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Croydon rapper Stormzy tipped to be one of 2015's hottest up and coming artists by the BBC

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A RAPPER from Croydon has been tipped as one of the UK's brightest up and coming talents by the BBC.

Grime artist Stormzy, 21, who hails from Thornton Heath, has already had the backing of contemporaries Wiley, Skepta, Wretch 32 and Lethal Bizzle and has been picked on the BBC's longlist of 15 artists tipped to be the Sound of 2015.

Stormzy has a large Youtube following, with some of his songs attracting more than 500,000 views.

He cites Frank Ocean and Lauryn Hill as songwriting influences, and also won the first MOBO award for best grime act this year.

"I couldn't imagine doing anything other than music, some people love money, some people love girls, but I love progressing, elevating and getting closer to your dreams," he told the BBC.

Watch Stormzy's video for Not That Deep, filmed in various locations around Croydon below [contains strong language]:

The BBC announces a list of its hotly tipped artists, chosen by a panel of DJs, critics and broadcasters, every December.

Last year singer-songwriter Sam Smith, who went on to be the only artist in 2014 to sell more than 1million albums in the UK and the US, made the list.

The longlist will be whittled down to five in January. 

Croydon rapper Stormzy tipped to be one of 2015's hottest up and coming artists by the BBC


WATCH: Video for Ben Haenow's X Factor winner's single Something I Need

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HERE'S another milestone in the rise and rise of Ben Haenow - his first-ever music video.

The X Factor winner is bidding for the Christmas number one spot with his version of the One Republic song, Something I Need.

The video takes the standard formula adopted for most winners' singles, charting Ben's X Factor journey - from his first audition, though the judges houses stage and into the live shows before the moment on Sunday night he was announced as the winner.

It also features shots of Ben singing in his van while driving around Croydon, filmed before his first audition.

Watch the video below.

WATCH: Video for Ben Haenow's X Factor winner's single Something I Need

Ukip suspend Winston McKenzie as chairman of Lambeth & Croydon North branch

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UKIP has suspended Winston McKenzie as chairman of its Lambeth and Croydon North branch. 

The rest of the committee has also been suspended and the branch has been disbanded, at least temporarily, after the party intervened following months of infighting.

Mr McKenzie has received a letter of no confidence signed by a number of members who have called on him to step down as chairman of the branch.

The group has asked Ukip's executive committee to deselect him as prospective Parliamentary candidate for Croydon North at next May's general election.

The Advertiser reported yesterday that Mr McKenzie, a former boxer, faced losing both positions after losing the confidence of branch members and senior figures within the party.

Mr McKenzie, who admitted his "career is at stake", admitted he and the committee had been suspended when contacted by the Advertiser but declined to comment further. 

Ukip has yet to issue a statement and it is unclear what the suspension means for Mr McKenzie's candidacy.

The branch has been suspended following a long-running spat between Mr McKenzie and two committee members stemming from accusations that the chairman and secretary Marianne Bowness misappropriated a £1,000 donation.

An investigation found no evidence the funds had been misused but said proper procedures had not been followed.

This week the owner of the office where branch holds its meetings has barred Ukip on the advice of the police. Earlier this month HIV campaigners dumped manure outside the building in protest at comments made Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Responding to suggestion, from a well-placed source, that he would be asked to step down as chairman and faced deselection as a candidate, Mr McKenzie insisted he retained the support of the majority of branch members and Mr Farage, who he compared this week to Jesus during an interview with ChatPolitics.

His opponents have now written to Mr McKenzie calling for an extraordinary general meeting to discuss removing him as chairman, Ms Bowness as secretary and to notify the national executive committee that the branch has no confidence in Winston as a candidate.

Mr McKenzie, who stood as an independent in the race to be Mayor of London in 2008 and finished last, has previously referred to gay couples adopting children as akin to "child abuse".

Despite the comments he finished third in the Croydon North by-election, increasing the party's share of the vote. 

Ukip suspend Winston McKenzie as chairman of Lambeth & Croydon North branch

Manchester City might have to do a Barcelona against Palace

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The Advertiser spoke with the Manchester City reporter for the Manchester Evening News, Stuart Brennan, ahead of Saturday's clash with Palace at the Etihad Stadium…

It seems City have a striker crisis. Will it be young Jose Angel Pozo leading the line on Saturday?

