A BREAST cancer victim's daughter will skydive in her mother's memory – two years after being told she was "too big to jump".

Kirsten Eeles, of Caterham Drive, Old Coulsdon, was told she was too heavy to perform the daredevil stunt in 2011 but has since dropped from 17st 8lbs to 15st 3lbs.

She will now take her leap of faith in Wiltshire on Mother's Day for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in tribute to her mum Marilyn Hayden, who died aged 39 in 1990 when Kirsten was just seven.

"I have wanted to do this for her for a long time and I was disappointed when I was told I couldn't," she said.

"I want to support this charity because with all the advances over the last 23 years, I reckon my mum would have a much better chance now.

"I hope my efforts can help prevent another pair of sisters losing their mummy to cancer at such a young age."

Kirsten said she had not been on any crash diets, instead putting the weight-loss down to a change of career.

She added: "I put my old size back to working in a desk job where you sat down all day and ate rubbish.

"But I now work in pottery studio Get Fired! in Purley, where I am really active all day."

Kirsten also said husband Anthony and four-year-old daughter Jessica were proud of her efforts.

"I'm looking forward to the big day but my nerves are beginning to kick in a little bit," she added.

"But I miss my mum every day and I hope she would have been proud of me."

Her older sister Claire, 35, helped look after Kirsten when their father Michael died just six years after their mother.

Claire said: "It's a very brave thing to do but breast cancer is very personal to us.

"Our aunt also died of the disease so we are very aware we are probably seen as high risk.

"But hopefully with this kind of support, cancer charities can continue to do their best to beat the disease."

To donate, click here

The inquiry, led by retired judge William Barnett, QC, had heard or been sent evidence from 191 people, many of whom were struggling to reopen their businesses or find new homes because of the painfully slow and bureaucratic process; both of claiming under the Act and from insurers.

Boris Johnson described the situation as "not good enough" and, since then, other politicians have called for insurance companies to act and for riot compensation to be reformed.

But the rhetoric has proved empty, the promises hollow.

Eighteen months after the disorder, there are people in Croydon who are still waiting for their cases to be settled.

Steve O'Connell, London Assembly member for Croydon and Sutton, said he was aware of "35 to 40 cases" where compensation or insurance payouts had to be settled.

"It's patently unacceptable that after all these many months there are still outstanding cases," he added.

"People expected it would take some time but now they have lost faith in the system. We have to try and move it on."

Bushra Ahmed has heard it all before. Her family's launderette and dry-cleaners, Crystal Clean, in London Road, was burnt down but her claim under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, which allows people to seek damages following a riot, even when uninsured, has not been settled.

"The police have told me that will top off whatever it takes to rebuild but construction work can't take place on an assurance," she said. "No one's going start building without the money being in their account."

Mrs Ahmed, who founded the West Croydon Community Forum, knows of at least 12 other cases that have yet to be settled.

Last week she handed the list to Mr O'Connell, who now plans to meet with deputy mayor Stephen Greenhalgh to discuss the issue, as well as working alongside Labour politicians.

"I think people have been let down by the system, whether that be the insurers, the Home Office or Mopac [the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime]," said Mr O'Connell.

"It's a complicated picture because there's a lot of bureaucracy, but I don't think any individual part of the system is at fault.

"Its clear there's a lot of damage out there and it's up to politicians on both sides to press the issue and get things moving."

Pastor Damian Luke, chairman of Croydon Churches Forum, sat on the independent review panel. He said: "It has taken far too long for these payments to come through, especially for families who are running into financial difficulty.

"I am aware of about ten cases that still haven't been settled. It's extremely difficult to accept. When we look at the reasons it's pure bureaucracy.

"If you know you are going to pay out a claim for £10,000, and the police have to pay £7,000 and the Home Office has to pay £3,000, why don't they pay the money first and then get together later to work it out, rather than waiting to sort out who is going to pay what fraction?"

London Road is to receive more than £9 million, the biggest single amount of the mayor's £23 million regeneration fund. This includes £5 million for business support and £4.6 million for the area around the station.

"The council talks about hope, but how hopeful can is it for people who still can't rebuild their businesses, pay their mortgages or face bankruptcy?" said Mrs Ahmed.

"Those people, and most others who live or work here, would struggle to notice a difference from 18 months ago.

"They've been too busy trying, with very little help, to rebuild their lives."

