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Former IRA member back on Croydon Tories' front bench

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JUST over five years after quitting her cabinet post when her past as a member of the IRA was revealed, Councillor Maria Gatland has returned to the council's Conservative front bench. She was this week named the new shadow cabinet member for children, families and learning. Cllr Gatland, who represents Croham ward, resigned from her post as cabinet member for education the day after her membership of the IRA in her youth was revealed by veteran Croydon Communist Peter Latham during public question time at a meeting of the council in December 2008. She also quit the Tory party after an initial uproar about her having kept her past secret when she went up for selection as a councillor. But she was soon reinstated when it became apparent from Government sources that she had been told to keep quiet because her life was in danger. Cllr Gatland had written a book in 1973 about her year in the IRA in which she was critical of the organisation. Since then, she has been rebuilding her political career in Croydon and during the last Conservative administration, served as chairman of the licensing committee. Cllr Mike Fisher, the Croydon Conservative group leader, said: "Maria was a good cabinet member and I am pleased to have her back on our front bench." Cllr Gatland said this week she was "delighted with her new role". She added: "It is a huge portfolio and it is vital that improvements in schools continue and I will hold the new administration to account on that." Cllr Gatland hoped her appointment would be another step in moving away from her past, adding: "It was a year of my life I can never change." Other shadow cabinet appointments announced by Cllr Fisher this week are: Housing, Cllr Dudley Mead; regeneration and economic development, Cllr Jason Perry; culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Tim Pollard; people and communities, including adult social care, Cllr Margaret Mead; Clean Green Croydon, Cllr Phil Thomas; transport and environment; Cllr Vidhi Mohan; safety and justice, Cllr Jason Cummings; finance and treasury, Cllr Steve O'Connell.

Former IRA member back on Croydon Tories' front bench


Crystal Palace keen on winger if Manchester United decide to sell

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CRYSTAL Palace will be interested in bringing back Wilfried Zaha permanently this summer - if Manchester United decide to sell him, the Advertiser has been told. In what was a difficult first season just gone for the winger at Old Trafford, Zaha hardly featured under David Moyes before being sent out on loan to Cardiff City. Moyes has now left Old Trafford, with Louis Van Gaal set to start at the managerial helm following the World Cup with the Netherlands. It will be interesting to see whether the Dutchman favours Zaha in pre-season, and if he doesn't, a number of Premier League clubs will be keen to take him either permanently or on loan. But it is to our understanding that should the Red Devils want to sell the man they bought in January 2013, the Eagles will look into a return to south London permanently if the deal is right for all parties. A club source said: "It depends on what the new Man Utd manager wants. "You can't not be a fan of Wilfried when he plays well. "The circumstances for the player and the money would have to be right." Tony Pulis a fan of the Palace Academy product. The Eagles enquired about taking Zaha on loan earlier this year but the move was blocked by Moyes as he didn't want the player going back to London.

Crystal Palace keen on winger if Manchester United decide to sell

Police hunt man after four Croydon men arrested and bailed in connection with robberies on board Brighton-bound train

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FOUR men from Croydon were arrested in connection with robberies on a train from London Victoria to Brighton in April. A number of passengers had property stolen on board the 0.25am service on Friday, April 18 and police have since arrested five men in connection with the robberies. And now police have released a CCTV image in the hope the public can help them trace another man they would like to speak to assist their investigation. Four men from Croydon, aged 18, 19, 20 and 22 were arrested on the same day as the thefts on suspicion of robbery as well as another 19-year-old man from Merton. All men were released on police bail to return until Thursday, June 12. Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, of British Transport Police's robbery squad, said: "Just after 1am the train was held at Gatwick Airport station after a number of passengers reported that their property had been stolen." Officers have been pursuing several lines of enquiry, including taking witness statements from the victims and analysing CCTV footage from on board the train and at a number of stations.

Police hunt man after four Croydon men arrested and bailed in connection with robberies on board Brighton-bound train

MP helps students pass exams

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CROYDON Central MP Gavin Barwell has been helping college students pass exams with a few insider tips. Mr Barwell visited AS politics students at Coulsdon Sixth Form College last Friday to help them prepare for an exam on parliament and the role of prime minister. The Tory politician used his "expert insight" to advise students on how to answer several past exam questions, a college spokesman said. He also answered questions from students including on his own career and the coalition government. Ivan Tomb, head of humanities at the college, said the visit was "very useful." He added: "Indeed, much of what Gavin covered during his visit was directly relevant to the exam questions that actually came up and so his input was extremely valuable and much appreciated by the students."

