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FAN VIEW: It would be a crime for Crystal Palace to sell Glenn Murray

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OUR columnist ALEX WHITE on transfer market frustration and why Crystal Palace must keep 'fans icon' Glenn Murray...

FINALLY, something all Palace fans have been waiting on the edge of their seats for - a signing! 

The new boy comes in the rather large form of Brede Hangeland, the former Fulham skipper who was released by the Cottagers at the end of last season.

In his time at Fulham, Hangeland impressed with his strength and power but also his intelligence and professionalism on and off the pitch. Brede brings much needed experience to the Eagles backline and bar a left back, it seems our strongest area on the pitch. The battle for the centre half spot alongside Scott Dann will be an interesting one that's for sure; with Damien Delaney's form last season Hangeland is really going to have to impress on the training pitch.

From us being linked to almost every single player in the market one week to the next having close to no rumours is a very strange phenomenon. I'm sure the frustration is growing within Palace fans and they have every right to be, with the squad clearly lacking bodies. Since the opening of the window we seemed to have been linked to a player in every single position! 

The big question raised for me is actually what position we should be prioritising. The obvious position would be a left back considering we don't have a senior left back remaining in the squad. Jerome Williams certainly looks talented but is he ready to occupy the left back slot in the country's top division? 

We seem pretty comfortable up front with poachers in Gayle and Campbell and target men in Chamkah and Murray, so I feel pretty optimistic in that department. The central midfield to me seems strong, even with the departure of KG. I hope this brings a chance in the first team for the likes of Bannan and Williams and a more like for like replacement in Adlene Guediora. The reality is that our squad is thin on the ground and needs bolstering with talent rather than quantity. I would struggle to name a 25-man squad with what we have; a big few weeks for the board are coming.

Being thin on the ground is uncomfortable at the best of times; it's even more uncomfortable when the only speculation regarding transfers is players leaving the club. We are all anticipating the exit door for Owen Garvan and Stephen Dobbie and you'd expect any offer for Peter Ramage or Paddy McCarthy to be considered. 

The one rumour that worries me is the speculation about the departure of Glenn Murray. The club has reportedly turned down an offer from Reading and Dougie Freedman and Bolton are supposedly interested too. It would be a crime to let Glenn leave; he had a massive influence at the back end of last season. He didn't get bundles of game time and only scored one goal but his return was a major lift around the place.

Murray has been the backbone of our side over the last few seasons and is an example of what Palace stands for. He is a fans icon and more importantly knows where the goal is. I couldn't think of many other players that you would want standing on the six-yard box. I don't think Glenn will start every game but believe he can make a massive influence next season. All it takes is seven or eight goals next season for Murray for that supposed £3million look like peanuts.

Murray deserves his chance and more importantly, what fan doesn't love the man!

FAN VIEW: It would be a crime for Crystal Palace to sell Glenn Murray


Summer Weather Leaves Motorists Facing Extra Costs And Delays As Pothole Menace Worsens