• Recommendation 3: The Met should increase the number of Level 2 public order-trained officers across the service. The review panel discovered all 60 of the borough's level 2 public order officers were deployed elsewhere in London on the night the riots came to Croydon. and the remaining police could do little to control the crowds. Chief inspector Mark Nanji said the officers at his disposal were 'pretty much anyone we could round up'. Figures released to the Advertiser under the Freedom of Information Act show that as of January 10 there were 116 level 2 public order-trained officers in Croydon. VERDICT: HIT
<
• Recommendation 8: The panel called on the police to reduce the number of stop and searches that were 'not intelligence-based' and to ensure 'as far as reasonably possible' that searches are undertaken in a 'dignified manner'. In March 2011, police conducted 1,818 searches, some 58 a day. Only 115 (6.4 per cent) of the procedures lead to an arrest. Met Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe ordered an overhaul of stop-and-search policing in London last January. Changes included limits on issuing section 60 orders, which allow searches without suspicion. In January 2013, 1,075 people were stopped and searched in Croydon and 153 (14.2 per cent) were arrested, suggesting police are scaling back use of the policy. VERDICT: HIT
• Recommendation 9: The council's policy of promoting internal shop shutters be implemented. The riots prompted debate about the use of security shutters to protect businesses. The council's planning policy had favoured see-through shutters placed either inside or outside shop windows. However, many shopkeepers felt metal grilles, seen as an eyesore, would have protected businesses from being looted. The council agreed to review the policy in January 2012. VERDICT: HIT
• Recommendation 10: The council should develop or extend shop security networks such as Safer Croydon Radio. Safer Croydon Radio sees businesses such as pubs, clubs and retailers issued with a handset which they can use to communicate with the council's 24-hour CCTV control room, which has a direct link to the police and other businesses. More than 200 businesses are signed up to the scheme, which covers Purley Way, New Addington, Norbury and Thornton Heath. The council announced in November that the radios will be made available in London Road, but the system is not yet in place. VERDICT: MISS
• Recommendation 20: The Met should consider the 'potential benefits of more visible presence both in West Croydon and New Addington, possibly through the provision of full-time police stations in those areas'. January's announcement by the Mayor's Office for Policing & Crime (Mopac) of the intention to close all but one of Croydon's six police stations looked likely to dash any hope of new bases in London Road or New Addington, if it were ever a realistic possibility. Since then, however, senior Met officers have lined up to distance themselves from such extensive closures. VERDICT: MISS

OLD Mid-Whitgiftians secured a 45-23 victory over Ellingham & Ringwood at Lime Meadow Avenue last Saturday.

Ellingham were awarded a penalty soon after kick-off, which their kicker duly slotted. However, Dan Crouch was soon able to equalise when he kicked a penalty back for Mids.

Lock Mark Handley was instrumental in gaining many turnovers and this allowed Mark Macaskill to score his first try, which Crouch converted to lead 10-3 at the break.

And Mids were once again back in control from the off. Flanker Joe Baulf was instrumental in chasing up the kick, supported ably by blindside Iain Munro, and soon Baulf was able to break the line to score a try.

However, Ellingham & Ringwood refused to be pushovers and were soon on the attack. Despite some huge defensive hits from the likes of Macaskill and Dean, Ellingham found an overlap on the wing.

A simple series of passes allowed them to score in the corner, having made a break from their own 22 to take the score to 17-8.

Mids spent the next few minutes camped inside the opposition half, and a series of forward pick and drives, marshalled by scrum-half Jacob Bacon, allowed Macaskill to cross the line for 24-8.

But the hosts soon became complacent, and despite a good aggressive defence around the breakdown, it left gaping gaps for Ellingham to exploit. Despite the best attempts of winger Ben Pritchard and full-back James Orchard, Mids' defence was outnumbered and Ellingham ran in a try in very similar circumstances to their first.

Soon after, Mids' hooker Tim Jupp made a break down the wing and found prop Nat Bacon, who carried it forward tirelessly, supported by Temitope Okenla.

With the rucks cleared out by backs and forwards alike, Jacob Bacon swung the ball out wide to talismanic winger Pritchard, who was able to score in the corner. With the conversion missed, the score was 29-13.

Unfortunately for Mids, Okenla was left dazed and bloody after a big hit and went off just before half-time. Experienced utility back Dave Stanton was available to fill the void, while Baulf was replaced by Brooks.

Soon after the second half kicked off, Mids were able to extend their lead to 32-13 after another penalty.

However, some lazy defence allowed Ellingham to sneak in another try, which they failed to convert.

With the forwards dominating the scrums and Ellingham unable to counter the rolling maul, the backs had a perfect platform to launch their attacks.

But Mids were unable to always capitalise on this and a series of mistakes led to penalties and turnovers.

However, they were also awarded their fair share of penalties and Crouch was able to convert one to bring the score to 35-18.

Buoyed by the increasing points margin, the next penalty was kicked into the corner. With Handley catching the ball, Mids pack steamrollered their way over the line, leaving Dave Spedding the easy job of scoring the try.

Ellingham remained a dogged and determined side and they soon grabbed the bonus point when they scored their fourth try.

But Mids secured a final try late on from Stanton to win 45-23.

POLICE in Croydon have seized class A & B drugs, drugs paraphernalia and suspected stolen mobile phones and Oyster cards as part of Operation Big Wing - a major day of London-wide coordinated activity to cut crime.