MP helps students pass exams

Police release image of man wanted in connection with burglary in Wickham Road, Shirley

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Police have released a photograph of a man wanted in connection with a residential burglary in Shirley in March. Christopher Henry, 50, is wanted in connection with the burglary in Wickham Road on March 23. Henry is known to frequent areas in Sutton, Croydon, Lambeth and Bromley. Members of the public with information are advised not to approach the subject, but should contact the Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit at Croydon Police Station on 07776 020702 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police release image of man wanted in connection with burglary in Wickham Road, Shirley

Selhurst Road Post Office robbery causes commotion in South Norwood

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THE Post Office in South Norwood was robbed this morning. Police were called to a robbery at the Post Office, in Selhurst Road, at 8.22am but the suspect fled the scene when they arrived. A London Ambulance Service responder was also on the scene to attend to a man in his forties, but the man required no further treatment when they arrived. Police cordons were put in place while the search for the suspect took place. An investigation is underway by the Flying Squad.

Selhurst Road Post Office robbery causes commotion in South Norwood

Crystal Palace's former record signing bags managerial job in Germany

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A MAN who was at one time Crystal Palace's record signing has taken the hotseat at a struggling German club. Valerien Ismael has been tasked with guiding FC_Nurnberg with an immediate return to the Bundesliga, after they were relegated last season from the German top division. Ismael, now 38, was previously the reserve team boss at another German team, Wolfsburg. The Frenchman became Palace's most expensive signing when he joined from Strasbourg in 1998. However, the centre back only featured in a handful of games for the Eagles, before going back to France to play for Lens. He later carved out a successful career in Germany, for Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Hannover 96.

Crystal Palace's former record signing bags managerial job in Germany

VOTE: Should Crystal Palace re-sign Wilfried Zaha from Man Utd?

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WOULD you like to see Wilfried Zaha back in a Crystal Palace shirt? The Advertiser understands Palace would be interested in ending their former star's Old Trafford nightmare, if Man Utd are happy to sell the winger. There is the old saying 'never go back' but, on the other hand, Zaha could add extra pace and class to the Eagles ranks. So, we're asking you, the Palace fans, a simple question - would you like to see Wilfried Zaha back at Crystal Palace? Please vote in our poll below.

VOTE: Should Crystal Palace re-sign Wilfried Zaha from Man Utd?


Fieldway school's speech unit upgraded with a £500k refurbishment

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A TEACHING unit for children with speech and language disorders has been revamped after a £500,000 investment.

The specialist unit at Applegarth Academy in Fieldway now has three large, modern classrooms, a therapy room, office, meeting room, toilets, changing room, and soft-play surface outside.

The investment from the council means children can now be taught separately in year groups, rather than all together in one room as the previous building required. The centre provides 18 places, from reception to Year 6, for children with severe speech and language disorders. They are supported by NHS speech and language therapists and assistants and are each part of a mainstream class.

Children are helped to develop the confidence to return to full mainstream education if and when they are ready.

Head teacher Zoë Harris said: "This is a brilliant new addition to the school and provides an excellent environment for children to receive the support they need to help them overcome speech and language difficulties.

"These sorts of problems can have a huge impact on children's future quality of life, so, by addressing them early on and providing children with the skills they need, we are helping them to reach their full potential."

Fieldway school's speech unit upgraded  with a  £500k refurbishment

Breast-feeding mother called 'slut' in Costa Coffee row

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A YOUNG mother has spoken of her distress at being called a "slut" while breast-feeding her infant son in a cafe.

Rhea Holley, 27, says she was in "floods of tears" after the verbal abuse from a couple sitting nearby in Costa Coffee in High Street, Purley.

But the mother of one has praised and thanked the coffee shop staff, who supported her over the incident on Tuesday.

Mrs Holley, of Faversham in Kent, was visiting a friend and fellow mother in Purley with her son Arthur, 11 months, and the pair decided to take their babies to the cafe.