I doubt it. Pozo is extremely talented but still a bit raw and not quite physically developed enough for the Premier League, as we saw at Leicester City last weekend. Manuel Pellegrini will look at other possibilities, including playing David Silva or James Milner in an advanced role. They could even do a Barca and play without a striker!

How much pressure is there on the midfield now to score over the Christmas period?

There is always pressure on the City midfield to score. Yaya Toure scored 23 last season, and Silva and Samir Nasri also weigh in with a few goals every season. Then there is Frank Lampard as well, one of the great goalscoring midfielders of our time. If they have to get through Christmas without a striker – Stevan Jovetic's time out is unsure at the moment - they still have plenty of firepower.

Palace were very unlucky to lose at the Etihad last year. What are you expecting from them?

I can see it being the same again, a real fight for the three points, especially with City's current injury problems. The only difference is that last season the game came two days after a huge Boxing Day game against Liverpool, which forced Pellegrini into a few changes. This time City will field their strongest team - although it will be restricted by those injury problems. Don't know if Joe Hart will be man of the match again!

Which Palace player(s) have caught your attention this season?

I like the look of Yannick Bolasie, having seen mainly highlights. He's quick and skilful, the kind of player who gives defenders nightmare. Mile Jedinak gives you a bit of solidity in the heart of midfield - every team needs a player like him, and he brings that indomitable Aussie mentality to Palace, which is always a bonus.

And finally, a score prediction? Will City edge it again?

I think we will see a couple more goals this time, but still think City will find a way through. I'll go 2-1 to the Blues.

Manchester City might have to do a Barcelona against Palace

Premier League predictions: Can Palace stun champions Manchester City?

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MANCHESTER City have a striker crisis for the visit of Crystal Palace this weekend, but can the Eagles take advantage?

The Premier League champions are without top scorer Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic for the clash with Neil Warnock's men, leaving 18-year-old Jose Pozo as the only recognised forward available to Manuel Pellegrini.

But can Palace spring a surprise and get a result at the Etihad Stadium.

Our resident tipster Bobby Dubz previews this and the other weekend games in the Premier League below.

Manchester City v Crystal Palace (Saturday 12.45pm)

Manchester City may have an injury crisis up front, but they still have an abundance of quality at their disposal to put out on the pitch.

With the likes of Frank Lampard, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, David Silva and Jesus Navas in the squad, Manuel Pellegrini has plenty of players who can get them a goal.

And while Palace have been hard to beat in the last couple of weeks against Tottenham and Stoke City, they will do well to get anything at the Etihad.

City won 1-0 the last time the two sides met at the Etihad, and a repeat of that could well be on the cards.

Prediction 1-0

Aston Villa v Manchester United

All of a sudden, Manchester United are looking like a top four side again.

Yes, they may not be at their best, but they have won six games in a row and are now comfortably in third, with their sights on their city rivals and Chelsea above them.

It is still too hard to see them as genuine title contenders, but if they can keep winning regardless of whether or not they are playing well, then why not.

United have a good record at Villa Park and with Paul Lambert's men still struggling to find some consistency, another win looks likely for Louis Van Gaal's side.

Prediction 0-2

Hull City v Swansea City

Hull City need a win, and soon.

Steve Bruce is under pressure and with his side now second from bottom in the table, they find themselves in a relegation battle.

As such, this match is close to being a must-win for the Tigers, but with Swansea smarting from a late defeat to Tottenham last week, it will not be easy for them.

The Swans are a decent side and they will fancy their chances of getting something, but it may be that they have to settle for a point here.

Prediction 1-1

QPR v West Brom

Queens Park Rangers are two completely different teams home and away.

They have lost eight out of eight on the road this season, but have picked up 14 points in eight games at Loftus Road.

Undoubtedly, home form will be key to their survival hopes and it is games like this that will be crucial to Harry Redknapp's men.

West Brom picked up a much-needed win last weekend against Aston Villa, easing the pressure on Alan Irvine a little.

But they need to push on from that and a win here could see them move into a mid-table position and clear of the drop zone.

However, Rangers will be confident at home and there is every chance of them picking up something, even if it is only a point.

Prediction 1-1

Southampton v Everton

Five defeats in a row in all competitions have raised questions about Southampton and their ability to challenge for the top four.

Injuries and suspensions have hit them hard, but they are still a good side and just need a result to start turning the corner.