The event started at 6am when six search warrants were executed by uniform and plain-clothed officers across the borough. 

Police were given their operational briefings out on the streets - and several local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNTs) held street briefings to speak and engage with residents about local issues of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Croydon Council Licensing officers teamed up with the Croydon Police Licensing Unit throughout the day to carry out various licensing visits and checks. 

Two meat shops in Thornton Heath High Street and Brigstock Road were reported for public health offences, which will be followed up by Croydon Council.

Volunteer Police Cadets also assisted Croydon Trading Standards with alcohol test-purchasing operations at 10 licensed premises across the borough with all premises correctly refusing to sell alcohol to the underage cadets.

Croydon Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Richard Wood said:

"Operation Big Wing is about showing those who live and work in Croydon that we are listening to their concerns and that we're committed to taking robust preventative and disruptive action to stop criminal activity and make their communities safer."

THE Government has demanded answers from Croydon Council after it advertised for new officers costing £400,000 – days after increasing council tax.

The council is advertising for nine "regeneration" managers and officers, with the job adverts featured in one Surrey-based newspaper just two days after the authority's leader, Mike Fisher, confirmed the tax increase.

But the Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles, has rounded on the Tory-run council, for advertising the highly-paid jobs at this time.

He said: "Town halls refusing to freeze council tax need to explain to their taxpayers why they have been hiking their numbers of highly paid staff.

"There is still massive scope for sensible savings in local Government to help cut tax and protect frontline services. Every local council should be helping hard-working families and pensioners with the cost of living."

The job advert seeks two "Senior Regeneration Managers", both being paid £52,704 a year, four "Regeneration Managers", who will receive up to £47,907, and three "Regeneration Officers", at up to £38,961.

The successful candidates will "identify innovative delivery solutions" and "scope, appraise and enable potential schemes", according to the advert.

Simon Hall, Labour shadow cabinet member for finance, attacked the Conservatives for giving the borough a "raw deal" with their "skewed" agenda.

He said: "The money being spent on these jobs, and the millions being spent on the new HQ; it's totally skewed priorities while frontline services are being cut.

"The people of Croydon are getting a raw deal, they are suffering from the total incompetence and waste. As a result some of the most vulnerable in Croydon, from old people to people with disabilities, are the ones really paying the price."

But Steve O'Connell, the Conservative cabinet member for finance, defended his party's record.

He said: "I think it's right that we invest in our regeneration team. People will understand and expect the council to take forward the future plans of the town properly.

"We are increasing council tax to protect frontline services and deliver on our plans."

Croydon's council tax demand is to increase by 1.85 per cent, despite more than 200 local councils across the UK signalling they will freeze the levy for residents. Band D taxpayers could be paying up to an extra £21.28 a year.

A council spokesman said: "There is no additional cost to the council.

"The posts are from within the existing budget and from a restructure."

COULSDON Sixth Form College has been branded "inadequate" by the education watchdog for the second time in 14 months.

Ofsted inspectors said results and teaching at the 1,289-student college, in Old Coulsdon, had not improved enough since their last damning verdict in December 2011.

The college's principal, David Goodlet, deemed the rating "unfairly harsh" but Del Attah, a governor at the college, said this week: "There have been a number of emergency meetings [since the 2011 report].

"They are running out of time and running out of excuses."

The latest report follows a Learning and Skills inspection carried out in January.

Lead inspector Alex Falconer said: "The proportion of learners successfully completing and gaining qualifications in 2012 was well below recent national averages."

Mr Goodlet defended his college, pointing out that the report acknowledged vocational courses fared well and progress had been made.

"The frustrating thing is they have said everything we have done since the last inspection is correct but they do not think it is enough," he added.

Mr Goodlet said the latest criticisms would spark even more dramatic changes than the last report, since when around a quarter of teaching staff has changed.

"Having a second 'inadequate' is absolutely fundamental," he said. "You have to show you are going to improve. It has to be root and branch change."

Mr Falconer and colleagues, who visited the college in Placehouse Lane from January 15 to 18, said pass rates at A level were "below national average" and "inadequate" at AS level.

He added that advanced vocational results were "better" and around the national average in 2012.

Mr Goodlet said the college had tried to improve A-level results by being more selective in September 2012, but that cohort's results were not yet known.

He said: "We made it more difficult for students to take A levels here. We lost 100 students through that and they say because we have not got that set of results they cannot look at that.

"We have a very careful process of matching students to courses and we said, 'Sorry, we are not allowing you to take this because unless you got a B [e.g. at GCSE] you cannot do it.'

"So we have done dramatic things. Yes, it is against my principles, but we are in a difficult place."

Mr Falconer said that "added-value" indicators were also poor, with some students doing worse in academic exams than predicted by their previous results.