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As Britons prepare to hit the road on family holidays and day trips out over the Summer, Britain's pothole strewn roads could leave motorists with a much bigger problem than sand in their ice cream.
Whilst potholes are usually associated with winter, heat can be equally damaging to the road surface and the latest spell of hot weather - coupled with severe downpours and flash flooding in some areas - means fresh problems are lying in wait for drivers.
Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres explains: "During the summer months potholes form because asphalt road surfaces can crack when subjected to the heat of the day and the stresses of higher traffic volumes. These cracks allow rainwater to seep into the underlying layers, pushing out some of the dirt and gravel, which eventually causes a hole.
"So whilst traffic jams used to be the worst thing drivers would encounter behind the wheel on a holiday or day trip, the poor surface of UK roads coupled with these repeated wet-dry cycles make the pothole situation worse and can cost you both time and money."
There are an estimated two million craters in UK roads and Halfords Autocentres figures reveal that more than 8.9 million vehicles have suffered steering, suspension or wheel damage as a result of potholes over the past year, leaving motorists with a bill of £1.2 billion in repairs – a rise of just 16% in just 12 months. 
Halfords Autocentres, has found that 84% of drivers are concerned by the number of potholes on UK roads and a massive 68% had hit a pothole in the last six months. Its figures also show that women are particularly at risk during the summer because their mileage almost doubles and the likelihood of hitting a pothole increases.
Hitting a small pothole can easily cause damage, yet despite insurance companies attributing as many as one in five mechanical vehicle failures to pothole-related damage - well over a third of people (40%) don't check their car after hitting one.
To help motorists overcome the problem, earlier this year Halfords Autocentres teamed-up with Street Repairs - an online reporting tool which empowers road users to highlight the location of road maintenance and repair issues via their smartphone.
Colin Mahoney, Street Repairs MD commented: "Road users across Britain deserve to travel in safety.  Tyres, suspension and steering are all crucial components of any vehicle and are all susceptible to damage after hitting a pothole, so it's vital to get your car checked by an expert because the damage isn't always immediately obvious."
With many drivers preparing to make long journeys this Summer, Halfords Autocentres offers the following advice for minimising the chances of encountering a pothole, or limiting damage if you do:
1.    Stay alert - keep an eye out for potholes so that you can avoid them safely wherever possible.
2.    Reduce your speed - Striking potholes at higher speeds can cause more damage to your vehicle.
3.    Avoid unnecessary braking - Try not to apply your brakes when driving over a pothole. When you brake you tilt the vehicle forward placing more stress on the front suspension.
4.    Hold the steering wheel correctly - In extreme cases, potholes can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Make sure you are holding the steering wheel properly – '10 to 2' hands position to help you stay on the road safely 
5.    Check tyre pressure regularly - ensuring your tyres have the correct pressure can help minimise potential damage caused by potholes. Recommended tyre pressures can be found in your vehicle's handbook. 
6.    Safety first - If you wish to inspect any damage to your car, ensure that you stop in a safe place.  Only attempt to recover parts which may have fallen off, such as a hubcap, if it is safe to do so. 
7.    Get checked out - If you have hit a pothole and suspect your car has sustained damage, we recommend you get the vehicle checked out by your local garage. Ask them to verify if there could be any other issues such as problems with tracking and wheel alignment, tyres or suspension.

Lillian Groves' aunt wants drug-driving campaign adverts to be "more hard-hitting"

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THE AUNT of a schoolgirl killed by a driver who had smoked cannabis hopes a campaign advertising tougher drug-driving laws is "as harsh as possible".

Michaela Groves, whose niece Lillian Groves, 14, was killed outside her home in New Addington in 2010 by a speeding car, thinks previous adverts have held back too much on "ignorant" drug drivers who she says think they are "invincible".

New laws will come into force in March next year which will make driving with more than trace amounts of drugs in a driver's system a criminal offence.

Mrs Groves said: "We hope the changes are given a strong campaign because it [drug-driving] has never been as high profile as drink-driving.

"The changes are very robust but some countries are already much stronger on this and we need to make sure it hits people as hard as possible.

"I do think these adverts need to be very harsh. There was one recently where all the people in the car just had bigger eyes and it looked like they were all having quite a good time.

"It needs to be more hard-hitting. One that sticks with me for the drink-driving campaign was when the man who had killed a young girl kept being followed round by her dead body. It may look horrific but it needs to be effective."

Mrs Groves and Lillian's family worked tirelessly with the Advertiser to get the law changed through the Lillian's Law campaign.

But she says the impact of the adverts needs to be hard-hitting because of the ignorance of those who drive after taking drugs.

She said: "A lot of people who have taken drugs and drive think they are untouchable until something happens to them.

"We have been told that adverts which depict parents going to a mortuary and identifying their child do not hit home with these drivers enough because it doesn't affect them directly."

She added she hoped there would be adverts in the months prior to the law change in time for Christmas.

Lillian's family are also sceptical as to the figures taken from a new drug-driving survey of 1,000 drivers this week which suggested a million drivers in the UK may have got behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of drugs in the last year.

Three in 100 drivers admitted to doing so in the survey conducted by charity Brake and Direct line.

"Obviously even three per cent is an alarming number and it's three too many but if they actually tested 1,000 people and told them there would be no punishment, I think we would see a lot more than three in a hundred," Mrs Groves added.

"I'm not sure if people just don't trust these surveys or are in denial but I would say it's a lot more than that."

Lillian Groves' aunt wants drug-driving campaign adverts to be

Part of tram network to shut down for more than a week

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TRAM users may have to get used to walking for part of their journey as part of the track closes for a week from Saturday (August 9).

