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Croydon Minster in need of £30k to keep its doors open

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URGENT efforts to raise £30,000 to keep Croydon Minster open all week round are under way.

A lack of cash means the Minster - where a church has stood since the year 960 - could be forced to close its doors during the day.

Vicar of Croydon, Canon Colin Boswell, said this would be a serious blow to its mission work, including support for the homeless and those with drug and alcohol problems, who use the church in the daytime.

Canon Boswell said: "We ended up with a deficit of £23,000 on the general account for the day to day running of the Minster. It is expensive; we have to pay £100,000 to the diocese to pay for the clergy before we even open the doors."

He said the Minster authorities also face large bills for heating and lighting the church during the day, particularly in the winter. He was, however, anxious the refuge the building gave to vulnerable people and the support offered to them by staff was not lost.

The church is also used for activities for young people and as a meeting place for the elderly.

Canon Boswell said: "We are determined to raise the money, not just because we want to pay our way but because if we are to continue with the mission work, we have to have the church up and running."

Canon Boswell said he was confident they would not have to go down the closure route.

Members of the congregation will be asked to increase the amount they donate to the church each week but a series of fund raising events will be held between now and December when the church's financial year ends.

The first of these take place on June 21 when the Minster will be open for guided tours of the west tower as part of the Croydon Heritage Festival. There will also be music, a book stall and cakes and preserves for sale.

On July 26, the Schola Cantorum will lead a 16-hour sponsored Psalmathon when all 150 Psalms will be sung to traditional Anglican chant.

And on the same evening, Canon Boswell and fellow clergy will be sleeping rough in the Minster grounds to raise awareness of the work it does for disadvantaged people.

Further details of the programme of events can be found at www.croydonminster.org or, to donate money to the Minster, visit www.justgiving.com/croydonparishchurch/donate/

Croydon Minster in need of £30k to keep its doors open


What summer? Croydon braced for heavy rain, hail and thunder

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THE sunny weather of Friday is set to give way to hail, thunder and heavy rain by the early hours of Saturday morning. Horrific weather is set to hit the area at around 1am, and continue right through until Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will remain a warm 22 or 23 degrees but instead of the sunshine, we'll be having to deal with some stormy conditions. Forecasters suggest a fortnight's worth of rain could, at one point overnight in some areas, fall within a single hour. The good news? Sunday is looking like a return to dry, bright and hot conditions - with temperatures reaching 24 degrees. You might need to dry off the BBQ first though.

What summer? Croydon braced for heavy rain, hail and thunder

Tom Ince rejects Inter Milan move

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TOM Ince has turned down a switch to Italian giants Inter Milan. The free agent, whose contract with Blackpool expires this summer, had looked set to join the club his dad Paul played for in the mid 1990s. But Ince, who spent the second half of last season on loan to Crystal Palace, says he'd prefer a move to the Premier League. The 22-year-old said: "After lengthy discussions with my family I have decided that my immediate future in the game lies in the Premier League. "I am flattered to have received such strong interest from several big European clubs. But I believe at this early stage of my career I need to continue my football education in England." It is unlikely Ince will join Palace on a premanent deal, as the form of Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie restricted his starting opportunities under Tony Pulis. The Eagles have also been linked with a move to re-sign Wilfried Zaha, to bolster their wing options. Instead, Ince could move to Spurs or Newcastle, according to some reports.

Tom Ince rejects Inter Milan move

Upper Norwood Library set for cash injection

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CONFIRMATION that Croydon's new Labour council will increase funding for Upper Norwood Library has come this week.

What is not clear is just how quickly the election pledge to match cash put into the library by neighbouring Lambeth Council will be implemented.

Nevertheless, Robert Gibson, co-chairman of the Upper Norwood Library Trust, set up to take over the running of the library, said: "I feel a lot better about the future funding than I have done for quite a while."

The trust was set up after Croydon Council pulled out of a joint funding agreement with Lambeth which had been in place for about 100 years.

Lambeth currently funds the library to the tune of about £180,000 a year, but after the breakdown the then Conservative administration in Croydon cut its contribution from a similar sum to £70,000 a year.

The result has seen redundancies and a reduction in library opening hours to just three days a week.

