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Old Walcountians leave it too late

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OLD WALCOUNTIANS once again paid the price for allowing their opponents to run up a big lead in the first half, leaving it too late for a comeback.

Walcountians were weakened by the loss of injured flanker Remy Claustres, who will miss the rest of the season.

Their opponents, who stand mid-table after a poor start, looked ominously effective from the start. They dominated possession and drove Walcountians back towards their own line, supported by an impressive backline who gained territory through incisive tactical kicking.

Freemen's took the lead after just five minutes when their Fijian No 8 broke from a five-metre scrum and pounded his way through to touch down for a converted try.

Walcountians fought back and it took staunch defending from Freemen's to keep out centre Sam Naylor, who was Walcountians' most effective weapon. But too frequently their moves broke down through misplaced or dropped passes.

Twenty minutes into the game, Freemen's extended their lead when their No 8 scored his second try of the day.

Freemen's added a penalty and two more tries before the break; the first after a lock popped up on the wing to take a pass and touch down, the second from their blind-side flanker who took a Walcountians lineout throw intended for the back of the line.

By half-time, the game was effectively over, with Freemen's holding a 31-point lead.

Walcountians were a different side in the second half. The forwards took the Freemen's pack head on and relentlessly monopolised possession. Only solid Freemen's tackling kept Walcountians at bay until the 12th minute, when scrum-half Will Diamond took a quick tap penalty and fed full-back Chris Drinkwater to touch down.

Failure to secure their own lineout ball proved costly for Walcountians as it gave Freemen's their fifth try, but that proved the final flourish from the hosts. Walcountians dominated the remainder.

Mercurial fly-half Tom Diamond scored his seventh try of the season after streaking past a stunned Freemen's defence, and in the final minute they were awarded a penalty try after a panicking defence tried to kick the ball out of a ruck.

Walcountians now have three games left to preserve their Surrey One status. The first takes place tomorrow when they take on fellow strugglers Cranleigh at Clock House. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Old Walcountians leave it too late


Conman who posed as air conditioning engineer to steal from Croydon banks is jailed

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A CUNNING conman who pulled off a series of bank jobs by posing as an air conditioning engineer has been jailed for four years.

Joe Annerson, 63, was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of stealing approximately £100,000 from various banks and building societies between May and August 2012.

After he and an accomplice targeted a series of banks across south-east London, Croydon CID were alerted when they stole from local branches including NatWest, in High Street, Croydon, and Nationwide, in George Street.

Annerson and the accomplice, who has still not been found, pulled off a sophisticated scam to gain entry to unauthorised areas of banks.

Detective Constable Lewis Sanderson, investigating officer from Croydon CID, told the Advertiser: "They were quite clever.

"You cannot ring up branches directly, so they would ring customer care pretending to be air conditioning engineers, who would then e-mail the manager of the branch.

"This meant the branch manager would think they were legitimate when they turned up."

This meant the banks would then give the fraudsters access to unauthorised areas and leave them unattended.

While banks did not keep all their money in these areas, the thieves could still gain access to tens of thousands of pounds.

After they left, it would be hours before the theft was detected as staff remained unaware.

DC Sanderson added: "This is obviously an issue for the banks and building societies, because so many of them were targeted.

"We have spoken to them and they have taken steps to tighten up their security."

Annerson has a previous conviction for a similar offence at a post office.

"Despite the weight of evidence against him, Annerson never admitted to any of the offences during interview with us," DC Sanderson said.

"We managed to narrow our search down because of the similarity of the offence."

Annerson previously lived in north London, and this is where DC Sanderson believes his accomplice may be.

He added: "He has not revealed the identity of his accomplice, who we are still keen to identify and bring to justice.

"We believe he might be in the Islington area."

Anyone with information about the remaining suspect in this case can contact the police by calling 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Conman who posed as air conditioning engineer to steal from Croydon banks is jailed

Police officer tells mother of autistic schoolgirl to take her family out for the day if Crystal Palace are at home

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THE mother of an autistic schoolgirl whose car was vandalised when police escorted Brighton fans down her road has been told how to avoid further problems in future – take her children out for the day.

More than £1,000 of damage was caused when Jacqui Higginbottom's wing mirrors were smashed and a key was used to carve a mark along her car following the Crystal Palace match in December.

The mother-of-five is one of a number of people living in Sangley Road, which is opposite Selhurst Park, whose property has been damaged since police adopted new tactics this season to manage fans leaving the stadium.

Residents recently held a meeting with police and club officials to raise concerns about the decision to segregate away supporters and then escort them along the road towards Norwood Juntion station.

Though police do not plan to use the tactic for the visit of Leeds United this weekend – unless absolutely necessary – they will continue to adopt it during games judged to be "high risk".

When Miss Higginbottom, who has an autistic daughter, asked an officer what she should do to ensure her property and family are safe on Saturday, she claims an officer told her to go out for the day.

Now South Norwood councillors are backing her call for police to stop escorting away fans along Sangley Road.

"After the Brighton match fans tore off the wing mirrors of my car, took a key all along the side and even took a pee on my front door," said Miss Higginbottom.

"My daughter is disabled and suffers from depression. She was distressed by the loud background noise and was running up and down the house screaming her head off.

"I've lived here for six years and never had any problems until they started pushing all the away fans down our road. Why should the people who live here have to flee our homes because of a football match?"

Miss Higginbottom moved her car when told the police planned to deploy the tactic again following the Charlton match on February 2.

