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Housing scheme launched in honour of New Year murder victim Darren Deslandes

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THE mother of a young man killed in a New Year's Day shooting has spoken of her pride after a new housing scheme was launched in his name.

Darren Deslandes was gunned down in the family's pub – The Newton Arms in Thornton Heath – in 2010.

The popular 34-year-old spent ten years at housing association AmicusHorizon, based in High Street, Croydon, where he worked as a home ownership officer.

And the organisation is keeping the memory of a "much loved and valued colleague" alive after naming a housing block Deslandes Place.

Darren's family, including mum Lurline and brothers James and Junior, attended a special ceremony last Friday (April 12) where a plaque was unveiled at the homes in Lewisham.

Lurline told the Advertiser: "I thought it was an honour to do this for Darren. He really enjoyed his work.

"When he died we got a lot of feedback from people that Darren was a good employee and went out of his way to help people.

"Everyone remembers him as a lovely person, caring and very professional. That makes me feel very proud."

Gunman Saturday Hassan shot dead Darren and left Junior fighting for his life after firing eight bullets inside the pub.

He had been thrown out earlier in the night after picking up a bottle to use against another customer after an argument.

Hassan is serving a minimum of 37 years behind bars.

Lurline said: "In that space of time, aged 34, he helped so many people. If this hadn't happened then look how many other people he would have helped.

"We were very emotional because it brings back all the memories of the type of person Darren was."

Paul Hackett, chief executive for AmicusHorizon, said: "Its a fitting tribute to Darren.

"I'd like to think he would approve."

Housing scheme launched in honour of New Year murder victim Darren Deslandes


Coulsden or Coulsdon? Sign error leaves Cane Hill developers red-faced

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DEVELOPERS working to regenerate Coulsdon have failed in their first test of attention to detail.

The sign at the foot of Cane Hill, where Barratt is due to build more than 650 new homes, was corrected by Tuesday after originally spelling the town's name with an "e".

A Barratt spokesman called the error "very unfortunate".

Lynnette St Quintin, sales director for Barratt Southern Counties, said: "It was very unfortunate that this sign was erected with an incorrect spelling of Coulsdon.

"The proof that we approved was actually correct, and it seems that the error was made between this time and the sign being displayed. The sign was amended as soon as we were made aware of it and we hope that we have not upset anyone."

The company, she added, was "entirely committed to this very exciting development."

"We look forward to working with the local community and bringing much-needed new homes to the area."

Coulsden or Coulsdon? Sign error leaves Cane Hill developers red-faced

Cyclists see red over A22 Godstone Road crossing plans

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CYCLING campaigners for a crossing in Kenley were mystified and angry to see TfL put up a set of temporary traffic lights after the authority had said it would be "impossible" to put them up on the road.

The Croydon Cycling Campaign, run by Austen Cooper, was one of several groups that campaigned for a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights at the junction between the A22 Godstone Road and Hayes Lane.

However, after years of petitioning and a public consultation, TfL announced "that due to traffic speed and limited space because of the close proximity of the junction with Hayes Lane and the entrance to the Co-operative car park, neither a zebra crossing nor a signalised junction could be provided". They instead chose to create a pedestrian refuge in the middle of the road.

Although Kenley Needs A Crossing – a group made up of local residents and parents – was relieved to finally see an improvement, the area's cyclists were upset at what they saw as a dangerous compromise.

Then it transpired that while TfL carried out its roadworks, it put up temporary pedestrian traffic lights exactly where they said it would not be possible.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," said Mr Cooper. "We tried quite hard to get them (TfL) to listen – the new crossing will make it dangerous for cyclists by narrowing the road – but to no avail.

"This happens so often in London where TfL put in road changes even when they know it's dangerous. And then it takes a death to wake them up and do it properly. Well, we don't want that in Kenley."

Paul Williams, from Kenley, said TfL had even put up a sign saying 'Please take care of cyclists'.

"They have put this sign up because of the bollards there. But these are in exactly the same place as the permanent ones will be for the real crossing. So really, they are already admitting that the crossing will be dangerous for cyclists.

"All they had to do was wait a few more weeks and find a compromise – like a toucan crossing – which everyone was happy with. Even Croydon Council supported us with this so it is not like we are a small group campaigning for something others don't want. It's just symptomatic of TfL really."

Dana Skelley, director of roads at TfL, said: "Due to a number of technical and physical challenges at this location, we are unable to install a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on the A22 Godstone Road.

