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Teenagers arrested after man robbed at knifepoint near West Croydon station

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TWO teenagers have been arrested after a 21-year-old was robbed at knifepoint near West Croydon rail station in the early hours of this morning. After the robbery, the man flagged down a police car in London Road and reported what had happened. Officers took him on a drive around the area and two teenagers were identified in Gladstone Road. Police recovered the items said to have been stolen during the incident which occurred at 1.30am this morning (Wednesday). A knife was also found. Two boys, aged 16 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and they remain in custody at a south London police station.

Teenagers arrested after man robbed at knifepoint near West Croydon station


Editor's Blog: Journalism and jargon-busting

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Very little makes me angry.
Indeed those close to me would argue only two things truly bring out the Ebrey rage - football (well, Tottenham, specifically) and bad drivers.
You can add a third thing to this list - jargon.
I hate jargon, absolutely detest it.
Or, perhaps I should say, I am not particularly enamoured by the practice of using an inordinate amount of words where a few syllables and characters would suffice.
As I was saying, I hate jargon.
I do, however, love this job; largely because as well as being a journalist/editor, I see myself as being a jargon-buster, sent to cut through the waves and waves of bull's waste churned out by PR companies and - even worse - our police forces and councils every day.

A few examples, if I may;

1) Councils, police and other authorities love nothing more than telling us they are forming a 'multi-agency partnership' Nonsense - you're just working together and doing your job, nowt spesh in that
2) Planners speaking of a 'mixed-use development' It's got houses and it's got some shops; that'll do.
3) Police officers constantly using the phrase 'with regards to'. Utterly redundant.
4) Another police one - "we executed a search warrant". Executed?
5) When firms talk about 'growing our business' What kind of English is that?!

I could go on but the foam is quite literally spewing from my mouth (it's not, just thought I'd bring in another of my pet hates, the misuse of the word 'literally') Please feel free to suggest your own pet jargon-related hates below though.
I'll leave you with this; a press release which dropped into our inbox this morning...

This meeting, which is the third in a series of six, will focus on explaining the approach of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), the benefits of participating and addressing community issues in the presence of statutory partners. The ABCD approach works on the basis of building on passion and enthusiasm, so at the end of that session we will be checking with people who would like to support this work by participating in future meetings.

Nope - I don't know what it means either.

Crystal Palace FC Foundation responds to homophobic chant claims

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CLAIMS Crystal Palace fans have been guilty of homophobic chanting in matches against arch-rivals Brighton will be taken "very seriously", the club's foundation has said.
Last week, the Advertiser reported how The Gay Football Supporters' Network named and shamed 29 clubs whose fans take part in anti-gay chanting, with Palace among those pinpointed.
Today, head of the Crystal Palace FC Foundation Donald Forde and chairman David Groves have released a joint statement to the Advertiser, in response to the accusations.
They say: "On behalf of Crystal Palace FC Foundation, we would like to stress that everyone at Palace is committed to fighting all forms of discrimination in the game, including homophobia.
"We were disappointed to learn of the details of the report which stated that Brighton supporters have been subjected to abuse in more than half of their matches and, as one of the 29 clubs (from 92 in the Premier and Football League) supporting Football v Homophobia, take those claims very seriously.
"The club do not tolerate racist or homophobic chanting at Selhurst Park and will continue to work with the relevant bodies to eradicate behaviour like that from football grounds.
"Furthermore  our work around tackling homophobia, which includes our Hearts and Minds project  led by young people engaged in our youth programmes, has been singled out as national best practice by the Football Association, as well as recently nominated for the Innovation of the Year award by the Premier League for its National Kickz Awards.
"We are 'One Club, One Community'