He said teachers' expectations of students were still sometimes too low, and added no targets for students set by managers since the last inspection had been achieved. Attendance rates also remained a problem, at around 80 per cent during the inspection days.

Mr Goodlet said the college had introduced "a raft of measures" to boost attendance, which was normally around 83 per cent.

He said: "It has improved but just not enough. We work with bus companies to improve access to the college. We have two extra attendance mentors.

"National attendance is 88 per cent compared to 83 per cent for the college. It was three or four percentage points lower than that the last time we had an inspection."

RESIDENTS have spoken of their dismay at "ridiculous" plans for their homes to be "fenced in" against their will.

Croydon Council plans to build security railings around the block of maisonettes at 67-82 Brierley, in Fieldway, and the next-door block.

It will also install door entry phones, as part of a £28,644 scheme, for which some of the 13 leaseholders will be billed more than £1,700 each.

The authority says the plan is "in response to reports of antisocial behaviour" but the need for the fence is disputed by some residents.

Leaseholder Sarah Kiffin said: "I have been here since 1968 and I have no problem with anyone. I feel more at risk if they put the fence up.

"It sends out the message, we are caged and we are vulnerable and at risk, that the council has to do this to protect you."

Neighbour Loraine Nicholls said the only problems had been on the stairwell between floors.

She said: "Putting an entry door there would be sensible.

"But this is quite ridiculous. This is a row of terraced houses. I have lived here 40 years and there has never been any trouble."

Residents added information about the scheme had been unclear, and they were not certain their block would be affected until being told in January work was due to start soon.

Plans could be seen by appointment in the daytime at Taberner House, rather than hard copies being sent out or available online.

A group of leaseholders has now written jointly to the council, registering its objections to the idea.

The council has already agreed a £66,146 contract for this and other blocks with its contractor AJS Limited.

But some leaseholders may take matters into their own hands.

Ms Kiffin added: "We will refuse – we are not having them coming in to put in the entry phones – so how are they going to have a fence with a gate?"

The cost not met by the leaseholders is covered from the Housing Revenue Account, which is contributed to by the tenants' rent.

A council spokesman said its neighbourhood wardens had reported signs of drug use and graffiti in the stairwell and around the block

He said: "We are currently consulting with leaseholders over proposals to install a security door entry system at Brierley.

"This follows reports we have received about antisocial behaviour (16 in total) from 2011/12.

"We have been installing security door entry systems for more than ten years, having installed more than 250 schemes, many with fencing and railings.

"We believe these have all been successful in deterring antisocial behaviour and in providing better security and peace of mind to residents."

A PROMINENT figure in Croydon's black community has called for a full public inquiry into the death of Olaseni Lewis.

Nero Ughwujabo, chief executive of the Croydon Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Forum, believes the Department for Health, as well as the police, have serious questions to answer.

Last month, the Advertiser reported how IT graduate Mr Lewis, 23, was pinned face-down on the floor in a hospital seclusion room by 11 police officers for 40 minutes. He never regained consciousness, and his life-support machine was switched off four days later.

More than two years on from the South Norwood man's death in September 2010, his family are still pushing for answers.

Now Mr Ughwujabo has said that a full public inquiry, initiated by the Department of Health, should be launched if the victim's family are to be satisfied that Mr Lewis' needs were properly taken care of.

He said: "It's clear that in this particular case, there are issues of failure in the processes that have been followed.

"I don't think it's appropriate for the [Independent Police Complaints Commission] to investigate the matter. It's not a policing matter. [That's] like asking the Met to investigate the Met.

"I think it's important for the Department of Health to investigate the matter."

Prior to his death, Mr Lewis visited Croydon University Hospital after noticing changes in his behaviour, alternating between "calm and agitated phases".

He was transferred to the psychiatric ward of Bethlem Royal Hospital, where his parents and best friend, Omari, left him for the night.

Later, Mr Lewis's mother received a call from Omari, informing her of an "incident" at the hospital.

After being told that her son had been taken to Croydon University Hospital, she found him on stabilisers and life-support.

It was later confirmed his death was caused by a brain stem injury which obstructed the flow of oxygen to his brain.

Mr Ughwujabo said the case suggests the NHS's action plan, "Delivering Race Equality (DRE) in Mental Health Care", which began in 2005 in a bid to improve the quality of care received by BME patients, had "not gone far enough."

"These incidents are still happening. We don't see evidence that race equality is actually embedded in mental health services provided by the NHS," he added.

"We know that black people are significantly more likely to be physically restrained or medicated, instead of being supported with other therapies."

A statement from Bethlem Royal Hospital in response to his comments read: "We are determined to continue working with the police to learn lessons."

A Department of Health spokesperson cited the IPCC investigation and said it would not be carrying out an inquiry of its own, when pressed by the Advertiser.