Other people living in the street saw their vehicles and property damaged as 3,000 away fans were escorted to the railway station.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts defended the operation and described their actions as "mindless violence".

He said: "I'm convinced had we not taken the measures we did by keeping the fans separate as they departed the ground then we would be talking about people being injured as well as property being damaged.

"A very small minority of fans were determined to cause trouble that day, as shown by them letting off flares inside the ground and causing extensive damage both inside and outside the stadium which sadly affected residents in Sangley Road."

As well as these two fixtures, the police also used the same crowd control measures following the game against Millwall in October.

The police said the decision was based on intelligence not on specific categories of matches.

South Norwood councillor Jane Avis said the meeting held with police at Selhurst Park on February 28 had left residents "extremely dissatisfied".

"They wanted to know why the decision had been taken not to funnel supporters down Park Road, already cleared of cars, which is wider and has fewer homes," she added.

Police said the geography of the area narrowed the crowd control options and that Sangley had been chosen to limit traffic and bus disruption.

They advised people living in the street to park elsewhere on match days.

Charlton fans were "let down" by police tactics following February's derby match at Selhurst Park, the club's supporters' trust has said. Away fans ripped-up seating and lit flares during the game and then property and vehicles were damaged as they were escorted to Norwood Junction via Sangley Road after police kept them back following the final whistle. Richard Wiseman, interim secretary of Charlton Athletic Supporters' (CAS) Trust, said the vandalism would not have happened were fans allowed to leave "at their own pace". "We do not think our safety was fully considered," he said. "We heard no warning that we were going to be held in the street for 20 minutes and there was no explanation of what was happening from individual officers. "Nearly 3,000 people were herded into a narrow residential street against a line of police with dogs and shields. "Those at the back could not see the front and there was an inevitable crush forwards. Those at the front were pushed into the police and threatened by officers who were evidently frightened themselves. "Those in the middle – which included elderly and disabled people and children – were crushed. "There was a very realistic fear that people could fall and be trampled." Mr Wiseman said many of the fans did not want to go to Norwood Junction because they had driven to the stadium. "We do not believe vandalism would have occurred in Sangley Road had people been allowed to leave the stadium at their own pace," he added. "We appreciate that police have a difficult task, but we feel their tactics were disproportionate and could have caused serious injury. "CAS is trying to set up improved lines of communication with the police to ensure a similar situation will not occur again."

Police officer tells mother of autistic schoolgirl to take her family out for the day if Crystal Palace are at home

Kenley Hotel will reopen, vows landlord

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THE popular Kenley Hotel was forced to shut because it was operating without a licence, the Advertiser can reveal.

Mystery surrounded the Godstone Road pub's closure on February 22 with many locals fearing it had succumbed to the recession.

But the Advertiser has learned it was ordered to shut after the council realised the landlord had closed down the company which held the licence nearly a year beforehand.

Public records show landlord Chris O'Reilly had voluntarily struck off Hotelier Inn Ltd from the companies register in April last year.

A Croydon Council spokesman stressed there were no other problems reported over the pub's licence.

He said: "One of the officers was doing some routine checks and spotted that the company was no longer in existence, so asked them to stop trading."

Mr O'Reilly told the Advertiser he was adamant that his pub, well-known for its Thai menu and the piece of its bar reportedly once destined for the doomed Titanic, would reopen.

"Yes, it was in the wrong name so it is out at the moment," he said.

"I am sure we will be able to sort it out and will be able to reopen – it should not really have been a problem to be honest.

"Just seemed like a routine check, you know (from the council).

"It is in the hands of the solicitors now and they are dealing with it and as far as I am aware it should be sorted out."

The council said it had not received a new licence application. The pub's owners, Star Pubs & Bars, the leased pub business of Heineken in the UK, apologised for the inconvenience of the closure.

A spokesman said: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, there is currently a licensing issue regarding this pub."

Mr O'Reilly took over the pub's lease in 2010 after working behind the bar for three years.

Referring to the previous owners having to close, he said at the time: "I think this place could be a little goldmine because it's the only pub in this area.

"It would kill the community if this pub shut down for good so I just thought – right, I should take this over myself."

Kenley Hotel will reopen, vows landlord

Crystal Palace haven't lost at home on a Tuesday for almost three years

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TUESDAY night at Selhurst Park – a frightening fixture for opposing teams and a phrase that inspires confidence in all those who don the red and blue stripes of Crystal Palace.

March 16 will mark an incredible three years since we've lost at home on the traditional night for Championship midweek games, though that impressive run may have come to an end against Hull but for 39-year-old Kevin Phillips. Tigers manager Steve Bruce had certainly done his homework and the visiting side did well in the first half, invariably playing long balls in behind our high line for their nippy forwards to chase.

Delaney and Ramage dealt with most that came their way but in those one-on-one situations the slightest mistake could have meant Hull were through on goal.

Phillips stepped up to slot home Palace's opener from the spot – our second penalty of the night after Murray missed our first. We went down the tunnel at half-time lucky to be in the lead and as predicted Hull came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half.

Then the hero of the night, Super Kev, banged in two goals in a matter of minutes to secure his first Palace hat-trick and turned the game completely on its head.

When the veteran striker first joined the Eagles, along with many fans I was wary of the impact he'd have – we didn't need a bit-part player.

The stats speak for themselves here though.

Five goals in eight appearances (including only one start) is an excellent return from a player only recently added to the squad.

His wisdom and relationship with the gaffer are key. He's played a lot of football for Holloway and he knows how our system works.