Crystal Palace FC Foundation responds to homophobic chant claims

Korfball set for Whitgift School on Sunday

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THE final round of matches in the England Korfball League will be played this Sunday at Whitgift School, Croydon. The top 10 teams in England will be playing each other and will decide who qualify for the end of season play-offs as well as deciding who will be relegated.
The top four teams, after the regular season, qualify for the end-of season play-offs, which take place on May 4 and 5, and it will decide which team will become the England Korfball League champions for 2012/13.
Four London teams - Bec, Croydon, Nomads and Trojans - will be in action on Sunday. Trojans have already qualified for the play-offs but will want a win to ensure an easier draw. Bec and Nomads are also in the hunt for the play-offs. Bec are based in Tooting, Croydon and Trojans are based in Croydon, while Nomads are based in Epsom.
Korfball is the world's only mixed team sport with four male and four female players on each team. The game is Dutch and shares its roots with basketball and netball. It was invented in 1902 by a Dutch schoolteacher who wanted a game that all his pupils at the first co-educational schools in Amsterdam could play together.
The London Korfball Association is running Sunday's event, with matches commencing at 10.30am and run until 6.30pm.
Mark Paxton, Development Officer of the London Korfball Association, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the top korfball players in the country at this event.
"With four London teams in action, we are hoping for lots of local support to cheer our sides on and create a great atmosphere. Overall, it should be a memorable day out."
Entrance for spectators is free.

Missing woman last seen at Croydon University Hospital is found

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A MISSING woman last seen leaving Croydon University Hospital has been found. Police appealed for information earlier on today in an attempt to find Amanda Kelly,36, after she went missing on Monday (April 8). This afternoon Scotland Yard issued a press release confirming Kelly, from Lewisham, has been found.

Missing woman last seen at Croydon University Hospital is found

Funding to Croydon to be cut as number of children seeking asylum drops

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THE money Croydon receives in recognition of its status as a refugee harbour is likely to be cut because the number of asylum-seeking children it looks after has more than halved.

The council has long argued it should be given more cash for caring for unaccompanied children, and even considered taking legal action against the Government.

It eventually secured £6.5 million of extra funding from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in recognition of its status as the only place in the country where people can make an in-country application for asylum.

Now it expects to lose some of this special grant after the number of children claiming asylum in the borough more than halved in less than five years, from 740 in 2009 to 311 this January.

Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said the decline was the result of the changing international picture and stricter border controls, though fewer applications from children under the age of 17 are rejected than five years ago.

He added that it was right for funding to be cut if the numbers had fallen.

He said: "I don't think it should decline proportionately, as there are still significant costs even if we are only looking after a relatively small number.

"But when Mike (Fisher, council leader) and I went to meet ministers to secure additional funding, the agreement was the grant would be reviewed if the situation changed.

"There are two reasons for the decline. Firstly, the picture around the world. The number of asylum-seekers rises when there are major outbreaks of conflict.

"Secondly, we have a more effective system in place. By the last Government's admission, they lost control in the mid 2000s."

The council is responsible for all under-18s who make their claim for asylum at the UKBA's screening unit in Wellesley Road.

Just last April, when there were 353 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in care in the borough, the authority estimated the annual cost at £30 million.

A year later, with the figure dropping to 311, it now puts the money spent on UASCs at £15 million, because the cost per asylum seeker each year, which mainly accounts for foster care, has reduced from £40,000 to an average of £27,000 due to "reduced overheads as the council downsizes".

As well as the gateway money, the authority receives a variable grant based on the amount of support it provides. It is able to claim £95 per day for under-16s and £71 for 16- to 17-year-olds.

Kathy Bee, Labour's shadow cabinet member for children and young people on the council, said the Government should meet all the costs.

She explained: "The council pays more than it recovers so even if the number of asylum-seeking children has dropped the reduction in funding should not be proportionate.

"Local authority funding is being hacked to pieces and on top of that it is being asked to pay for something which is a Government responsibility, a result of national rather than local policies. The council shouldn't be left out of pocket."

Nationally the number of asylum applications from UASCs has dropped 72 per cent in five years, from 4,285 in 2008 to 1,168 in 2012.

A UKBA spokesperson said: "The final figure for this year's grant has yet to be decided but with the number of UASCs in the UK falling it is only natural that the bill for caring for them should decrease too."

Funding to Croydon to be cut as number of children seeking asylum drops

Croydon police officer to act in West End show

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FROM walking the beat to treading the boards – a Croydon policeman is set for the West End next week.

Sergeant Du'aine Samuels began pursuing his acting dream four years ago.

Du'aine, 32, has since appeared in numerous theatre productions, small films and, appropriately enough, an appearance on The Bill.

The Addiscombe resident will appear in Dante: The Inferno at Leicester Square Theatre next week (April 8-12) – and says he is using his day job for inspiration.

Du'aine, who has been a policeman for 12 years, said: "I'm playing the victim of a stabbing at three different ages – 15, 25 and 35. Interacting with young kids from different backgrounds at work helps me understand certain things like the jargon they use."