She said: "We had chosen Costa especially because we know it is breast-feeding friendly.

"Arthur was asleep at the time so I went in and ordered us some drinks and cake.

"While we sat there Arthur woke up and he was quite upset and so I started to breast-feed him.

"A couple were on a table that was facing in such a way that they did not have to look at me.

"I heard one of them say 'it is disgusting', that I know what time babies should be fed and should stay at home then, and that I was a 'slut'."

Mrs Holley said her friend spoke to the couple, thought to be in their sixties, who reiterated that they found it 'very offensive'.

The stay-at-home mum added she was "pretty distressed" by that point and went to talk to the one of the staff members making coffee. The barista immediately consoled her and also spoke to managers, who advised her to remind the offended couple that the cafe was breast-feeding friendly in line with company policy.

"It was so good of them," added Mrs Holley, "not only to stand by the law [on breast-feeding] but also to be so supportive of someone feeling so upset."

The Equality Act 2010 bans anyone asking a breast-feeding woman to leave a public place such as a cafe, shop or public transport.

Mrs Holley stressed it was important women were not made to feel uncomfortable.

She said: "Arthur is 11 months old so I can shrug this off but if there was somebody with a newborn it would be really damaging.

"Babies don't have a schedule – any normal person that goes out is not going to know when they will want a glass of water – why should a baby be any different?

"Women should not be made to feel like they have to stay in."

A spokesman for Costa confirmed the incident had taken place, adding: "Mothers bring in children of all ages to Costa and they are always warmly welcomed by us.

"We have always been very happy for mothers to breast-feed in our stores offering a family-friendly environment that is the perfect place for mums to relax with their children."

Breast-feeding mother called 'slut' in Costa Coffee row

Man charged with attempted murder after alleged attack in Mango Bar, Coulsdon

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A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged attack in a Coulsdon bar. Stephen Jelly, 50, of Brighton Road, Coulsdon, appeared in court on Tuesday after the incident in Mango bar, Brighton Road, on Sunday. Police said a local man, 39, was wounded in the head at around 9.50pm. He was taken to hospital and has been discharged. Jelly has been remanded in custody to appear at Croydon Crown Court at a later date. Police are asking any witness to the incident to contact DC Stephen Hall at Croydon CID on 020 3276 2208 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man charged with attempted murder after alleged attack in Mango Bar, Coulsdon

PICTURES: Croydon residents celebrate the Big Lunch

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THOUSANDS tucked into grub with their neighbours across Croydon at the sixth annual Big Lunch last Sunday.

There were a number of events organised, with one of the biggest taking place at Trumble Gardens in Thornton Heath.

Exchange Square in Croydon, Edward Road in Addiscombe, Whitworth Road in South Norwood and Broom Road in Shirley all held feasts of their own too.

Andrea Wallace, organiser in Vicarage Road, Waddon, said: "It's about developing a sense of community and being there for each other.

"Our event today was jam-packed with activities including Zumba, a bucking bronco competition, face painting, a bouncy castle, a performance from UFO Steelband as well as a visit from Irish dancers who performed and then taught people some key steps of Irish dancing."

The Big Lunch, now in its sixth year, is led by the Eden Project and funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

A Big Lunch can still be organised until the end of June on a date to fit your community. For more information, visit www.thebiglunch.com

PICTURES: Croydon residents celebrate the Big Lunch

Elderly blind man tricked out of £160 by doorstep caller

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AN ELDERLY blind man was tricked out of £160 by a bogus doorstep caller offering to repair his roof. The 81-year-old was conned by a trickster who knocked on his door in Beddington Lane and said he would charge £40 to quickly repair loose roof tiles. He ended up handing over £160 from his emergency cash supply after letting the conman inside and trusting his claim that the loft was wet and extra work needed. But he called police after the caller disappeared with the cash, and officers who checked upstairs said there were no leaks. The victim's blindness meant he was unable to fullly describe the trickster, but he told police he had identified himself as Gavin from 'The Plough, and had a local accent. Police are investigating and want anyone with information to get in touch. A Sutton police spokesman said: "While the vast majority of companies will be genuine, police are urging residents who want improvement work carried out on their homes to check out any companies and obtain references from previous customers - before agreeing to any work. "Most reputable companies will be happy to supply such information." Anyone with information that could help police should contact Sutton Police station quoting ref no: 4005729/14. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Visit: www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts or call 020 8770 5070 for details of Sutton council's scheme to help residents avoid bogus traders.

