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Sullay KaiKai and Reise Allassani on target as Owen Garvan pulls out of Crystal Palace friendly win

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CRYSTAL Palace's Development Squad got their pre-season up and running with a 4-1 win at local side Beckenham Town on Friday night. The Eagles were set to name first team member Owen Garvan in their starting line-up, but the central midfielder injured himself in the warm-up and took no part. Academy director and manager Gary Issott decided to give all of his squad a run out in either half, with former Portsmouth and QPR defender Sam Magri taking his place in central defence from kick-off. Magri is on trial with the Eagles for ten days. On a lush playing surface at Eden Park Avenue, it was Beckenham who looked bright early on and they nearly took the lead when their striker was one-on-one with David Gregory, but the Palace custodian saved well. Reise Allassani had a penalty claim waved away at the other end before Palace took control of the game and opened the scoring. A fantastic delivery from Mandela Egbo on the right found its way to the back post, where Sullay KaiKai was on hand to head home. And it was soon 2-0 thanks to Allassani. The youngster burst into the box with a mazy dribble and beat off a last-ditch challenge before getting enough behind his shot to beat the home keeper. Allassani was involved again in what should have been number three when he went through the middle and had the last defender to beat. KaiKai was steaming to his left in space, but instead he passed right to Kyle de Silva, whose effort was beaten away. Striker Morgan Ferrier, recently signed on a short-term deal, looked a handful with his presence and strength too. Then first team duo Jonny Williams and Hiram Boateng arrived to support the Palace team, just hours after stepping off the plane from the pre-season training camp in Austria. Beckenham kept plugging away and they were rewarded before the break when their centre-back moved into an advanced position and lobbed Gregory from outside the box and into the top corner. KaiKai nearly restored Palace's two-goal cushion when his free-kick bent around the Beckenham wall, but the effort went inches wide of the post. Palace had a couple more trialists in the second half, only known as Fehmi and Fizz, as Issott rung the changes. With dark clouds and lightning in the distance, it was the only thing keeping the crowd entertained as neither side manage to spark up further chances. However, when the heavens opened up and the crowd ran for cover, Palace grabbed their third of the night following another good ball into the box. And they wrapped it up soon after with a fourth when a long range effort beat Beckenham's substitute keeper into the bottom corner. Next Friday, Palace's U21s step up their pre-season with a trip to Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville, who are managed by former Eagle, Lee Bradbury. On Tuesday, the U18 side play at Cray Wanderers. Palace first half: Gregory, Egbo, Magri, Croll, Martin, Sow, Dymond, Allassani, De Silva, KaiKai, Ferrier. Palace second half: Gregory, Henry, O'Dwyer, Chambers, George, Gabsi, Sow, Black, Berkeley, Fehmi, Fizz.

Sullay KaiKai and Reise Allassani on target as Owen Garvan pulls out of Crystal Palace friendly win


Council wants to ease the burden on Croydon taxpayers

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REDUCING the potential burden on council taxpayers of what Labour is claiming is a huge debt incurred from building the council's new headquarters is to be a priority. High on the list, according to cabinet member for finance and treasury, Councillor Simon Hall, will be making better use of what he says is an under-occupied building. He did not rule out staff now in the plush Bernard Weatherill House in Mint Walk moving to other council-owned properties, such as neighbouring Davis House, to free up more space to attract outside bodies wanting to rent space. Roehampton University is already in discussion with the council about taking over part of the building. The plight facing the council over financing Bernard Weatherill House was outlined by Cllr Hall at Monday's cabinet meeting. A report presented to the cabinet showed the total cost of providing Bernard Weatherill House now stood at just under £134 million, of which £112 million was down to loans made to John Laing, the council's partners in the Croydon Council Urban Regeneration Vehicle (CCURV). The previous Tory administration has always maintained the loan was the cheapest way to finance the building project. The financial benefits the authority would eventually receive from redevelopment of other CCURV sites, such as the former Taberner House headquarters, would mean ultimately no impact on council taxpayers. The new Labour-run council is not so trusting and wants to find quicker ways to generate income to help offset interest on the loans. Monday's report showed that under present policy, interest costs would amount £85 million over the next 25 years. Cllr Hall told the meeting the move from Taberner House to the more modern and efficient new headquarters had helped save £2.5 million. He said: "We are now looking at different ways to manage the building and how we can make the most of it in order to mitigate the debt mountain." He said after the meeting by looking at moving some staff out of Bernard Weatherill House, more of the building could be used to generate an income. Cllr Hall said: "It is about what is fair for Croydon council taxpayers and Croydon residents." It was important, he said, the council managed its buildings in the best way possible to enable it to maintain front line services.