Du'aine, who has an agent, always wanted to be an actor but was persuaded to follow a safer career path by his mother when he left John Ruskin College.

He said: "My family have always encouraged me to follow my dream but when you leave school, they made me realise you have to be financially realistic.

"But I wasn't getting any younger and decided to bite the bullet."

Du'aine said he is still very committed to his role as a policeman, although his fellow bobbies like to give him stick about his acting ambition.

He said: "My colleagues are very inquisitive about my sideline and give me banter and support in equal measure, but it's all in jest, you know."

Du'aine said his ideal role would be in BBC crime drama Luther, and added that he is unsure as to which of his jobs is the hardest.

Among Du'aine's acting credits are appearances in Hollywood blockbuster Gulliver's Travels with Jack Black and future independent film 11 to 1.

Croydon police officer to act in West End show

Croydon fly-tipping rises 25 per cent in one year

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FLY-TIPPING in Croydon has increased by more than a quarter, newly published figures have revealed.

Reports of waste being dumped across the borough jumped 26 per cent from 4,554 in 2011/12 to 5,623 in 2012/13.

Council officers claim the cause of the increase is "obvious" – people are simply reporting fly-tipping more often.

But Bernadette Khan, councillor for West Thornton, the ward with the highest levels of fly-tipping, is unimpressed with the explanation.

Fly-tipping increased in West Thornton from 194 reports to 648.

"You only have to drive through the area to see how much of a disgraceful state the streets are in," said Cllr Khan.

"This isn't an imagined or exaggerated problem. Fly-tipping has a tremendous impact on residents' quality of life. The situation in West Thornton has become unacceptable."

Last year the council cut more than £1 million from the budget for teams tasked with tackling issues such as fly-tipping.

The figures were published alongside a report into how effective the new system has been, which was discussed at a scrutiny and strategic overview committee meeting on Tuesday.

Under the old system, each ward had a dedicated patrol to tackle fly-tipping.

There are now 16 fewer officers and the remaining staff have been formed into area-based patrols covering four larger areas – north, inner north, central and south.

Officers claim the old system was "time consuming" and focussed on dealing with the symptoms rather than the causes.

"Officers have to go out to inspect everyone before they are passed on to Veolia to clear," the report said.

"Most of the time officers are just verifying what customers have already reported with nothing for them to investigate, so it is not a good use of their time."

Despite the increase in fly-tipping, the council claims the restructure has "strengthened the approach to environmental enforcement".

The report added: "There is an obvious reason for this increase and that is the confidence that the service has is in data collection and reporting by the new service that is currently taking place."

Cllr Khan said she had some sympathy for the teams but that more needed to be done.

"I have to say the officers who work in that department have been extremely good.

"But it's clear to me that this the result of cutbacks. They have led to changes in the system used to address the issue, which means these teams are being asked to do more with less."

As well a reduction in the number and size of patrols, critics of the council claim the increase in fly-tipping, which was a key issue during the Croydon North by-election, has not been helped by new fortnightly black bin collections and introducing charges for the removal of bulky waste.

Phil Thomas, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "Cuts have had no impact whatsoever on fly-tipping, to claim otherwise is nonsense.

"The main reason for the increase is that people are reporting it more, which is what we have been encouraging them to do.

"It's nothing to do with changing the bin collections or introducing a bulky waste charge."

When the Advertiser pointed out that an increase in reports has simply revealed the true extent of a problem that used be underestimated, Cllr Thomas replied: "I'm not really sure of the answer to that."

The council has ordered three new mobile CCTV cameras which will be deployed at hotspots to tackle fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.

Croydon fly-tipping rises 25 per cent in one year


Mixed time for Chilton in Morocco

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TOM CHILTON dropped from second to fourth in the World Touring Car Championships after a mixed weekend in Morocco.

The Reigate racer had to retire with damage in the first race in Marrakech, after he hit the rear of RML Chevrolet Cruze team-mate Yvan Muller.

Chilton bounced back in race two though, battling his way up from sixth on the grid to finish third behind the SEAT of Pepe Oriola and Muller.

That was his second podium of the season, following on from the second place he achieved in the first race at a rain-soaked Monza two weeks ago.