Everton have picked up with a win against QPR on Monday lifting them above Merseyside rivals Liverpool, but they have not won in the league on the road since October.

And that run could continue on Saturday, with the Saints sure to be wanting to end their barren run, even if it is only with a draw.

Prediction 1-1

Tottenham v Burnley

Tottenham have had a good week, winning away at Swansea and thrashing Newcastle in the Capital One Cup.

They are still not the finished article by any stretch, but Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping they can go on a run, and this is a perfect opportunity to get their home form going again in the league.

Burnley have improved dramatically since the start of the season, but I am not sure they have enough to go and get something against a Spurs side seemingly on the up.

Prediction 2-0

West Ham v Leicester City

People will surely have to start taking West Ham seriously as challengers for a European spot, if they can maintain their current run of form over Christmas.

The Hammers picked up another decent point at Sunderland last weekend and will surely fancy their chances of another win at home to the Foxes.

Nigel Pearson's Leicester side put in a good performance against Manchester City last weekend, but still did not look like really troubling the champions.

They need a positive result soon, but it is hard to see them getting it at Upton Park.

Prediction 2-0

Newcastle United v Sunderland (Sunday)

There is no doubt that this will be a full-blooded Tyne-Wear derby.

If this game had been three or four weeks ago, it would have been hard to see anything but a home win, but Newcastle have had a bit of a blip in the last couple of games.

Sunderland are proving hard to beat again and they will probably look to frustrate the home fans on Sunday.

And with Newcastle's problems in goal, the Black Cats will probably fancy their chances of nicking something, although discipline will be key.

The derby calls for cool heads and if Sunderland can keep theirs, they have every chance of walking away with at least a point.

Prediction 1-1

Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool bounced back in midweek and produced a good performance in the Capital One Cup quarter-final at Bournemouth.

That was definitely a banana skin for them and the Championships leaders would have fancied their chances of an upset, but Liverpool were having none of it.

They played with a good tempo and unlike at Manchester United last week, they took their chances, which Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to see more of.

If the Reds can take a higher proportion of their chances, they can start thinking of the top four again, but if they don't start doing it soon, they can kiss goodbye to that.

This is a crucial game for both sides – if Liverpool win, they are back in contention, and if Arsenal win, they open up some clear daylight between them and Liverpool, eight points to be precise.

Prediction 2-2

Stoke City v Chelsea (Monday)

None of the big teams like going to the Britannia Stadium at any stage of the season.

And a Monday night just before Christmas would surely not be Chelsea's pick of the times to go there.

However, this Chelsea side don't seem to be fazed by anything and I fully expect them to pick up another three points.

Yes, they may have lost to Stoke last season at the Britannia, but they are a better side this season and they should have too much for the Potters.

Prediction 1-2

Premier League predictions: Can Palace stun champions Manchester City?

Palace fixtures with Newcastle and West Ham moved for television

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CRYSTAL Palace's February fixtures with Newcastle United and West Ham United have been due to television coverage.

Palace were due to host Newcastle on Tuesday, February 10, but due to the Magpies' game with Stoke City being moved to the Sunday for television the weekend before, the clash at Selhurst Park has been put back 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Eagles' trip to Upton Park has been brought forward to 12.45pm on Saturday, February 28, with the game being shown live on Sky Sports.

Palace fixtures with Newcastle and West Ham moved for television

Sutton Council has spent £70,000 and counting on incinerator court battle

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THE legal challenge against the decision to approve the Beddington Farmlands incinerator has so far cost Sutton Council £70,000.

Figures obtained by the Advertiser via a Freedom of Information request show the authority spent tens of thousands of pounds defending itself at the judicial review.

The £69,990 accrued so far includes £49,375 on external solicitors and a top QC, £19.389 on planning officers and consultants, and £1,226 for shorthand writers.

Campaigner Shasha Khan challenged Sutton's approval of the plan on four grounds, all of which were rejected by Judge Justice Patterson following a two-day review at the Royal Courts of Justice in October.

Mr Khan, who funded the legal challenge predominantly through donations to the Stop the Incinerator Campaign, has appealed the judgement.

His costs for the judicial review were capped at £5,000 but the final sum both he and the council will have to pay will not be known until the appeal is resolved.

Sutton declined to comment on the expenditure or how much it hopes to recover if the judge's ruling is upheld.

