Quantcast
Channel: Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock furious with Manchester City Cup announcement

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace boss Neil Warnock was furious with the club's decision to announce who they might have got in the next round of the Capital One Cup before extra-time against Newcastle United on Wednesday. The Eagles had just equalised in stoppage time, thanks to Sullay KaiKai's first senior goal, before it was announced over the tannoy system that either Palace or the Magpies would travel to Manchester City. But Warnock wasn't happy with it and is demanding answers. "I'll be taking it further – I thought it was a disgrace," he said. "It had been announced and we had just equalised. You don't want to kill the crowd and I just felt it was a mistake on our behalf and I'll be finding out why we did it. "I thought it was wrong to do that."

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock furious with Manchester City Cup announcement


Crystal Palace boss: I had to make changes for Cup game

0
0
NEIL Warnock wasn't too downbeat about losing narrowly to Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday and believes he had to make wholesale changes following last Sunday's win at Everton. The likes of Jonny Williams, Adlene Guedioura, Barry Bannan, Brede Hangeland and Zeki Fryers were all give run-outs at Selhurst Park in what turned out to be a five-goal thriller. "I asked the players to give me everything, I know I changed a complete team and I could get criticised but I felt it was appropriate," said Warnock. "We worked really hard for two days on how I wanted then to play. That was with a bit of freedom, pace and enthusiasm, and I thought we did that in abundance. "I have never seen a team put in so much effort as I did at Everton on Sunday and get the rewards, so now we have another tough game against Leicester so the same players couldn't do that again against Newcastle. "I am glad I changed it because the players who did play showed me what they can do. We have got a decent squad. "It was a good old-fashioned cup tie. I was determined to have a good go and that's what we want to do this season."

Crystal Palace boss: I had to make changes for Cup game

Crystal Palace striker priced 6/1 to score first against Leicester

0
0
PALACE last met Leicester City in the top-tier of English football back in April 1998 when the Bald Eagle Attilio Lombardo was the manager. Both sides come into the game on the back of excellent wins in the Premier League with the Foxes' improbable 5-3 success over Manchester United, arguably, trumped by the usual 3-2 win at Goodison for Neil Warnock's men. The Eagles' are 13/8 for their first home PL success of the season with the Foxes 19/10 and the draw 23/10 at BetVictor. The Foxes had the day off earlier in the week and went to Leicester Races and I hope they found picking winners easier on Monday than this game which I find difficult to call. It should be noted that as well as the comeback of Lazarus proportions against United, newly promoted Leicester have held Everton and Arsenal at the King Power and won at Stoke City; only league leaders and title favourites Chelsea have lowered their colours so far this season and that was after Leicester missed a gilt-edged chance with the game at 0-0. Fraizer Campbell is 11/8 favourite to be Palace's top PL goalscorer after getting off the mark for the season on Merseyside and the Eagles' eight PL goals so far this season have been scored by eight different players. Campbell is 6/1 to open the scoring at Selhurst Park on Saturday and 2/1 to find the back of the net at anytime during the 90 minutes. Palace have scored six goals in their last two PL games on the road but only one in front of their own supporters. Both teams to score is a shade of odds on at 31/40 with one or both of the sides failing to find the back of the net at 21/20. I think the Eagles can nick it 2-1 which is a 10/1 shot at BetVictor. Palace are, surprisingly, still only 13/8 to be relegated with only goal-shy Burnley (2/5) and QPR (5/4) favoured with the Baggies also 13/8 after their win at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Leicester did come up as Champions from the Championship last season but the fact that they are 1/8 to be the top promoted Club suggests they are head and shoulders in front of Burnley and QPR who were so fortunate at Wembley in the Championship play-off final. Palace are 4/9 to maintain their PL status at the end of the campaign and, for the more optimistic, 8/1 to end the campaign in the top half of the table. Three points against Leicester would certainly help the cause. For all your sporting odds this weekend check out BetVictor.com.

Crystal Palace striker priced 6/1 to score first against Leicester

Cyclist in critical condition after collision with car in Roman Way, Croydon

0
0

A CYCLIST is in a critical condition following a collision with a car in Croydon today.

Police were called to reports of the collision at approximately 5.40am this morning.

A male cyclist, believed to be either 23 or 24, was taken to the major trauma centre at St George's Hospital in Tooting in a critical condition with leg, back and head injuries.