Chilton, the older brother of Formula 1 driver Max, left Italy in second place in the Championship after a fifth place finish in the second race a fortnight ago.

But this weekend's efforts saw him drop below Michael Nykjaer and Gabriele Tarquini, who both registered podium finishes in the first race, with the Dane winning the opening race at Marrakech ahead of the Italian.

It all started with a disappointing qualifying for Chilton, who found himself down in fifth and sixth position for the races, having been seemingly on course for a first career pole before a mistake in the final sector.

Chilton was on the move in the first race though before he hit Muller, which saw him have to pit with an overheated engine.

Chilton did rejoin the race, but he ultimately had to retire in the tenth lap.

The second race was better for the 28-year-old, who showed pace to climb up to third and score 15 points, which keeps him in fourth in the driver standings.

And the Reigate man will hope to take the form from the second race into the next round of the Championship, which takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia, over the weekend of April 27-28.

Two-day festival of music wins top award

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WARLINGHAM'S answer to Glastonbury has won a prestigious award.

Leefest, a two-day music festival which annually attracts about 2,000 people, has been acclaimed as Best Independent Festival in the Association of Independent Music Awards.

The event has humble origins, starting as a get-together for friends in a Beckenham garden seven years ago.

It subsequently switched to fields off Highams Hill Farm, off Sheepbarn Lane, Warlingham.

Nowadays it boasts a campsite for festival goers as well as three music stages, a dance tent, graffiti wall, a massage zone and circus arena.

Among the performers have been chart-topper DJ Fresh and indie band British Sea Power, who have performed at the Glastonbury and Reading festivals.

Co-organiser David Hayes said: "We are simply over the moon to have won this award.

"It really belongs to all those who have got involved over the years, as well as those who have simply shown their love and support."

Four years ago Leefest won the grassroots section of the UK Festival Awards, presented at the Millennium Dome.

Mr Hayes added: "We believe in using our energy and enthusiasm to improve the festival every year, making it bigger and better in every way that we can – but making sure we do it at a rate, and in a way that is right for the event.

"Everybody comes together to support a good cause, creating an amazing atmosphere.

"Although being centred around young people we now have an audience of all ages."

Two-day festival of music wins top award

Palace defender: Pompey trouble has been hard to watch

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CRYSTAL Palace defender Joel Ward has admitted it's been hard to watch former club Portsmouth go through a difficult financial and ownership period in the last two years.
The 22-year-old came through the Pompey Academy before making his first-team debut and then moving to Selhurst Park last summer.
"It's tough to see as the club is close to me and they brought me up," Ward told Advertiser Sport.
"It was my first opportunity to play football there and hopefully they can sort themselves out."
And on the back of his recent return from injury last weekend against Barnsley, he wants to help Palace achieve promotion to the Premier League and stay injury-free.
"I've had to be patient in coming back but I'm happy to be back out there," he said.
"I was glad to have a clean sheet on my return - I just want to stay fit for the remaining games."
Don't miss tomorrow's Croydon Advertiser, where Ward talks about the next game away at Ipswich Town, his thoughts on the season so far and his competition at right-back with Jazz Richards.
The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.
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Palace midfielder: I'm set for return

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Owen Garvan is looking forward to returning to former club Ipswich Town on Tuesday next week, while he says he is ready to begin full training imminently following injury.
And he believes the Tractor Boys will be a force to be reckoned with under Mick McCarthy next season.
"Mick has done fantastic because they looked dead and buried when he took over," Garvan told Advertiser Sport.
"I think next year they'll want to crack on and be in contention for promotion.
"I'm going to go to game as I've got a few friends up there, so I'll be sitting with them to watch.
"And it will be quite funny as I'll be cheering on Palace and they'll be cheering Ipswich."
In tomorrow's Croydon Advertiser, Garvan reveals good news on the back of his current injury and has set a date for his return to the first-team picture.
The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.
Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport
Palace fans on Facebook, have your say on our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport

Croydon Michael Jackson impersonator Keith Preddie speaks out after avoiding jail term for attack on wife