Viridor, which will build and operate the incinerator in a contract worth £1 billion, had declined to reveal how much it has spent on the legal dispute.

It was represented at the high court by David Elvin QC, a leading counsel on planning law, and Sutton hired the services of Saira Kabir Sheikh QC, instructed by DAC Beachcroft and Sharpe Pritchard.

Mr Khan's legal team, led by barrister Justine Thornton instructed by Deighton Pierce Glynn, was comparatively small.

He has since switched solicitors and the new firm, Richard Buxton, are negotiating a protective costs order for the appeal with the defence.

Asked about the sum spent so far by Sutton, Mr Khan said: "I guess its is for the council to decide what is an appropriate level of expenditure."

He said he continued to receive public donations which had picked up after MP Derek Twigg called for Viridor's Runcorn incinerator to be shut down when chemical leaks left workers in hospital.

"Having the decision reversed in the Court of Appeal is entirely possible," said Mr Khan.

He is appealing on the first ground laid out in the judicial review, namely that the council breached planning guidelines which stated the site - Beddington Farmlands on the border of Croydon and Sutton - would become part of Wandle Valley Regional Park in 2023.

The incinerator would replace an existing landfill site, burning 275,000 tonnes of rubbish each year under partnership between Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Kingston councils. 

Sutton Council has spent £70,000 and counting on incinerator court battle

Croydon Advertiser staff choose their favourite stories from 2014

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CROYDON is among the newsiest areas of the country and 2014 has been no exception. Here Advertiser staff choose their favourite stories from the past 12 months.

Glenn Ebrey, editor 

It's bloody difficult so I'm picking three because I'm the editor – and I can!

In January, after a spate of stabbings involving young people, reporter Georgie Keate was invited into a school to talk to children of all ages about knife crime, and what drives teenagers to take to the streets armed with weapons. Getting that type of access to young people and being able to talk to them about such an issue is extremely rare but the results were fascinating and concerning in equal measure. It also showed how we try to get under the skin of an issue and was a more constructive and challenging approach than merely reporting the incidents themselves.

An obvious one, but Gareth Davies' investigation into honeytrap conwoman Neelam Desai was high-quality reporting and showed that local newspapers, in the era of chasing internet clicks and instant gratification, can still do proper, investigative journalism. The fact Gareth overcame a ridiculous police harassment warning and saw this through to the end – Desai being jailed – made this even more satisfying

Ben Haenow wins X Factor – a genuinely uplifting story for Croydon but I've chosen it more for the outstanding efforts of reporter Polly Albany-Ward, who covered just about every possible angle during Ben's X Factor journey. She spoke to his mum, his gran, his girlfriend, his brother, his favourite pub's landlord, his former teachers and, of course, the man himself. It was exactly what a local paper should do. For us it wasn't about what Ben was singing that week or what sort of career he may or may not have, rather it was our job to tell his back story and build up the picture of the local boy made good. Polly did this superbly.

James Booker, news editor

If Glenn's choosing three, I'm going for two.

Two would-be robbers smash their way into a pub only to be confronted by a topless, Celtic FC baseball bat wielding landlord who taught them a thing or two about breaking the law. Danny Foley's show of vigilantism won him many admirers from readers, offering to buy the landlord a pint and queuing up to give him a pat on the back. The dramatic CCTV footage of the incident was going to be used for a BBC crime programme, but it was rejected during production. The reason? It was too violent.

Then there was the Ukip carnival.

Following the debacle proved to be one of the most entertaining afternoons I've ever had in the newsroom. Our reporter's excellent minute-by-minute coverage of the day meant the whole occasion unfolded as vividly as if I was there in person. It attracted national media attention, but supporters, protesters and the media hoping to see Nigel Farage in Croydon were left disappointed. Instead, Nigel didn't show, the calypso band (yep) claimed they weren't told it was a Ukip event, and chaos quickly ensued. But at least the crowds got a dancing Winston McKenzie, armed with megaphone, to cheer them up.

Gareth Davies, chief reporter

I enjoyed covering BBC Three documentary Tough Young Teachers because Caleb Lall-King, the Year 11 pupil who terrorised his religious studies teacher, was essentially a good kid who epitomised head teacher David Clark's determination to give every pupil a chance, regardless of their background. It was also satisfying that our interview with Caleb was among the best-read stories of the year, without being breaking news (or a story about nude pictures of American celebrities). 