There will be no service on Croydon Tramlink between East Croydon and Sandilands until next Sunday (August 17).

The closure is due to track improvement works and there will be a replacement bus service running between the two stations although it will not serve Lebanon Road stop.

There will be no trams running throughout this period on the Therapia Lane to Elmers End line, with a limited service from Elmers End.

Part of tram network to shut down for more than a week

Crystal Palace defender hopes to shake off slight injury

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CRYSTAL Palace defender Damien Delaney says he's nursing a slight injury picked up on the club's pre-season tour of the United States. The Irishman limped away from the game at Brentford on Saturday but has assured fans it isn't serious as he looks to take part in this Saturday's game in Augsburg. "We were hoping to do better than the result at Brentford and individually," Delaney told the Advertiser. "It was a shame some of us didn't show up and it's less than two weeks now until we go. We do have things to work on. "(My injury) it's only something small, it's just carried on from the trip in America. It's nothing major but it's something I'm having looked at."

Crystal Palace defender hopes to shake off slight injury

Croydon cleaning firm boss sexually harassed widow and groped her at work

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A WIDOWED mother-of-three has been awarded £30,000 in compensation after being groped by the boss of a Croydon cleaning firm.

An employment tribunal heard how Jennifer Newman, 34, was dubbed "proper top totty" in front of clients by Steve Hoad, managing director of cleaning firm Hydro Cleansing.

This was part of a sustained campaign of harassment against Ms Newman, whose husband died in a car crash in 2009 – which has resulted in the payout following a tribunal hearing in West Croydon.

Ms Newman said the problems began when Mr Hoad emailed her a picture of a semi-naked woman in bondage gear, asking: "Have you got a suit like this?"

On another occasion he threw a pen to the floor in front of clients and asked her to pick it up, but when she walked off he said "Look at that, proper top totty" to laughter from the clients.

The final straw came when Mr Hoad groped her bottom when she asked for a pay advance to go on holiday with friends.

Ms Newman told the tribunal: "I felt absolutely violated, upset and demeaned.

"It was as though Steve felt that by asking for an advance on my salary it gave him the right to touch me."

The £32,000-a-year executive reported the incident to HR, but the details were leaked to Mr Hoad's wife, Carol, who also worked for the firm.

Mrs Newman said Mr Hoad "got away with behaving as he wished" with the inappropriate comments "escalating" when she underwent breast enhancement surgery shortly after joining the firm.

She didn't report the initial incidents, saying she hoped "Steve would get bored of making such comments and sending offensive emails as time passed."

But when she decided to approach her boss to ask for a loan, which was offered in her contract, to pay for a family holiday in Cornwall, he groped her left buttock in his private office at the firm's Beddington Lane depot, the tribunal was told.

"I felt trapped, I didn't know who I could turn to," Ms Newman said.

The behaviour was eventually reported to the firm's HR manager and news soon filtered down to Mr Hoad's wife.

On returning from her holiday on August 19, Ms Newman was told "within an hour" she had been made redundant in a meeting - without the Hoads present.

Mr Hoad and his firm failed to send representatives to the tribunal where the panel unanimously upheld Ms Newman's complaints.

She was awarded £29,525.06 in damages, while Hydro Cleansing and Mr Hoad were ordered to also pay her legal costs, totalling £12,897.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Newman said: "This means a lot to me and my family - it's compensation for what this man put me through.

"Hopefully it will be recognised that I've made a stand for lots of women out there who are afraid to speak out.

"I took my problem to HR and they broke my confidence, people need to be protected."

She added: "I'm a youngish single mum. I've been through a lot, but I've picked myself up and dusted myself down.

"I've never experienced working for any company like this. But I'm career-minded and I couldn't bury my head in the sand.

"It's a relief, justice has prevailed. The next step is moving on."

Croydon cleaning firm boss sexually harassed widow and groped her at work

Fatal bus crash victim died just yards from her home in New Addington

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THE 39-year-old woman who died in a collision with a bus has been named as Jessica Vallins.

The mother of two collided with the bus as she drove her silver Hyundai along Homestead Way, where she lived, shortly after midnight on Sunday morning.

Yesterday, her husband John wrote on Facebook: "Please, everyone wear a seatbelt, my heart is so broken."