Elderly blind man tricked out of £160 by doorstep caller

Coulsdon town centre's only butchers closes

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COULSDON'S only butcher appears to have closed for good.

A notice on the door of award-winning Martyn James, in Brighton Road, on Saturday said simply the butcher had "ceased trading" in Coulsdon.

The Advertiser was not able to reach the owners for comment or explanation as we went to press.

The closure would mark a further blow to the town's mix of independent shops and fresh goods, after the last remaining greengrocer closed in 2010.

Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, said footfall in the town would need to increase if shops were to thrive.

He added that the council needed to invest in more parking and the forthcoming Aldi development should provide a welcome boost.

Mr King said: "I think [the poor footfall] is a combination of changing shopping habits and also home deliveries.

"If you want a town centre that is attractive in the 21st century it has got to be more attractive to people, and you need more people about, which is why the [forthcoming] Cane Hill development is important."

Coulsdon town centre's only butchers closes

Singer Beverley Knight backs Marie Curie campaign

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SINGER BEVERLEY Knight is backing Marie Curie's latest appeal. The soulstress is calling on everyone to host a tea party in aid of the charity between June 20 and 29. Last June the charity's Bloooming Great Tea Party appeal saw 6,500 tea parties held across the UK. Now starring in the Bodyguard musical at the Adelphi Theatre in London, Miss Knight said: "I love nothing better than drinking lots of cups of tea along with eating a slice of my Mums delicious home-made carrot cake – the best in the world. "I would urge everyone to gather their friends and family together and pop the kettle on. Then sit down and enjoy their favourite tea party treats. "All the money raised will go towards funding the vital nursing care to people with terminal illness, provided by the wonderful Marie Curie nurses." For more information and to sign up for your free Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising pack, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 0845 052 4184. To get help from the Marie Curie Nursing Service, talk to your GP, district nurse or discharge nurse. For more information, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk.

Singer Beverley Knight backs Marie Curie campaign


Crystal Palace linked with former Old Firm strikers

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TWO strikers who have done their best work so far north of the border are being linked with moves to Crystal Palace. Norwich City hitman Gary Hooper, who moved to East Anglia last summer after a prolific spell at Celtic, has been linked with the Eagles after the Canaries relegation from the Premier League. The Daily Mail reports that Hooper, 26, wants to leave Norwich, for whom he scored eight goals last season. QPR and Aston Villa are also said to be interested. Meanwhile, reports in Italy say both Palace and Cardiff are looking at Palermo striker Kyle Lafferty. The 27-year-old Northern Irishman, formerly of Rangers and Burnley, scored 11 goals last season as his side were promoted to Serie A.

Crystal Palace linked with former Old Firm strikers

Croydon nursery criticised for safety failings gets improved Ofsted rating

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A NURSERY given Ofsted's worst grade after a child went missing has now been judged to be "good". Selhurst Children's Centre was rated "inadequate" in a report published in January after a child was able to leave the building unnoticed. In its first full inspection since then, Ofsted found major progress had been made. "Since the last inspection, staff have made significant improvements to the security and safety of the nursery," said a report published this week. "They make sure the premises are secure at all times and they monitor any visitors. "They supervise the entrance to the nursery carefully as children arrive and leave and make sure they know who is on the premises. "Staff make daily checks of the nursery and garden to ensure children can play safely. "They make sure that enough staff are present both inside and outdoors and supervise the children closely." Inspector Rebecca Khabbazi said the nursery's 126 children benefit from a "welcoming inclusive setting" and had access to "a wide range of good quality resources and play materials". She also praised the level of teaching and highlighted support given to children with special educational needs. Ms Khabbazi said staff need to ensure books are organised more effectively, and that they do more to support children for whom English is not their first language, if the children's centre is to be judged "outstanding" in the future.

Croydon nursery criticised for safety failings gets improved Ofsted rating

New crackdown orders litterbugs: 'Don't mess with Croydon'

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A MUCH-PROMISED crackdown on fly-tipping is being launched this week by Croydon's new Labour council.