Reporter Ian Austen broke the political story of the year - that former council leader Mike Fisher had secretly given himself a £10,000 pay rise, prompting condemnation from his own party. His resignation as leader of the Conservative group in Croydon swiftly followed.

On the subject of politics, I'll also mention our coverage of Labour's playing fields fiasco, if only for our Spin-derella front page, probably the best/most ridiculous splash in my six years at the paper.

Finally, you should read the month-long series on domestic violence by Tom Matthews and Polly Albany-Ward. They worked very hard to produce four informative and engaging articles on an important topic, culminating in difficult but compelling accounts from victims of abuse.

Andrew Jameson, reporter

The Ukip carnival. The story that just kept on giving. Ukip has been inescapable this year but its Croydon 'carnival' was a perfect storm of slapdash organisation, misguided intentions and complete farce.

Earlier in the year we ran a story on a set of roads in Addiscombe named after Olympic heroes including javelin thrower Steve Backley, sprinter Linford Christie and 400 metre hurdler Kriss Akabusi.

A few weeks later, we received a letter from a slightly put-upon former race walker called Paul Nihill. Mr Nihill, who was born in Addiscombe, won an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo in 1964 and was understandably miffed he had been overlooked when the developers were handing out road names like Jaffa Cakes.

Mr Nihill said: "I'm a race walker which is a bit of Cinderella sport but it's still a tough achievement and I went to four Olympics, which is something not a lot of people have done.

"I've met the mayor a few times and whatnot but there isn't anything permanent. The other athletes are all fantastic and have obviously had great success but why don't they name a road in their hometowns after them?"

Quite right.

Tom Matthews, reporter 

I spoke to Danny, of the appropriately-named Danny's Fish and Chips in Old Coulsdon, back in November after a thief made off with his shop's poppy collection tin only the day before Remembrance Sunday.

He was absolutely gutted that someone had taken money his customers had meant for the Royal British Legion.

I was on holiday the following week but was chuffed to later hear that two sisters, Millie and Izzie, had visited Danny just days later with more than £50 they'd collected from their school friends after hearing of the theft. 

With theirs and other contributions from the village, Danny ended up raising far more for the Royal British Legion than was in the tin the thief stole. Heart-warming stuff.

Croydon Advertiser staff choose their favourite stories from 2014


FESTIVE POLL: What's your favourite part of Christmas dinner?

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THERE'S nothing like Christmas dinner.

A national tradition like no other, it's a time for chat, celebration and overindulgence. It's also a recipe to send Uncle Alan to sleep.

But what's keeping the Advertiser awake at night is not Santa setting our burglar alarm off but the elusive question - what is Croydon's favourite component of the Christmas dinner?

Is it the meat (turkey or lesser-spotted birds)? Is it the spuds? Or maybe, just maybe, it's the pig in blankets.

Whatever the answer, we're dying to know so please take part in our poll below...

FESTIVE POLL: What's your favourite part of Christmas dinner?

Coulsdon school elects first head boy and girl

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WOODCOTE High School has elected its first ever head boy and girl.

The Coulsdon school held elections earlier this month following the efforts of teacher David Kellingley to set up a school honours board.

The board was unveiled on Monday, inscribed with the names of head boy and head girl Luther Blankson and Elisha Russell and their respective deputies, Charlie Daines and Saskia Navaratnam.

Head teacher Mark Southworth said that since the school's sixth form had become established "the time was right" to elect head students.

He added: "After a brilliant and inspiring election campaign, congratulations are extended to our successful candidates, Luther Blankson and Elisha Russell. Luther and Elisha are making a very impressive effort to become part of a unique Woodcote High School team and will have a positive impact on the student voice within the school.

"These two young people, together with a team of deputies and senior ambassadors, are committed to working together for the benefit of both the school and our students, and we wish them every success.

"They are also ably supported by a team of Year 11 ambassadors, who have already assisted in some successful projects sponsored by the school PTA."

Coulsdon school elects first head boy and girl

Purley pensioner 'was scared to use garden' after neighbour hammered nails through fence

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AN ELDERLY woman has been scared to use her garden for the last year after her neighbour erected a fence with three-inch nails sticking into her property.