Other tributes have been paid on social media to a popular woman with a "beautiful smile".

Ama Mohammadi, on Facebook, wrote: "RIP Jess will miss u so much. Will never forget your smile! Love to your family."

Anne-Marie Young wrote: "R.I.P Jessica, will miss you so much and your beautiful smile . Love and hugs to your family," while Sooz Venables added: "RIP Jess. I cant believe u are gone. that laugh, that smile....they always take the best. love u xx"

The driver of the single-decker 130 bus was not injured in the collision, nor were a handful of passengers aboard.

Police investigators have asked anyone with information on the incident to call 020 8285 1574.

Fatal bus crash victim died just yards from her home in New Addington

Coulsdon man, 20, charged with attempted murder after Brixton assault

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A 20-year-old man from Coulsdon has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an assault in Brixton on Sunday. Ryan Ashby, of Coulsdon Road, was initially arrested on suspicion of GBH. He was charged this evening with attempted murder and is due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning. A second man from Tower Hamlets, 22, was arrested on suspicion of GBH and is still in custody at a South London police station. Detectives from Scotland Yard's gang unit, Trident, are appealing for witnesses and information about the assault, which took place in Brixton Road at 11.50pm. A 21-year-old man with serious head injuries was found near McDonald's when officers arrived at the scene. He remains in a critical condition in a South London hospital. Anyone with any information can call 0208 247 4554, or remain anonymous through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Coulsdon man, 20, charged with attempted murder after Brixton assault


Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish gives sneak preview of new Selhurst Park gates

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FOR Crystal Palace fans, they are something akin to the gates of heaven.

Eagles co-chairman Steve Parish took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, to give Palace fans a sneak preview of what the gates at the Holmesdale Road entrance to Selhurst Park will look like.

This is the latest in a series of improvements being promised and teased by Parish in recent days, including new seating and a new big screen at the Eagles' home ground.

Parish revealed the gates are "being made as we speak" on his social media post.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish gives sneak preview of new Selhurst Park gates

Bromley 3–2 Crystal Palace U21s: Young Eagles downed in local clash

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CRYSTAL Palace's Development Squad fell to a 3-2 defeat against Bromley on Tuesday evening. Mark Goldberg's men raced into an early lead, before adding numbers two and three in the second half. Palace, in all honesty, despite grabbing two late goals, weren't at the races at Hayes Lane and it could have been more for the hosts. Gary Issott's side play Fulham in another warm-up game later this week before the start of their league campaign, but the Academy boss would have been disappointed with the marking for two of Bromley's goals from set-plays. Palace fell behind after just nine minutes following a bright start from the hosts. After Michael Chambers had cut out a dangerous cross, Harry Grant rose to head home the resulting corner to give Bromley the lead. Sullay KaiKai had a chance to respond immediately from a free-kick but he curled it over the crossbar. Bromley had a brilliant chance to double their lead when Louis Dennis' cross evaded Ryan Inniss and the ball fell to Moses Ademola, who struck it sweetly only to see Chris Kettings pull off a top save. Kettings had to get down low to deny Ademola again following a through-ball, before the striker saw another effort saved by the stopper from outside the box. KaiKai looked to create a chance as he sent in a dangerous ball from the left, but back came Bromley who were looking to catch out the defensive pairing of Ryan Inniss and Chambers Dennis saw a header go wide of the target following a ball in from the left, while Ademola had further chance to double Bromley's tally with two further chances. Reise Allassani nearly converted KaiKai's clever pass in a rare Palace attack, while at the other end Grant nearly grabbed his second with a volley which was saved well by Kettings. With several minutes of the first half remaining, Palace were denied a penalty when Gray's shot appeared to strike the hand of a Bromley defender but the referee wasn't interested. Ademola let fly from range moments later but saw his effort go narrowly over, while Grant saw a first-time shot also clear the bar. And just as they had done for the entire first half, Bromley finished strongly, with Ademola thwarted again and Adam Bailey-Dennis heading wide. Palace brought on Mandela Egbo for Inniss at the break, while Ghass Sow replaced skipper Connor Dymond. However, the young Eagles fell two behind just 90 seconds into the second half as Ademola curled home a fantastic effort from outside the box to beat Kettings. And the striker nearly grabbed another but couldn't quite reach a low cross with the Palace defence at sixes and sevens. Morgan Ferrier nearly grabbed a goal back for Palace when his effort was superbly denied by Seb Brown in the Bromley goal, while trialist striker Fizz came on for Allassani. Bromley did add another to the scoresheet though just after the hour-mark when substitute Pierre Joseph-Dubois headed home from close range following a corner. Mark Goldberg's outfit upped the pressure and Chambers had to be alert as the last defender to snuff out a low cross with Adam Birchall lurking. Eagles substitute Gus Sow scored the goal of the night on 77 minutes, however, when he picked the ball up 30 yards from goal, ran into space and sent a curling effort into the top corner via the underside of the bar. And with five minutes to go, Palace grabbed another goal back thanks to KaiKai's penalty after the winger was hacked down on the left side of the box. But Palace couldn't conjure up a late equaliser and it ended up with a Bromley victory. Palace: Kettings, Magri, George (Croll 67), Chambers, Inniss (Egbo 46), Dymond (Sow 46), Boateng (Black 67), Allassani (Fizz 51), Gray, KaiKai, Ferrier (Gabsi 60). Subs Not Used: Pain.