This week, Labour's cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, Councillor Timothy Godfrey, said the party had agreed it would match fund the library with Lambeth if it won last month's elections.

He said: "That principle remains."

But, as a new council, Cllr Godfrey said there would also be opportunities to look at the library's position in a fresh way.

He said: "We will be meeting shortly with Lambeth to see how we can support the library together.

"We must get it right and work constructively for the future, rather than have the wrangles of the past.

"We want to work with everyone to make things better for the people of Upper Norwood."

Cllr Godfrey said he was hopeful discussions could be completed and any new arrangements in place by October.

He made it plain it was not the council's intention to take back the running of the library and there would be support for the trust.

He did not, however, rule out the idea of restoring a joint body with Lambeth to decide on future financial support.

Mr Gibson said: "We are keen to push things forward.

"If we can get the extra money it would make a huge difference to the library and would mean we could look again at opening five days a week."

He added: "You can never be 100 per cent sure how things will work out but from my personal point of view this does feel like a very good news story.

"I think we are all on the same side."

Upper Norwood Library set for cash injection

New Croydon mayor is happy to fulfil her mum's wish

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CELEBRATING Croydon's rich diversity and culture will be the theme of her year as Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed said on Tuesday.

She made the commitment during her inaugural speech as mayor at the council's annual meeting.

Cllr Shahul-Hameed said she had come to England from Kerala in India to join her husband Raffi in 1996 and study for a masters degree in scientific and engineering software.

She had been closely involved with the community from the start and had continued to build those relationships since being elected to the council for Broad Green ward in 2006.

Talking about her life in Croydon, she said: "I wanted to fulfil my mum's wishes for me to be more than just a housewife.

"It is a great honour and privilege to be mayor and I think I am in a good position to represent Croydon.

"I have lived here for 15 years and my children have been born and bred here.

"I am proud to be living in Croydon and want others to feel the same."

The mayor went on to tell fellow councillors she wanted debates in the council chamber to be conducted in a positive manner.

She said: "It will be challenging but we must remember how the way we conduct ourselves would look if our residents could see us.

"I want members to refrain from personal insults and debate about issues and not personalities."

Cllr Shahul-Hameed was proposed as mayor by new Labour council leader Tony Newman.

He said: "Manju is determined to be a mayor for the whole of Croydon. There are going to be challenges ahead and I know we are in good hands."

Conservative opposition leader Mike Fisher said: "We will support the mayoralty and make sure that Croydon goes from strength to strength."

Cllr Shahul-Hameed has chosen as her charities for the year Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Addiscombe councillor Patricia Hay-Justice is to be deputy mayor.

New Croydon mayor is happy to fulfil her mum's wish

PE teacher at Roy Hodgson's old school fancies a crack at the England job

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THE man doing the same job England manager Roy Hodgson did when he lived in Croydon wants his predecessor's new role – but admitted he is probably better at Championship Manager.

Hodgson used to teach PE at Monks Hill High School in the 1970s and the man in his job now at its successor Quest Academy, in Farnborough Avenue, Selsdon, has spoken of his admiration for the England coach.

Richard Houghton, the assistant principal and PE teacher at Quest, said Hodgson was an inspiration to the students.

He said: "What Roy has shown is what you can do with a little bit of talent and determination and he is a role model for what you can become.

"He has a very, very interesting story which we have shared with the students and we are all hoping they are successful in the tournament.

"We have a very talented team and you never know what might happen in the tournament.

"It would be fantastic if Roy could visit the school after the tournament with the World Cup in tow. Because he's from the area, Roy's story has helped the students aspire to success because they see he's like them."

Hodgson cut his teeth coaching pupils at Monks Hill after growing up in Croydon – and even taught English at the school before moving to Sweden to start his near-40 year career in management.

Mr Houghton coaches football at the school, which also produced former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, and shares the same initials as the former Fulham, Inter Milan, Liverpool and West Brom boss.

And as Hodgson heads off to the second World Cup of his career, Mr Houghton admitted a secret ambition of his own.

"There is a nice symmetry between me and Roy; we've trodden the same paths. My kit and shorts have the same coding, we both have the same initials," he added.