Council wants to ease the burden on Croydon taxpayers

Crystal Palace Academy boss happy with Beckenham win

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GARY Issott was delighted to see his young Crystal Palace players get off to a good start in their pre-season matches with a 4-1 win at Beckenham Town. A good crowd turned up at Eden Park Avenue on Friday and Issott was happy his players got game time under their belts with no problems. "What we wanted was a good pitch, a local game and it was brilliant to come to Beckenham," Issott said. "There was a great turnout from the supporters and hopefully it raised a bit of money for Beckenham. "We have had a positive result and we've come through with no injuries and four goals. "I wanted to give players 45 minutes each, and the next two games there will be 30 and 60 minutes, then the remaining two or three games that's when you're looking to get the majority of the starting squad, who will start the league campaign, 90 minutes. "It gives everyone a chance to show what they can do. "I liked KaiKai's goal because he was in a great position as the furthest wide player, and it's been crossed from our right-back. "Reise Allassani scored a good second and then the third was a good finish from Fehmi, a lad we have from Dartford. "We'll probably have a longer look at him now."

Crystal Palace Academy boss happy with Beckenham win

Owen Garvan suffered patella injury before Beckenham win, says Crystal Palace Academy boss

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Owen Garvan was forced to sit out of the U21s' match at Beckenham Town due to tendonitis in his knee, says Academy boss Gary Issott. The central midfielder was not involved with the first team's pre-season trip to Austria earlier this week and was set to step up his fitness at home. However, in the warm-up on Friday night he pulled up with the injury and took no part in the 4-1 win. "He had it last year, he just gets tendonitis in his knee, which is inflammation of the patella," Issott told the Advertiser. "Owen, he's a genuine lad, and he was at the game and gave it a go but I think it was the hard ground on him. "He'll be gutted he hasn't been able to get at least 45 minutes under his belt to give him a chance to be as fit as he can possibly be." Just a little over 12 months ago, Garvan was playing in the Championship play-off final and a regular in Palace's starting XI. He was left out of Ian Holloway's 25-man squad last September and continued to stay out of favour when Tony Pulis took over. After getting himself fit, a loan move to Millwall occurred at the end of last season. "It's just what happens in football," said Issott of how things change quickly in the game. "I remember when Neil Shipperley scored the winner in the play-off final in 2004 and then not playing games in the Premier League. "It just happens. Garvs has been a good player for the club and he still has a year remaining. "The manager will make a decision on him (about a possible loan move). "The situation was is he didn't travel to Austria and he was due to get 45 minutes at Beckenham. "It's just inflammation in knee and when it will settle down. "It's the softer ground - we have had a hot summer and the ground is hard at the moment."

Owen Garvan suffered patella injury before Beckenham win, says Crystal Palace Academy boss

Sparks fly at planning committee meeting as South Norwood garage saga turns political