AN OLYMPIC champion admits she would not have struck gold without the Lottery funding which "changed her life".

Cyclist Joanna Rowsell was speaking on Monday, after a visit to Croydon Arena, in South Norwood, where she met representatives from Wheels for Wellbeing, a charity which has just received its own £467,000 Lottery funding boost.

The Carshalton-born star, who triumphed alongside Dani King and Laura Trott in the women's team pursuit, is a supporter of the charity, which has helped hundreds of disabled people learn to cycle using a wide variety of specially designed bikes.

And she used her own experience to stress the crucial role of Lottery money in developing both grassroots and elite sport.

She said: "National Lottery funding changed my life, it allowed me to train full-time at superb facilities and receive world-class coaching and medical support which resulted in success during the summer.

"Lottery players should be proud that they are helping to fund projects which are helping people like those I have met today and funding thousands of other good causes."

Rowsell, who is taking a year away from track cycling to concentrate on road racing, also met young people supported by Alopecia UK.

The 24-year-old suffers from the hair loss condition and famously removed her wig before receiving her gold medal at London 2012.

She added: "Alopecia is a part of my life and I want people to know that there is nothing that you cannot do in this life if you put your mind to it.

"Alopecia does not stop you living your life and achieving your dreams."

Isabelle Clement, director of Wheels for Wellbeing, described Rowsell as "a huge inspiration".

She added its extra Lottery funding would go towards reaching more blind and visually impaired cyclists.

GARETH Bale is in a very rich vein of form right now, isn't he?

He is one of the rare ones bought for a large amount of money that has done well because sometimes when you're young, it causes you a problem.

He's managed to handle it and he's getting better all the time, and he's maturing as well, spending a lot of time practising some free-kicks in an unusual way – well done to him.

It's quite sensational to watch and never have I seen someone get it up and down so quickly with so much dip, it's fantastic.

It's obviously very, very difficult for goalkeepers to handle. Just how good he'll be eventually, who knows?

Potentially he's still got all sorts of improving to do because he's still so young, and it's interesting how he's floating in and out of the game.

He's not staying wide, he's actually drifting and he's turning into a fantastic player.

I think we've been spoilt over the years with left-footed players. You've got Ryan Giggs and Robin Van Persie, for example, and they seem to look more elegant funnily enough, don't they?

You don't do anything without hard work, so that's the truth of it – it's not just talent, it's his all-round game, his work-rate and his athleticism which is quite phenomenal.

If you're doing well somewhere, why do you need to go anywhere else as a young player?

It seems to be suiting him at Tottenham because he's developing and he's a big fish in that pool now.

They've got a half-decent team around him fighting for a Champions League place, but it's only a matter of time before he becomes a really sought-after commodity.

I would imagine only a few clubs in the world can afford him and I think it's already limited with that.

How many teams are better than Tottenham at the moment? Not many.

I think it's almost impossible to put a value on him, but you've got to be talking top-end. They bought him for £10 million from Southampton, and he was a left-back then.

It's quite amazing how many players change, develop and grow and actually end up playing somewhere different.

I think Ashley Cole started out as a left winger but he's gone the other way to left-back, so it's nice to see it happen, but Bale's blinding pace is absolutely brilliant.

It's now being added to with a product, whether it's a cross, a shot or a finish, he's actually getting what every wide man and every forward needs, which is an end product.

It's now a regular end product so you can only stand back and say 'wow'.

All these players start out to see how good they can be, not how rich they can get.

How good is it that Jonny Williams will eventually end up playing with Bale for Wales and that will only help his game.

I'm more impressed with Bale's brain more than anything else. I think quick players are easily branded if they understand the game, but his movement, his running, his vision – everything about his game is really on form and I hope it continues.

Wales have a decent young crop coming through and I've got three with me at the moment in Jonny, Jazz Richards and Darcy Blake.

It's a very good future for the Welsh.

AN ECO-CHAMPION has been shortlisted in a nationwide search by charity WWF to find Britain's unsung environmental heroes.

Grace Onions, from Waddon, was nominated by a friend because she works tirelessly in support of many environmental causes.

The competition, called Hidden Heroes, has been launched as part of WWF's Earth Hour with the aim of highlighting and recognising inspirational people who have gone the extra mile in helping to improve the environment in their community.

As well as organising on-street recycling long before household collections, Grace is an active member of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, and has organised the Croydon Real Nappy Network, encouraging mums to use cloth nappies.

Friend Amaragosha Carter, who nominated Grace, said: "She follows an organic lifestyle herself; she has an allotment patch, and shares what she produces. She's awesome."

Grace is in the running to receive a £500 cash prize to support a green initiative of her choice.

If successful, she will be invited to receive her award and celebrate Earth Hour at a ceremony in central London on March 23.

PALACE winger Yannick Bolasie says the Eagles can grab their first away victory since November at Derby County tonight.