Bromley 3–2 Crystal Palace U21s: Young Eagles downed in local clash

Man threatening to jump from YMCA roof is talked down by police

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POLICE talked down a man who was threatening to jump from the roof of the YMCA in Lansdowne Road this evening. The man was taken to hospital after being persuaded down from the roof of Palmer House just before 10pm, having been atop the building for just over three hours. Police cordoned off Lansdowne Road between St James's Road and Bedford Place after arriving on the scene at 6.20pm. They, along with the fire brigade, created a 'safe zone' below the building, which the man is believed to have climbed via scaffolding. A Met spokesman said the man was taken to hospital after he was talked down shortly before 10pm.

Man threatening to jump from YMCA roof is talked down by police

Julian Speroni wins Crystal Palace fans' Twitter vote hands down

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There is no doubt Crystal Palace possess two outstanding goalkeepers in their first team ranks. But no one quite knows who will start the club's first game of the season away at Arsenal next Saturday. Julian Speroni is a club legend and quite rightly won last season's Player of the Year award. Wayne Hennessey certainly kept him on his toes and played the final game of the season against Fulham. Speroni signed a new one-year contract in June and will have a testimonial in the next year. Both stoppers have been utilised in pre-season this summer and are set to have game time against Augsburg this weekend. The Croydon Advertiser asked fans on Twitter to see who the fans wanted to start at the Emirates Stadium - and the results were staggering. Not that we were too surprised.Julian Speroni - 489Wayne Hennessey - 28 Of course, the final decision is down to manager Tony Pulis. However, for now, the fans have spoken, indeed.

Julian Speroni wins Crystal Palace fans' Twitter vote hands down

Croydon's Sue Perkins revels in Paul Hollywood's praise as Great British Bake Off returns to our screens