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ONE of the longest running planning battles in Croydon Council history came to a head at last week's planning committee. The 12-year fight between the owner of South Norwood's Autoclutch car repair garage, Richard Hough, and the developer wanting to build on his land took on an overtly political feel at the Town Hall last Thursday (July 11). Conservative members all backed Mr Hough, who stood for the party in 2010, whereas Labour members, who form the committee majority, all voted in favour of varying the final condition blocking developer Greathall's plan to build flats and retails unit at Railway Buildings, in Station Road. Committee chair Councillor Paul Scott asked those speaking and comments from the committee members to be solely based on the planning issue at stake – whether the developer could submit his contamination report after or before he started work on the site. Greathall started demolition work in June before all of its planning conditions had been discharged or varied, after receiving help from the council. Derek Bunning, speaking against the application for the North Croydon Conservation Area Advisory Panel, said: "The council should not be party to this kind of transparent manipulation of planning law." And Steve O'Connell, Greater London Assembly member for Croydon and Sutton, accused the developer of "driving a coach and horses through the planning process". He added: "This somewhat unscrupulous developer has demolished without consent." Cllr Scott, backed by council officers' recommendation for approval, said he was confident there was no reason to object to the application. Jason Perry, shadow cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, accused Labour members of changing their minds after Mr Hough stood as a Conservative in 2010. He said the whole planning committee, including Labour councillors, had voted unanimously against the development before the 2010 election. Greathall was only given permission for the development after the Planning Inspectorate overturned the Conservative-run council's decision to refuse planning permission in 2011 – a decision Labour fought. Councillor Humayun Kabir, vice-chairman of the committee, said: "This needs to come to an end. This site will look good [in the future]. It is an eyesore." Mr Hough has been trying to stay on the land he has run his business from for more 20 years since 2002. Mr Hough has been ordered by a Croydon County Court judge to leave the premises by the end of August. He has applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal against this ruling. James Groux, of Greathall, has said he wants the development to be complete by the end of 2015.

Sparks fly at planning committee meeting as South Norwood garage saga turns political

Volunteers turn derelict South Norwood land into garden honouring punk legend Captain Sensible

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A GARDEN in honour of punk legend Captain Sensible has been created from a derelict scrap of land off of South Norwood High Street. A team of volunteers organised by the Crystal Palace Transition Town and South Norwood Tourist Board have got together to cleared and transformed the land in between the two advertising billboards just past the Goat House bridge entrance of South Norwood High Street. A bench named The Sensible Seat will be the focal point of the land, named after the Damned's Captain Sensible, a former Stanley Tech (now Harris Academy South Norwood) pupil. Captain Sensible, real name Ray Burns, paid tribute to the team of volunteers, saying: "May I send a hearty thanks to all volunteers who contributed in making this forgotten part of South Norwood just that little bit less grim. "I'd have been there myself to help of course but my back was playing me up that day, and I was busy listening to Phil Collins records too." The Crystal Palace fan, who also sang the Big Break theme tune, will unveil his bench at 2pm next Saturday(July 26). Volunteers, led by Crystal Palace Transition Town's Robert Gibson, have been meeting on Sundays and Wednesdays to clear the land which they want the community to enjoy. Jason Cooper, of the South Norwood Tourist Board, said the groups want SE25 residents to know the land is as much theirs as anyone else's. He said: "It won't have any managers, we just want to get it into a state in which people can enjoy it. It can be whatever the community wants it to be. "It would be a great shame if it got back into the state it was in before but, if it does, then we will know the community don't want it." The gang of amateur gardeners have been meeting with their shovels, rakes and black bags before heading off to The Ship pub on the high street for a debrief and pints. Fly-tipped debris and even items such as fridges and baths were among the items they found when clearing the land. Students at Harris Academy South Norwood will run take part in a gardening club on the land and the groups have installed a path to make it wheelchair-accessible.

Volunteers turn derelict South Norwood land into garden honouring punk legend Captain Sensible

Children at Upper Norwood nursery don gowns and mortar boards to celebrate "graduation"

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MORTAR boards and gowns are all the rage at university graduation ceremonies. But on Wednesday a group of 15 four-year-olds were determined to show they were not going to be outdone by their bigger student "brothers and sisters". The children who attend the Norwood Grove Pre-school based in the White House off Gibson's Hill, Upper Norwood took part in their own graduation event as they prepared to move into big school in September. The ceremony has become a tradition at the pre-school and principal, Joan Runcorn believes it is a fitting climax to the children's early years education. Mrs Runcorn said: "Early years education is very important in helping children prepare for primary school. "Here they get used to be away from their parents and learn how to share. "We are helping them build up their confidence to enable them to move on to the next stage of their education." Mrs Runcorn said: "We like to make the move with the graduation ceremony and the children love dressing up. It is very special for them."