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Croydon's Michael Jackson impersonator Keith Preddie said he "would not be celebrating" after being spared jail for attacking his wife in a row over Christmas presents. Last month Preddie was warned he faced a prison sentence after he admitted assaulting his wife at their home in Coulsdon. The court heard Preddie from South Norwood, threw a washing frame and a plastic step at wife Emma. The 44-year-old also pinned her to a sofa at their home in Clifton Road. But magistrates decided not to jail Preddie, who soon took to his Facebook page to make a statement. He said: "It's not a victory for me, I'm not celebrating... my wife, our children and myself are both victims. I still care a lot for my wife and again I publicly apoligise for what happened. Mrs Preddie take care and i wash you all the best for the future." At last month's hearing the court heard Preddie had returned from a shopping trip at about 9.45pm to find that his wife of two years had bought a present for his mother without telling him. Their 12-year-old daughter was woken by the violence and Mrs Preddie called police the next day. Preddie, now of Stanger Road, South Norwood, admitted one count of assault by beating at Croydon Magistrates' Court. Prosecuting, Louise Thomas had said: "Mr Preddie entered the room and asked her if there were any presents left over that he could give to his mother. Mrs Preddie replied she had already given his mother a present. At that point Mr Preddie became angry and shouted he had been to a lot of shops that day to get a present and had become very stressed looking for one. "He grabbed a washing frame which had clothing on it and he threw it at her. It landed about a foot away from her. At that point she told him he had better calm down and grow up, so he left the room. After a short period he re-entered the room and started shouting again. "He threw a plastic step at Mrs Preddie, hitting her on her left arm. She was pinned down against the sofa. She shouted, 'Get off me, leave me alone' and he let go and she left the room."

Croydon Michael Jackson impersonator Keith Preddie speaks out after avoiding jail term for attack on wife

Crimewatch to stage reconstruction of attack on New Addington father-of-three Gary Hayward

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CRIMEWATCH is to stage a reconstruction of a brutal attack which left a father-of-three from New Addington with devastating head injuries. Gary Hayward, 29, was hit with baseball bats and metal poles while trying to protect his father from a gang of youths in Central Parade on October 2 in 2011. He is now permanently blind in at least one eye, is unable to talk and requires full-time care in a specialist rehabilitation centre. The gang believed to have attacked Gary are said to have run through the streets bragging about "killing a man" in the minutes after the attack.No one has been charged and the police investigation has met with a wall of silence from the community. This evening (Thursday) BBC's Crimewatch will stage a reconstruction of the attack in hope of encouraging witnesses to come forward. Gary's family have been asked not to speak to the press before the program is aired later this month. Zowey Hayward, Gary's sister, told the Advertiser on the anniversary of the attack: "We thought Gary was liked in New Addington, that lots of people adored him. "But no one is stepping up for him because they are scared of a bunch of children. People need to be as brave as he has been and speak out. "We just want someone to come forward and tell the police who did this. "Gary tried to save his dad but at the moment it feels like everything he has been through has been in vain. "Gary was ambushed after he came to the aid of his father John, 54, who had been confronted by the 30-strong gang as he made his way to the shops on Central Parade shortly before 8.45pm. Following the attack that left him in a coma, Gary was taken to King's College Hospital where he underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from his brain. After two weeks he appeared to be making a recovery. Though he had lost his sight in his left eye doctors still hoped they could restore vision in his right. He could talk and recognise his three young children. But in November he fell out of bed while in Princess Royal University Hospital, Bromley, and his condition deteriorated. He was taken back to King's for an operation to remove fluid from his brain, a procedure which involved the use of a cerebral shunt.Since then he has been "asleep", his brain having shut itself down due to the trauma. He is now receiving full time care in a neuro rehabilitation centre. To read more about Gary's story click here.   

Crimewatch to stage reconstruction of attack on New Addington father-of-three Gary Hayward

YUMMY MUMMY: Why being without the children is just as exhausting

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Ask any mother, if you could be granted one wish, being child-free for a couple of days has to be pretty high up there on the Aladdin's Lamp List.

Lucky for me my brilliant mum asked to take the sprogs for a few sleeps at hers. Killing two birds with one stone my Little Peas are excited to go, while I'm ecstatic to wave them off. Time for me to indulge in the one thing childless folk take for granted (sleep). Fantastic!

Day one, I wake up refreshed. A whole night's uninterrupted dreaming. Lovely. Looking in the bathroom mirror, I am surprised to find one night away from the brood and I'm already looking younger. No pile cream required for the bags under my eyes on this fine day.

This must be how the other half live. I'm ready for work with heaps of time to spare. I enjoy a whole cup of coffee without interruption and even finish it while it's still warm.