The saying goes an "oldie but a goodie" – well, this oldie has just proved himself a vital part of our promotion push.

Crystal Palace haven't lost at home on a Tuesday for almost three years

Crystal Palace back at Selhurst Park for Leeds United match

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THE race for the Premier League is well and truly on, and today Crystal Palace are back at fortress Selhurst Park to welcome Leeds United.

Tuesday's fantastic win over Hull City, coupled with Cardiff City's draw to Derby County, could mean the title is not completely out of reach for Ian Holloway's men.

Of course, Watford hold that second automatic spot but Palace are now just two points away from them, and some may argue the Hornets have a tougher run-in than the Eagles, with Hull, Cardiff and Leicester still to play.

But the Championship is a difficult league with many quality players, and it does not get any harder for Palace against a Leeds side currently looking to make a late burst into the play-offs.

And that's all before next Sunday's huge clash down at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Former Palace boss Neil Warnock returns to Selhurst Park once again, three years after departing for QPR, but will he get a reaction similar to that Steve Bruce got on Tuesday night?

Jazz Richards looks set to miss out again due to a toe injury, so Kagisho Dikgacoi may continue to fill in at right-back though Jonathan Parr is an option there.

And Holloway has revealed how the injury came about for the loan defender. "We've had a scan on his foot," he said. "Because his left big toe was so sore, he didn't feel the pain he had in his right foot.

"It actually got better and he trained the other day, but I asked him when we had our team meeting and he said he was a nine-out-of-ten, fitness-wise.

"But he had to go back in as it was his other foot, so we'll take a look at it and see where we are."

It will be interesting to see who starts in midfield, with the likes of Stephen Dobbie and Andre Moritz possibly looking for starts, although Jacob Butterfield and Jonny Williams stepped up to the plate on Tuesday.

Kevin Phillips says he does not expect to start, despite his hat-trick against Hull, so maybe we'll see Dobbie recalled to play in behind Glenn Murray.

And Yannick Bolasie will be hoping to start after a bright introduction from the bench in midweek.

Leeds go into the match in good form and have built up a string of positive results in recent games.

They were pegged back by a late equaliser on Tuesday at Leicester City and Warnock was disappointed not to have come away with another three points.

"Everyone was so disappointed in the dressing room," he said. "I thought we played well against a team who have spent a lot of money and have a big wage bill, and we played some good football.

"We should have so many more points than we have, but the lads are working as hard as they can."

There is no doubt that Leeds' attack is the strongest part of their side, with Luke Varney, former Norwich man Steve Morison and Palace's transfer target last summer, Ross McCormack.

Varney is more likely to operate from a wider area and possesses good pace, while the other two are lethal in front of goal if given a chance.

It could prove to be a tougher outing for the Eagles backline this time around compared to Hull City, who did not have a recognised striker on Tuesday, just a number of attacking midfielders filling the void.

And of course, Leeds have El Hadji Diouf in their ranks, so they will definitely pose a bigger threat come 3pm.

A win could take Palace into second if Watford lose at home to Blackpool, while Hull do not play until Monday night, at Burnley.

Crystal Palace back at Selhurst Park for Leeds United match

Palace 2-2 Leeds United: Murray at the double once again at Selhurst

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CRYSTAL Palace were held to a 2-2 draw against Leeds United at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

The Eagles enjoyed much of the play throughout the contest, but they nearly went away without even a point after Steve Morison had stunned the home faithful with two goals in quick succession against the run of play following Glenn Murray's first half opener.

But the striker grabbed the equaliser for his 30th of the season in all competitions with a low finish in front of the Holmesdale Stand.

Leeds looked lively in the opening stages but Palace soon got into their attacking rhythm through Yannick Bolasie and Jonathan Williams in particular.

Kagisho Dikgacoi had the first real chance of the afternoon after ten minutes when he headed inches wide from Stephen Dobbie's corner.

But a few minutes later Leeds had their first opportunity from a corner of their own when former Millwall striker Steve Morison shot just wide from ten yards out.

Eagles hitman Glenn Murray had the next good chance of the game after 19 minutes when Wilfried Zaha beat his marker down the right and delivered a great ball for the striker, who forced a low save from Paddy Kenny with a glancing header.

Ross McCormack tested Julian Speroni from range shortly before the half-hour mark with a ferocious low drive from range, but the custodian did well to hold on first time.

But Palace took a deserved lead moments later when Jonny Williams entered the box on the left and delivered a wonderful ball to the back post where an unmarked Murray headed home with ease.

The striker thought he may have been offside but the assistant on the far side had kept his flag down and Ian Holloway's men were rolling.

And it could have been two when brilliant play from Zaha saw the winger skip past a Leeds player on the left before playing the ball into Jonathan Parr down the left, who beat his man, burst into the box and forced Kenny into a good stop at his near post.

Zaha, destined for Leeds' bitter rivals Manchester United, was having a belter for the Eagles and nearly created Murray with another, but his low cross was cleared at the last second inside the box.

Ian Holloway's men came out extremely bright in the second half, with Zaha going close with an effort wide of the far post after bearing down on goal from the right.

Dobbie then did well to beat a Leeds player on the edge of the box before curling an effort over.

Luke Varney was then booked for an embarassing dive in the Palace box and was rightfully booked.

However, he had a big say in the next moment of the match when Leeds grabbed an equaliser against the run of play.

The former Charlton man skipped down the left and centred a low ball into Morison, who fired home from just inside the box towards the bottom corner.

Palace were stunned, but it didn't stop them from playing their attacking brand of football, and Dobbie went extremely close with two low effort that crept inches past the post with Kenny beaten.

