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Palace boss: I guarantee we'll be hard to break down

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Ian Holloway is hoping for a bumper crowd at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Peterborough United stand in their way of confirming a play-off place.
And in tomorrow's Croydon Advertiser, the manager believes once the team are in there, they will be a tough nut for any team to beat.
"If we get one point, we'll be on 70 points and Nottingham Forest would have to win 6-0 against Leicester City to overtake us," Holloway told Advertiser Sport.
"Basically we've got to match what they do and if they draw, it's over anyway.
"People talk about momentum but once you're in the play-offs, it's about what we do, and I guarantee you we'll be hard to break down.
"I think the fans will fill the stadium on Saturday and I think they should be. We're on the verge of something special here."
Do not miss Holloway's full-page exclusive column in tomorrow's Croydon Advertiser, where he talks about his players receiving PFA accolades, his thoughts on the play-offs and particular praise for one midfielder.
Meanwhile, he also names his favourite television show and which celebrities he'd like to meet.

The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.
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Palace boss: I guarantee we'll be hard to break down


Brother of murdered South Norwood rapper faces jail after robbing bank customers

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THE brother of a rapper murdered in a drive-by shooting in South Norwood has been warned he faces jail after pleading guilty to robbing people outside banks. Amir Tufail, 19, and friends Jermaine McLean, 19, and Stephen Crawford, 18, were part of a gang who "picked off" customers shortly after they withdrew money. Amir and McLean pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, and Crawford one, during a short hearing at Croydon Crown Court today (Thursday). Explaining their methods, Andrew Ramsubhag, prosecuting, said: "What these defendants were doing is that some would stay in the bank and watch customers while they were withdrawing money. "Then, using a hands free headset, they would inform the others and, when the person left the bank, they were robbed of their money." The court had previously heard that CCTV footage showed two of the teenagers in one of the Santander banks. All three offences took place between May 22 and June 19, 2012. Amir, of Beaconsfield Road, Chatham, pleaded guilty to one robbery on May 22 and another on May 23. He denied involvement in another robbery on June 19 to which the prosecution offered no evidence. McLean, of Antigua Walk, Upper Norwood, pleaded guilty to one robbery on May 22 and another the following day. Crawford, of Dixon Road, South Norwood, admitted being involved in the robbery on June 19, but pleaded not guilty to the two earlier robberies, to which no evidence was offered by the prosecution. An application to dismiss the one charge against another alleged member of the gang, Tashawn Thompson, 18, will be heard next Thursday (May 9). Judge Warwick McKinnon, the Recorder of Croydon, adjourned sentencing until May 24 for reports to be compiled on three other defendants. He warned them: "These are serious offences and one has to consider custody as a live issue here." Umar Tufail, 25, was "deliberately executed" on July 15 last year because of a gangland feud between his younger brother Amir and rival Sanchez Thomas. Thomas and his best friend Kyrone Daley, both 19, were jailed for a total of 47 years last month after being found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. Amir, who was playing computer games with Crawford in an upstairs bedroom at the time of the shooting, immediately believed he was the intended target, telling a police officer in the minutes after the killing: "I have a lot of enemies." Following the sentencing, Sajid Tufail, the boys' father, told the Advertiser that Amir had turned his life around and was no longer involved in gangs.