However, a police spokesman said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

London Ambulance Service sent a single responder and a duty officer while London Air Ambulance also attended.

Roman Way was closed and the flyover gridlocked but the road has now reopened.

Cyclist in critical condition after collision with car in Roman Way, Croydon

Exclusive: Crystal Palace starlet Sullay KaiKai on dream debut goal

0
0
PALACE starlet Sullay KaiKai says he dreamt of scoring on his Eagles debut for the first team after grabbing a dramatic equaliser on Wednesday night against Newcastle United. The attack-minded midfielder, who can play on the wing or up front, replaced Jonny Williams with ten minutes remaining and slammed home in front of the Holmesdale in the second of four added-on minutes to equalise at 2-2. The goal took Palace into extra-time of the Capital One Cup clash, before the Toon scored the winner after 112 minutes. KaiKai revealed he had to shout at returning hero Andrew Johnson to leave the ball as the cross came in from the right, before having a second bite of the cherry after Magpies goalkeeper Rob Elliot saved the first effort. "I can't really describe how I feel, I am just buzzing and happy I got a good connection on the ball," KaiKai told the Advertiser. "Luckily it fell back to me and I just concentrated on hitting it as hard as I could into the ground. "Thankfully it went in. AJ was actually going to go for it but I had to shout at him to leave it for me. "Thankfully the first connection was good and the second fell nicely and I took it. "I have dreamt of doing that a million times, making my debut and scoring on it. I just couldn't describe it when it happened."For the full interview with KaiKai, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

Exclusive: Crystal Palace starlet Sullay KaiKai on dream debut goal

Marouane Chamakh to make Crystal Palace return against Leicester

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace striker Marouane Chamakh is back in contention to face Leicester City on Saturday, Neil Warnock told the Advertiser on Wednesday night. The Moroccan has been sidelined for three weeks but has been back in training and the boss is confident of including him against the Foxes.

Marouane Chamakh to make Crystal Palace return against Leicester

Kenley Airfield wants residents to have their say on restoration

0
0

KENLEY Airfield Friends Group (KAFG) need residents help to put the finishing touches to a bid for an £800,000 grant to preserve the historic air strip.

KAFG have been working to maintain the airfield since 2003 and in 2011 they began applying for the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. They were given an initial grant of £56,000 to help them prepare an in depth bid for the bigger sum, which is now almost ready.

And they want to hear what residents think they should be doing at the site.

The airfield was instrumental in defeating the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, which proved to be a critical moment in the Second World War. At lunchtime on August 18, 1940, Kenley Airfield was heavily raided and nine people were killed, giving the date the name the Hardest Day.

The airfield has a number of ancient monuments from the Battle of Britain including fighter pens where fighter pilots parked their Spitfires when on the ground.

Alan Morgan, KAFG chair, said preparing the bid hasn't been easy.

"If we're going to restore one of the fighter pens we have to use the right sort of bricks that were used in 1939 or 1940, or have them made to 1940 specifications," he explained.

"It's more than preserving the airfield, it's a memorial to the pilots who gave their lives so we could be a free country."

KAFG want residents to fill in a questionnaire to tell them what think they should be doing at the airfield as part of the funding bid.

Mr Morgan said: "The survey comes in to gather views of local people because they're the ones who will benefit from the project. It's where people walk their dogs and go for a walk, it's a nice open space and an important historical site."

The bid was initiated by Chris Baguley, former chair and founder of KAFG, who died in March this year. Mr Morgan said KAFG are carrying on Mr Baguley's legacy and is it a great pity he will not see his hard work come to fruition.

"We're doing it for Chris," he said. "We miss him hugely, his wisdom and knowledge and his personality. We are determined to keep it all going in his memory."

KAFG plan to commemorate Mr Baguley's life and work at the airfield, but they have not yet decided how.

To fill in KAFG's survey visit: http://www.tricolorassociates.co.uk/kenleyairfieldsurvey

Kenley Airfield wants residents to have their say on restoration

Croydon primary school's exam results under investigation by Standards and Testing Agency

0
0

A PRIMARY school's exam results are under investigation by the Department for Education (DfE).

Heavers Farm Primary, in South Norwood, has been unable to release its SATs results while the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an arm of the DfE, completes its review.

The Advertiser understands the investigation relates to the conduct of a member of the school's support staff during the exam process.