And then Leeds sparked an unbelievable turnaround when they grabbed their second of the afternoon.

A long ball forward from Kenny ran straight to Morison, who volleyed on the run past Speroni to stun the home faithful.

Palace had no option but to change formation and so Holloway threw on Tuesday's hat-trick hero Kevin Phillips in a bid to salvage at least a point.

Dobbie skied a shot over from the edge of the box soon after before he was substituted, but then Palace grabbed an equaliser throught that man again, Glenn Murray.

A ball into the far post from Delaney was hit first time by the striker for his 30th goal of the season in all competitions to send Selhurst Park crazy.

Palace applied heavy pressure in the final stages as they went looking for the equaliser before the fourth official issued four minutes of added-on time.

But the Eagles were unable to grab a dramatic winner and had to make-do with a point.

Palace: Speroni, Dikgacoi, Parr, Ramage, Delaney, Jedinak (c), Williams (Wilbraham 86), Dobbie (Moritz 83), Zaha, Bolasie (Phillips 74), Murray.


Subs Not Used: Price, Richards, Moxey, Butterfield.

Attendance: 19,976


By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Expert panel publishes report on new drug-driving offence prompted by Lillian's Law campaign

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AN EXPERT panel tasked with exploring which substances should be included within a new drug-driving offence – prompted by the Advertiser's Lillian's Law campaign – has published its report.
It recommends adopting limits for illegal substances such as cannabis, heroin and cocaine and stricter controls for people who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the same time.
The panel says the new offence should also contain thresholds for prescription drugs such as sleeping pills.
Transport Secretary Stephen Hammond said the offence would send the "strongest possible message" that motorists "cannot take any amount of illegal drugs and drive".
The panel was set up by the Department for Transport (DfT) after the Advertiser and the family of Lillian Groves, a 14-year-old schoolgirl killed by a driver who had taken cannabis, met Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street.
He promised to revise the law on drug-driving and a new offence, a key aim of our campaign, was subsequently included in the Crime and Courts Bill currently making its way through Parliament.
The penalty for the new offence will be a maximum of six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000, with an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months. It removes the current need for police to prove a substance impaired a person's ability to drive, done by outdated balance and coordination tests.
The panel, led by Dr Kim Wolff, an expert in addiction science from King's College London, was  instructed to recommend which drugs should be covered and what levels should be imposed.
Lillian's family have called for a zero-tolerance policy to cannabis and the panel has come close to recommending one, suggesting a limit of 5 micrograms per litre (μg/L) for THC, the active ingredient.
"At this concentration," the report said, "the risks for involvement in, responsibility for, or injury as a result of a traffic accident when driving under the influence of cannabis are significant compared to a driver who has not consumed cannabis."
Sweden describes its policy as 'zero tolerance' with a threshold of 3μg/L, which the panel says should be the limit for cannabis when alcohol is also found in a driver's blood.
Scientific evidence shows cannabis has a significant impact on driving performance, almost doubling the chance of having an accident.
A study in 2011 was even more explicit about the dangers, finding that drivers were up to three times more likely to have a serious or fatal injury after using the drug.
It also noted a "significant increased accident risk" when the concentration was 5μg/L or higher - the panel's recommended level - "regardless of whether or not ingestion had occurred recently" or whether it was illicit or prescribed.
The expert panel considered scientific evidence about the prevalence of drug use, the risk to road safety and how different drugs affect drivers. To justify limits, risk estimates, or odds ratios, were calculated. It argues that, above the suggested limits, a person is unfit to drive.
Significantly higher limits were proposed for other illicit drugs covered by the offence including cocaine (80μg/L), ecstasy (300μg/L), amphetamine (600μg/L), ketamine (200 μg/L) and morphine (80 μg/L), as the product of heroin.
The report has also called for the new offence to include limits for prescription and medicinal drugs, including sleeping and anxiety pills.
Of particular concern, it said, was sleeping tablet zopiclone. Although not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) and outside of the panel's remit, studies have found high road traffic accident risk associated with the substance, which is used to treat insomnia.
"The panel believes there is sufficient evidence to suggest a need for a threshold to be set for zopiclone," states the report.
Dr Wolff said the report, produced at King's College London, recognised that setting thresholds for prescription drugs was "particularly challenging".
"Characterisation of these drugs for drug-driving purposes is conceptually difficult because several different user groups, who use the medication in different circumstances, are involved," the report said.
"This includes those who legitimately use licensed psychoactive medication, those prescribed psychoactive medication for treatment of drug or alcohol dependency and those who obtain it illicitly and use it alone or with other drugs."
When considering what limits should be set for certain types of medication, the panel looked at blood concentration levels found in therapeutic use compared to drug-addicts misusing medicine.
For morphine, for example, it recommends a level significantly above the average found in cancer patients prescribed long term doses of the drug.
The prescription drugs which the panel recommends for inclusion in the new offence are methadone, diazepam, oxazepam, flunitrazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam and temazepam.
Drugs such as mephredrone, and other 'legal highs', will not be included due to a lack of scientific evidence about their effects on driving, but the report added: "That their pharmacology is so similar to that of the drugs for which we do have evidence makes it highly probable that they will pose similar risks."
Each substance considered for inclusion has had a lower limit set for when a driver is also found to have alcohol in their blood above 20 milligrams per 100 millilitres (20mg/100ml).
"There has been a considerable increase in poly-drug use by drivers and the road safety risk associated with driving after consuming drugs and alcohol at one time is extremely high," the report said.
"Based on this evidence, the panel is also recommending that a lower limit should be set for certain drugs where they are found in combination with alcohol, as this combination leads to much greater accident risk when driving than a low concentration of the drug on its own."
Lillian's family said they would need time to read the report fully, but welcomed the low threshold suggested for cannabis.
The schoolgirl was knocked down and killed outside her home in Headley Drive, New Addington, in June 2010 by speeding driver John Page.
A half-smoked cannabis joint was later found on his dashboard but due to the lack of roadside testing devices he was not subject to a blood test until nine hours after the incident.
The Wolff report supports the family's belief that had Page been screened sooner he may have faced a more serious charge than causing death by careless driving.
It stresses the time taken to take a sample of blood is the key to securing a prosecution.
"THC has a rapid metabolism, and if the time between the stop or accident and the blood sampling is delayed, the blood concentration may have decreased markedly," the report states.
"For instance, 5μg/L of THC will be expected to decrease to  1.25μg/L after 3 hours."
A testing device was approved by the Home Office for use in police stations from January and, the Government says, will be used by the roadside by 2014.
Mr Hammond, speaking to the Press Association, said: "The Government will carefully consider the panel's recommendations.
"In doing so, we are clear that the design of the new offence must send the strongest possible message that you cannot take any amount of illegal drugs and drive.
"At the same time, the Government must consider the position of those who legitimately and safely use medicines which may contain controlled drugs.
"We recognise for the purposes of drug testing, distinguishing between those drugs which do have medical uses and those which do not is complex."