"I'm a little bit further along in my career so I think my chance has gone.

"But, who knows, I'd like to think I might be the next England manager. I'm quite proficient at Championship Manager."

Ramzi Musallam, who was taught by Hodgson at John Ruskin, has fond memories of the England boss.

After Hodgson was named England boss in 2012, Ramzi told the Advertiser: "When I tell people that Roy Hodgson was my teacher, people think I'm making it up.

"It's amazing to see how far he's come since he coached the school's football team.

"Even then everyone wanted to play for him. He was a really intelligent, charismatic guy who knew how to motivate you."

PE teacher at Roy Hodgson's old school fancies a crack at the England job

Workers to swap dust cart for walking boots in Thames charity trek

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WELL-USED to embarking on unusual fundraising efforts, Andy Churchill is preparing for his latest venture – a 215-mile hike along the length of the River Thames.

Mr Churchill, 55, who works for Croydon Council waste contractors, Veolia Environmental Services, will be joined in the venture by colleague, Jeff Gridley.

They are both based at Veolia's depot in Factory Lane, Croydon, Mr Churchill in the offices and Mr Gridley as a dust cart driver.

The pair are aiming to raise more than £3,000 for Breast Cancer Care, the company's chosen charity.

Mr Churchill said: "We have both have done things for the charity in the past. I have had my chest waxed and my head shaved and last year I had their ribbon logo tattooed on my arm."

He said: "This year we wanted to do something different and more ambitious so we could raise more money. We have just started the process of press-ganging our mates at the depot into supporting us."

The walk will take them from the source of the Thames near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, following towpaths and other riverside routes to the Thames estuary.

Mr Churchill said: "We will be setting off on July 2 and hope to complete the walk in eight days, covering the equivalent of a marathon distance every day.

"We have started training and are out most evenings walking between 12 and 15 miles."

While the days' walking is likely to prove gruelling, at least the pair will not have to slum things at night.

Mr Churchill said: "Veolia are being brilliant. They have agreed to pay for a hotel with bed, breakfast and evening meal at every night's stopover."

Anyone wanting to add to their pair's sponsorship can visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Churchill1

Workers to swap dust cart for walking boots in Thames charity trek

Small businesses happy to work with Croydon's new Labour council

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SMALL businesses and the new Labour council will be able to work together to benefit the borough.

This prediction has come from Jeremy Frost, chairman of the 900-strong Croydon Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB has been talking to local Labour politicians for around a year, contact which has included a conference involving leading councillors and around 60 small business owners.

The aim had been, Mr Frost said, to establish contact and set out what small businesses would hope to see if, as has now happened, Labour took control of the council. "The message we have received is that the Labour party now supports small people who are trying to earn a crust at a difficult time. In fact they are saying in a way they are us. I think they are right and this is a good starting point."

That element of harmony does not, however, mean that small businesses will not have a extensive shopping list they want the new council to address. Mr Frost believes the established contact will help those concerns to be addressed.

Mr Frost said: "In the short term we need any uncertainty about the future of the Westfield/Hammerson project to be taken away. There are many small businesses waiting to invest in the borough when that development happens and we don't to see any delays caused by major changes to what has been agreed.

"The project may end up being tweaked a bit but we are saying 'just get on with it'."

In the medium and long-term, Mr Frost said his members wanted to see more done to encourage entrepreneurs of the future. Key to that, he said, was educating and training young people locally, encouraging them to develop businesses in Croydon.

Mr Frost said providing a university in the area was essential to that, as was improving the town's infrastructure and dealing with transport problems, such as bottlenecks on the A23.

He said: "We should be encouraging young people to stay here, rather than sending them away to university and running the risk of them not coming back.

Mr Frost stressed needs of existing small businesses must also be addressed by the new council.

Not least would be the council reducing the burden of business rates.

He said: "We have the situation now where many small businesses are paying more in rates than they are in rent.

"This is ridiculous and can turn people off running businesses in Croydon rather than turning them on."