Brother of murdered South Norwood rapper faces jail after robbing bank customers

Secret Cinema in Croydon is ON but alcohol is OFF

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SECRET Cinema will finally begin its Croydon screenings tonight – without any alcohol. The company has announced its show in on this evening but ticket holders for the opening weekend have been informed they will not be able to buy alcohol. "We are pleased to announce that the issues delaying the opening of Secret Cinema have been resolved and it will go ahead this Thursday onwards," said an email sent to ticket holders. "Due to the conditions of our licence we will be running this weekends performances without alcohol. "For clarity, the issues we have been facing over the last couple of weeks have not been limited to the sale of alcohol." Parent company Future Shorts had been working with the council and police to resolve the objections raised when it applied for a license to use Delta Point, in Wellesley Road, as its venue. The message to customers suggests the problems which led last Thursday's opening night to be cancelled an hour before kick off had existed for several weeks. It adds: "In the run up to the opening the ambition of the event coupled with the complexity of our spectacular building and its location, gave rise to a number of issues which have now been alleviated. "Although we fully believed the issues would be resolved before the first night, it became apparent we were not going to open the show and were left with no choice but to delay the opening weekend." Future Shorts said it would contact customers who missed out due to last week's cancellations. As well as booze, the popular Secret Cinema format involves live music, role-play, food, and a mystery film. Customers had paid around £50 for a ticket. Secret Cinema thanked filmgoers for their "incredible" patience and support.

Secret Cinema in Croydon is ON but alcohol is OFF

Former Palace striker: I want Croydon sponsor for big fight

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FORMER Crystal Palace striker Leon McKenzie has revealed he would like to have a Croydon-based company sponsor him for his boxing debut in June.
The 34-year-old, son of former British and European champion Clinton McKenzie and nephew of three-time world champion Duke McKenzie, admits he can't wait to get in the ring after training hard for the last couple of months, and he reveals the full story in Friday's Croydon Advertiser.
"When you look at everything that I've been through, it's unbelievable really," he exclusively told Advertiser Sport.
"The fight is nine weeks away. I've got two sponsors so far but I just want that third one to pop up in regards with what I'm trying to do.
"Croydon-wise, I am just hoping someone comes out of the woodwork to be my final sponsor.
"There might be a brand that might think it's a nice story with my life and it would definitely be worth doing.
"People have to remember I don't play football anymore, so any help would be greatly appreciated."
Don't miss the full exclusive interview with McKenzie in tomorrow's Croydon Advertiser.


If you're interested in sponsoring Leon and having your company name showcased on a wider scale, email our sports reporter
mark.ritson@essnmedia.co.uk or if you're on Twitter, you can tweet Leon @LeonMckenzie1.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport
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Former Palace striker: I want Croydon sponsor for big fight

Tougher action on travellers approved by Croydon councillors

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TOUGH court action to clamp down on travellers who have set up a string of illegal camps across the borough was approved by the council's cabinet on Monday.

The go-ahead means council lawyers will, as the Advertiser reported last week, be seeking court injunctions to prevent the specific groups of rogue travellers from moving on to any council-owned parks and open spaces.

Cllr Simon Hoar, the cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said that while a blanket ban could not be operated across all private land, the council would be prepared to work with private landowners who wanted to be part of the strategy. An injunction would build on existing powers because it could be granted for an indefinite period, making a breach an arrestable offence.

The new stance was prompted after the council had to deal with 83 illegal camps in the last year.

The bill for removing the illegally camped travellers and clearing up after them came to £128,000.

Labour opposition members accepted the need for a policy to deal with illegal encampments but Cllr Simon Hall said it was important that the strategy did not lead to vilification of all travellers, many of whom lived in settled communities in the borough.

Croydon MP Steve Reed fails in bid to change smoking law

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MP STEVE Reed has failed in his bid to ban smoking in cars when children are present.

The Croydon North MP proposed a change in legislation in response to research about the dangers of passive smoking.

However his proposal, put forward at a committee for the Children & Families Bill last Thursday, was rejected because the Government is carrying out its own research. To avoid being voted down, Mr Reed then withdrew the amendment, but plans to raise the issue again as the Bill develops.

He said: "It's clearly disappointing that the Government didn't accept the amendment in committee but they've been given notice that I, and other MPs, will bring this back to the floor of the House of Commons when the Bill returns for its report stage.

"This is a sensible change which would protect children's health and enjoys growing cross-party support in addition to the very strong support from outside organisations like the British Lung Foundation. I truly hope that the Government will heed this call for action and support this responsible change in the law."

Mr Reed pointed to research which shows 165,000 children each year develop conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and lung infections due to passive smoking. The total cost of treating these diseases is estimated to be £23 million per year.