My work day zooms by, leaving me with a whole evening to myself with the Hubster. I discuss with a non child-free friend how best I should spend my free time. Once over the resentment of my new found freedom, the friend can only suggest I go to sleep – through gritted teeth.

With a whole night's rest already under my belt I feel I must make the most of being awake. The Friend shrugs and heads home to tend to her mini army.

It's pretty sad to admit but I spend my whole journey home racking my brain for somewhere to go – just because I can. That's exactly the sort of behaviour you can expect from a child-free starved mother.

I am very mindful that this is a golden opportunity and that if I'm frivolous with my choices, I will probably sit on the couch regretting it for the next month. Who knew being free would be so stressful?

Finally home, I suggest to The Man that we have a gym date then dinner out. Hardly rock and roll, but it gives me valuable thinking time for the following night's freedom. We never gym together so I warn him not to watch me workout and to stick safely to the other side of the gym. There are some things that should be kept a mystery within a marriage and glowing like a red light bulb mid workout is most definitely one of them. By the end of our session I know exactly what we will do. It is not very responsible.

The next 48 hours are a mix of alcohol, dance floors, late nights merging into early morning movie marathons. I manage to squeeze in all the things a full time parent usually can only dream of. Somewhere amongst it all I even get a chance to pluck my eyebrows. Exactly what you would expect from a responsible mother.

On the morning of my children's return I look in the bathroom mirror. I look five years older.

The bags under my eyes have luggage of their own now. Pile cream will be required by the bucket load.

The little people arrive back exhausted from all the fun they've had. I realise how much I've missed them and get them all snuggled with me on the couch. Being kid free is exhausting. I'd better ask the mother-in-law if she's free…

YUMMY MUMMY: Why being without the children is just as exhausting


Croydon's Royal Mail delivery office to be demolished and replaced by flats

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ROYAL Mail has submitted plans to demolish Croydon's delivery office and replace it with a towering block of flats almost twice the height of the Nestlé building.

Postal bosses told the Advertiser this week they hope to have quit the landmark Addiscombe Road base by the end of the year in favour of a new centre on the Wandle Park Trading Estate.

An initial planning application submitted to Croydon Council details plans for 240 flats, 40 parking spaces and 1,800 square metres of retail space in a 132-metre high complex.

But it claims the buildings "would not be out of character with the surroundings" which is a "densely developed urban area".

And it claims contractors would "minimise any risk of pollutants" while construction is ongoing.

The move to Factory Lane comes as Royal Mail faces what it describes as "increasingly tough trading conditions".

But the company insisted that the decision would not result in a loss of jobs.

Steve Selby, Royal Mail's delivery director for Croydon, said: "We have been searching for a more suitable site for our Croydon delivery office for some time as the current site is no longer fit for purpose.

"The proposed site is a modern building conveniently located between our existing delivery office and Croydon mail centre.

"The move would give Royal Mail the opportunity to modernise our delivery operations in Croydon and continue to provide a first-class service to our customers."

Spokesman Sally Hopkin said: "We are now discussing this planned move with our staff and trade unions to ensure a smooth transition for our people and our business.

"We have submitted a technical screening application in connection with the site in Addiscombe Road. This is a preliminary step in exploring alternative uses for the land when it is no longer needed for our operations.

"We expect the new site will be operational from late 2013.

"Further details will be communicated to customers nearer the time and we do not expect there will be any impact to the services we provide to our customers in Croydon."

Croydon's Royal Mail delivery office to be demolished and replaced by flats

AFC Croydon recover to win cup semi-final

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AFC Croydon Athletic took another step towards making their inaugural season a memorable one beating Eversley & California in an entertaining cup semi-final last Saturday.

The game started with the hosts having the majority of the possession without troubling Dean Rose.

Slowly the Rams came more into game and full-back David Baker made a great run but fired his shot just wide.

On 24 minutes, the Rams defence was caught out when Brad Cann got through, drew Rose before slipping the ball to Chris Fox who had the easy task of scoring into an open goal.

Alan Bidi-Lacadoug twice went close to equalising, while Colin Harvey saw a header saved as the Rams looked to reply.

But an equaliser finally came when Danny Penfold released Danny Cumber down the right and his cross took a slight deflection and looped into the far corner to make it 1-1.