Small businesses happy to work with Croydon's new Labour council


New Addington boulders 'look like something out of The Flintstones'

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NEW Addington residents have likened the large, controversial boulders in Central Parade to The Flintstones' town of Bedrock. Locals and market traders have voiced their opposition to the rocks, which Labour councillor Oliver Lewis has vowed will be removed following his party's election victory. Six out of ten people in an Advertiser poll this week agreed that it is time for the boulders to go. Huge The 22 huge stones, introduced following complaints of illegal parking, were originally part of a year-long project funded by London mayor Boris Johnson's Outer London Programme, which also included landscaping and the establishment of a play area. But many residents say they look ugly - and are even being used as a toilet by pets. Kathleen Saunders, 70, of New Addington said: "They're an eye-sore but they do mean the elderly can have a sit-down every few yards and take the weight of their feet, "Having said that I've seen a lot of dogs lift a leg and go to the toilet on them." Another New Addington resident, 76-year-old Betty Lacey, added: "I hate them and every time I see them they remind me of the Flintstones." The main concern about the rocks is that locals believe they pose a health and safety risk, particularly to children who play on them. "They are so dangerous," added Mrs Lacey. "The kids will climb on them and it worries me sick because when the road, is open the cars are so close to children that they've only got to knock into one of the rocks and there will be a serious accident. "People often get confused and forget when the road is shut off, I've done it myself, and they will just run across the road. It's just a matter of time before a child goes under the wheel of the car." And some traders and businesses are angry at the two-year-old investment and have blamed the boulders for driving their customers away. CEX store manager Scott Childs, 29, of Thornton Heath, said: "The boulders are ridiculous, just stupid really and a huge waste of money. Business "It has really affected our business as fewer people are coming here to spend money." The Advertiser polled more than 500 people on the issue on our website this week, with 59 per cent voting in favour of removing the boulders. Thirty per cent want the boulders to stay, while the rest did not care either way.

New Addington boulders 'look like something out of The Flintstones'

South Norwood's Scotland referendum plan explained by anarchist

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A SOUTH Norwood Tourist Board (SNTB) member has shed more light on plans for a referendum, asking if the area's residents would like to be part of Scotland instead of Croydon. Associates of the SNTB have asked residents to vote on September 11 – at polling stations around South Norwood a week prior to the Scottish independence vote – on whether the area should go tartan. Voters will also be asked if they want the area to break away from Croydon entirely and if it should become the People's Republic of South Norwood. It is not thought Croydon Council is prepared to sanction the plans but the Advertiser understands the SNTB does not really care either way. Ian Bone, SNTB associate, has also extended an invitation invite to Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond to visit come down and secure vital votes in the build-up to the referendum. Mr Bone said the poll was all part of a bid to return to "the politics of the 50s". He added: "We want people shouting about politics on street corners and a return to the rumbustious politics of the past. We are instigating the debate; we don't have a particular opinion as a group." But when asked what his personal view of the Scottish Independence vote was, Mr Bone, the former editor of anarchist magazine Class War, said: "Oh yeah, I'd like to see them get independence. Anything to stick it to the Tories." The count is set to take place at McStanley Halls, with a reception afterwards at Haggis Academy South Norwood. There will be two polling stations on the day, one on the Woodside end of South Norwood and the other near the high street. "We're also lowering the voting age to 16, so we're pretty confident we can beat the turnout in the local elections," Mr Bone added. Thirty-three per cent? No problem," Mr Bone added. SE25 has almost no links to Scotland, save for Crystal Palace legends Jim Cannon and Dougie Freedman, as well as former Woodside councillor Karen Jewitt. Mr Bone thinks the union could work in South Norwood's favour – although some Scots fear it could instigate a South Norwood equivalent to the West Lothian question. The SNTB previously launched a bid to have South Norwood recognised as a second Lake District and also started a festival celebrating the life of Pickles, the dog who found the 1966 World Cup in a bush in Beulah Hill. South Norwood is at least 350 miles away from the English-Scottish border. Are you a Scottish person living in South Norwood? Please contact newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

South Norwood's Scotland referendum plan explained by anarchist

New Addington children's services set for a shake-up

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CHILDREN'S centre services are to be provided from new locations around the estate following a local school's decision to decommission its own centre.

The council is now looking at new venues after Castle Hill School governors decided the school did not want to run a children's centre on behalf of the local authority, but it could still be used as a venue for the services.