Children at Upper Norwood nursery don gowns and mortar boards to celebrate

Crystal Palace fan Q&A: Dwight Gayle to kick on next season

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In the build-up to the new Premier League season, the Advertiser has spoken to a number of our newspaper and website columnists to get their views on the new campaign. This week, we have James Sandford, who believes Dwight Gayle is going to get even better next season. Which fixture(s) did you look out for first when they came out in June? With it being my birthday, I always look out for the New Year's Day game, so a trip to Birmingham for Villa away is on the cards. I also look for the Boxing Day game, as football around Christmas is what makes our league special.Which away fixture are you most looking forward to? Aside from the Villa game, I'd love to get to Southampton in the midweek fixture. It's a ground close to where I live and I've got a few family members who are Saints fans. Plus it's a ground I've never visited so would be another one ticked off the list.And what was your best away day experience last season? Due to not having enough membership points I was unable to get away anywhere last season. I guess that is a testament to our loyal and unwavering fan base as I tried on a few occasions. How do you think Leicester City, Burnley and QPR will do next season? Personally I think all three will struggle. QPR perhaps have the best chance of keeping their place thanks to Harry's little black book of contacts. I can't see Burnley or Leicester scoring enough goals to win games, unless they strengthen. Saying all that though, we were written off before a ball was kicked and look how that ended up! Which Palace player(s) are you most excited about for the new season? I think this season will be the year the Dwight Gayle signing comes to fruition. We saw towards the end of last season what he is capable of, so hopefully we are in for more of the same. I am also looking forward to seeing whether Joel Ward can kick on and get himself recognised on an international level. Are you going to any pre-season matches, first team and/or U21 games? I will be popping along to the development sides game against Havant and Waterlooville as it's only half an hour down the road! Where can the Eagles finish next season – can you finish higher than 11th? I think the second season syndrome may kick in and we will have a tough season on our hands. Teams now know what they are going to get with Pulis' Palace, so will have formulated new plans to break us down. That being said, with a few additions I'm confident we will retain our Premier League status. I'm going for 16th above Hull, West Brom, Leicester and Burnley.Which positions does Tony Pulis need to strengthen in? The obvious one is at left full back. Signing someone to play there will allow Joel Ward to revert back to the right hand side and make the back four even stronger. I would also like us to sign a goal scoring version of Cameron Jerome. Do you have an eye on any particular players you'd like to see sign for Palace? I've enjoyed watching the World Cup and a few players have caught my eye. I would love to see us sign Joel Campbell on loan as he's really impressed during the tournament. In terms of a left back, I think Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea would be an excellent acquisition. I did want Aaron Cresswell but he's gone to West Ham. Is there anything you'd like to see introduced or improved at Selhurst on a matchday? It might be nice not having the battle to go for a half-time toilet break all the time, so more facilities like that would help. Also I used to really enjoy popping a few quid on the game from inside the ground so I'd like to see the owners bring back the bookmaker stands.

Crystal Palace fan Q&A: Dwight Gayle to kick on next season


Graeme Smith will not return to Surrey in 2015 due to injuries

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FORMER South Africa captain Graeme Smith will not return to skipper Surrey County Cricket Club in 2015. Smith was announced as captain at the Oval in November 2012 ahead of the 2013 season but an ankle injury in May forced the batsman to return to South Africa to receive treatment. And this summer, nearly exactly a year after Surrey made the announcement about Smith's ankle, they admitted their skipper was once again returning to his homeland, this time because of a knee problem. Smith had surgery on his knee, and medical experts have strongly advised that the 33-year-old's body will not enable him to fulfil the day to day duties of a full county season. Despite two summers interrupted by injury, Smith insists he has enjoyed his time at the Oval. "I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of captaining Surrey but due to my injuries in 2013 and 2014 I have been unable to fulfil my role in achieving the goals that both Surrey and I set out to accomplish when I first arrived," he said. "I would like to thank Surrey for the way they have looked after me. They have made me feel very welcome and it is very apparent that the current cricket management and personnel in the dressing room are already well on their way to achieving these goals. I will continue to follow the club's progress over the coming years."