Expert panel publishes report on new drug-driving offence prompted by Lillian's Law campaign


South Norwood hotel turned down by Croydon Council

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A BID to build a 58-bedroom hotel for businesspeople visiting South Norwood has been thrown out by councillors.

The application by Event Investments to transform the former Queen's Arms pub in Portland Road was turned down by the council's strategic planning committee last Thursday.

Fears the low-price hotel would be a "dosshouse" emerged last year when the proposals were submitted.

But Charles Moran, the agent for the planning application, denied this, saying the Biznest hotel would be aimed at businesspeople on short-term contracts.

Committee chairman David Osland said the application was rejected on grounds of design and parking.

Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell spoke at the meeting to object to the proposal. He said: "In its current form, the application was unacceptable.

"The size of the development, the fact public space would have disappeared and the lack of disabled parking was cause for concern.

"Mainly, though, there was real suspicion from local residents that it would have been a hostel rather than a hotel.

"If you look, nearly all the rooms are single and there is no catering provided."

Objectors were also worried the plans would bring the hotel too close to the pavement line, with the Queen's Arms currently set well back from the road.

Mr Barwell did, however, offer hope to the potential developers, adding: "It is obvious that Portland Road needs investment and after meeting the developers, they assured me it was all a misunderstanding.

"Hopefully, they make the necessary amendments to their application, but, as I say, in its current form, I would raise the same objections again."

But Mr Moran would not be drawn on his future plans at this time.

He said: "At the moment we're reviewing our options and I'm not in a position to say anything yet. We will make a decision soon."

Warehouse Theatre in Croydon stripped of valuable items by administrators

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THE lights went out – and were then sold – at the Warehouse Theatre this week.

In the latest, and perhaps final, act of the theatre's drawn-out demise, the building on Dingwall Road was stripped of anything of value by administrator Jeremy Frost.

Some of the items, including the lighting rig, chairs and tables, have already been sold to cover his costs, and the rest is likely to be auctioned on eBay.

If it is to be the last word for one of the borough's few remaining cultural attractions – at least in its current home – it was suitably dramatic.

As Mr Frost removed memorabilia and salvageable equipment last Friday, Ted Craig, the theatre's former artistic director, arrived at the site.

An argument ensued and the police were called after one of the administrator's team – accused of stealing the items – was hit with a stick.

"Some of my staff were accused of being thieves, that they were stealing stuff from the theatre," said Mr Frost.

"We were actually saving it. If we didn't take the stuff it was going to end up chucked in the skip. One of my guys was hit with a piece of wood. It wasn't a two-by-four, but we had to get the police."

Officers attended the scene and later spoke to the team member, who did not want to take the matter further.

Mr Craig described the incident as "something and nothing".

"I just felt it was a bit of a raid," he said. "I knew it was going to happen, because he kept asking me to help him.

"There was nothing of huge value in the building, there never has been, but it wasn't pretty watching them scurry in and out.

"I just think it's odd that he has been the administrator for nine months, incurring a significant amount of costs dealing with a company with no assets, then suddenly turns up to strip the place on a Friday afternoon. It's very strange behaviour."

Mr Frost was appointed as the theatre's administrator last May.

It was operated as a bar until November when the theatre's landlord, Stanhope/Schroders, took back control of the building and undertook a structural survey to test its safety.

Mr Frost said: "I was told a couple of weeks ago that Stanhope had got an independent valuation of the contents and were just going to bin it all.

"We went to the council and asked for money to buy whatever was in there, and they declined.

"So we went down there for the last time. We found someone who was prepared to take the lights and we've taken the pictures to sell on eBay. Someone had already taken the scripts. That's pretty much it now. I expect the theatre to be knocked down."

Mr Frost and his team removed the items from the building a few hours after the power was switched off.

Under a Section 106 planning agreement signed with the council when Stanhope/Schroders received planning permission for their Ruskin Square homes and offices development, the companies will give £3million to help finance a new theatre on the site, although the money will only be released when a viable business plan is put forward.