"However, we have recently completed work to enhance the current facilities at the crossing point on Godstone Road, providing more space to pedestrians and bus passengers on the footway, as well as on the central island."

TfL also said it would "continue to monitor" the situation.

Chris Adams says Surrey must "move on" from year of tragedy

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CHRIS ADAMS believes Surrey need to move on after a "tragic year" during which Oval talent Tom Maynard died – but insists the club will learn from the young cricketer's death.

The promising 23-year-old batsman was found at Wimbledon Park station shortly after 5am on June 18 last year, after he fled from his car, having previously been stopped by police after he was seen driving his black Mercedes erratically.

An inquest into his death heard the Surrey player died from multiple injuries after being electrocuted on a railway line before being struck by a train.

A post-mortem examination showed that he was nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit to drive, and he had cocaine and ecstasy in the form of MDMA in his system.

But with a new season now underway, manager Adams believes Surrey have learnt lessons from 2012.

"Last year was tragic and I think it is very important as a club and as a county we move forward and focus on what we are here to do, which is to play cricket," Adams said. "The season is upon us and rest assured we have gone to great lengths to make sure we all fully prepared and educated for the future and have learnt our lessons from last year.

"That said, there comes a time when you have to move forward and move on. And we have done that; pre-season has come and gone and it has been very successful. We have had nine days out in South Africa where we were able to train in terrific surroundings and connect with the new captain.

"I speak for everyone when I say we will never forget Tom Maynard but it is now time to put our focus on cricket."

And Surrey chief executive Richard Gould has said the club will implement drugs testing at the club.

Gould said: "Those reports that came out of the inquest, the coroner made some very interesting comments with regards to drug testing and making sure we have systems in place that allow us to know when our players need help. So, we will be follicle testing and I think all those things are being taken forward by the ECB and the PCA and we welcome that."

Chris Adams says Surrey must

Waddon parents protest against Croydon Lollipop cuts

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PARENTS have protested outside Aerodrome Academy in the latest show of anger over plans to axe lollipop men and women.

Maureen Seymour, 62, mans one of ten crossing patrols set to be cut as the council looks to save £60,000.

Parents say Goodwin Road, the street outside the school, is dangerous because "impatient" drivers use it as a cut-through.

Earlier this year, the Advertiser launched a Stop The Cuts campaign to save the patrols and on Tuesday, parents took up the cause outside Aerodrome, one of nine affected schools.

"We're worried about the safety of the children if the lollipop lady goes," said Jemma Goucher, who has two children, four-year-old Charleigh and five-year-old Harlee, at Aerodrome.

"The drivers, particularly the ones who use it as a cut-through to get to Pampisford Road, aren't very patient

"This is the only school on the estate so lots of kids use the crossing. If they have to cut something it should be something which isn't going to impact on their safety."

The under-threat lollipop men and women work on automated or zebra crossings, but evidence suggests the roads are still unsafe. Last month the Advertiser revealed that 43 people had been injured in collisions on or near the crossings in the last three years.

The council, which is making the cuts as part of wider proposals to save £36 million over the next two years, has suggested that schools fund the patrols.

Lucille Driscoll, 34, is another parent backing the campaign. She believes her daughter Abbeygayle, 5, could be in danger.

"Twenty years ago my mum campaigned to get a crossing outside the school when I was a pupil here, so I know how important it is," she said.

"The road isn't safe. The drivers are ignorant and don't worry about children coming out of school.

"The lollipop lady often has to stand in front of the kids and block them from darting out.

"There's only one school on this estate, and the school is getting bigger. How can the council ask us to take extra classes then take our lollipop lady away?

"It has a cheek to ask the school to fund the patrols when they are responsible for the roads."

Like most little boys, Ky Taylor, 6, can sometimes let enthusiasm get the best of him.

"I wouldn't be as confident that my son was safe if the lollipop lady wasn't there," said mum Lisa.

"I know there is a zebra crossing, but Ky doesn't seem to think there is one."

Ms Taylor, 45, says road safety is particularly difficult for parents with several children.

"There is one mum who has six kids – keeping an eye on all of them isn't easy," she explained.

"It's sad really. This is a large estate with a lot of children and we're only talking about a few hours in the morning and afternoon. It's not much to ask."

Aerodrome is backing its parents and has set up a petition in support of the campaign.

The council had been due to decide which crossing would be cut this month, but the decision has been put back to mid-May at the earliest.