The school believes the issue is "minor" and it is "extremely unlikely" the results will be annulled, a source said.

In another development, Heavers Farm has confirmed head of school Andrea Cousins has resigned and another member of the senior leadership team is on long-term sick leave.

It is understood that matter is not directly connected to concerns about the school's exam results.

It has, however, fuelled rumours among concerned parents that have led several to contact the Advertiser.

Ms Cousins and her deputy worked under head teacher Susan Papas, who spent most of the last school year at Selsdon Primary, where she took over as executive head last September.

They were left in charge of Heavers Farm, in Dinsdale Gardens, while Ms Papas concentrated on raising standards at Selsdon.

Ms Papas said she was unable to comment in detail on changes to the management of Heavers Farm but they were unconnected to the STA investigation. 

"There is a delay in getting the results back but we are expecting them any day," she said.

Ms Papas confirmed Ms Cousins had resigned and said the deputy head was away from school for "personal reasons".

"The delay and the other matters are unconnected," she added.

It is understood there were disagreements within the leadership team about how Heavers Farm was managed while Ms Papas was away.

Selsdon posted significantly improved SATs results last month, with 82 per cent of pupils reaching at least a Level 4 in English and maths, the benchmark standard, an increase of 21 per cent. In 2013 Heavers Farm scored 65 per cent.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are aware of the concerns of the Standards and Testing Agency and are working closely with them, the school, and the Department for Education to ensure that the investigation is concluded swiftly."

A Department for Education spokesman said: "The Standards and Testing Agency is currently conducting an investigation into the administration of the 2014 Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests at the school.

"While these types of investigation are undertaken it is standard procedure to suppress a school's results until the investigation is concluded. As no final decision on the case has yet been made the school's results have not been returned to them."

Last year SATs results at South Norwood Primary were annulled by the STA after discrepancies with how maths exams were administered. 

Croydon primary school's exam results under investigation by Standards and Testing Agency


Crystal Palace star: I'm so proud of Sullay Kaikai

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace star Jonny Williams was beaming for Sullay KaiKai after the attack-minded star scored a late equaliser to send the Capital One Cup tie against Newcastle United into extra-time on Wednesday. The Wales international said he was "proud" that he made way for KaiKai to come on and show everyone what he's about – and he believes the hard work in training is paying off. "He's a very good finisher and he's got goals about him," Williams told the Advertiser. "He's been working hard in training and he's a good lad as well. "I'm so happy for him. The first finish was just as good as the second as the ball was coming off a cross and he's done well to keep it on target. "Every time I seen him he's working hard, he got his chance on Wednesday and I'm proud because I was the one to make way for him. "It was good for him to have his chance as I remember making my name in the League Cup too, so hopefully he can do the same."

Crystal Palace star: I'm so proud of Sullay Kaikai

Michael Hunt trial: Man accused of murder blames lover for doing 'most of the damage', court hears

0
0

A murder suspect accused of kicking an Irishman to death in an alleyway blamed his lover for doing "most of the damage", a court heard.

Arry Green, 21, confessed to stamping on 37-year-old Michael Hunt after being told the victim had died in hospital, it is claimed.

He allegedly told his mother and stepfather: "I didn't mean to kill him. I can't believe it. I have killed him."

Green then claimed 24-year-old Fiona Nalty also kicked and stamped on Mr Hunt's head, jurors heard.

His stepfather, Philip Cumber, told the Old Bailey: "He told us that Fiona was the one who did most of the damage and was kicking him in the head.

"He said he hit Mick once in the face because Mick hit him on the nose. He stamped on him. Fiona was kicking and stamping on his head.

"He said he didn't mean to go that far and he was sorry. He was trembling, going hysterical when I broke the news to him. He nearly collapsed on the floor. I told him to hand himself in and tell the truth."

The court heard Green was having an affair with Nalty while he was in a relationship with a girl named Stacey.

"It was a secret," said Mr Cumber. "They were sleeping with each other. Arry would go to her house."

Mr Cumber, who was also a close friend of the victim, said he found out about Mr Hunt's death when they saw the police at the scene of the attack in Station Road, South Norwood, south London, on the morning of March 15 this year.

Jurors have heard Nalty and Green attacked Mr Hunt after the victim tried to chat Nalty up during a drunken night out.

Witness Amanda Crowther told the Old Bailey she was woken up by the sound of laughing in Station Road at around 3am.