Within a minute the Rams had taken the lead. Penfold and Cumber exchanged passes and found Lee Jansen, who laid the ball off for Bidi-Lacadoug to fire it into the bottom corner from 18-yards out.

The second half began with the home side on the front foot and Neil Williams hit the post. This was the closest they came to an equaliser as the game became end-to-end, but the Rams defence stood firm.

COMPETITION: Your chance to name Croydon's newest beer

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SINCE becoming Croydon's first new commercial brewery for 60 years, the Cronx has gone from strength to strength. As they prepare to launch their latest ales, Cronx duo Simon Dale and Mark Russell share their secrets of a perfect pint – and give you the chance to name their brand new beer

The 10 steps to create a perfect pint:


1. It all starts with deciding what style of beer we want to brew. From colour to ABV (alcohol by volume) to the hops we want to use. We have a fairly decent idea now of what styles of beer we like and what type of hops we enjoy. We're also constantly researching hop varieties and brewing styles to ensure we keep up with trends.

2. The brewing process itself takes about seven to eight hours and it all starts with mashing in. This involves mixing about 250kg of malted barley with hot water (usually around 75c). This is then left for 90 minutes, during which time enzymes convert the simple carbohydrates into fermentable extract.

3. After 90 minutes it's time to transfer the liquid to the kettle. At this stage the liquid (or "wort") is intensely sweet as all the sugars have been extracted from the malt. During the transfer period, the malt bed is rinsed with more hot water to ensure all fermentable extract is released from the malt. As soon as the elements in the kettle are covered, we switch them on.

4. Time for the boil. We boil our wort for an hour, and at this stage the hops are added to the kettle. Adding hops at the start of the boil imparts the bitterness that you get in beer, but no aroma. Adding hops late on gives some aroma and flavour, but hardly any bitterness.

5. Once all the hops have been added throughout the boil, and the hour is up, we switch off the elements and let the wort sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the proteins in the wort to coagulate into visible lumps and it's also a useful period for any aromas and flavours to be extracted from late additions of hops.

6. At this stage we transfer the wort from the kettle to a fermenting vessel. We have to get the liquid from near boiling point to about 20c, and to do this it is passed through a heat exchanger with cold water running the other way. The transfer time takes about an hour, during which time we have to monitor the temperature in the fermenter, especially given the cold temperatures outside recently. Once the transfer is complete, we add our yeast to the fermenter.

7. Fermenting takes about a week, depending on the desired ABV and the yeast used. During this time the yeast feeds off the sugars in this very sweet liquid and converts them into alcohol. Once the desired ABV is reached, we have to crash-cool the beer over a couple of days to 8C. This drops the majority of the yeast out of suspension in the fermenter and helps ensure clear beer in the pubs.

8. Once the beer has been crash- cooled, we transfer it to casks. This takes about an hour and for a full-scale brew, we will fill 40 casks with beer. Each cask holds 72 pints so that's 2,880 pints! When the casks are filled they're stored in our cold store, which is held at a temperature of about 11C.

9. We like to hold onto our casks for at least a week to allow the beer to condition and the flavours to develop and mature. If the beer is strong, it tends to need longer to condition than a weaker beer.

10. Once a pub orders a cask and has it delivered, they need to rack it up in their cellar to allow the beer to settle and clear. This usually takes a day or two, and then it can be served to the thirsty customers.


COMPETITION: YOUR CHANCE TO NAME THE NEW CRONX BEER
PLENTY of you will have enjoyed sipping a pint of The Cronx finest – but how about providing the name for Croydon's next tasty tipple? The Advertiser is teaming up with The Cronx Brewery to give Advertiser readers the chance to come up with the name for its latest, soon-to-be-launched ale. The beer will be a pale ale of around 4.5%, using the Polish hop Marynka, and will soon be distributed to pubs. And your idea could be proudly displayed on all the bottles, if your name is chosen as the winner. The victor will also be invited to a brewing day at The Cronx HQ in New Addington and receive a special presentation box of three bottles. The name can be anything but Mark and Simon would like it to be one, possibly two words, and it should fit in with the current Cronx brand and style. To enter, please send your name to info@thecronx.com or Tweet your suggestions to @Thecronxbrewery using the hashtag #cronxcomp The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday (April 19).