Waddon parents protest against Croydon Lollipop cuts

Plymouth boss John Sheridan praises Jason Banton after loan spell ends

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PALACE attacker Jason Banton returned to Selhurst Park from loan club Plymouth Argyle last Sunday after Ian Holloway decided to recall him.

The 20-year-old had been in fine form for the Pilgrims in their fight to stay up in League Two, but with the Eagles needing as many bodies available for their Championship run-in, Banton's form could help achieve promotion if called upon.

He made his final appearance in an Argyle shirt from the bench in their defeat at Burton Albion on Saturday before he was told the news he was returning to SE25.

He scored six goals in 14 games for John Sheridan's side and he was recently named the npower League Two Player of the Month for March.

And Sheridan admits Banton will be missed as they look to avoid dropping out of the Football League.

"It's a big loss because he gives us a spark," said the manager.

"He does things other players can't do. It's a blow and I think Jason would like to have stayed, but it's not his decision.

"Credit to him, he's been getting a bit of notice. Palace are not winning games so they've recalled him. He's their player and I respect that. They've helped us out and he's done really well for us.

"Jason's been quality – he's a great lad and I hope he does well."

Meanwhile, on the back of his March award, Banton was delighted to be recognised for his work and paid tribute to Plymouth.

"The team, coaching staff, backroom staff and everyone at the club has contributed to what we are doing, and helped me be able to score the goals," he said. "The recognition is good, but it's not been on my mind since I've been here because we've been trying to stay in the league.

"I'm just glad I've been able to play my part."

Plymouth boss John Sheridan praises Jason Banton after loan spell ends

Oh deer! Purley allotment holders want a cull to protect their plots

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PURLEY residents are calling for a deer cull amid claims the animals are out of control.

The issue has resurfaced as allotment holders on Hartley Down band together to try to form their own committee, which will remove responsibility for the plots' upkeep from Croydon Council.

And their main focus is on reducing the area's deer population, which is wreaking havoc on the members' plots.

John Clarke, vice-chairman of Hartley and District Residents' Association, said the council "was washing its hands clean of the place".

He told the Advertiser: "The deer are attracted to the allotments because of all the undergrowth. The council only needed to get rid of that so the deer had nowhere to forage but it hasn't.

"At the moment, there are about five volunteers in the allotments who are working out how to create a committee so they can run them instead and actually get things done."

However, even if the allotment holders succeed in wrestling power away from the council, the method of culling deer will be controversial and difficult.

Mr Clarke added: "There is a big movement to control deer numbers but where the allotments are, you cannot use guns – you have to be a certain distance from houses to be able to use them.

"High velocity bullets have to be used to cull deer because they are the most humane but because of that, they could easily take out someone's window and be very dangerous."

Mr Clarke said those opposed to culling animals had to be realistic about numbers.

He added: "It's all very well seeing the occasional pretty deer but when the numbers are out of control, something has to be done – if that is culling then people need to accept that."

Chris Wright, the Conservative councillor who has been helping negotiate between the council and the allotment holders, said several issues – aside from the deer cull – must be ironed out.

He added: "There is also a long waiting list of people who want an allotment and many plots that are currently neglected or under-used.

"The council can send letters to plot holders who do not use their plots but this often takes a very long time and can be quite a tortuous process."

A Croydon Council spokesman said that, under national hunting guidelines, "hunting towers" would have to be built in order to make a deer cull safe by ensuring stray bullets were directed towards the ground.

He said: "Giving allotment users more control over how their sites are run has proved to be the best way of ensuring that things are managed to everyone's satisfaction.

"The council will still retain responsibility for collecting rents, enforcing rules and paying for maintenance, but the volunteer committee will have a big say in the day-to-day operation of the site."

Oh deer! Purley allotment holders want a cull to protect their plots

Croydon Council to seek injunctions to tackle traveller "blight"

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CROYDON Council is to turn to the courts in a bid to get tough on travellers "blighting" the borough. Currently the council issues notices and bylaws to remove trespassers but now it wants new powers to tackle illegal encampments. Last year the council had to deal with 83 unauthorised traveller sites - sometimes with the help of bailiffs being brought into assist - at a cost to the public of £128,000. It will now apply to the courts for an injunction to stop travellers responsible for repeated illegal encampments on land owned by the council or that forms part of the public highway. Injunctions can be granted indefinitely, so it is hoped the power wil provide the council with a longer term solution to the problem. The authority would also consider using injunctions to clear travellers from private land, with the owners consent. Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: "Illegal encampments are a blight on the borough. "They cause antisocial behaviour, damage property and leave littler. "They also take up officer time and are costly to the taxpayer given the clean up expenses involved. "Not only will this policy enable us to continue dealing with unauthorised encampments quickly and robustly, but it will offer a longer term solution to stop particular sites being repeatedly used."