She said: 'There was a man and a woman, they had their hands round each other's necks. It looked like they were messing about.

"Then they fell over and another bloke appeared. The girl got up and she looked like she was kicking him in the head.

'The other bloke tried to pull the man up and said, 'Come on mate, let's go down there and sort it out."'

Ms Crowther said the three of them then disappeared out of view and she went back to bed, only to hear the sound of a bin lid banging.

A 15-year-old boy has already told the court he heard Mr Hunt shouting "please stop" as he was being attacked.

The prosecution claim Nalty and Green then stripped off Mr Hunt's clothes before dumping his body in a skip.

Mr Hunt, originally from County Waterford in Ireland, was still alive when he was found the next morning but died later that day in hospital. He had suffered a fractured skull.

Nalty, of Fairdene Road, Coulsdon, Surrey, and Green, of Dinsdale Gardens, Norwood, both deny murder.

The trial continues.

Michael Hunt trial: Man accused of murder blames lover for doing 'most of the damage', court hears

Advertiser poll shows divided opinion on 20mph speed limits in Croydon

0
0

READERS' opinions were divided about the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Croydon last week.

After the Advertiser's report on the council's plans to introduce 20mph speed limits in the borough we asked you if you wanted the limits in an online poll.

The council plans to split the borough into five and introduce a 20mph limit in one area a year, at a cost of £300,000 a year, in a bid to increase safety on the roads.

While 45 per cent of you said you strongly agreed that you would like to see the limits in the street you live in 39 per cent strongly disagreed.

And opinions were just as close in response to whether you would like to see the limits in other streets in the borough, with 39 per cent strongly agreeing and 36 per cent strongly disagreeing.

There were 132 responses to the poll. One comment said: "The current speed limits need to be enforced. A 20mph limit will not stop those who always drive above 30mph."

But another said: "Sooner the better. If it only saves one life it's worth it."

Advertiser poll shows divided opinion on 20mph speed limits in Croydon

Jonny Williams' delight at being a central figure for Crystal Palace

0
0
JONNY Williams is set to find out whether Palace boss Neil Warnock wants to loan him out or not following Wednesday night's game against Newcastle United. The 20-year-old started back in central midfield for the first since for nearly 18 months and he admitted it felt "good to be back there". A number of Championship clubs have made enquiries to take Williams on loan but the midfielder admitted he would be happy to just make the matchday squad at Palace and be part of the Premier League experience. "I just want play football really, like any player," he told the Advertiser. "Ideally I would love to play here, even as just a sub or coming on. "We'll have to wait and see what the manager thought of my performance and then speak to my agent as well. You hear all sorts of rumours so I would like to know. "I thought I did OK on Wednesday, it was nice to play central again. "I haven't played there for a while, well, I haven't started central since the promotion season. "It was good to be back there as I feel more involved."

Jonny Williams' delight at being a central figure for Crystal Palace

Croydon chess prodigy, eight, selected to represent England in Brazil

0
0

AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD chess prodigy from East Croydon is looking forward to a trip to Brazil after being selected to represent England in the World School Chess Championship.

Robert Akeya-Price, on a scholarship at Cumnor House School, in South Croydon, said he dreams of becoming a grandmaster before he turns 12 and is "really excited" about the prospect of competing in Brazil.

The tournament gets under way on November 26, and with 23 trophies to his name already, Robert will be hoping to add to his collection.

Asked why he loves the game so much, he said it was all down to mental focus, adding: "I just like to concentrate when I play - and I like to win!"

Robert, who is ranked among the top under-nine chess players in the UK, picked up chess at a very early age thanks to encouragement from his mum, Sholpan Namazbayeva.

"I showed him how to play when he was just four years old, because I wanted to distract him from the television," she said.

"Once he started showing an interest in chess, I started to take him to different tournaments, and it grew from there."

According to Sholpan the game runs in the family, since two of Robert's aunts are well-known grandmasters in her native Kazahkstan.

Robert joined Coulsdon Chess Club when he was five, and has since learned under the watchful eyes of grandmaster John Emms and chess manager Chris Ward.

He also represents the Kent Junior chess association under-nine, under-11, and under-13 teams, and last year in the County Chess Tournament his game was published on the English Chess Federation website as the best chess game.

Away from chess, he also sings three times a week as a choirboy at Croydon Minster.