The campaign's title, Don't Mess With Croydon, has a double message – combining a tough warning to fly-tippers that the council will prosecute if they are caught with a more gentle call to residents to take pride in their borough.

Beating what Labour sees as the curse of fly-tipping, particularly in the north of the borough, was a major plank of the party's pre-election manifesto.

Now, after Labour formally took control of the council on Tuesday, the newly appointed cabinet member for a Clean Green Croydon, Councillor Stuart Collins, has been quick to act.

The campaign was officially launched yesterday (Thursday) and full details of the programme will be reported to the council's cabinet at the end of this month.

But, talking to the Advertiser earlier this week, Cllr Collins said: "We hope this is going to be a deal between us and the residents of Croydon. We want the council and residents to work hand in hand to take a pride in Croydon."

Cllr Collins said the intention would be to introduce an education programme, to inform people about the recycling and green services the council provides.

Importantly, he added, there would be a clear message to residents to report fly-tipping to the council.

A new dedicated hotline for reporting incidents is expected to be in place by the date of the cabinet meeting and residents are also being urged to e-mail the council or use its phone app for reporting fly-tipping.

On the back of the reporting initiative, the council, alongside its waste contractors Veolia, is to introduce three trucks that will be dedicated to patrolling the borough and clearing up reported rubbish.

The crews will also be scouring the roads for other incidents on their patrols.

Cllr Collins said: "We will be asking our staff who are regularly out on the ground, like enforcement officers and traffic wardens, to report any fly-tipping problems."

He said enforcement would play a vital role in enabling the council to get on top of the problem.

Cllr Collins added "We will use the reports we receive to gather intelligence on fly-tipping hot spots.

"This will enable us to establish covert CCTV coverage and be a start to getting some prosecutions.

"The message we will get out to these people who fly-tip is, 'If you mess with us you will get prosecuted and we will press for the severest penalties'."

Cllr Collins said existing budgets were being used to meet the costs of the campaign.

It is likely to be a precursor to a wider review of street cleaning, recycling and refuse collection services once the new administration has had time to study the council's finances, look at ways of using existing resources more efficiently and hold detail discussions with Veolia.

Cllr Collins said: "Any changes we may consider will be subject to consultation with residents.

"As we have always said, we will manage services for the whole of borough."

New crackdown orders litterbugs: 'Don't mess with Croydon'

Labour 'not even contemplating' increase in Croydon councillors' allowances

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COUNCILLORS will not accept an increase in their allowances despite the recommendations of an independent body, the leader of Croydon Council has said. In its report published this week, the panel on the Remuneration of Councillors in London said council leaders should be paid as much as MPs, who are paid a salary of £66,396. The panel also recommended that allowances should be linked to the pay settlement local authorities get from the government, so they receive the same increases as staff. Council leader Tony Newman will receive around £53,000 a year after leading Labour to victory in last month's council elections. He told the Advertiser he had "not even contemplated" accepting the panel's recommendations. "I can categorically tell you we will not be taking an increase," he said. "Neither I, nor my colleagues, will be taking any of the recommended increases. "I've made it clear that the overall budget for councillors' allowances in Croydon either stays the same or, if anything, it goes down. It will not go up. "I think councillors get paid fairly and I'm acutely aware that in somewhere like Croydon the average wage is only about £25,000. I can only repeat that I'm not even contemplating it." The panel said only two boroughs had increased members' allowances following a one per cent pay award in the local government settlement in 2013/14. Nine others had reduced allowances since the panel's last report in 2010, which recommended changes to ensure members with special responsibilities receive equal pay across London.

Labour 'not even contemplating' increase in Croydon councillors' allowances

VIDEO: Amazing D-Day art on Normandy beaches

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ARTISTS Jamie Wardley and Andy Moss include a team of international volunteers to help complete 9,000 fallen figures, raked in the sand to create a massive monotone image. The Fallen are without nationality, without names. They represent a lost life, contextualising the 9000 daily mortalities during the Normandy beach landings in 1944. A longer documentary is in production and this is an early teaser to commemorate 70 years since the Normandy beach landings of 1944. Lest we forget.

VIDEO: Amazing D-Day art on Normandy beaches

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