Graeme Smith will not return to Surrey in 2015 due to injuries

'Olympic-sized task' ahead for council to ensure viable future

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CEMENTING Croydon's future growth is a task of "Olympic-sized proportions", the council's cabinet was told on Monday.

But Councillor Alison Butler, the cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said the council was determined to help bring about changes which should benefit both the town centre and the borough's district centres.

The cabinet approved the principles of the council's new Growth Plan, the cornerstone of policies to create more jobs and homes and make Croydon a place where people want to live and work.

The guiding principles laid down in the plan include creating 16,500 more jobs; kick starting the building of 9,500 new homes; re-establishing Croydon as London's premier retail and leisure destination and outer London's prime office centre; attracting a major university; revitalising district centres; building more affordable homes and investing in world class broadband infrastructure.

With the principles of the plan now approved, the next step will come in September when the cabinet will "A Promise" outlining how sustainable growth will be realise and "Places Plans" to help develop district centres.

Cllr Butler said: "We are talking about making Croydon a different place, one of which local people and businesses will be proud.

"This report is about making Croydon a better place in which to live and making sure that everyone who lives in Croydon now will benefit from the changes to come."

One of the main drivers of the town centre regeneration will be the Westfield/Hammerson Partnership's redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre.

The £1 billion investment is expected to provide 5,000 jobs in retail and leisure, and the partnership is committed to providing as many as those as possible for local people.

John Burton, development director for Westfield, told the meeting the partnership welcomed the fact the council's new administration was making a clear statement that it was dedicated.

He said: "This is regeneration on a massive scale and we need to help investors understand this is somewhere in which they should invest."

Councillor Toni Letts, cabinet member for economic development, said: "This paper is about changing the perception of Croydon.

"We want to deliver in such a way that we will sustain growth to transform the town centre and the district centres."

'Olympic-sized task' ahead for council to ensure viable future

'New schools in Croydon will open in temporary buildings for years to come'

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NEW schools in Croydon will open in temporary buildings for years to come, says the head of governors at one of the borough's newest academies.

Paxton Academy Sports & Science is one of two schools which will start life in September without permanent accommodation. It was supposed to be located on piece of wasteland next to Lidl in London Road, Thornton Heath, but will instead be housed in sheds on a rugby club's playing field for at least a year while the land is purchased and the new school is built.

Charlotte Davies, chairman of governors, told the Advertiser new schools without permanent buildings will be commonplace if the borough is to meet unprecedented demand for places. Projections suggest Croydon could need up to 52 additional forms of entry by summer 2017, the equivalent of an extra 1,560 pupils each year.

Ms Davies said: "This is going to be a problem for a number of years in Croydon; there's going to be a huge number of temporary buildings all over the place.

"Providers won't be able to build quickly enough to meet demand so, when a new school opens, pupils are likely to be in temporary buildings for 18 months while you get the building up. It's going to be an issue across Croydon, particularly the north of the borough. The big risk is children ending up in tower blocks, which we have robustly tried not to happen with Paxton."

The school will be based at Streatham-Croydon Rugby Club, in nearby Brigstock Road, while a permanent building is constructed. The arrangement, however unorthodox, has advantages for a sports-based academy, said Ms Davies.

"The club has kindly agreed to host our temporary huts while we wait for the permanent site.

"They are developing the main clubhouse and they have let us have some space at the back for sheds. They are high quality sheds fitted out as primary school classrooms.

"If we had opened on the permanent site it would have been with quite a small play space. We now have probably the biggest playground of any primary school in Croydon."