Peter Clare-Hunt, headmaster at Cumnor House School, said everyone at the school was "extremely proud" of Robert's achievements in chess.

"We wish him the best of luck at the World School Chess Championship," he said.

The tournament costs £2,480 to take part. Any sponsors willing to help Robert's family to meet the costs of the trip should contact Cumnor House.

Croydon chess prodigy, eight, selected to represent England in Brazil

FAN VIEW: Exceptionally refreshing to see Crystal Palace utilise certain brand of football

0
0
LAST Sunday's sterling performance at Goodison Park marked the latest manifestation of a trend beginning to sweep through European and world football. Namely the art of manipulating a game and controlling proceedings while paradoxically enjoying a paltrier share of possession. Roberto Martinez bullishly asserted post-match that Everton had dominated the match – and, superficially and statistically at least, they did. However, the desperation with which the Spaniard was switching formations and making all manner of offensive changes in the second half would suggest otherwise. Persistent chopping and changing of tactics during a game rarely implies a level of comfort in the manager's thinking. Atletico Madrid last season were an exhibition in orchestrating games without the ball. Real Madrid famously employed similar tactics against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final earlier this year, to the tune of a resounding 7-1 mauling. In the case of Atletico, their success in this regard was founded on the tireless running of frontman Diego Costa, a resolute solidity defensively (and ability to concentrate at the back for 90 minutes when faced with constant pressure) and a tenacious swiftness on the counter-attack through the likes of Arda Turan, David Villa and Koke. At Goodison , the Palace line-up and approach mirrored this system. Fraizer Campbell never stopped running, the back four diligently held their positions and demonstrated an assuredness under waves of pressure, while Joe Ledley, Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon turned defence into attack with devastating power and efficiency. Everton may have had the lion's share of the ball but time and again they were forced to thread passes down blind alleys or simply switch the ball back and forth from either wing. Gareth Barry, James McCarthy and Leon Osman had all the time in the world on the ball but no options to distribute it. Fans and players alike would grow restless at this perceived dithering; forcing Everton into attempting risky, percentage balls and inevitably yielding possession. Joel Ward and Martin Kelly would tuck inside to form a compact back four, which also served to draw opposing full-backs Leighton Baines and John Stones into the space vacated down the flanks. This move proved inspired from Palace as Bolasie and Puncheon were able to surge into the unguarded territory on either side of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. It was poor really from Martinez to fall for this tactic as a similar strategy had worked to perfection back in April – yielding exactly the same scoreline. It is exceptionally refreshing to see this exciting new brand of football beginning to take hold. Similar tactics saw Leicester City and West Brom claim famous victories against elite opposition on Sunday. Numbered are the days when smaller teams stay compact and cling to the hope of a fortunate draw. Such teams now do so with increasing purpose and desire to win games. These tactics have been good enough for Jose Mourinho for years, so are certainly good enough for Palace.

FAN VIEW: Exceptionally refreshing to see Crystal Palace utilise certain brand of football

Undercover Croydon police officer sold 'stolen' goods to scrap metal dealer, court hears

0
0

AN UNDERCOVER police officer posing as a thief secretly filmed a scrap metal dealer buying over 300 kilograms of "stolen" copper, a jury was told on Wednesday.

The footage shown to the jury at Croydon Crown Court shows Joseph Collier buying eight rolls of pure copper, stamped UK Power Network from the undercover officer, identified only as Paul, earlier this year.

Collier, of Woodhall Drive in Dulwich, denies knowing the rolls were supposedly stolen.

The 72-year-old is also charged with possessing and disguising criminal property in the form of memorial plaques and handling a stolen statue of a dragon.

The memorial plaques were allegedly taken from graves at Croydon Cemetery, among others. He denies all the charges.

The footage was secretly filmed by Paul on three visits to DSM scrap metal merchants in Bensham Lane, in March this year.

For the visits, he posed as someone trying to get rid of stolen copper cables.

The supposedly stolen goods were supplied to the police legally.

Footage filmed on March 19 and 22 shows Paul selling Collier copper and aluminium cables and pipes, but on these visits he does not tell Collier the cabling is stolen.

On March 27, Paul returned to DSM at around 10am with two large rolls of red cable, eight rolls of pure copper stamped UK Power Network and some thin, tangled orange cabling.

The footage shows Paul and a DSM employee unload all the cabling from the van and place it on the scales. Collier then comes over to weigh the metal before going into his office with Paul to write a £1,134 cheque for the 324 kilogram delivery.