Croydon Council to seek injunctions to tackle traveller


Travel - No reported disruptions on road or rail in Croydon

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THERE are currently no issues being reported on roads or rail in or affecting Croydon. Transport for London (TfL) is also reporting good service on all Underground lines. Southern are not reporting any issues with trains coming in or out of East Croydon and services into other stations, including West Croydon, are running normally. However, it is unable to run services from Crystal Palace to Birkbeck and Beckenham Junction. Trains to Beckenham Junction are being diverted to run to and from East Croydon. There are no reported disruptions on Tramlink or bus services. Just outside the borough there is slow traffic on the A23 Streatham High Road northbound between the A214 Streatham Common North and the junction with the A216. Please check back for regular updates until 9am.

Missing 15-year-old Jade Pope safe and well

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A 15-YEAR-OLD girl missing in Croydon since Friday has been found. Jade Pope had last been seen on a tram in Wellesley Road on the evening of April 19. Her parents were said to be "beside themselves with worry". Thankfully Jade has been found in the last hour. Her step mother, Katie Leverick, posted on Facebook: "Thank you to everyone who passed on her photo."

Missing 15-year-old Jade Pope safe and well

Spa Hill: Man taken to hospital after road crash

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A MAN has been taken to hospital after a crash between a motorbike and a car in Thornton Heath this evening.
The 28-year-old was taken by ambulance to Croydon University Hospital with an arm injury after the crash at the junction of Spa Hill and Beauchamp Road.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman added paramedics were called to the scene at 5.25pm.
No other injuries were reported.

Fieldway anti-crime project saved after closure threat

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A RESPECTED project that steers young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour is to continue despite council cuts.

The Croydon Auto Bike Scheme (CABS), based in Wayside, Fieldway, was at risk of closure after the council axed its £70,000 grant for next year in the budget passed in February.

But the project's parent trust, Croydon Youth Development Trust (CYDT), has now merged with Play Place Innov8 CIC, which is continuing the bulk of its programmes.

The not-for-profit community interest company already provides services in Croydon including children and youth club sessions, adult education projects, and sporting activities.

Business director Chris Hennis said: "We are delighted to have been able to agree to work with the CYDT projects and staff teams.

"We see great synergy between the two organisations and are looking forward to offering increased sustainability and new opportunities for residents of Croydon in the future."

Play Place Innov8 is moving its head office to Wayside, where it will run activities for children, teenagers and families alongside CABS.

Mr Hennis added: "Play Place is keen to increase the opportunities available to people in New Addington and other areas of Croydon and would warmly welcome any businesses who may wish to support with time or sponsorship.

"Play Place welcomes local volunteers and has an excellent track record for helping local people to get involved in community work."

CABS helps at-risk teenagers avoid trouble by teaching them about motorbike maintenance alongside sexual health, avoiding drugs and conflict management.

For more information, visit www.playplace.org.uk

Croydon Council 'not ignoring' problems in Grange Road

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CROYDON Council has hit back over claims it is ignoring a problem road.

Last week residents in Grange Road, Thornton Heath, told the Advertiser they feared someone would die on the treacherous street before any traffic calming measures were put in place.

But a council spokesman said: "We have been concerned about the speed of traffic on Grange Road and have introduced a number of traffic calming measures to encourage motorists to comply with the speed limit.

"It is disappointing that some motorists still persist in speeding through this junction and the council believes that the only practicable solution to this problem will be through enforcement, which lies with the police, and we are working with traffic officers to carry out additional speed enforcement.

"In addition, the Thornton Heath safer neighbourhood team has carried out their RoadWatch project."

Croydon Council 'not ignoring' problems in Grange Road

TARA GREEN: How to help your kids thrive in the summer term

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There is one term left of the current school year and it is a very long term. Easter was early and so next term will be 15 weeks long. Only the autumn term is usually as long as this. We parents and our children are going to take a run up at this term to have the stamina to make it a good one. So, what needs to be done?