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After four years presenting The Great British Bake Off, Sue Perkins has picked up some pretty decent kitchen skills. So much so that notoriously hard-to-impress judge Paul Hollywood - who knows a good crumb from a soggy bottom - has termed her "a really good baker". "I wouldn't say I was any good at it, but it's very sweet of Paul to say I'm ok," says the Croydon-born comedian, who returns with co-host Mel Giedroyc for series five which began on Wednesday (July 6). "I'm not much of a cake-maker, because I don't have kids, and because I think if you make a cake then you eat it," she adds, revealing that the weight can "pack on" during Bake Off. "I do love making bread though, I think it's an amazing thing to get into. It's a stress-reliever, it's fun and I just absolutely love it." Perkins isn't the only one to have been bitten by the baking bug. The show, which first aired in August 2010, has led to a major revival in cake, bun and biscuit-making, and made stars of bread guru Hollywood and food writer Mary Berry. More than nine million of us tuned in to see Frances Quinn crowned winner of series four, and this year the contest - which is moving from BBC Two to BBC One - will also have a spin-off programme, An Extra Slice, hosted by Jo Brand. London-born Perkins, 44, is modest about the role she and Giedroyc have played in the show's success (she's previously described it as "an hour of innuendo presented by middle-aged women"). But when the pressure gets too much in the Bake Off tent, and you could cut the tension with a palette knife, the pair are always on hand to provide welcome light relief and console the contestants. Admittedly, the ice-breaking does usually come in the form of a smutty pun or a wink at a rude-shaped bake... "I've sort of cultivated this sort of, 'Ooh look at me, I've got my glasses on, let's try and pretend that I'm clever'," says Perkins. "Actually, I'm just a buffoon child wrapped in a 40-something-year-old's body. Really contrived puns, terrible jokes, people falling over, an exquisitely timed fart; these are things that will make me just roar with laughter." Over the years, Perkins has befriended the home economists who test the technical challenge recipes on Bake Off ("they're my mates"), and has gleaned plenty of baking tips from them. "I will help them make stuff and if they're doing demonstrations, I'll make some of the bread," she adds. "I had quite a slow day on Bake Off once and we were having Comic Relief winners to come and have tea with us, and I made pretty much the whole tea myself - the scones and muffins and cakes and things. I was quite pleased with that." It's just as well Perkins is so interested in food, as many of her presenting gigs have involved it. She and Giedroyc, who met at Cambridge University's Footlights performing arts society, rose to TV prominence on the Channel 4 daytime show Light Lunch, in which each episode saw a top chef cook lunch for the duo and some famous guests. Along with stints on Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Big Brother, Perkins also co-presented the The Supersizers Eat... food history shows with acclaimed restaurant critic Giles Coren. "I suppose over the years I've kind of learnt by default what goes with what and how you should know when something's done, and I'm quite lucky, I've been cooked for by amazing people," she admits. As well as the new series of Bake Off, Perkins is also the host of new More4 show Cooks' Questions, in which three top chefs demonstrate their skills and answer questions from a studio audience of "fervent foodies". "I think the show shows how many answers there are to one simple question, like how to roast a chicken," says Perkins. "We had almost war with Tom Aikens saying you need to brine it for 16 days and then hang it upside down and then form a pentangle around it and set light to it then shove an almond up it's ass, and then you had Richard Corrigan going, 'No that's absolute rubbish, just get a hairdryer and turn it on', and then Frances [Atkins] saying, 'Oh no, just shove it in the oven at 180. I think you'll find that turns out pretty well'. "So actually, it showed the many ways you can skin a cat. Although a cat, of course, is not the best meat if you want a roast..." Perkins is a fan of "good solid practical home cookery"; the kind she used to help her mum with growing up. "I do sort of love those big traybakes and great duvets of lasagne, and all those sort of comforting family foods," she adds. "I think there's all this razzmatazz around the star chefs. You forget that real women - and men too, but predominantly women - are turning out amazing things every single night of the year."

Croydon's Sue Perkins revels in Paul Hollywood's praise as Great British Bake Off returns to our screens

Government could relocate civil service offices to create 'Mini Whitehall' in Croydon town centre

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THE Government is considering relocating major offices to a new civil service 'hub' in Croydon town centre.

Civil service estate in Croydon such as Home Office buildings Apollo House and Lunar House as well as the Land Registry in Bedford Park could move into the hub, as well as Government offices currently based outside the borough.

Both Ruskin Square and the West Croydon Interchange are under consideration for the hub's base, which the council is referring to as a 'Mini Whitehall' as up to ten local and central government services could be housed there.

The council has been chosen as one of 20 local authorities to become part of the Government's One Public Estate programme – a property sharing scheme between central and local government.

The Government Property Unit and Local Government Association will also provide funding and training for a feasibility study of relocating the existing civil service presence into modern offices over the next five years.

Councillor Toni Letts, cabinet member for economic development, said: "These are really exciting times and these ambitious proposals for a civil service hub will only enhance Croydon's reputation as a great place to work, live and visit."

Government could relocate civil service offices to create 'Mini Whitehall' in Croydon town centre

Lorry smashes into tram in New Addington

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A LORRY has smashed into a tram in in New Addington this afternoon.

A lorry belonging to kitchen suppliers Symphony crashed into the front of the tram causing serious damage to it near the roundabout at King Henry's Drive.

A woman in her 20s has been taken to hospital with neck pain but is not thought to be badly injured while a man was checked at the scene but no injuries were found, 

Trams between Addington Village and New Addington were suspended for more than an hour while the incident was dealt with but are now running smoothly again.