As Collier writes Paul the cheque, the footage shows Paul say: "Just so you know, it's got UK f****** power cables stamped on the f****** side, you may not want to hang on to it for too long."

Giving evidence, Paul said: "I was suggesting it was obviously stolen and he knows to get rid of it as soon as possible."

Paul agreed with the defence that Collier did not respond to this statement.

Defending, James Martin said that Paul said UK power cable, not UK Power Network, which Paul confirmed had been an error at the time.

Mr Martin said: "Even if he did hear you and understand what you were saying you're just saying there is some sort of ownership stamp on the side."

The footage also shows Paul ask Collier to pay him in cash for the goods, which is illegal. Collier is shown refusing each time.

The case continues.

Undercover Croydon police officer sold 'stolen' goods to scrap metal dealer, court hears


Police warn Croydon residents and businesses about 'FBI' hoax

0
0

SCAMMERS claiming to be from America's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been targeting residents and business owners by warning them there is a warrant out for their arrest.

The Selsdon and Ballards neighbourhood policing team say they have received a number of reports in recent weeks from people in the area who have had messages left on their answerphones.

In the automated messages, a person claiming to be from the FBI says a warrant has been issued for the victim's arrest.

They then explain the victim needs to contact a fictional legal firm, who will drop the arrest, but only if a fee or fine is paid, before giving instructions on how to make a credit or debit card payment.

The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone who receives the message to ignore it and not give any personal information to the fake legal firm.

Councillor Sara Bashford said: "I think it's one of those things where we do have a high elderly population in the area and often, they are the targets of these sorts of scams."

"The fact that people are saying it's the FBI is slightly worrying, but it's not that believable. You'd expect them to say they're from the CID."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the Selsdon and Ballards team were not aware anyone in the area had yet fallen victim to the scam.

"People should check with elderly or vulnerable friends and family to make sure they're aware the messages are a scam," he added.

A spokesman for Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, said the scam was known to investigators.

An advice section on Action Fraud's website explained the scam normally gives a deadline for victims to respond to the fictional law firms, which are often named Walsh & Peters, Schwartz & Peters or Lodge & Peters.

The spokesman added: "If you or anyone you know has parted with any money and has become victim to this, then it can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Or if you have not parted with any money, you can simply ignore the scam phone call and report it to Action Fraud."

Police warn Croydon residents and businesses about 'FBI' hoax

Council leader called chief executive to voice 'concern' over Westfield's involvement in Conservative MP's rally

0
0

COUNCIL leader Tony Newman called the council's chief executive to express his "concern" that a senior figure from Westfield was about to speak at a Conservative political rally. 

John Burton, Westfield's director of development, was one of the speakers at the launch of Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell's reelection campaign at Fairfield Halls on Monday. 

Though he told the near 400-strong crowd his involvement was not "political" it has led some to question the retail giant's impartiality. 

Westfield and co-developers Hammerson are behind the £1 billion planned redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre, involving a new shopping complex, hundreds of homes and the creation of up to 5,000 jobs.

The redevelopment has cross-party support and is seen by many as the key to reviving Croydon's fortunes.

Labour leader Cllr Newman only discovered Mr Burton was to appear at the Tory rally late on Monday afternoon. 

He told the Advertiser he rang chief executive Nathan Elvery to voice his "surprise" at Mr Burton's decision and "concern" that Mr Barwell was using the scheme as a "political football". 

Mr Barwell said he had made the nature of the event "crystal clear" and had the right to promote one of his "biggest achievements".

The list of speakers - which included a head teacher, a knife crime campaigner and the co-founder of Croydon Tech City - was a closely guarded secret ahead of Monday's meeting. 

The Advertiser revealed the line-up several hours before the rally and, when Cllr Newman realised Westfield would be involved, he called Mr Elvery.

He said: "I had a conversation with the chief executive. I wanted his understanding [of what was happening]. My own view was that I was surprised [Mr Burton] was doing it. When I heard it was a political rally, I had concerns. 

"My concern was that Gavin was turning Westfield into a political issue when it's remorselessly not been the case."

Cllr Newman said he did not ask Mr Elvery to try to stop Mr Burton from taking part.

"I am sure [Mr Elvery] would have had a conversation with John about how much he did and did not know about the event. At this point we're talking less than half an hour before the thing started," he explained.