Do you support this potential law change? E-mail your views to newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or join the debate at www.thisiscroyodontoday.co.uk

Croydon MP Steve Reed fails in bid to change smoking law

EAGLE-EYED VIEW: Ian Holloway wrong to say Crystal Palace played well at Millwall

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WELL, it's finally happened. He's cracked. Holloway has lost the plot.

I don't know what game Ollie was watching on Tuesday night as the Eagles made the short journey across to the Den to face Millwall, but he's either the most sarcastic man on the planet, or his senses have taken a leave of absence.

"We were definitely a threat. We looked solid, we broke well and every one of my team, I thought, played really well," he told reporters after the game.

Actually, we didn't play really well. It was more hot potato than football. You'd struggle to find a game this season in which we found it more difficult to keep possession of the ball.

It's not that Millwall did well in pressuring us quickly and forcing us into making those mistakes – not that it didn't happen at all – but we were our own worst enemy on the night, as we have been for much of this poor run of form, with KG in particular having a poor game in the middle of the park.

"I was warned about… the rivalry, but what a fantastic advert for this division," he said.

Yeah, if the aim of the advertising campaign was to make sure nobody watched Championship football – ever.

Even if I'm being a little harsh in terms of our performance, one thing no one can argue for is that game being used to advocate the league, unless, of course, scrappy 0-0 draws in which very little football is played is what people are after these days.

I could've taken more joy in watching the kids to my right in the Millwall stand upping the bracket and giving it the big I AM (parents must be so proud); if I could only pull my eyes away from the car crash route-one football game unfolding in front of me.

by Stephen Bridle

EAGLE-EYED VIEW: Ian Holloway wrong to say Crystal Palace played well at Millwall

Croydon Business Awards winners announced

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THE winners of this year's Croydon Business Awards were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday night.

Martek Contracts Ltd, based in New Addington, took home the most prestigious award of the night, for Croydon's best overall business.

Earlier in the evening, it had been named best green business – one of nine category awards handed out.

Other winners included best new business Gooey UK Ltd, which has enjoyed success in the aviation sector, Catherine Johnstone Recruitment, which was named the best business for customer service, and Purley-based Phase 1 Enterprise Ltd, which took home the spolis in the commitment to the community category.

The best medium-sized business, which was judged by Advertiser editor Glenn Ebrey, was won by SLE Ltd, a South Croydon firm led by Bernard Nelligan which designs and manufactures neonatal ventilators.

Byron Cole, from BLC Property Services Ltd, won the real-life entrepreneur award, while his firm also triumphed in the best business for work-related learning and employment for young people section. The gala awards ceremony took place at Fairfield Halls, attended by more than 200 people.

This is the third year of the awards, which are organised by the business support group South London Business and sponsored by Barclays.

Read next week's Advertiser for a full report on the business awards and reaction from the winners.


Kenley Airfield needs £1 million to preserve blast pens

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THE Friends of Kenley Airfield are working hard to preserve the blast pens.

By teaming up with the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for the upkeep of the relics, and English Heritage, the group hopes to secure a grant for up to £1 million from Heritage Lottery Fund.

Chris Baguley, chairman of the friends' group, said: "The blast pens were built in 1939. The idea was that aircraft sat in them and if a bomb landed nearby, the impact and debris shot upwards over them so they were not damaged.

"In 2003, English Heritage categorised them as 'ancient monuments', which meant the owner was obliged to pay for their upkeep.

"However, it is hugely expensive to do so and we as a group are very keen to see them restored to their former glory, so we decided to work together with the City of London Corporation to secure the funding."

Mr Baguley said the money, if won, would rebuild the structures as they were in 1939 and attract the public with an educational programme to come and take an interest in them.

"It's not just about conservation; we could do bits of vocational training and working with students too," he said. "It all requires a lot of money."

A City of London Corporation report said: "The World War Two features are quickly deteriorating due to their age and the poor quality of materials used in their construction and are on the Heritage At-risk register.

"Those who remember Kenley during the war and could contribute to a living archive of memories are also becoming fewer.