Eileen Adderley, 87, of Wilmot Road, Purley, has lived alone in the property for five years since her husband died, and used to enjoy spending time in the garden with her three-year-old great-granddaughter, Claudia.

But Stuart Longmire, her step-grandson, said the nails, which stuck out beside a path that runs along the side of the house, meant it was unsafe for Claudia to go into the garden in case she hurts herself.

Mr Longmire, from Warlingham, said: "We can't believe it. If it wasn't so dangerous it would be hilarious. It's a stressful situation to be dealing with."

House owner, Ijaz Shafi, who is currently developing the property, said he was unaware the nails were there and removed them on Wednesday after the Advertiser brought it to his attention.

"If they had left a note I could have done this straight away," he said. "I can't believe they haven't come to me sooner. It's not me to make life uncomfortable or to have bad relations with my neighbours."

Mr Longmire said he did not want to remove the nails as he does not want to "smash up someone else's fence".

He said the garden of the property on Higher Drive, adjacent to Wilmot Road, was developed a year ago. He also complained a shed has been positioned to act as a fence between the properties, and a raised area in the garden is only held in place with "thin concrete boards".

Mr Shafi said he did not know how the board or nails came to be there.

Mr Longmire's stepfather (and Mrs Adderley's son), Kevin Adderley, complained to the council about the work, prompting the developer to apply to the council for retrospective planning permission, which is still pending.

A council spokesman said the nails are not a planning matter and not an issue the council address.

He said: "Onsite unauthorised works are being investigated, these are ongoing and we will be in touch with Mr Longmire as soon as this has taken place."

Purley pensioner 'was scared to use garden' after neighbour hammered nails through fence

Manchester City 3–0 Crystal Palace: Eagles furious as McArthur header wrongly ruled out

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CRYSTAL Palace were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City this afternoon but it could have been a different outcome had James McArthur's headed goal counted.

With the hosts leading 2-0, the Scottish midfielder found the back of the net only to see the assistant referee's flag raised despite being a good two yards onside.

City's Fernandinho was closest to the assistant on the near side running back when Bolasie fired in a delivery for McArthur.

Palace had matched the home side well in the first period but a strong start to the second half saw David Silva notch twice.

Yaya Toure rubbed salt into the wounds following the McArthur decision, blasting home after a counter-attack.

Samir Nasri shot wide early on from Pablo Zabaleta's cut back from the byline, while Jason Puncheon had an effort charged down on the edge of the box.

City had the better of the possession, as expected, but they couldn't finish off a patient move after nine minutes when Fernandinho curled an effort over from outside the box.

A clever free-kick from the hosts nearly caught Palace out, but thankfully Nasri shot wide.

However, it was the Eagles who had the best chance to open the scoring on 20 minutes through Fraizer Campbell.

A free-kick sent in to the back post found Mile Jedinak, who headed back into the mixer. City failed to clear, and Bolasie headed to an unmarked Campbell, who sent a spectacular scissor kick just wide of the far post.

That seemed to wake Manuel Pellegrini's men up, with Yaya Toure placing over, before David Silva had a couple of chances to himself. Toure had another effort go over from close range after further good build-up as City's pressure mounted.

With no recognised striker available, it was clearly evident to see at this stage.

Campbell then latched onto a through-pass, and despite rounding Hart, the forward just couldn't keep the ball in play despite his best efforts to revive the chance.

Bolasie went close again when he volleyed against the side netting after Brede Hangeland's flick-on in the box. And then a great counter nearly ended up with Campbell having a shot but he was stopped in his tracks by two defenders.

Pellegrini's side went close shortly before the break when Zabaleta ran on to a superb pass, and lifted the ball over the onrushing Speroni but the ball went inches wide.

Palace could be happy with the first half, though, having had chances themselves.

Into the second half and Palace were dealt an early blow when City took the lead through Silva's deflected strike from inside the box.

The hosts threatened for another soon after, with Toure blasting over from the edge of the box before James Milner's goal-bound effort was blocked by Scott Dann.

However, they did get a second just past the hour-mark through Silva again. Aleksandar Kolarov delivered from the left and the Spanish international swept home from close range to beat Speroni.

The Eagles thought they were back in the game after 70 minutes when James McArthur nodded in Bolasie's cross from the right, but the assistant referee had raised his flag.

But in fact, the midfielder was onside when the ball was played, with Fernandinho playing him on by at least two yards.