After last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, having dominated the second half, Bolasie believes now is the time for the Eagles to step it up on the road if they are to achieve automatic promotion.

And for a team in the play-off positions, it is a long time to go without winning away.

"I don't think it's on our minds and I don't think of it like that," he said.

"But when people do mention it and you look into it, you do think to yourself that we haven't won away for ages.

"That's football, but at home no one can beat us. Then again, if we want to get promoted, we need to be winning these type of away games coming up.

"It will be another tough test at Derby County, but we beat them at home and I think we can beat them away – we've got enough in the squad to do that.

"They have a similar home record to us, but we'll be looking to break that, and we've done that a lot to teams this season.

"We went to Leicester when they were unbeaten and we beat them, so hopefully we can do the same at Derby."

Former Bristol City team-mate Albert Adomah was linked with a move to Palace in the January transfer window and was quoted recently saying that he would not have moved to Selhurst Park and would have wanted to go to a Premier League club.

But Bolasie says that if Palace were to go back in for him this summer, the Ghana international may change his mind, especially if the Eagles achieve promotion.

He said: "Those are the type of players you need to come in to suit our formation.

"He would be a good one if he did come in, but he might go back on his word because we might be in the Premier League by then!

"I've known Albert for a while now from playing at Barnet and Bristol City, so we go back a long way.

"He knows I'm enjoying it at Palace and he's seen us play now – he thought our team was different class when we played them recently.

"Hopefully, that may change his mind as well if Palace came back in for him."

A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after a three-car collision in Waddon shortly after 8pm last night (Sunday).
The 55-year-old was taken as a priority to St George's Hospital in south London after the crash at the junction of Hannibal Way and Stafford Road.
Her car's roof had to be cut off by firefighters so she could be safely taken out.  
A spokesman for Croydon fire station's green watch said: "The car had rolled over but landed back on its wheels.
"We removed the roof and, with the help of the ambulance service, removed the casualty."
The woman was treated for pelvic injuries and taken to hospital as a priority, a spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said. 
Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, a spokesman for the Met police said.
Not other injuries were reported.

IAN Campbell has joined Addington Court Golf Club's coaching staff, fresh from teaching golfers in the Czech Republic and Austria.

The academy professional, 32, brings with him an impeccable international pedigree, having represented Great Britain and Ireland as a boy, and he went on to join the Walker Cup squad in an illustrious amateur golf career.

In 1997, the Welshman won the European Boys Championship in Slovenia, and in 2001 was runner-up in the Amateur Championship, the UK's most prestigious amateur golf tournament.

He turned professional the following year, and enjoyed success in several Tour events. As well as giving golf lessons, Campbell will also begin a new scheme in March called Start Golf London.

This will take individuals from absolute-beginner level to a point at which they can play on a full-length golf course in just four weeks.

Campbell will also be leading other initiatives such as Learn Golf London, for intermediate-level beginners, and a day-long intensive programme called Learn Golf In A Day. He will also represent the club by competing in regional tournaments and Pro-Ams.

"I am so looking forward to teaching people to play better golf at Addington Court," said Campbell. "It's one of the most popular golf centres around the Croydon area and I am sure that we will be helping lots of people discover this great sport in 2013 – as well as lowering the handicaps of a lot of existing golfers!

"I believe that Start Golf London will be very popular – golf becomes a lifelong sport for most people, and it will be very rewarding to introduce them to it through this exciting scheme."

Addington Court Golf Club has two 18-hole courses and a nine-hole Academy course, plus a large driving range and two well-stocked golf shops.

For more information go to www.addingtoncourt-golfclub.co.uk

Croydon Airport helped to cement the borough's place in British aviation history, as the first commercial airport in the capital.

It dominated the country's aviation industry during the first half of the 20th century. However, it started out from humble beginnings, when it merely consisted of a pair of small airfields.

It was built in 1915 to help protect London against German Zeppelin raids during the First World War; and would later welcome the military again during the Second World War.

Croydon Airport officially opened to the public on March 29, 1920, after the airfields were combined to create London's first commercial airport, an historic moment for the borough as well as the rest of the United Kingdom.

At the cutting edge of aviation technology at the time, it was the first airport in the world to operate air traffic control, which has been a feature of every other new airport since it was introduced at Croydon in 1921.

The first major plane company to make use of the newly created airport was Imperial Airways, one of Britain's first airlines. The company operated flights to and from the far-flung territories of the British Empire.

Within a few years the airport was forced to expand, as more and more commercial flights were being scheduled.

During the Second World War, commercial aeroplanes made way for the military aircraft of the RAF and allied forces. Houses located near the airport were used as makeshift barracks as more and more soldiers and airmen were drafted into the airport, which was seen as an important strategic location.

During the war there were actually more flights in and out of Croydon Airport than there had been during its commercial heyday in the 1920s.