"The historic landscape of Kenley Airfield and its associated features are of national significance. By conserving them, the project would be providing a service to London and the nation."

Mr Baguley said he was "quietly hopeful" that the application would be successful.

"We submitted a preliminary application which has been accepted and have had a visit from someone at the Heritage Lottery Fund," he said.

"With corporate backing from the City of London we are much more likely to get funding for the structures."

The partnership is due to submit its stage one application early this summer and, if successful, it will be put round to stage two later in the year.

"It's very important we perpetuate the memory of Kenley's and our national heritage," said Mr Baguley.

The partnership will also have to raise £50,000 to go towards securing the £1 million grant.

Kenley Airfield needs £1 million to preserve blast pens

Recession blamed for Croydon domestic violence rise

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CROYDON'S most senior police officer has described a sharp rise in domestic violence as "hugely worrying".

Borough commander Chief Superintendent David Musker told the Advertiser that failing to address a 13.4 per cent increase in offences over the past year could have fatal consequences for some victims.

He said: "I've often told my officers that dealing with domestic violence is murder suppression, because if you look at the data, 80 per cent of murders are committed by people who the victim knows or are in a relationship with.

"That's why the high number of incidents – and the fact that it's up significantly from last year – is of great concern."

There were 1,043 reports of domestic violence in Croydon in the past 12 months; up from 903 in 2011-12.

Chief Superintendent Musker believes the rise is "genuine" and only shows a fraction of the problem.

"Many times you will hear police officers say it's about confidence and people being prepared to come forward – but this increase is real," he said.

"It's hugely worrying, especially because data shows that there have normally been 40 incidents of domestic violence before a victim calls the police.

"This is a particularly pernicious crime, which robs people of the sense of security in their homes, and it is an issue which is getting my full attention."

A review of the police approach to domestic violence in Croydon is now being led by Detective Chief Inspector Sian Thomas, who worked on the Met's Sapphire unit, which investigates serious sexual offences, before moving to the borough in October 2012.

Chief Supt Musker said he would renew the borough's "zero tolerance" attitude and work more closely with the council.

He believes domestic violence is a growing problem because of the "stress" in society.

"There's no excuse for committing these sort of offences but if you look at the way the borough has changed, in terms of deprivation, that must have contributed," he explained.

"I think there's something about the stress of the things around housing conditions, incomes, all that sort of stuff. I haven't got evidence around that, it's just my gut feeling."

While not specifically comparable, latest figures for the Met as a whole show domestic violence increased 5.4 per cent in the year up to March 2013.

Selhurst councillor Toni Letts, herself a former victim of domestic abuse, said: "While domestic violence has always been an issue, I think the recession has increased family violence.

"Households where once there were two salaries, now there is one or maybe none. That has to be a factor.

"I'm not sure how much of a will there is to do something which will make a genuine difference."

Croydon's Family Justice Centre, which is home to the borough's domestic violence services, is used by about 1,000 people each month.

Labour has accused the council of slashing funding to tackle domestic violence, while the council said the centre's funding has been increased from £562,000 last year to £622,000 in 2013-14, in part due to Government funding.

Simon Hoar, council cabinet member for crime and public protection, said: "If the number of offences has gone up it could be about the economy or the availability of cheap alcohol, which we know is a factor in domestic violence and is an issue we're trying to address."

Croydon Council is currently in the process of changing its licensing policy to give it greater power to prevent the spread of off-licences.

Recession blamed for Croydon domestic violence rise

Croydon's answer to Jackass - or just a Jackass?

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IS THIS man Croydon's answer to Jackass – or is he just a jackass?

He's the 'star' of a video which shows a couple causing traffic chaos by eating a takeaway in the middle of a busy street while sat on children's chairs at a tiny table.

The clip has been watched by more than 25,000 people since it was posted on the Advertiser's website last Friday.

We have since discovered that the man in the black baseball cap and jacket – seen hurling abuse at angry drivers – is actually a serial offender when it comes to inane stunts.