Harris Invictus Academy, a new school located on the disused former general hospital site in London Road, will take its first 180 pupils in September. Last week the Advertiser revealed it will open in entirely temporary buildings. The Harris Federation played down the issue, pointing out that Harris Academy Purley received a glowing Ofsted while being taught in similar interim classrooms.

Ms Davies believes the choice is between doing the best with the space available or asking existing schools to take even more bulge classes, with nine more already put in place for September.

"Croydon cannot take any more bulge classes," she said. "We cannot possibly put any more temporary classrooms on our playgrounds. Our solution is not ideal, but what would you want if it was your child? I think you would want us to be in temporary buildings on a rugby club site instead of temporary buildings on a school playground which is reducing play space."

Maria Gatland, Conservative shadow education chief, says the priority has to be creating more places.

"Ideally you would like to see [permanent buildings] in place, but given the difficulty in finding sites and the sheer volume of places needed in Croydon, I think temporary buildings are acceptable," she said.

"This is the reality now. We have to be imaginative about how we use space. If I was a parent I might be concerned, but I would prefer my child to have a place in a school than not."

Alisa Flemming, Labour's new head of education, rejected the suggestion that schools opening before being built will become the norm.

"The preference would always be for children to go into schools that are ready and, moving forward and I hope that is what happens," she said.

"I accept it's not always going to be possible, but I don't agree that this is just the way it's going be now. We need to give children in Croydon the best. It's easier for them to adjust if they are placed on the actual site which they are going to be at long term.

"But, having a place comes first. If the building's not up to scratch, well, needs must."

When work does start on Paxton's permanent home, which could be finished by 2016, the free school intends the building to be as tall as possible in order to maximise play space on the site.

It is likely to have a playground on the roof similar to options being considered for the new primary school at Segas House, a listed building in the town centre.

So, while classrooms in sheds are the current concern, the issue looming on the horizon is whether Croydon's children should be taught in converted offices.

'New schools in Croydon will open in temporary buildings for years to come'

Upper Norwood clergyman 'could die behind bars' after admitting string of child sex offences

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A CLERGYMAN from Upper Norwood was a paedophile who ran a pro-circumcision group, a court heard. Vernon Quaintance, who was 71 on Wednesday, admitted a string of offences against five boys as young as 11 that he had met in the 1960s and 1970s. Quaintance, who was a member of Catholic society the Order of Malta, accumulated an archive of vile images as recently as 2011, Southwark Crown Court heard. He has served as a sacristan in the church in the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, north London, where the Order conduct their masses. Quaintance was a leader of the Gilgal Society, a group claiming to promote male circumcision and "its benefits in terms of health, sexual satisfaction and self-image". He dodged jail in 2012 after he was found guilty of possessing nine hours of child pornography on video tapes. The retired telephone engineer walked free, despite a judge pouring scorn on the claim he derived "no sexual enjoyment" from the clip. But Quaintance could now die behind bars, after admitting nine offences just moments before his jury trial was due to begin. Quaintance, of Hetley Gardens, Upper Norwood pleaded guilty to five charges counts of indecency with a child between 1966 and 1976 and four counts of possession of indecent images. An additional count of sexual assault on a child was left to lie on file. Judge Anthony Leonard QC adjourned sentencing until September 5 after Quaintance's barrister told the court she was due to give birth imminently. The judge said there was a "very real likelihood" of a significant custodial sentence. Quaintance was released on conditional bail, with the requirement to have no unsupervised contact with anyone under 18. He had previously claimed to be celibate throughout his entire life and has undergone an operation to remove his prostate.