Parents have been invited to a meeting on June 17 to discuss possible new venues for the activities for under-fives and their families, including Good Shepherd and Applegarth primary schools and Goldcrest Youth Centre.

The council has stressed services will continue at Castle Hill, which became an academy last November, although it is unclear at this stage exactly what.

A council spokesman said: "The Castle Hill governing body has decided that it doesn't want a designated children's centre but this does not mean that children's centre services will cease.

"Subject to co-operation from the school, the collaboration would like to use Castle Hill, alongside a wide range of other venues, as access points from which to deliver children's centre services.

"In reality this should mean that more families access services and have greater choice of service, place and time."

Castle Hill governor Simon Hall said they decided last year "the school needed to focus on its main activity and therefore did not wish to run a children's centre."

He added: "But they made clear that facilities at the school could still be used for services."

Parents have been invited to meetings on Tuesday, June 17, at Goldcrest Youth Centre at 9.30am and 1.30pm, to discuss a proposed list of services and venues from September, and any other suggestions.

One mum told the Advertiser many parents feared loss of services at Castle Hill, adding: "Some parents will use it however many times they can get down there.

"To get them out into the community, for some it is the only thing [some] parents have the confidence to go to."

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of 1,995 children attending the area's four children's centres went to Castle Hill, according to council figures.

The council spokesman added the idea was to give parents more choice, saying: "The intention is to make available as many services as possible from as many different venues as possible."

New Addington children's services set for a shake-up

Croydon man's book sheds light on financial crisis

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A FIRST-TIME dad from Woodside has balanced life with a new baby and writing a new book tackling the heavy topic of the UK's economic crisis.

Andrew Fisher, 34, chose to write his first book, titled 'The Failed Experiment… And how to build an economy that works', at a time when his first son, Micah, was expected.

The book arose from a half-hour lecture the trade union policy officer gave on the historical causes of the financial crash and lays the blame for it at the feet of multiple governments.

Mr Fisher said: "The book is a reaction to the crash and the fact a lot of responses have just been glib banker-bashing and very economically illiterate.

"What I wanted to do was look at it in a serious and substantial way. I argue that [the crash] should be seen as a series of political failures based on the consensus politics probably starting with Thatcher's government but carried on with the governments of Major, Blair and Brown.

"I think, if you look back, the crash is a result of us losing the political consensus that started with Clement Attlee's government after the war."

"There has been a lot of rhetoric from this coalition about changing the way the financial markets are regulated but there has not been any real substantive change."

Mr Fisher, a Croydon resident for the last eight years, believes his home borough can be seen as a microcosm of the political failures of the last 35 years.

"Croydon Council is almost impotent. There is very little under democratic control if you look around," he added. "For example, the housing crisis has gone unaddressed because the council don't really have the power to solve it.

"Instead, we get a new shopping centre, which I'm sure if you asked people on the street what their priorities are, it would be very far down the list. Politicians are reduced to cheer-leading about the Westfield and Hammerson development from the side.

"In the way groups such as the Suffragettes helped take power away from the very few in the early part of last century, we need to see similar change now."

And after writing what he hopes will offer a new spin on the economic and political debate, what is Mr Fisher's advice for budding authors?

"Don't write a book when trying to deal with a new-born child."

Mr Fisher will be at the launch of his book at Matthews Yard on Tuesday (June 10) from 7pm.

Croydon man's book sheds light on financial crisis

Teenager from South Norwood charged with murder of James Hunter, 18, in Sydenham

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A TEENAGER from South Norwood is among four youths charged with the murder of an 18-year-old in south east London. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of murdering 18-year-old James Hunter from Sydenham. Mr Hunter was stabbed during a fight in Wells Park Road on May 31. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenager from South Norwood appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court alongside a 16-year-old from Catford on Saturday. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on June 10. A 17-year-old boy was charged with murder on June 4 and was remanded in custody after appearing in court. A 15-year-old male from Lewisham and a 17-year-old from Sydenham have been charged with murder and wounding with intent. They are due to appear before magistrates today (Monday).