"I was concerned that Westfield could become a party political issue when it's crucial that's not the case. The scheme is bigger than any individual."

When Mr Burton did eventually take the stage he told the invite-only audience he would not be making a "political speech" but was there as an "apostle of Croydon and one of the true believers". 

He did, however, mention the role Mr Barwell and Mayor of London Boris Johnson played in brokering the deal between Westfield and Hammerson, known as the Croydon Partnership. 

In a statement provided to the Advertiser following the meeting, a Westfield spokeswoman said: "Westfield, along with other key Croydon business, education and community stakeholders, was invited to provide an update on the redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre and attended the meeting in a non-political capacity only. 

"The redevelopment has received cross-party support and it's vital the Croydon Partnership continues to work with all political parties to ensure that this important retail regeneration program is brought forward at the earliest opportunity for the benefit of Croydon."

Cllr Newman has since spoken directly with Mr Burton and says he received a commitment that he would attend similar rallies held by Mr Barwell's opponent Sarah Jones and Croydon North MP Steve Reed, if they choose to do so. 

"I'm completely reassured by his response," said Cllr Newman. 

"The responsibility for John being dragged into this lies with Gavin Barwell. Presumably [Mr Burton] did not know what the stage was going to be like when he agreed to speak. 

"I'm disappointed Gavin tried to deliberately blur a community rally and a campaign launch. 

"I don't think there's any further reason to be concerned as long as Gavin doesn't print 250,000 leaflets with pictures of John Burton and claiming, in any way, that he endorses his campaign.

"It would lead to the growing feeling that Gavin's campaign is all around spin and instant headlines." 

Mr Barwell said he had invited Mr Burton to speak at the event through an intermediary and later met with him to explain the format and the possible fallout from his involvement.

He said: "It was blindingly obvious that when the list of speakers was made public Labour wouldn't be happy.

"So I made a point of going to see John and I explained to him what the event was and what I thought the possible reaction would be. I went out of my way to make it crystal clear because I didn't want to place someone who was doing me a favour in an awkward position.

"I don't accept that I made it into a political issue. What I tried to do is talk about what I have done as an MP. 

"If Tony is suggesting that I am not allowed to talk about my involvement in what is one of the most important things going on the town, and one of the biggest pieces of work I have done since being elected, that's ridiculous and he should grow up."

Earlier this year the council approved the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire the sites necessary to begin construction work.

Negotiations are ongoing, parallel with a legal challenge by one of the interested parties, ahead of a public inquiry. 

Council leader called chief executive to voice 'concern' over Westfield's involvement in Conservative MP's rally

'Last' Croydon office block abseil raises thousands for charity

0
0

AROUND 50 brave souls with a head for heights took the plunge on Friday to abseil 200 feet down the side of one of Croydon's office blocks.

The event was the fourth annual fundraiser organised by corporate charity, Croydon Commit-ment, and is likely to be the last.

This year's abseil had an even greater edge with participants being asked to "freefall" down Carolyn House in Dingwall Road.

This meant they were dropped down on the abseil rope without their feet touching the side of the building.

Last year's event down the council's former Taberner House headquarters was a record breaker, raising a total of £14,000.

This success prompted the organisers to set themselves a target this year of £15,000 but unfortunately the total looks like falling well short.

Money is still coming in but it is expected the amount raised will only reach around £6,000.

Melinda Ashford of Croydon Commitment said: "We just did not attract enough people this year. This is the fourth year we have organised it and perhaps it has lost its edge. We are also running out of buildings to use."

She added: "I don't think we will do it again and are now looking around for another fund raising stunt for next year."

Ideas being looked at include a trip down a zip wire or even a bit of tightrope walking.

Despite the financial disappointment, Ms Ashford said the abseil had been supported by teams from Croydon Council, Allianz and Mott MacDonald as well as a number of individuals.

She said: "People did enjoy taking part and 98 per cent of those who went down wanted to go back up and do it again."

The money raised will go into Croydon Commitment's general funds. The charity gives annual donations from the funds to voluntary organisations and charity groups across the borough.

'Last' Croydon office block abseil raises thousands for charity

Use of Purley Minor Injuries Unit has dropped since controversial changes to service

0
0

A REVIEW has found that the number of people using the urgent care services at Purley War Memorial Hospital has dropped in the three months since the controversial downgrading of the unit.