It wasn't long until the airport was grabbing the attention of the Nazis, who sought to cripple Britain's dominance in the air.

As London's only major airport, Croydon was specifically targeted by the Luftwaffe, who wanted to weaken the RAF and immobilise the capital.

Lord Haw-Haw, a radio personality on the German propaganda programme, Germany Calling, famously warned the British public in 1939 about an imminent attack by the Luftwaffe on Croydon Airport.

He said: "Croydon must beware. She is the second line of defence. We know the aerodrome is camouflaged, but we know just what kind of camouflage it is. We shall bomb it and bomb it to a finish." Despite this, the airport continued to play a frontline role during the war.

Read next week's Nostalgia for the second part of our look at Croydon Airport's history.

Main source: Croydon Airport: from war to peace, by Joanna Bogle, Douglas Cluett, and Bob Learmonth, published 2003.

A FORMER policeman has blasted his ex-colleagues for failing to respond when he reported that someone was threatening to kill him.

Geoff Platt called 999 after being followed around Purley town centre on Tuesday by a burly man with tattoos on his face who was shouting and swearing at him.

But when he got through to the control room at Scotland Yard, the 57-year-old claims the operator refused to send an officer and then failed to record that he had reported a crime.

Mr Platt said: "I'm 6ft 6 and 23 stone but when someone with tattoos all over his face and a 60-inch chest threatens to kill you, then follows you around, you start to worry he might actually mean it. I only hope that if I was a frail old lady they would have at least sent someone to come and question the bloke."

The former weightlifter, who served as a police officer for 24 years, including a stint with the Flying Squad, was outside Lorimers stationery shop at noon when the incident began.

"There was an elderly lady with a zimmer frame taking her time to leave the shop," said Mr Platt.

"I was in the queue waiting when three youngsters went to push past her. I put my hand out and they stepped back to let her through.

"When she left I went inside and the youngsters followed me in. An unusual looking bloke in a black jacket and a porkpie hat came up to me.

"He was about 40 and he was really, really big. His chest must have been 60 inches and he had tattoos on his face.

"This guy came straight up to my face and said 'if you touch those boys again I'll kill you'.

"I tried to explain that he had made a mistake, but he wouldn't listen."

Mr Platt was then followed when he left the shop. As he walked down the street the man grabbed his arm, swore at him and repeated his threat, and then continued to follow him.

When Mr Platt went into a shop, his pursuer was waiting for him when he left. He tried to report it at Purley Police Station, only to discover it was closed, so when he reached the railway station he decided to call 999.

"I felt I was in danger," he said. "I didn't know whether he had a knife or a weapon, but when I called the police the operator wasn't interested.

"I made specific allegations about threats to kill but was told no officer would be sent out. They could have at least gone to speak to this guy.

"I wasn't getting anywhere so I jumped on a train to get out of there."

The Met said its telephone operator had offered to send an officer to the scene but Mr Platt refused, a claim he described as a "categoric lie".

"I asked several times and was told no one was coming," he added.

After the Advertiser contacted Croydon Police with Mr Platt's concerns, a member of Purley Safer Neighbourhoods Team called him to discuss the incident.

CROYDON Council offered a £150 "finder's fee" to a Christian middleman for his help in finding landlords outside the borough who would take homeless families.

Council officer Simon Wadsworth discussed a "pilot project" with Ron Striebig, whereby he would open doors with landlords before passing their details to the council to finalise.

Mr Wadsworth hoped Mr Striebig could help promote council schemes and spread the message about homelessness, according to an e-mail on January 16.

He was also to "break down misperceptions that people on welfare benefits are feckless, work-shy individuals," wrote Mr Wadsworth.

The pair discussed the aborted project after Mr Striebig visited Gilroy Court Hotel, in Thornton Heath, where the council temporarily houses homeless families.

Visiting with his church, Croydon's St Mary Magdalene, Mr Striebig says he was shocked by what he saw in the hotel and contacted Mr Wadsworth to help.

He said: "I spoke to about four families there and started to think 'What is this all about?' I was driven by my own religious feelings to do something."

After the pair's discussion, Mr Striebig spent weeks contacting agents and landlords, mainly in Eastbourne and Folkestone, with little effect.

He said: "I have contacted 80 agents and one has shown an interest. They are all private landlords, and they don't like people on housing benefit."

The "finder's fee" was to be paid by the council to Mr Striebig's company Onslow College Housing (OCH) for each property referred which became available.

Mr Wadsworth said the £150 was for "reasonable expenses" incurred by OCH, and to support those "in housing need" or moving to accommodation.

But Mr Striebig says he stopped his side of the bargain last week after becoming angry with the council over its actions with some families, and the bureaucracy that he felt hampered solutions.

Member for housing Dudley Mead told Tuesday's cabinet meeting that the council was making progress towards re-housing families living in Gilroy Court, with the waiting list reduced from 180 to 85.