Teenager from South Norwood charged with murder of James Hunter, 18, in Sydenham

Purley Tesco staff could lose their jobs as bakery closes

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TESCO is set to close its in-store bakery at its Purley Cross branch, in a move thought to affect around 13 staff. Bread and other baked goods will instead be made at a centralised kitchen in Surrey, as part of the store's expanding Euphorium project. Current staff are being offered new roles in the store or an option to relocate to its new bakery in Weybridge. But the Advertiser understands many staff are angry about the move, fearing they will have to accept contracts with fewer hours and benefits. A Tesco spokesman did not go into detail on the terms being offered to staff when asked by the Advertiser, but said: "There are lots of opportunities both in store and at the new bakery centre in Weybridge, and we're talking to affected colleagues to help them into roles in the new bakery team." The changes, being introduced at around 100 stores in the south east, will see artisan bakery Euphorium opening new counters, as has already happened in many stores. Tesco has said up to 450 jobs will be created at the new site in Weybridge, and 1,000 jobs in total including at Euphorium sites. The company said it is "excited" by the move, adding: "We already offer Euphorium bakery products in several of our stores in and around London and feedback from customers has been really positive. "As part of our programme of creating compelling and enjoyable retail destinations for our customers, we are pleased to be introducing the Euphorium range of artisan breads and cakes to some of our stores in the south and London areas. "We are working with our existing colleagues to support them in applying for the new roles in store and at the bakery centre in Weybridge." But one customer said she was more concerned about the staff, adding: "It doesn't benefit the customer in any way and it's a very poor way to treat their staff; some of them have worked at Tesco for 15 years." It is thought the move will take place towards the end of August.

Purley Tesco staff could lose their jobs as bakery closes

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace join QPR, Aston Villa and West Ham in race for former England star

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CRYSTAL Palace are reportedly among the clubs chasing the signature of former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand. The Guardian is reporting that Palace have joined Premier League rivals Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa and West Ham in the chase for Ferdinand, who is out of contract this summer. But in addition to the interest from English clubs, Ferdinand also reportedly has offers from Dubai and China. His wages could, however, be a stumbling block for Palace, with reports suggesting that QPR could offer him up to £80,000 a week.

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace join QPR, Aston Villa and West Ham in race for former England star


Firefighters quick to tackle blaze after car set alight in South Norwood

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FIREFIGHTERS were called to a road in South Norwood in the early hours of this morning after a car was set alight. A crew from Woodside fire station were able to stop the blaze from spreading from the black Mini after they were called to Carmichael Road at 1.45am today (Monday). Crew manager Steve Mewett said the owner of the vehicle told firefighters the boot window of her car had been broken into the previous day. Mr Mewett said: "We could find nothing to suggest an accidental ignition. It looks as if it was deliberate, but we have left it with the police. The owner was obviously upset." Firefighters brought the blaze under control quickly and left the scene after an hour. A fire engine from Norbury also attended but was not needed. The police are understood to be investigating the incident.

Firefighters quick to tackle blaze after car set alight in South Norwood

YUMMY MUMMY: Daydream believers need a reality check

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THE latest column from our Yummy Mummy Veronica Madden... "GET down from there ... you can be whatever you want to be ... as long as you believe it in your head." I overhear this pearl of wisdom from a school ground assistant talking to a more than a little chubby boy attempting to be Superman off a playground bench. Her condescending, judgemental tone goes right through me. Now, coming from someone who was also a more than a little chubby at primary school, I try to clamp my hand over my mouth to prevent an outburst. I remember hearing that same statement from one of my own teachers. Now, 20 twenty years on, I feel a little lied to. My awful day having meetings about meetings at the office may have also spurred on what I was to do next. I remove my hand clamp, march over to the child and start to explain. "No, little man, you actually can't do anything by just believing, that isn't quite the truth. I think this woman en ought to clarify a few things". The look of horror on the assistant's face is priceless. She attempts to speak but I get in first. "Let me tell you a story, Clark, I too was told to believe I could do anything in my mind. I thought I was going to be a movie legend and be waited on hand and foot. In fact, I still do from time to time – but you know what?" The school assistant tries to speak but my raised palm silences her. thoughts. Little boy shakes his head. "What?" he asks holding his tea-towel Superman cape in his sweaty hand. "Much as I believed in myself, I didn't put that into practice by actually doing anything about it. Now my lack of concentration during some fairly important exams and resulting bank balance say just believing alone doesn't quite cut it." He starts to look worried and his little round cheeks start to redden. Oh no, this is not looking good. I now have an audience of mothers and can hear whispers of the head being on her way over. I think fast on how to turn this around. I thought my days of getting told off by the headmistress were over. Suddenly I am the chubby kid again. Making another chubby kid cry in the playground is not going to go down well. "Listen, buddy," I soften my tone. "Don't spend your life just believing ... make sure you are doing too. If you want to be a superhero tuck that tea towel into your collar and do something super around here". He smiles and shoots across the playground with a new-found speed and confidence. I nod at the other mothers with a smug look, pleased I have made a difference. Turning on my heel, I am just in time to see him knock over the headmistress heading my way. Oh dear. Helping her up. I suggest that maybe we should take away that powerful tea towel. She suggests we have a meeting. "Super," I reply.