In the meantime, supporters of the theatre have so far donated £13,000 to the Warehouse Phoenix Limited, a new company determined to continue its work.

Warehouse Theatre in Croydon stripped of valuable items by administrators

Alcohol crackdown policy for Croydon 'lacks detail'

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THE case that Croydon should be subject to the country's biggest alcohol crackdown is based on a single page of crime statistics and figures for ambulance callouts, the Advertiser can reveal.

The council wants to establish Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZ) in 17 of 24 wards, giving it more power to reject licence applications.

The zones would cover three-quarters of Croydon – including the entire north of the borough – and would be the largest ever created.

A strong body of crime and health data is needed to justify a crackdown covering such a large area.

When asked to provide the evidence compiled to support the new policy, the council sent just two sets of data, including one page of a Safer Croydon Partnership report showing the number of violent crimes per ward between November 2011 and July 2012.

The figures show four attempted murders in Thornton Heath and 23 incidents where people were seriously wounded in both Fairfield and Woodside, but no indication as to how many of the incidents were drink-related.

Paul Smith, Labour's spokesman for crime and public protection, described the lack of depth in the research as "a little odd".

"You can extrapolate from the crime figures because when it comes to violent crime and antisocial behaviour there's a significant proportion related to the use of alcohol, he added.

"But my concern is that if there is a lack of data on which this policy is based then it's going to make it very difficult for the licensing committee to refuse applications if they can't show there's a strong evidence base to support the decision."

The zones will allow the council to reject all licence applications – including amendments to existing agreements such as extending hours – unless the pub, club or shopkeeper can prove their business will not add to existing drink-related problems.

Cumulative impact policies cover all premises selling alcohol, serving food late at night or playing live music, though the council says it wants to curb the spread of off-licences.

In deciding whether to create a CIZ, statutory guidelines say licensing authorities should consider crime and disorder figures, antisocial behaviour and health-related statistics.

Other than a small amount of crime numbers, the only other evidence the council's licensing officers considered was monthly London Ambulance Service callout data.

It shows there were 1,168 callouts related to binge drinking in Croydon during 2012.

Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety, has attended just one meeting about the new CIZ policy but is confident the evidence considered is comprehensive enough.

He said: "There's no specific threshold for number of crimes or the impact on health which has to be met for a ward to be included. It's whether our officers think its appropriate.

"There may be wards that, on closer inspection during the consultation process, may not be suitable, but I'm confident these powers are justified."

The policy is out for public consultation, with April 22 being set as the deadline for comments.

Licence applications are currently automatically approved if the council receives no objections– and even if concerns are raised there is a legal presumption for them to be passed, unless there are strong reasons not to. Under the new plans, uncontested applications would still be automatically passed, but as soon as an objection was raised the pub, club or shopkeeper would face the difficult task of proving their business would not cause further problems in the area.

Ollie's Way: Referee got it so wrong with Nani's red card

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I WATCHED the highlights of Manchester United versus Real Madrid and the controversy surrounding Nani's red card.

What I don't understand is we know what Nani can do and we've seen him play in England an awful lot – the bloke couldn't foul anyone.

He's a top footballer who is always keeping his eye on the ball and trying to bring it down, and not once did he take his eye off that ball.

He had no way of seeing or knowing what Alvaro Arbeloa was doing and to be honest, I've seen Arbeloa con referees in the past.

He rolled around and it was another culture of 'look at me' – he got up in the end but I thought the referee was absolutely useless.

It wasn't a red card in a million years. It was a high foot, but it wasn't deliberate – it was off the ground to try and bring the ball down with the top of his foot.

Arbeloa, if anything, ran straight into his foot, so it was a collision, and I think if Arbeloa had seen what Nani was going to do, he wouldn't have put his body anywhere near it.

For me, it was ridiculous and just a free-kick at most – I don't think it would merit a yellow card in my opinion.

I've seen so many bad decisions at the highest level, and once I was apologised to by the referees' association.

They assessed their referee and the panel found about six mistakes that cost my team nine points – and they sent us a letter in May.

Meanwhile, I'd like to congratulate Ryan Giggs on his 1,000th United appearance. He has been the model professional and to still be playing at the highest, highest level, is quite phenomenal.

I haven't seen anything like that in my lifetime and to play that many times and win and be consistent is totally and utterly amazing.

I think he was 17 years old on his debut and you could tell he was special, but what it takes to look after yourself and keep motivated is pretty exceptional.

I think he's saying it's down to a lot of yoga he does, but to be at the top of the game for that amount of years and score consistently for 23 seasons in the top flight is outstanding. He's a living legend in my opinion and he could be the best Premier League player we've ever seen.

I remember he scored one of the best goals I have ever seen when I played against him at Queens Park Rangers.

He actually went past about five us, and I was one of them, before hitting it into the far corner with his left foot.

And then I remember watching him in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park when he scored that wonder goal against Arsenal.

Ollie's Way: Referee got it so wrong with Nani's red card

Couple asked to leave South Norwood Country Park over fears they could slip on grease from chainsaw

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A RETIRED war correspondent and his ex-councillor wife were barred from swotting up on Croydon wildlife for "health and safety" reasons.

Peter Gillman, 71, and his wife Leni, 69, were enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon looking at displays in South Norwood Country Park's visitor centre, when the park keeper asked them to leave in case they slipped on grease from a chainsaw.

Mr Gillman said: "He said this was on the grounds of health and safety – yes, he used those words. He said there were some power tools in the room.