Residents were upset when the Minor Ailment/Minor Injury service at Purley War Memorial Hospital (PWMH) was changed to a Minor Injuries Unity (MIU) in May this year, halving opening hours and removing access to the hospitals x-ray machine.

The review, by Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), found that from May to July 2014 the number of people going to the MIU dropped by 12 per cent. There was also a 14 per cent drop in in the people actually treated at the unit, and a nine per cent drop in the number of people successfully sent on to be treated by more elsewhere.

It also found that in July only eight per cent of patients to visit the centre would have benefitted from being able to use the hospital's x-ray machine.

The Minor Ailments service was removed from the unit in May, when it also changed from nurse led to GP led and opening hours were cut from 8am to 8pm, to 2pm to 8pm.

But almost all of the patients to visit the unit in the three months since the changes said their experience of the service had been excellent.

Every month one in ten patients answer a questionnaire about their experience using the MIU. In May 122 evaluated their experiences, with three quarters of people rating the service they received as excellent. Just over 15 per cent said it was very good, and just under eight per cent said it was good. Noone said their experience had been poor or very poor.

The questionnaire also found just over 50 per cent of people who used the MIU said they would have gone to A&E had it not been there, raising questions of whether an extra burden is placed on A&E in the morning and at times when the MIU I closed. But data from A&E do not show a spike in use since the change in May.

There has been much confusion surrounding the MIU since it was previously incorrectly labelled an Urgent Care Centre. The review recommends that consistency in the way the service is referred to on websites will continue to be addressed, and better signs at PWMH have been agreed and will be put in place soon.

But the review concluded that because the new service has only been in place since May this year more evidence will be needed to make firm recommendations on changing the service again.

Dr Tony Brzezicki, Croydon CP and Clinical Chair of Croydon CCG, said that the review was ordered to address resident's concerns about the changes to the unit and that they will be meeting local residents associations to look at the data and make sure the MIU is meeting local needs.

But he said that it is still too early to spot meaningful trends in the data.

"Attendance at Purley minor injuries does seem to be down slightly, but use of Parkway in New Addington has increased," he said.

"This could be because people are getting the treatment they need from more appropriate places, like local pharmacies. If that is the case then that would be positive. We'll keep reviewing the data, and talking to local residents, so that we can get the full picture and take any action needed."

Residents' Associations from areas close to the hospital met today to discuss the review but concluded they cannot comment on the data until more information about the use of other urgent care services for people in Croydon is available.

The associations that met were: Hartley and District, Kenley and District, East Coulsdon, West Coulsdon and Riddlesdown.

There will be another review at six months.

Use of Purley Minor Injuries Unit has dropped since controversial changes to service

FAN VIEW: Neil Warnock's hard work paying off at Crystal Palace

0
0
HARD work and dedication. Whatever side you support, those two characteristics are what most supporters will list as their core requirements for what they want to see on the pitch. It's what I like to see. Talent is allowed to flourish in that kind of working environment - you don't have to forgo entertainment when you work hard - it goes hand in hand. Neil Warnock, for all the negatives that we as fans have a tendency to focus on, is a manager who puts hard work at the core of everything he does. The club have said they wanted someone like Tony Pulis in terms of the defensive outlook, and Warnock certainly meets that criteria. What is surprising is that the club have picked up five points from nine, with an unbeaten run of three games, since Warnock's appointment. Of the games played, Burnley was perhaps the disappointing result of the three, with early chances not converted and the side struggling to break the Clarets down. A Julian Speroni penalty save made the draw feel more like a win, however. The Newcastle result should perhaps have been a win, had we not made such glaring defensive errors. The Everton result, despite a slow start and a hair-raising end, was a win however, and a deserved one. In none of the games that Palace have played under Warnock, have the side looked like a second-best team. They have competed, pushed themselves and held opponents to the sword. You won't break down a promoted side as easily as you might do against an established side - the dynamics are different. Newcastle and Everton won't sit back intent on winning a point when all three are there to be taken - they aren't going to be as pragmatic - which feeds into Palace's approach perfectly. So while I wasn't sure about Warnock becoming Palace's new manager, I can see where some of his value lies. This squad is talented enough to open up the best of opponent. It's the hard work and dedication that requires encouragement to make sure that talent has a chance to shine, and Warnock brings that in abundance.

FAN VIEW: Neil Warnock's hard work paying off at Crystal Palace

Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images