more than 200 parents attended.
One, who asked not to be named, said parents at the meeting had called for the headmaster, Donal McCarthy, to be sacked.
"There was lots of shouting out and mums and dads said he was responsible for pulling the school down," the parent said.
Another said the head stood up and apologised for the Ofsted rating, asking for parents' support to improve the school.
"We feel like, as parents, we aren't listened to so it makes a nice change for him to acknowledge us," the parent said.
According to another, many were unhappy their children would leave the school before it improved and felt their children's education had been jeopardised.
Last week's report stated disabled pupils, those eligible for free school meals and those needing special educational needs were making inadequate progress, and that teaching, leadership and management were poor.
The report said: "Children start the early years foundation with skills, knowledge and experience typical for their ages."
However, 'standards in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6 are declining'.
"School information and current work inspected indicate that pupils' progress is not accelerating and too many pupils are falling behind in their learning," the report adds.
Mr McCarthy, said: "Although we are disappointed with the outcome of this inspection we are determined, working in partnership, to act upon the findings as quickly as possible.
"We are aware of the difficulties facing the school as a result of the issues identified.
"We have an action plan in place and have already implemented a number of improvements, which we are confident will have a positive impact on future outcomes for all pupils."
Hogarth Andall, the chairman of governors, said: "While Ofsted's judgement of the school is disappointing; it highlighted the areas that we already knew needed attention.
"The school has not improved quickly enough since its last full inspection a year ago. The governing body is fully committed to working with the diocese and the local authority to catalyse improvements in teaching and leadership at the school."
A council spokesman said it was working with the school and diocese and would issue an action plan for improvement next week.
Coulsdon Masterplan torn-up - because of some people who don't even live there
CROYDON Council has dropped its Coulsdon Masterplan following a legal challenge from residents in neighbouring Chipstead.
The shock withdrawal of the document, which set out a framework for major redevelopment of the town, follows a request by residents of the nearby Surrey village for a judicial review.
The council confirmed on Wednesday 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 was published last week.
Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, insisted the doomed masterplan had been useful, as a means of seeking people's opinions over planned and possible developments and getting landowners to work together.
He added much of the plan had met with "general consent" but "we acknowledge that there are some elements which caused significant concern for some individuals and this is what has led to the current situation."
Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, said he hoped dropping the plan would trigger the changes they wanted.
He said: "It is a shame, but the real shame is the council stopped talking to us in July. Because they did that they found themselves in this stupid position.
"We did not personally support [the judicial review] because I think we felt a judicial review was more about protecting Chipstead than benefiting Coulsdon.
"But at the end of the day it might have the correct result by default; that they will review access to Cane Hill and the parking in the town centre."
Peter Appleford, a committee member of the Coulsdon West Residents' Association said: "It is a great waste of hours of work, and I also feel for the council officers who put in their time.
"But I am just going to say good for Chipstead – they are challenging it, they are unhappy with it for the same reasons we are."
But he added: "What is the concept for Coulsdon now? There is a lack of any kind of central concept for the town as a whole and the surroundings."
The masterplan included proposals for key town centre sites including the park in Lion Green Road, the CALAT centre and Lion Green car park.
Chipstead Residents' Association would not comment at this stage.
More on the Cane Hill application page 19
Paul Hollywood looking forward to getting his bake on in Croydon
TV BAKING star Paul Hollywood says the secret to his stunning rise is that "everyone has a favourite cake".
The ice-blue-eyed celebrity chef pondered the reasons why people like to watch baking ahead of his new live show coming soon to Croydon.
He told the Advertiser: "I think everyone has a favourite cake so you know what we are doing is imparting knowledge.
"People have always wanted to bake and we are making it more accessible."
The 46-year-old star, co-judge of the Great British Bake Off TV show, will host a live baking show at Fairfield Halls next May.
Ticket-holders might be invited to knead alongside the master on what will be nearly the last leg of his nationwide tour.
He said: "I will be doing demonstrations and bringing people on stage to give some one-to-one direction and answer people's questions. So the whole thing is very interactive."