"I looked and there was an electric saw which was wrapped up and lying under a table. I asked him if he thought I was going to unwrap it and cut my leg off.

"We left the room and I again questioned why we had been turned out of the room. He said that he had to watch his back in case, for example, we slipped on some grease in the room and fell over. I had seen no grease on the floor or any other hazardous substance.

"But at this point any further argument seemed pointless."

The trip had extra importance for Mr Gillman as he begins to walk again, three months after a knee operation.

The couple, who regularly visit the park, had finished a quick stroll around and were pleasantly surprised to see the visitor centre open. Due to cutbacks, the centre is only open to the public for four hours a fortnight at the weekend.

Mr Gillman added: "The informative panels displaying things such as the park's flora and fauna inside the centre are delightful.

"The park keeper was very pleasant when we spoke to him, but as soon as we entered this unlocked room, he was quite brusque.

"To say that I could not manage walking around a school reading room is ludicrous."

"The episode left us feeling rather sour after a very enjoyable afternoon."

Croydon Council said the room is a shared space not for public entry, and that the door should have had a sign on it.

A council spokesman said: "The area the couple entered is used as a workspace in off-season and as a teaching space the rest of the time.

"There will have been tools lying around and so the member of staff asked them to leave.

"If they wish to make a formal complaint, then they should contact the council's parks department."

Couple asked to leave South Norwood Country Park over fears they could slip on grease from chainsaw

Thornton Heath man who repeatedly beat his girlfriend given suspended prison sentence

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A MAN who repeatedly beat his girlfriend and once strangled her to the point that she passed out has been handed a suspended sentence.

Alexander Stampp punched, bit and threatened to kill his partner Roxanne Spalding during a series of attacks over four months.

In one of the vicious beatings, the 26-year-old slammed her face into a sink causing a fork to stab into her neck.

But Stampp, of Kynaston Avenue, Thornton Heath, avoided immediate jail – even though the magistrate recognised he had shown no remorse – because he has "emotional issues".

Instead the warehouse worker's six-month sentence for four counts of common assault was suspended for 18 months.

Croydon Magistrates' Court heard the couple had started dating in November 2011.

Roz Wardell, prosecuting, said: "The relationship started well but after a couple of months the arguments began, with increasing physical violence."

The first attack took place on April 14 at Miss Spalding's flat in Montacute Road, New Addington, when Stampp strangled her to the point that she passed out and collapsed on the floor.

Then, while at her flat on June 13, Stampp punched Miss Spalding in the face. A neighbour saw what happened but Stampp threatened to burn his flat down.

The violence continued on July 24, when Stampp slammed his partner's face into her kitchen sink with such force that a fork in the basin stabbed her neck.

Miss Spalding then went to hospital, where doctors also found heavy bruising on her right arm.

On August 4, Stampp beat Miss Spalding unconscious following an argument over websites he had been viewing.

Ms Wardell added: "When she woke up she tried to call for help on her phone but the defendant grabbed it."

On August 24, Miss Spalding went to Croydon Police station and reported her ordeal.

A police officer witnessed bruises and bite marks on her arm and took photographs of the injuries. Stampp was arrested and charged with four counts of common assault.

He was found guilty on all charges at Croydon Magistrates' Court and the case was adjourned until last Friday for a pre-sentence report.

Magistrates heard that Stammp's three-year-old daughter had died from a heart defect six years ago. Her death led him to have a breakdown and the end of the five-year relationship with the child's mother, leaving him with "emotional issues".

Chairman of the bench Graham Reed told Stampp: "You have shown no remorse or accepted any responsibility for offences which were committed over a period of months."

Stampp was given six months for each charge, to be served concurrently, with the sentences suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of community service, and pay £200 compensation to Miss Spalding.

A women's group has described the sentence as an 'all too familiar' example of how the courts treat domestic violence. Hamida Ali, of Croydon Labour Women's Forum, said: "This case is shocking and its outcome is equally shocking. To those involved in responding to violence against women, it's an all too familiar story. "This reminds us how much work remains to raise awareness about the prevalence, dynamics and impact of violence against women. "The Croydon Labour Women's Forum remains concerned about the response to violence against women in Croydon – including the workings of our justice system. Sentences like this give women no confidence in taking action."

Thornton Heath man who repeatedly beat his girlfriend given suspended prison sentence

Old Coulsdon woman, 90, says bus driver left her after she broke her hip in fall on 466

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A 90-YEAR-OLD volunteer who broke her hip after falling on a bus has spoken of her anger at the bus driver for driving away without properly checking on her.

Carmen Graham has had a hip replacement since falling on the bus and being helped on to the pavement by strangers.

Mrs Graham, from Old Coulsdon, is still attending physiotherapy and said this week: "He should have stopped and found out what happened to me; he should not have just left me."

Mrs Graham had ridden the 466 bus from the Tudor Rose in Old Coulsdon to Brighton Road, Purley, to work her regular volunteering shift at Oxfam.

She says she fell over after the bus stopped in Brighton Road outside the Post Office and she got up to leave.

She said: "I would not think of standing up unless the bus had stopped. So I got up and I held the rail where they put the luggage.

"As soon I got up he jerked the bus backwards and forwards. I lost my grip and went down. My head was virtually level with where he was driving."

Mrs Graham was helped off the bus in November last year by three other passengers, but says she was shocked when the bus driver drove away without investigating whether she was OK.

She said: "The moment they got me on the pavement my leg went out from underneath me and he just drove away and left me on the pavement with three ladies.