YUMMY MUMMY: Daydream believers need a reality check

STEVE REED MP: New Labour council in Croydon faces enormous challenges

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THE latest column from Croydon North MP Steve Reed... THE people of Croydon have elected a Labour council for the first time since 2002. After eight years of Conservative leadership, people were fed up with a council that just couldn't get the basics right. In the north and centre of the borough the streets were unswept, fly-tipping piled up in the streets, and the rubbish collection was, well, rubbish. With new leadership on the council the borough has a chance at a fresh start. But it would be wrong to pretend that because the council has switched from Tory to Labour that everything will happen overnight. We face enormous challenges as a borough: the government will cut Croydon's funding for local services again this year. Michael Gove has failed to give Croydon enough money to fund the school places that we need for all our children. We have fewer police now than the wholly inadequate number at the time of the riots in 2011, and Boris Johnson has already closed every police station in the north of the borough. The challenges that we will face over the next few years cannot be underestimated, but we now have a council ready to stand up for Croydon and to deliver for the people of our borough. I offer my warmest congratulations to all councillors elected in May and look forward to working together with Tony Newman, the new leader of the council, to make real Labour's promise to be ambitious for Croydon.

STEVE REED MP: New Labour council in Croydon faces enormous challenges

Croydon leisure centre staff 'fully expected' to vote for strike in re-ballot

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A BALLOT of staff at five leisure centres in Croydon is due to close this week with a union boss "fully expecting" them to vote for strike action. Lifeguards, fitness instructors and receptionists at the centres Fusion Lifetyle runs for the council agreed to strike in April in a row over pay, but Unite restarted the process when the company claimed proper procedure had not been followed. Unite re-balloted 58 of its members on June 2 and the poll is due to close on Friday (June 13). A yes vote could mean disruption at leisure centres in Thornton Heath, South Norwood, Purley, New Addington and Waddon, though Fusion previously insisted they would operate as normal. Onay Kasab, Unite's regional officer told the Advertiser: "If we get the yes vote, which we fully expect, we will issue notice of strike action". The proposed walkout surrounds a dispute over pay, including claims that Fusion has failed to pass on increased council funding to staff, some of whom have not had a pay rise in five years. A pay offer has been rejected. Mr Kasab said Fusion's actions have prompted the union to begin a wider campaign to support leisure workers across London. "This is because we have found [the industry] to be an area where workers are generally treated very poorly," he said. "Issues include zero hour contracts, bullying and very poor pay levels. "So Fusion have sparked a far wider campaign."

Croydon leisure centre staff 'fully expected' to vote for strike in re-ballot

Crystal Palace captain makes comeback for Australia ahead of World Cup

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MILE JEDINAK is hoping to be fit for the World Cup after making his comeback from injury for Australia on Saturday. The Crystal Palace captain played 74 minutes of the Socceroo's 1-0 defeat to Croatia - his first action since picking up a groin problem in the Eagles' final Premier League game of the season at Fulham on May 11. As such, he is hoping to win his race for fitness in time for Australia's opening match of the World Cup, against Chile on Friday.

Crystal Palace captain makes comeback for Australia ahead of World Cup

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