Firstly, keep on top of the practical aspects of being prepared and organised for school. Over the weekend, get bedtimes back to school-night routines and timings. Have PE kits, book bags, home work and school uniforms ready. Most years we might be sending the children back in their summer uniform but goodness only knows if it will be snowing or mild and sunny next week.

Secondly, let's consider the academic aspects of school. You probably attended a parents evening in February. Review the key points that your child's teacher shared with you. What strengths and weaknesses were brought up and what have you been able to do to address them? Meet with the teacher again if you feel you need a more up-to-date place to make an assessment. Whatever you do, remember there is a third of this school year left for your child to learn and progress. Sometimes the summer term can feel like a coasting term, ambling along in the patterns of the previous two terms and meandering to the summer holidays. Your child's teacher is not doing this. Schools are keeping up the same pace and pressure. Set goals with your child for things they wish to achieve between now and the summer.

Do they want to read well enough to tackle a certain book or set of books? Could they learn a couple of times tables really well by then? Do they want to work towards a really good homework, attendance, punctuality or behaviour record?

Do they want to have more play dates or try out for a sports team or school play? When they've chosen their goal, come up with two or three ideas for working towards it, asking them to imagine how they will feel when they achieve it. Visualising goals makes it more likely that they will be achieved. Review progress each week.

As well as the academic side of school, your child is learning social and emotional skills of course. Here are some of the key aspects:

self-confidence

good communication skills, with the other children and with adults

interpersonal skills

ability to take responsibility for their own actions and efforts

resilience, that is, their ability to bounce back when they make a mistake or have a setback

independence

Take a moment to think about each of your children in turn. Being as honest and objectives as you can, give them a score out of ten for each skill. What score would you have given them back in September? Note if they have developed and progressed since then or if there is an area in which they've stood still or even regressed. If all is well, focus on the goal already set above and just keep these skills in mind as one way of gauging how engaged and motivated your child is at school. If you find an issue however, consider ways to support them.

TARA GREEN: How to help your kids thrive in the summer term

IN CHLOË'S NAME: Purley teen's mum hails potential breakthrough

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THE mother of Chloë Drury – the Purley teenager who was denied medical drugs that may have saved her – has said she is "more hopeful than ever" after a meeting in Parliament last week discussed access to clinical trials. Debbie Binner, who lost her daughter just before her 18th birthday on February 28, is heartened to see Chloë's story gaining publicity and the main issues hitting the national stage. Last Monday, a panel of academic, political, pharmaceutical and patient experts came together to start the consultation process for a piece of legislation which will enable patients with life-threatening conditions like Chloë's to have more choice on whether they want to join drug trials. Called the Halpin Protocol, it calls for a relaxation of regulations which prevent people like Chloë – who was denied access to treatment because she was not yet 18 – getting the drugs they want. Chloë's mother said: "I am more hopeful than ever that something can change. "We really want this for Chloë – there has been no improvement in treatment for some rare diseases like bone cancer. and when you think how much technology has improved in that time, it's shocking. "Cases like Chloë's highlight how broken the system is. When someone is terminally ill, they already have a zero per cent chance of survival. Why then, can they not choose to take these experimental drugs in the hope something might work?" The Halpin Protocol is calling for a relaxation of regulations governing the way drugs for people with serious and life threatening conditions are developed and prescribed, to speed up innovation and access in this field. The protocol would allow patients to make their own informed choices about the risks of participation in clinical trials or taking drugs and therapies originally intended for other conditions.