To make matters worse, City made the game safe with a third on the counter. Jesus Navas stormed through the middle and fed Milner, who in turn found the onrushing Toure, who blasted home in off the post.

Neil Warnock sent Jerome Thomas and Barry Bannan on to get a few minutes but it was too late in the game.

Three minutes were added on by referee Dowd, while the Palace fans urged their players to shoot.

Bolasie went for the spectacular with the final chance of the match, sending a scissor kick over the bar following a corner.

Next up for the Eagles is a home match against Southampton on Boxing Day.

Merry Christmas.

Palace: Speroni, Kelly, Ward, Dann, Hangeland, McArthur, Ledley (Bannan 90), Jedinak ©, Bolasie, Puncheon (Thomas 84), Campbell (Zaha 67).

Subs Not Used: Hennessey, Mariappa, Delaney, Gayle.

Attendance: 45,302

Referee: Phil Dowd

Report by Mark Ritson, at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City 3–0 Crystal Palace: Eagles furious as McArthur header wrongly ruled out

Croydon businesswoman Bianca Miller to find out if she is Lord Sugar's next Apprentice

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CROYDON businesswoman Bianca Miller could be named Lord Sugar's next Apprentice tonight.

The 25-year-old faces Australian digital marketer Mark Wright in the final after former Spurs chairman Lord Sugar whittled down a 20-strong field.

Bianca will have help from her former boardroom rivals as we take a closer look at her business plan in tonight's final episode.

The plan centres around a unique approach to ladies' tights although her day job is running personal development business The Be Group from Sydenham Road, Croydon.

Bianca used to attend Beulah Infants' School in Upper Norwood and has grown stronger throughout the process.

She broke down and cried during the interview stage while being grilled by former contestant Ricky Martin after she was criticised for being 'too professional'.

Aussie Mark is currently the favourite to win, despite choking in the task before last and coughing his way through a pitch to Tesco.

The Apprentice starts at 9pm on BBC1.

Croydon businesswoman Bianca Miller to find out if she is Lord Sugar's next Apprentice

Croydon's X Factor winner Ben Haenow scores Christmas number one with Something I Need

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Ben Haenow has won the race to be this year's Christmas number one.

The X Factor winner, from Shirley, sold 214,000 copies of his first single, a version of the One Republic Something I Need.

Ben told the BBC that topping the hit list was "an incredible end to my year".

He said: "I'm gonna go and have a few good drinks with my mates - definitely more than a few good drinks - to celebrate."

He beat Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' Uptown funk into second place, while the quirky Wealdstone Raider finished in fifth.

Watch Ben's video for Something I Need below:

Croydon's X Factor winner Ben Haenow scores Christmas number one with Something I Need

Croydon businesswoman Bianca Miller loses out to Mark Wright in the Apprentice final

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Croydon businesswoman Bianca Miller fell at the last in the Apprentice final this evening.

Bianca, who used to attend Beulah Infants School, planned to create True Skin, a new range of ladies' hosiery, but Lord Alan Sugar chose to pump his £250,000 investment into Mark Wright's search engine optimisation business instead.

After Lord Sugar's choice, she told Dara O'Briain: "I am disappointed, I entered this process to win, but Mark is a very worthy winner."

Before the show, she ran The B Group, a 'personal branding' service which has an office at Cygnet House, in Sydenham Road, Croydon.

Croydon businesswoman Bianca Miller loses out to Mark Wright in the Apprentice final


Unfortunate way to concede at Manchester City, says Palace defender Joel Ward

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CRYSTAL Palace defender Joel Ward says he and his team-mates were disappointed to concede a deflected first goal at Manchester City on Saturday.

David Silva's strike went into the back of the net via Scott Dann's partial block to give the hosts the lead after starting the second half well.

Silva added a second when Palace were looking to get back in the game before James McArthur's header was ruled out for offside, even though he was clearly on by two yards.

"I heard he was onside, which is disappointing when you get decisions that don't go your way," said Ward.

"We have to dust ourselves and go again. In the first half I thought we did well and caught them on the break a few times and were difficult to play against.

"Second half, it was frustrating to concede, the first goal especially. And then that gave them the confidence Manchester City usually play.

"You could argue week in, week out, there's a little bit of misfortune or something happens when you concede, but that's life.