Upper Norwood clergyman 'could die behind bars' after admitting string of child sex offences

Croydon election candidates facing police probe finally submit expenses

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FIVE election candidates who did not file their election expenses in time have now submitted the required paperwork. Four British National Party (BNP) candidates and an independent, all of whom stood in May's local elections, were under investigation by the police for failing to disclose their expenses within 35 days. John Clarke, election agent for the five BNP hopefuls, including himself, claimed he had not been sent the paperwork by Croydon Council. Edward Wentworth-Shaw, an independent who stood in Selhurst, told the Advertiser he had simply forgotten to fill in the forms. The Metropolitan Police began an investigation after receiving a complaint from a member of the public earlier this month. Croydon Council confirmed today (Monday) that all five men had now filed their expenses. The Met has yet to clarify what this means for the investigation. Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, the agent of every candidate must disclose their expenses within 35 days of an election result. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Croydon election candidates facing police probe finally submit expenses

Crystal Palace midfielder set for move after just a year

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Crystal Palace midfielder Jose Campana looks set to depart Selhurst Park for Sampdoria. The former Sevilla man has only been in England for a year but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Despite being a regular starter under Ian Holloway at the start of last season, he became out of favour and went on loan to German side Nurnberg. Campana was with Palace for their pre-season training camp in Austria last week but it is believed both parties have now agreed to move on.

Crystal Palace midfielder set for move after just a year

Nottingham Forest move for Crystal Palace defender

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Crystal Palace right-back Jack Hunt is understood to be on his way to Nottingham Forest on loan. Forest currently have a defensive crisis and have moved quickly to enquire about taking Hunt from Palace. The former Huddersfield Town man spent time on loan at Barnsley last season after an ankle injury picked up last summer.

Nottingham Forest move for Crystal Palace defender


Controversial New Addington boulders to be removed this week

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THE controversial boulders in New Addington are to be removed this Wednesday (July 23), Croydon Council has confirmed. The process of removing the large rocks, which have previously been likened to 'something out of the Flintstones', from Central Parade will begin at 9.30am. New Addington's two new Labour councillors, Oliver Lewis and Louisa Woodley, pledged immediately after their election victory to rid the estate of the boulders. Contractors will be on site with council leader Tony Newman to watch the 22 boulders shipped out of the estate for good. They were installed in 2012 as part of regeneration works funded via Mayor of London Boris Johnson following complaints of illegal parking. But a fierce backlash from local residents saw them labelled as akin to an "alien invasion" and a danger to children. Cllr Lewis has said they will be replaced with something residents want like bins or benches. A council spokeswoman said some of the boulders would end up in a council nursery, while some will be placed in the Mitcham Road cemetery. It is not yet known how long the removal will take.

Controversial New Addington boulders to be removed this week

Crystal Palace supremo hopes for big USA tour support following World Cup success

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CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish is excited about the club's current pre-season tour of the United States and hopes to have big crowds to support the Eagles. Following the USA's impressive showing at the World Cup last month, the game of 'soccer' has continued to capture the imagination of their fans, with hopes of now landing the global tournament in 2026. The Eagles jetted off on Sunday across the Atlantic Ocean and are set to face Columbus Crew on Wednesday. And Parish has headed out to support the tour with manager Tony Pulis. "We have got a lot of things to give away, there is a lot of radio station stuff for us, and the clubs out there will promote the games a lot too," he told the Advertiser. "We'll support them, we'll do interviews and whatever we can to drum up interest for it. "The USA's performance at the World Cup will help perhaps. Even England's performance, people might think about our impact on football out there, but obviously the Premier League is a very international league. "People think of it in a different way, but with their national team I thought they were amazing, absolutely first class. "The effort and endeavour, especially from the likes of Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley, they have got some quality. "Hopefully it does add to a lot more interest. "America is a big market so we'll be PRing the hell out of it while we're out there, just doing as much as radio, just making people aware out there of Crystal Palace. "I will go to ease the burden from Tony as he's trying to get the team ready, but he'll do as much as he can to promote the club. "It will be great to see American-based Palace fans but also any UK-based Palace fans who are out there."