IN CHLOË’S NAME: Purley teen’s mum hails potential breakthrough


Former Met Police chief on trial over alleged child sex offences

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A "TRUSTED" former police chief indecently assaulted youngsters at the poolside of his home, a court has been told. Philip Gaisford, who taught scuba diving to children from a number of Croydon schools, faces 33 charges involving nine alleged victims, five of them underage, and some of whom looked up to him as a father figure, a jury heard. Eleven of the alleged indecent assaults are said to have occurred in the garden of his former home in Colburn Avenue, Caterham, between 1997 and 2004, while giving one-to-one scuba diving tuition. The 64-year-old defendant was a Metropolitan Police chief superintendent until he began running a scuba diving firm 14 years ago. The other offences relate to Crowborough, in East Sussex, where he later went on to live. Prosecutor Mark Gadsden told Lewes Crown Court: "When a swimming pool was built at his Caterham home, the defendant could no longer control his sexual desires and started sexually abusing young people. "In later letters to his wife, he would claim to have the 'Gaisford curse' of a high sex drive." The court heard that some of his young students referred to him as "paedo Phil" behind his back, because of his overly friendly ways. He would offer them sparkling wine, encourage them to strip off and adopted a no-trunks policy at the sauna and changing area next to his pool, the court heard. Gaisford was once caught naked in the swimming pool with a "young male" by his ex-wife, said Mr Gadsden. Jurors were shown photographs of Gaisford in a pair of swimming trunks, drinking alcohol and encouraging the youngsters to wax his chest hair off. One alleged victim, who was 16 at the time, told the court on Monday that he had been abused by the defendant after drinking champagne at the poolside. The victim added: "I was very shy and vulnerable at school, and was struggling with the pressure of my exams. "He was a former senior police officer who I trusted. I felt comfortable with Mr Gaisford. There seemed no reason not to." The prosecutor said police later found pornographic videos on Gaisford's computer. Mr Gadsden added: "In an interview with a psychiatrist two years ago, Mr Gaisford said he was bisexual with a preference for boys. When he was asked if these were boys under the age of consent, the defendant replied 'yes'." Gaisford had told police that he had been spanked and sexually abused when he was a boy at boarding school. He denies nine offences of indecent assault – two of rape, one count of indecency with a child, four of sexual activity with a child, four sexual assaults, three attempted sexual assaults and ten counts of possession of indecent photos and videos. It is also claimed he perverted the course of justice by sending an e-mail to the family of an alleged underage victim, asking them not to co-operate with police. The trial is expected to go on until late May.

Former Met Police chief on trial over alleged child sex offences

Crystal Palace academy star Reise Allassani aims for first team place

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PALACE Academy star Reise Allassani has one aim this summer – to break into the Ian Holloway's first-team squad.

The 17-year-old has been hotly tipped to be the next youngster to come through the club's youth system on the back of his impressive performances over the past year.

"Hopefully I'm going to get into the first-team squad this summer," Allassani said. "The U21s is good but I'd like to push on if I can.

"It depends on what the manager wants but my aim is to get into the first team and then if not, we'll have to see what happens.

"My aim now is to score lots of goals, and if we're not in the Premier League, I want to get Palace there.

"I loved watching Thierry Henry for Arsenal in the top flight while I was growing up."

And the England U17 international has enjoyed playing for the U21 development squad in front of a decent-sized attendance at home, which included a recent game against Premier League champions Manchester City.

"When I saw Micah Richards and Maicon were playing, I was chuffed to see them warming up near to me," said Allassani.

"We've played against some top players this season. I played against Kolo Toure earlier this season in the home fixture, it's just been a really good experience against different clubs.

"Even in the U21s games, the fans come to watch and you can hear them.

"They're passionate, and I remember the game last summer at Dulwich Hamlet when I came on, they were great cheering us on."

One player Allassani picked out as a big influence on him is the latest product to come from the Academy – a certain Welsh international.

He said: "Jonny Williams is a great example for me to look at – he's a great player.

"He's not too similar to me but he's one I look to, often.

"I speak to him quite a bit and get advice from him, and he tells me about the step up from the Academy.

"If you ask him something, he's always there to talk to you."

And one man who has guided the youngster through the Palace youth ranks is current U18 coach Ben Garner, who Allassani points to as big help on his game and style of play.

"I've had Ben since the U13s and he has really helped me to improve a lot," he said.

"This season when I've been with the U21 squad, Ben has also been there, so it was refreshing and he has helped my game a lot.

"I can play on the left wing or just behind the striker."

Crystal Palace academy star Reise Allassani aims for first team place

Old Coulsdon pensioner blames bumpy pavement for wheelchair fall

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AN 80-YEAR-OLD amputee says she will seek compensation from the council after cracked paving threw her from her wheelchair.

Margaret Hyde, of Old Coulsdon, was being pushed by her husband when her wheels got stuck on a crooked slab.

She was on her way back from Fabric World on Easter Saturday when the sudden jolt threw her onto the ground.

Mrs Hyde, whose left leg is amputated above the knee, said: "Coming out of that wheelchair was like a shot from a gun.

"My wheelchair came to an abrupt halt and I did not, and I was right on my stump.

"I was just screaming out, 'My leg, my leg' and two ladies came rushing out and a man and he was trying to lift me. It is painful even to talk about it."