"Even if he had to move the bus some reason, he must have known I had fallen [on the bus]."

Mrs Graham was taken to her GP surgery in Old Coulsdon by her daughter and referred to Croydon University Hospital.

Her left hip had to be replaced and she says the incident is seriously limiting her life.

She said: "I am fed up with walking like a cripple. I know I am 90 but nobody would think I am. At Oxfam, they say I never make a mistake.

"I cannot do anything I want to do; I mean I am handicapped in the house. I used to do every bit of work myself – I never had anybody do anything for me at all. Now I am asking my daughter."

Mrs Graham said she had complained to bus company Arriva and has been told her complaint has been forwarded to the claims department.

She added that nowadays she struggles to work up the courage to get back on the bus and to her volunteering work.

She said: "I have been volunteering for Oxfam 27 years in total. I just love it; I am at the till the whole time and I love talking to the people.

"There is a stool behind the till – once I get there I am fine."

Dave Jones, deputy head of customer service at bus company, Arriva, said he could not comment on the specific incident as there was a claim.

But he added: "We do expect our drivers to look after the welfare of the passengers and any incident will be fully investigated."

Old Coulsdon woman, 90, says bus driver left her after she broke her hip in fall on 466


Architect picked to lead on Old Town masterplan

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Allies and Morrison has been appointed to lead the development of Croydon's Old Town masterplan.

Tim Naylor, head of spatial planning at the council, said the practice had been selected through a competitive tender process for the job, which will see a multi-disciplinary team work with Croydon Council, Old Town businesses and residents to develop ideas for the area's future.

In an update posted on the Croydon Town Team section of retail guru Mary Portas' website, Naylor said Allies and Morrison would bring expertise in architecture, heritage, urban design, transport planning, economic development, landscape architecture and urban planning to the project.

He said: "The purpose of the Old Town masterplan is to improve the built environment for people living, working and shopping in Old Town.

"It will be a planning guidance document that sets the parameters for development of the buildings, streets and public spaces in Old Town and also looks at how movement in, out and around the area could be improved over the next 20 years.

"It will also recommend how the heritage assets of the area – its treasured buildings and historic street patterns – can be preserved, enhanced and celebrated.

"The masterplan is funded by the Mayor of London and Croydon Council, and will be formally consulted on towards the end of this year."

People who live, work and shop in Old Town are being invited to an ideas workshop at Matthews Yard on 26 March, 6.30-8.30pm.

Architect picked to lead on Old Town masterplan

New Wandle bridge marks park milestone in the area of Croydon Old Town

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An 11-tonne ornamental bridge has been lifted into place in the latest milestone development for the £3.8 million transformation of Croydon's Wandle Park.

The structure now spans the River Wandle, which has been returned to the surface at the park after being buried underground as part of a 1967 flood-prevention scheme.

Other changes to the 8.5 hectare park include the addition of a bandstand, a skate park and new ball-games courts.

A new sports pavilion with a café and toilets is also due to be built before the park work is fully completed this summer.

Councillor Phil Thomas, Croydon's cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said the new bridge brought the park's transformation a step closer to completion.

"Wandle Park is rapidly coming back to life and will soon be a fantastic destination for people who want to enjoy its great new facilities – or simply unwind with a walk along the riverbanks," he said.

Work at the park is being funded by Croydon Council, the Mayor of London, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and Section 106 planning-gain contributions from developers behind nearby schemes.

POLL: Crystal Palace v Leeds - vote for your man of the match

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GLENN Murray bagged a brace as Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with Leeds on Saturday - but was the prolific striker your man of the match? We want Eagles fans to tell us who they thought their side's star man was, in the weekend's clash against Neil Warnock's side. To vote, simply click on the name of your chosen player in the poll on the right of this page. You can also join the debate by commenting below on your choice for MOM, or why not submit your own player ratings and tell us who performed well on Saturday and who needs to up their game.

POLL: Crystal Palace v Leeds - vote for your man of the match

South Norwood off-licence raid - CCTV pictures released

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Cash, alcohol and cigarettes were stolen during a knife-point raid at a South Norwood off-licence. Detectives today launched images of two men they want to speak to in relation to the February 4 robbery on Penge Road. Detective Constable Billy Clough is investigating the raid, which happened at around 8pm. He said: "I would urge anyone who might recognise either of these people to contact us as soon as possible. The victim was threatened with a knife during this robbery, so we are keen to get any information that will help us to bring those responsible to justice." Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting the relevant reference number from the image.

South Norwood off-licence raid - CCTV pictures released

Do Croydon detectives have your gold?

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A stolen treasure trove of gold jewellery has been discovered in a builder's yard. Officers today released images of the haul in the hope of reuniting the items with their owners. The jewellery was found by a man at a builder's yard in Stroud Road, Woodside, on February 16 and handed in to the Ashburton Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Officers believe they may have been stolen from people in the local area and were dropped off or left behind by the culprits. Detective Inspector Brian Hobbs said: "These items were handed to us by a honest member of the public who literally found them lying on the floor. It's more than likely they were stolen - probably during burglaries - so we're simply trying to identify who the rightful owners are and reunite them with their property. "This also highlights the importance of people making a note and taking photos of their expensive jewellery items. If the worst happens and they are stolen, by having photos and a list and description of items, we can much more easily identify and reunite owners with property when we recover stolen goods. It also makes it easier for us to prove items have been stolen and prosecute those handling them as well." Anyone with information or who recognises any of the items should call Croydon police on 101.

Do Croydon detectives have your gold?

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