Crystal Palace supremo hopes for big USA tour support following World Cup success

South Norwood cocaine smuggler part of jailed gang

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A WOMAN from South Norwood who was part of a gang that tried to import £400,000 worth of cocaine has been jailed. Sharon Dixon, 52, of Whitehorse Lane, was sentenced on Friday (July 18) to nine years behind bars after being found guilty of conspiracy to import class A controlled drugs at Kingston Crown Court on March 26. She was the only one of seven defendants to deny the offence throughout her trial. Dixon had acted as a drugs mule during the complex operation and had travelled to Jamaica and Portugal as part of the operation. Dixon had previously been sentenced to ten years in 1996 for importing 3kgs of cocaine in her luggage via Stansted Airport. As well as Dixon, three of the gang members were from Liverpool, one from Penge, one from Lewisham and another from Lambeth. They were caught after a joint investigation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the National Crime Agency at Gatwick and Titan and the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit. Dixon was bought flights by Glenroy Williams, 51, from London Gatwick to Montego Bay in Jamaica with a transfer flight specifically booked for Porto in Portugal so Gatwick baggage handler Derek Giles, 56, had access to her luggage. She left London on September 11 last year and returned from Jamaica on September 19. Dixon did not leave the airport as she had been booked on the transfer flight to Porto. As a result her baggage was "in transfer" and was collected by the transfer baggage handlers. Giles was seen to travel from the North terminal to the South terminal to collect the transfer luggage from Dixon's inbound flight from Jamaica. She then boarded the flight to Porto with her baggage weighing 5kg less than it did when she left Jamaica. Dixon stayed just one night in Portugal and she only travelled there to ensure her baggage was "in transfer". She flew back on September 20 and was arrested as she left Gatwick because police had raided Giles' home the previous day and found four sealed tins labelled 'Jamaican Pride Callaloo' with an estimated £400,000 worth of cocaine in. Williams, of Lambeth, was jailed for 11 years for conspiracy to import class A controlled drugs and possession of a stun gun. The rest of the gang all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import class A controlled drugs apart from Williams, who also pleaded guilty to possession of a stun gun. Giles, of Penge, was sentenced to seven years. Craig Accra, of Liverpool, 33, was sentenced to six years. Lee Edward Kent, 36, of Liverpool was sentenced to five years and eight months. Lawrence French, 57, of Lewisham, was sentenced to four years and four months and Eileen Adams, 55, of Liverpool was given eight months.

South Norwood cocaine smuggler part of jailed gang

South Norwood NBA star Luol Deng replaces LeBron James at Miami Heat

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SOUTH Norwood basketball superstar Luol Deng will have some big shoes to fill next season after signing for Miami Heat. The NBA star joined the Heat last week and replaces one of basketball's all-time greats, LeBron James, who left to join the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month. Deng tweeted to confirm the deal: "It's official. I'm really looking forward to this new chapter with a special organization. "I'm excited to have an opportunity to play here and contribute to the culture of success. Thank you to all the fans that have supported me and the new ones welcoming me to Miami." Deng's season will get underway with the Heat in October. He captained Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.

South Norwood NBA star Luol Deng replaces LeBron James at Miami Heat

'Unscrupulous' man jailed for burglaries in Addiscombe and Old Town

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AN 'UNSCRUPULOUS' man has been jailed for burglaries in Old Town and Addiscombe. Patrick Horeatko, 25, of no fixed abode, broke into a property in Old Town, Croydon, on the evening of April 20 this year, taking laptops, Apple gadgets, bracelets, game consoles and a jewellery box after breaking in through the patio. He had also admitted in his police interview to being involved in the burglary of a restaurant in Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, on Thursday, May 8, where he stole £200. He was forensically linked by officers who had examined the Old Town house and he was arrested on May 14 after members of the public called police when they noticed three men behaving suspiciously in Elmwood Road, Croydon. He was initially searched and arrested at the scene after being found in possession of cannabis. He was charged on May 14 and was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday (July 17) after pleading guilty to burglary. DC Simon Nicholls, the investigating officer, said: "I am pleased with the results of our investigation and would like to thank the eagle-eyed members of the public who spotted Horeatko in Elmwood Road. "Thanks to their prompt actions, we were able to quickly arrest him and bring him before a court. I hope he will take some time, while behind bars, to think about his unscrupulous actions."

'Unscrupulous' man jailed for burglaries in Addiscombe and Old Town

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