Mrs Hyde says the accident, outside the former Swan and Sugar-loaf pub, was extremely painful – and could have been worse. She said: "When I think if I had been propelled into a lamppost or the wall, it could have killed me."

The pensioner had her leg amputated last December due to complications from polio, and still suffers excruciating phantom limb pains.

She is hoping witnesses will come forward to back her case.

She said: "I was not going to do anything about it, but when I saw the pictures [of the road] I thought, why should they get away with something like this?

"Why should I have an accident because of their negligence? They are at fault."

A spokesman for Croydon Council said: "We inspect footpaths regularly and where any immediate hazards are noted then these are repaired as a matter of priority.

"Preventative work to minor problems is carried out on a programmed basis. If anyone is unfortunate enough to have an accident that they think may be the result of defective paving then they can contact the council and we will take action."

Old Coulsdon pensioner blames bumpy pavement for wheelchair fall

Forget Asbo yobs - badgers are the real menace in New Addington

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BADGERS are causing New Addington residents thousands of pounds' worth of damage.

Badgers from a nearby sett have been causing nuisance during the past year for homes bordering the overgrown land around the Crescent Resource Centre off Salcot Crescent.

Chris and Jackie Gornall, of Walsingham Road, said this week they are getting a quote for badger damage to their fence to be repaired, but think it could run up to £1,000.

Mr Gornall said the animals had appeared suddenly about a year ago, adding: "For a period it was every single night, every single night.

"The garden was carved up so much they would actually take great big chunks out of it.

"We just want rid of them."

That looks unlikely to happen, however, as the species is protected and the level of damage they are causing is not deemed high enough to warrant more drastic action.

Ward councillor George Ayres said he hoped to develop some sort of residents' group to help look after the land and lessen the annoyance.

He said: "Badgers, as I understand, are animals of habit so if you can preserve their exit and entry routes then you can hopefully minimise the damage to the surrounding properties of residents.

"And I thought that the best way you could do that is to prepare the ground which presently is covered in knotweed."

Any action would partly depend on South London and Maudsley (SLaM) Healthcare Trust's plans for its mental health resource centre, which are understood to be under discussion.

The council owns the land, which is thought to be too unstable to develop.

Robert McNamara, 47, of Walsingham Road, has found one semi-effective solution.

He said: "We have put a fence in with concrete going along the bottom but they do seem to come in from next door. Even now when you look at the grass you can see sometimes how they have dug."

Lynsey Merritt, 36, whose parents live on the same road, added: "Mum's got massive holes in her fence from the badgers pushing through.

"We have had to block up the windows in the greenhouse."

Croydon Council said it cannot take any action as badgers are protected and not covered by its pest control services.

A spokesman added: "Concerned residents should consider contacting animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA or more specialist bodies such as the Badger Federation for information and advice."

A spokesman for SLaM said they would be happy to discuss the badger issue with residents.

She added: "No decision has been made about the future of SLaM services on this site and there are no plans to vacate these premises at this stage.

"We are committed to keeping a presence in this locality and alternative premises would be provided should we move from the centre in the future."

Forget Asbo yobs - badgers are the real menace in New Addington

Hundreds turn out at benefit changes advice day in Croydon

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HUNDREDS turned out at an event aimed a helping people cope with benefit changes. More than 650 people attended the information day at Fairfield Halls. Croydon is one of only four places in the country to be trialling a controversial benefits cap which will be rolled out across the rest of the country this summer. Couples and single parents will now receive no more than £500 a week, while single people will be limited to £350. The changes came into effect last Monday. The council-organised info advice day, held last Friday, offered support for people looking for work or training, and provided information on childcare, managing debt and housing. There were also interactive workshops on topics including shopping for health food on a budget. The council said that one of the most popular stalls was the property swap stand, which aimed to help people downsize to a smaller home. The event was supported by Croydon Voluntary Action, Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus, Mind in Croydon, Croydon Young and Single Homeless (CAYSH), ASDA and the South West London Law Centre. It is estimated that around 900 families in Croydon were affected when the Government capped benefits such as Jobseeker's Allowance, income support, child and housing benefit. Sarah Bashford, cabinet member for corporate and voluntary services, said: "We held this event to offer help to people who are affected by the benefit changes. "We were delighted by the large number that turned out and hope they found it useful. "The feedback we received from those who attended has been extremely positive." The council plans to hold a similar event later this year.

Hundreds turn out at benefit changes advice day in Croydon

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