COMPETITION: Your chance to name Croydon’s newest beer

Wages up but losses reduced at Crystal Palace FC

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THE GLORIOUS Carling Cup run, during which Crystal Palace knocked out Premier League giants Manchester United was key to the Eagles returning better financial figures for the year ending 2012.

Compared to 12 months previously, Palace recorded losses of just £2.2 million up to the end of June 2012 - £7 million better than 2011 - while the turnover of the group increased to £15 million.

The directors' report said: "The main reason for the increase was a successful Carling Cup run where we reached the semi-finals beating Manchester United en route. In the Championship we had a very good start to the campaign where we remained in the top half of the table for most of the season."

After a poor end to the season Palace dropped to 17th, but attendances remained constant, with Selhurst Park attracting 411,522 over 28 games at an average of 14,697.

Looking ahead, the future is bright and Palace can expect even better figures next year.

This season attendances are averaging nearly 16,500, while Palace's transfer policy is likely to reap its rewards.

The outlay in the period up to June 2012 - on the likes of Glenn Murray and Jonathan Parr was barely £1 million - and with the sale of players including Wilfried Zaha totalling £13.3 million, the club's continued investment in youth and with a potential promotion to the Premier League things can only can better.

Steve O'Connell, the man in charge of Croydon Council's purse strings and a Palace season ticket holder, believes the results can be put down to the solid financial footing the club's owners have established since the turmoil of administration in 2010.

O'Connell, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "My opinion is that the owners are sensible guys.

"They love the club but run it on a solid and sustainable basis, especially compared to other club's balance sheets, which I'd imagine make for pretty horrific reading."

On the downside, the club's wage bill increased by almost £2 million.

Wages up but losses reduced at Crystal Palace FC

Wife blames burglars for "killing" her husband

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A PENSIONER died after suffering a heart attack in shock at discovering his house had been burgled.

Stanley Amarasinghe, 67, arrived home in Beckford Road, Woodside, last Wednesday evening, to find thousands of pounds in cash and jewellery had been stolen.

He immediately called his wife, Renuka, 47, who was at work at the nearby Albany Lodge nursing home and said: "We have been burgled, I don't know what to do."

Mrs Amarasinghe said it was the last words her husband ever spoke before she rushed home to find him on the floor.

"He was a wonderful father and a wonderful husband," she said.

"He was so kind and a friend to everyone. Everyone knew him and loved him because he would always be there to help people out.

"It is such a great shock. He died because of the burglary and what they did to us.

"I really hope they realise what they have done to this family. I want to say to them 'please stop what you do, you make families suffer'.

According to his widow, Mr Amarasinghe, who ran his own plumbing business, had been in good health, having had a heart bypass, and that there had been no warning he might go into cardiac arrest.

"I don't know what we will do now, I don't think we could carry on living in that house so we will have to find somewhere to move to, there is nothing for us now," she added.

The couple's eldest son Carlo, 16, told how when he had returned home with his father and two brothers, he had run into the house and saw the back windows smashed in and the cupboard under the stairs ripped out. When he went upstairs, he found his father already there – staring at the place where he kept all his family's most treasured possessions.

"My father was making terrible noises and I knew something was very wrong," he said.

"He had a triple heart bypass years back and I knew it was weak. I asked him if he was OK but he couldn't answer. I was so scared."

Along with the family jewellery, thousands of pounds in savings and a piggy bank collection had also been taken.

"My father collected two-pound coins and kept them in the piggy bank. It was in memory of his nephew who died on April 2, 2002, in a motorbike accident. My dad died the same day, 11 years later," said Carlo.

"I called the police and they came within three minutes. But by this time, my dad was making more noises and was lying flat out in an armchair. I had to do something so I put him on the floor and tried to save him by doing CPR but it did not work.

"Only 10 seconds before the ambulance arrived, my dad closed his eyes. He had passed away.

"It was the shock that killed him – shock of seeing our house like that.

"When my mum arrived home and saw him lying there on the floor, all she could do was scream and pray and pray he wasn't dead."

Mr Amarasinghe was rushed to Croydon University Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination found he died of heart failure.

No arrests have been made in connection with the burglary, and detectives from Croydon CID are appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 0203 2762179, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mr Amarasinghe's funeral will take place at Bandon Hill Cemetery in Wallington at 11am on Wednesday. All are welcome.

Wife blames burglars for

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