"We could have done better with that, tracking their runs and keeping shape. It was just unfortunate we didn't bring it back after the scored."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Unfortunate way to concede at Manchester City, says Palace defender Joel Ward

Council to clear up New Addington fly-tipping hotspot

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A FLY-TIPPING hotspot behind Central Parade is to be adopted by Croydon Council to end "20 years of neglect".

The service road behind most of the estate's major businesses is to be repaired, resurfaced and regularly cleaned after two decades of no one taking responsibility for it.

It has been blighted by fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour but the council has committed to making it part of its highways and will regularly clean it.

Problems with the road emerged when the two landlords who owned all the buildings on Central Parade sold them to individual business owners.

In the sale, there was no management structure put in place as to who looked after the service road.

Without this, individual business owners were only responsible for their own land, leaving very little collective responsibility for the mess.

The fly-tipping of the land also impacted on properties in Salcot Crescent, which backs onto the service road. New Addington and Central Parade Business Partnership formed seven years ago, partly because of problems with the service road, and has lobbied the council ever since.

Ken Burgess, partnership chairman and owner of Burgess Boys Pet Care, said: "There's been 20 years of neglect in this road. It opens up a whole host of opportunities. It will make the area look nicer and it keeps fly-tipping under control.

"It also enables the businesses to use the space and make use of it as commercial space. It will be a boost to the economy of New Addington."

The council has said it will carry out the works at the same time as works on Central Parade take place, paid for with money from the Mayor of London's Outer London Fund. The works are set to start at some point next year.

The BID installed gates a few years ago to try and improve the security and prevent lorries and vans from dumping waste there, but they were vandalised and damaged.

New Addington councillor Oliver Lewis said: "It is something we have been aware of for a while. Whether people live on the roads around it or whether it is shop owners, the decision to adopt the service road is a positive one."

Cllr Lewis also said adopting the road long-term would "not cost massive amounts of money" for the council.

Council to clear up New Addington fly-tipping hotspot

Crystal Palace stopper ends loan with Bishop's Stortford

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CRYSTAL Palace goalkeeper David Gregory's loan at Bishop Stortford has ended.

The youngster will return to the Eagles' U21 Development Squad and fight for a starting place against Chris Kettings.

Gregory may be sent out elsewhere on loan to continue his progression, though. 

The 19-year-old signed a loan deal with Conference South side Stortford until December 21 and played in Saturday's 3-1 win over Concord Rangers.

Crystal Palace defender admits difficulty of Manchester City marking

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JOEL Ward admitted he and his fellow Crystal Palace defenders found it hard to mark Manchester City's attacking threat on Saturday, despite the hosts playing without a recognised striker.

Because of injuries to Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, City were forced to play David Silva and Samir Nasri in advanced positions.

And due to the way the duo float in and around spaces in the final third, they were difficult for the Eagles' rearguard to pick up.

"It was tough because they're very intelligent, they move the ball very quickly and around," said Ward.

"City have world-class players, so they're going to drift in areas where it's tough to pick up and mark.

"You have to stay alert but unfortunately the goals were disappointing to concede.

"It is hard to get the ball off them. We created our fair share of chances, and when Macca's goal did find the back of the net, it was disallowed."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace defender admits difficulty of Manchester City marking

Silver success for young Thornton Heath entrepreneurs

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STUDENTS from a secondary school in Thornton Heath have won a silver medal at the European Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

Pupils Jada Walters, Anatasia Enyioma, Hannah Ali and Abishna Vamathevan formed a company, AJJA Ltd, and developed a business plan to launch a smartphone app which promotes healthy eating and reducing food waste.

The app, called CookMyDinner, allows users to enter the ingredients you have to have in their your fridge and cupboards and generates a nutritious recipe based on them. to use them up.

The Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College students are already planning to further develop their idea with spin-offs like including CookMyCurry and CookMyPizza.

They competed in Vienna on November 26 against 14 other teams representing 12 different countries, many of whom were undergraduates with far more experience of entrepreneurship studies.

Head teacher Amanda Compton said: winning a silver medal was an "outstanding achievement". "I am always impressed by the range of ideas the students generate as a result of our specialist status as a business and enterprise College," she said. We have a long tradition of supporting students to develop their business ideas and we will be watching carefully for this one as the students begin to investigate ways of making their app a reality."

Silver success for young Thornton Heath entrepreneurs

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