Lorry smashes into tram in New Addington


Crystal Palace attacker completes Fleetwood Town loan

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CRYSTAL Palace playmaker Stephen Dobbie is set to complete a season-long loan at League One new boys Fleetwood Town. The Scotsman will not be travelling with the first team to the pre-season friendly against Augsburg or take part in the Development Squad's match at Fulham. It is understood that Dobbie would like to be closer to his family up north, while he has one one more year left on his contract at Palace. However, it looks likely that the 31-year-old has indeed played his last game for the Eagles.Follow your Crystal Palace reporter on Twitter @MR_LWMedia and the Advertiser sports desk @AdvertiserSport for news, interviews and matchday tweets.

Crystal Palace attacker completes Fleetwood Town loan

Met Office issues severe weather warning, which could mean flooding on Sunday

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THE gorgeous summer weather is set to break spectacularly this weekend, with a warning of heavy - at times torrential - rain to come.

Showers are forecast in between sunny spells on both Friday and Saturday, but it is Sunday where the worst of the conditions is expected and the day for which the Met Office has issued a weather warning.

As Hurricane Bertha passes through the Atlantic, the knock-on effects could hit Croydon and the rest of southern England in the form of heavy rain and high winds.

Criag Woolhouse, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said on Thursday: "On Sunday and Monday, a combination of high spring tides and strong westerly winds brings a possible risk of flooding to the south-west coast of England and along the Severn estuary, while heavy rain may also lead to localised surface water flooding in parts of southern and central parts of England.

"However, the forecast remains uncertain so we advise people to regularly check the flood risk situation over the next 48 hours."

Met Office issues severe weather warning, which could mean flooding on Sunday

Brother runs for three months in tribute to Oxted teenager 'cheeky Charlie'

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THE brother of an Oxted teenager killed in a boating accident two years ago is embarking on a unique challenge to raise money for charity.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie Hutton died after falling off a boat being driven by his father while they were travelling from Dorset to the Needles coastline off the Isle of Wight in July 2012.

Now, Charlie's brother Sam, 23, is running every day for 97 days in order to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), as a way of thanking them for their efforts in trying to save his brother's life.

During the campaign, Challenge Charlie, Sam runs a fixed distance every day – starting on Mondays with 2km, Tuesdays 4km, Wednesdays 6km all the way up until a 14km run each Sunday.

"We wanted to create something that everyone can take part in and to inspire others to take up the challenge by running and getting fit," Sam said.

"Charlie stood for sport, he stood for health and he stood for fitness. Ever the competitive little brother and being a cheeky teenager, if Charlie was running with us, he would have sprinted past us shouting 'Speed up bros, call this running?'

"So, what better way to honour his memory than to push ourselves through various sport and fitness challenges?

"As the little brother, he was always trying to keep up with us, but he was far more talented than either [older brother Tom] or I ever were."

Sam randomly picked 97 days for the challenge, and wants to finish on Charlie's birthday – September 20.

Coincidentally, when he worked backwards 97 days to decide on his start date he landed on June 16 – his and Charlie's mother's birthday.

And a more extraordinary twist sees Sam cover exactly 772km – 772 also being the number of weeks Charlie had been alive before he died.

Sam insists both are down to chance. He has already had support from people running the distances with him – most are done around Battersea Park near to where Sam now lives.

And he is encouraging anyone who wants to get involved to come down – most of the arrangements are done via the Challenge's Facebook page.

Charlie was an avid and talented hockey player, and harboured ambitions of representing Britain at the 2020 Olympics.

This is not the first time Sam has raised money for the RNLI in his brother's memory.

He and older brother Tom, 25, have completed the Great South Run, the London Marathon and Half Ironman challenge. Sam also swam 14km from Henley to Marlow in a separate solo challenge. Altogether, their efforts have raised nearly £20,000 for the RNLI.

To join Sam on one of his runs, visit challenge-charlie.co.uk

Brother runs for three months in tribute to Oxted teenager 'cheeky Charlie'

Croydon riots three years on: Survey reveals lack of pride for town and distrust of police

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THREE years ago today, Croydon faced up to its darkest hour as rioters and looters turned our streets into a scene of unprecedented lawlessness and criminality. To mark the anniversary, we asked Advertiser readers for your views on how Croydon has moved forward and your hopes and feelings for the future. As ANDREW JAMESON reports, the results make for some depressing reading...