Wirral-born Hollywood has been in the news of late more for his extramarital dalliance than for his way with a loaf.
But asked how the scandal may have affected his wholesome fanbase, he said: "I have got no idea – I don't really think about it."
And while he may have publicly apologised for cheating on wife Alex with US TV star Marcela Valladolid, he isn't worried that guests on his first live tour will catch him making mistakes in the kitchen.
"I don't make mistakes – I am perfect and I don't make mistakes," he joked, adding that novice bakers' biggest problem tends to be their measurements.
The dishy dad-of-one said: "For most people trying a recipe, the biggest mistake is weighing ingredients accurately, especially on mechanical scales.
"You need to get accurate digital scales. It is about accuracy: weigh the recipe right and you are halfway there."
Hollywood also revealed that his favourite baked treat is a sausage roll, and he finds baking soothes his soul.
He said: "I think it is quite relaxing. And I love eating baked stuff – sponge, for example. As far as I'm concerned it tastes unbelievable if made properly
"I do eat like a horse but I tend not to eat too much in the evenings. I love sausage rolls – they are pretty easy to make but if done properly they are delicious. Or a good iced bun; a freshly made iced bun with cream."
Paul Hollywood Live – Get Your Bake On comes to Fairfield Halls on Saturday May 24, 2014, at 8.15pm
For tickets and information, go to www.paulhollywood.com
Tony Pulis set to be named Crystal Palace boss on Saturday
Elderly man missing with no phone, travel card or money
Purley Pool campaigners' fight for planning assurances
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Purley pool are seeking fresh assurances about its long-term future.
The threat of closure has hung over the pool since 2009, though the council's most recent commitment was to keep the facility open until at least next year.
But pool supporters want a more concrete promise, and for its future to be confirmed in a plan outlining the borough's development projects.
The council released its Local Plan in October, detailing specific policies and proposals in each area, and has given residents until December 5 to write in with their opinions.
But Purley pool, at this stage, is not included in the plan.
Fred Wallis, who leads the Save Purley Pool Campaign, told the Advertiser: "We just do not know what will happen to the pool.
"We had promises it would be safe until the 2014 election, and that it would only be shut down if another pool was built in Purley or Coulsdon.
"We even met the Government inspector, who said when the council came forward with their area plans, we had to put in our concerns immediately."
The Local Plan has several general sections and specific sections for each area like Purley.
Tony Farrell, who runs the annual Swimathon charity event, held at the pool every February, said there were too many rumours about the pool's future.
"The truth is lurking somewhere in the middle, but for now, it's difficult to be certain about it," he said. "Even if we didn't have a pool for a year or two it would be a disaster,"
Purley councillor Graham Bass said the pool would be protected under the Local Plan, even if it wasn't named specifically.
"The community facilities section states the council will only permit their loss if they are not being used or they are replaced elsewhere," he said.
"The site on the high street is not necessarily the best place for it; I would advocate an empty place like the old town hall."
However, the plan also states a community facility could be closed if it is located on a "shopping parade".
A council spokesman said: "The current consultation on the Local Plan does not look at specific sites. Consultation on preferred options on specific sites will take place in winter 2014."