A Croydon Council spokesman said the authority "never entered into any formal agreement" with Mr Striebig,

He added the council offers two schemes to private landlords aimed at taking on tenants receiving benefits; Croylease and Croybond.

The spokesman said: "Croybond offers a one-off incentive payment and one month's rent in advance; and a bond of six weeks.

"Croylease is targeted at landlords with a fewer number of properties, providing a guaranteed rental income for the next five years; full management service; and no risk of void period."

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco says it hopes to open a store in the heart of New Addington now the way has been cleared to redevelop the area.

Croydon Council agreed on Monday to reject a bid that would have stopped any development in Central Parade by classifying a section of it as a village green.

The authority says its plans to regenerate the estate are now "back on track" and it can push ahead with proposals for a new leisure centre, supermarket and "improved community facilities".

A Tesco spokesman said on Wednesday: "We would be interested to look at the council's renewed plan for the site and hopefully work with them to deliver an exciting scheme for New Addington."

Resident Michael Fuller, who made the village-green bid, said he would appeal the council's decision, made by the corporate services committee on Monday.

The council says it received 165 letters from local residents objection to the application, and 14 in support, but added it was decided on its own merit and "without reference to any planning proposals in respect of the land".

New Addington councillor Tony Pearson said he was "really pleased" the council had rejected the bid, adding that as many as three supermarkets had expressed interest in the site.

He said: "What we will be looking at now is to make sure we have got partners on board to take the development ahead.

"We want to have a sympathetic development which gives us a supermarket but still complements our district centre and the independent shops."

Tesco was the only supermarket to confirm its interest to the Advertiser. Lidl and Aldi both confirmed they were not interested.

A spokesman for Morrisons said it did not comment on plans ahead of a planning application. Sainsbury's had not responded by the time we went to press.

Tesco first agreed to take over green space on Central Parade in 2008, but the deal fell through when Mr Fuller and other residents got that land classed as a village green. The latest application was to extend the green.

Ken Burgess, chairman of the Central Parade Business Partnership, said Central Parade would "die on its feet" without redevelopment.

He added: "Extending the village green would have put the kybosh on any redevelopment of Central Parade, which includes the swimming pool and the sports centre. We need additional shopping but we also need all the other facilities."

Councillor Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said: "We will now play catch-up to get the regeneration of New Addington back on track."

MOVES made last year to boost business in South End's rebranded Restaurant Quarter have produced mixed results, according to restaurateurs in the area.

After the successful staging of the first South Croydon Food Festival in Spice's Yard last April, there were hopes of a revival and attracting many more regular visitors.

But last August, Le Cassoulet, the highly rated restaurant of chef Malcolm John, permanently shut its doors.

And a quiet summer despite the Olympics led to the creation of a dining club by the South Croydon Community District (SCCD), in a bid to attract locals and boost business.

Sunil Tanner, owner of the Chilli Rooms, said that while business has been relatively strong at weekends, recent customer levels have been disappointing.

He said: "On weekdays we could do a lot better than what we are.

"I think it's mainly due to the recession and people having to save money after Christmas shopping."

Mr Tanner also suggested that too much national emphasis on economic woes might also explain why people are more reticent about eating out in South End.

"It's bound to put a scare up people," he said.

"Every day you hear about another company going into administration. It's just the general public being very cautious about their spending."

On the moves made by the SCCD dining club, he added: "It does help, but not as much as one would expect. It brings in people who are looking for offers."

But Orhan Turkay, manager of the Croydon Bar and Grill, believes his restaurant is set for a positive year.

He said: "It was a fantastic Christmas and more busy than we thought.

"I don't know what it will be like next month and the month after, but I think things are going to build up this year."

Peter Bagatti, vice-chairman of the South Croydon Business Association (SCBA) and owner of Italian restaurant Bagatti's, said that business had remained "steady" since the 2011 riots.

Although the Olympics produced little effect in terms of visitor numbers, he acknowledged that local restaurants had taken a drop since the start of the economic downturn in 2008.

"Hopefully, from South End's point of view, as a Restaurant Quarter we'll see things improve," he said.

The initial rebrand of the Restaurant Quarter was part of the Croydon Recovery Project, funded by a one-off GLA grant to help the borough move on from the riots.

Some of this cash was put into new signage, welcoming visitors to the new Quarter, while it also helped to fund the South Croydon Food Festival, which attracted more than 5,000 people to the area last April.

However, without the funding boost this year, it is not clear whether the festival can take place again.

Rose Farrar, from White Label Consultants, who worked on the event's PR alongside the GLA, says getting local sponsorship for a repeat is a priority of the SCBA.

"They need to find as much cash as possible so they can continue funding community events such as the food festival," she said.

"The key will be finding sponsors who will invest in the area and make it be the best it can be."