THREE years have passed since the riots and the scars are still evident in the victims, the businesses and the landscape of Croydon itself. And in our survey of Advertiser readers' views, you have made it abundantly clear there is still plenty of work to do to lift the town from its post-riots gloom. Promises of compensation have taken longer than expected, work to improve the areas worst-affected has been slow and a feeling of distrust in the police and other authorities has emerged. Out of the 300 people who took part in our survey, 71 per cent feel there could be another riot on the 2011 scale within the next ten years. The police response to the riots was heavily criticised as being too soft and, although official police figures indicate crime has fallen, West Croydon resident Bushra Ahmed feels the tensions could come to a head again. She said: "I wouldn't rule out a repeat because the same set of circumstances are still there with youth unemployment and the other issues that caused the riots. "A lot of those people have served their time and are now out and you get the sense that things are building up again. "Unless you tackle those issues head on, it is hard to see how things will change." Ms Ahmed also made reference to what she referred to as the "waste" of money given to the borough to help recover from the riots by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson. She added: "They threw thousands of pounds at stupid community groups for things like 'engagement' which did nothing." But Ms Ahmed did stress some positive aspects, especially the community response compared to other riot-affected areas like Tottenham and Hackney. However, 63 per cent of respondents to our survey agreed or strongly agreed that Croydon's reputation had been irreparably damaged by the riots. In response to a question about the riot victims, two thirds of you believe not enough is being done to help them. Steve Reed, Croydon North MP, said Prime Minister David Cameron and Mr Johnson had committed to helping Croydon get over the effects of the riots to ensure there would be no repeat. He added: "There are still, three years on, a lot of people who feel let down because these promises made to them have not been met in full." Binu Mathew was left financially crippled and bloody-faced by rioters after they destroyed his business Wibi Stores in London Road. He is now so disillusioned that three years later, he has given up all hope of any form of resolution to his problems. Mr Mathew said: "I see all these things in newspapers about how people are being paid out and they are receiving compensation and liabilities but it is not true. "I am now just working hard for my family to try and clear debts caused by the riots. It has not got better in this time." Perhaps most alarmingly for those striving to improve Croydon's image, 57 per cent of you say you are not proud to come from the town.

Croydon riots three years on: Survey reveals lack of pride for town and distrust of police

Croydon riots three years on: Full results of Advertiser survey

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OUR survey on Croydon three years since the riots was responded to by 300 people. Here are the results...
I feel safer living in Croydon compared to before the riots Disagree: 46% Don't know: 20% Agree: 18% Strongly disagree: 14% Strongly agree: 2%There is a greater feeling of community spirit in Croydon than before the riots Disagree: 38% Agree; 27% Don't know: 15% Strongly disagree: 13% Strongly agree: 7%I have more confidence now in the Met Police than at the time of the riots Disagree: 39% Strongly disagree: 22% Don't know: 18% Agree: 17% Strongly agree: 4%Is the Mayor of London right to invest in water cannon, to help deal with disturbances like this in future? Yes: 69% No: 31%The punishments handed out to rioters were... Too lenient: 56% About right: 34% Too severe: 10%Enough is being done to help the victims of the riots... Disagree: 38% Strongly disagree: 28% Don't Know: 26% Agree: 8% Strongly agree: 1%What do you think was the main, root cause behind the 2011 riots? Opportunism: 38% Gang culture: 24% Disaffected youth: 19% Protest against police tactics/approach: 6% Social exclusion: 5% Protest against Government cuts: 4% Consumerism: 4%Enough is being done to address these root causes... Disagree: 44% Strongly disagree: 33% Don't know; 18% Agree: 4% Strongly agree; 1%Do you fear a repeat of the 2011 riots within the next 10 years? Yes: 71% No: 29%I feel more optimistic about Croydon's future than I did in August 2011... Agree: 34% Disagree: 30% Strongly disagree: 16% Strongly agree: 10% Don't know: 10%Croydon's reputation has been damaged irreparably by the riots... Agree: 37% Disagree; 27% Strongly agree: 26% Don't know: 6% Strongly disagree: 5%Today, I feel proud to say I live/work in Croydon Disagree: 33% Strongly disagree: 24% Agree: 24% Don't know: 11% Strongly agree: 8%

Croydon riots three years on: Full results of Advertiser survey

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