Anyone who wishes to write to the council about the Local Plan can e-mail LDF@croydon.gov.uk
TIMELINE: How the month-long search for a Crystal Palace manager unfolded
October 23:Ian Holloway departs the club. Tony Pulis becomes instant favourite to take over.October 26: Keith Millen takes charge as caretaker boss against Arsenal. Palace lose 2-0.October 27: A source close to Pulis tells the Advertiser it might not be the right time for him to return to management.October 28: Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley refuses to rule himself out of the vacancy.October 29: Palace fans want Roberto Di Matteo, according to the results of our online poll.October 30: Former Birmingham City and Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish reveals his interest in the job.November 1: Eagles legend Geoff Thomas throws his weight behind Chris Coleman.November 2: Keith Millen continues as caretaker against West Bromwich Albion. Palace lose 2-0.November 5: Former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka linked to the job and is said to have held talks with Steve Parish.November 7: Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew's odds tumble dramatically for the job.November 9: Iain Moody becomes Palace's sporting director following Cardiff City departure. Keith Millen guides Palace to well-deserved point in a 0-0 draw against Everton.November 11: Burnley boss Sean Dyche backed heavily and becomes second favourite.November 12: Aitor Karanka becomes new Middlesbrough boss while another man linked, Rene Meulensteen, joins Fulham as head coach.November 14: Chris Coleman signs new contract to stay on as Wales boss, while former boss Iain Dowie becomes a shock contender for the vacancy.November 15: Dinamo Moscow boss and former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu reportedly in advanced talks to take over in SE25.November 18: Petrescu is rumoured to have turned down Palace's offer.November 19: Tony Pulis tells the media his phone has been "busy" and that he could end up managing any available club in the UK.November 20: Pulis said to be in talks with Palace, though Neil Warnock becomes a surprise late conteder for the job.November 23: Tony Pulis appointed Palace boss, on a two and a half year deal.
Crystal Palace fans react to Tony Pulis appointment
Tony Pulis is the new manager of Crystal Palace
CRYSTAL PALACE: Five things Tony Pulis must do to get the Eagles' soaring
1) Make Selhurst Park a fortress When Pulis was at Stoke, he made the Britannia Stadium the sort of place nobody wanted to play. Outside their battles with each other, the Champions League chasing clubs would always see Stoke away as their toughest game – a whirl of noisy fans, a tight pitch, and an organised, hard-working team . Arsenal, in particular, would bear testament to this. All the ingredients are there for Pulis to make SE25 a similar sort of place that the opposition dreads. A tight stadium and ferocious atmosphere generated by the outstanding Palace fans mean we're already halfway there. Tony's job is to get the team playing like Stoke did.2) Sign quality, rather than quantity, in January The fact Palace's promotion wasn't sealed until late May put the club at an immediate disadvantage when it came to planning for life in the top division. But, for all this, the club's summer transfer window strategy was flawed – few can argue otherwise. Too many players were signed too late, while you could also argue about the quality and added value provided by the new recruits (how many wingers does one squad need?) Tony Pulis' mantra, put simply, should be fewer, but better. Keeping the same squad between now and May isn't an option but, equally, another month of wholesale changes will just be counter-productive. The focus should, therefore, be on getting in three quality players to enhance the spine of the side – a mobile central defender, a central midfielder to play alongside Mile Jedinak, and most vitally, a goalscorer. 3) Get the best out of Jonny Williams He's been injured for most of the season but one of the big surprises in the early stages of the campaign was Williams' absence from the Palace starting line-up. Let's get this straight – Jonny Williams is Crystal Palace's best player, and by some distance. Joel Ward is gritty, Mile Jedinak at times inspirational, but Williams oozes quality and is the one Palace player who wouldn't look out of place in a top 4 team. Tony Pulis has a reputation for direct football but he isn't stupid. He needs to find room for Jonny and get the best out of this outstanding talent.4) Summon the spirit of 2012/13 Yes it's a cliché, but Palace's promotion last season was built, in part, on the goals of Glenn Murray and the outrageous talent of Wilf Zaha, but mainly on a fantastic team spirit. By August 31, this had (at least on the face of it) all but disappeared, shown by the capitulation against Fulham in Ian Holloway's last game in charge. Pulis had a spirited bunch at Stoke; he now needs everyone pulling in the same direction in SE25. If this puts the odd nose out of joint or dents the odd ego, so be it.5) Be lucky! What's that Napoleon quote about "lucky generals"? Ian Holloway was all set for a season-defining victory against Fulham, as Palace dominated the first quarter of the game. Then, a guy called Kasami scored the type of goal he hadn't managed in the past and he won't manage again. The result? Deflation and, in Holloway's case, resignation. Tony Pulis has Glenn Murray coming back to fitness, he has a director of football to ease his burden during the transfer window, and he has, if there is such a thing in the Premier League, a relatively friendly list of home games between now and Christmas. How Ian Holloway would have loved these in his favour.