He goes by the name Ashley_Ikz1 on social networking website Keek, where users upload short video status updates via a webcam or mobile phone applications for Android or iPhone.

Last month Ashley, from Thornton Heath, posted a video of himself pulling the same traffic-stopping gag, this time talking on a mobile phone in the middle of London Road, Norbury, wearing only his underwear.

Again, long queues of traffic form in front of him, but he tells the drivers: "No one's not getting nowhere today."

Some of his other "pranks" – similar to those on US television series Jackass or performed by Trigger Happy TV comedian Dom Joly – involve pulling up to people in the street, asking for directions and then swearing at them.

In one video he asks a man how to get to Brixton and, before he can answer, Ashley tells him to "go eat ****" before driving off.

Other videos see the prankster taking part in impromptu "raves" in venues across Croydon, including restaurant Cosmo, supermarkets and a branch of Subway, as well as pretending to be a rastafarian called "Glenford".

In another clip he claims other people on Keek are "copying" his style, adding: "Be original, man. This is me and what I do. I like it anyway, I'm inspiring you out there."

This week, he gave out his mobile phone number online and claimed to have received 2,000 calls from fans.

In the video we highlighted last week, filmed at the exit to the roundabout in Whitehorse Road, Ashley is seen shouting at drivers who are beeping their horns as he eats at a table in the street.

When one car tries to swerve past the diners, he moves his chair to block the way and shouts: "I'm eating my food, bruv. What? I'm eating my food. ******* shut your mouth."

The camera then pans out and shows a bus at the head of a long queue of traffic.

The Advertiser contacted Ashley this week and though he initially seemed keen to explain his antics in an interview, we never heard back from him.

Warning - video contains offensive languageDid you see what happened or know those involved? Contact newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

Croydon's answer to Jackass - or just a Jackass?

M25 roadworks again causing delays and minor disruption on trains

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THE M25 roadworks are once again causing some delays with slow progress clockwise between Junction 4 and 6. Southern Rail are reporting a good service across most of the network with just one train currently delayed. The 07.12 Streatham Hill to London service is expected to start at 07.43 due to a late train from the depot. There are some severe delays on the London Underground with the Circle and District lines both partly suspended. There are also minor delays on the Hammersmith and City line.

M25 roadworks again causing delays and minor disruption on trains

Crimewatch viewer offers to top-up Gary Hayward reward

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A CRIMEWATCH viewer shocked by the attempted murder of Gary Hayward has offered to add thousands of pounds to the reward put up by police.

Among the more than two dozen tip-offs and fresh leads officers received following Monday's reconstruction was an offer made from a caller – with no connection to Croydon – to add a substantial amount to the £20,000 reward.

Zowey Hayward, Gary's sister, was stunned after being told about the man's offer.

"It's made my last 18 months to think that someone really cares enough about Gary, about society, to do that," she told the Advertiser.

" It's an amazing gesture and, whoever they are, I can't thank them enough."

Police have already offered a reward for information which leads to the conviction of those responsible for attacking Gary, then 27, in Central Parade on October 2, 2011.

The reconstruction on Crimewatch showed how John Hayward, Gary's father, was confronted by youths, who had been hassling him for months, while on his way to Booze Bank in Central Parade.

While in the shop he called his ex-wife Wendie and she sent another family member, and then Gary, to help.

When he arrived, John pointed to the youths, who were waiting by New Addington Library. Gary walked up to them and confronted them about the harassment.

By the time John caught up with his son, he was already laying in the road having been attacked by the youths.

John told the BBC's Crimewatch: "He got up and shouted at them: 'Leave my dad alone'.

"Then we saw all these other youths coming from the other end of the parade.

"I remember them knocking Gary to the ground and beating him all the time, non-stop. They were beating me as well. At that point I decided to lay still."

The youths set upon the two men with pieces of wood and metal taken from a nearby bin.

John pretended to be unconscious and their attackers fled into the estate. Shortly afterwards, Wendie and other family members arrived.

John said: "I was covered from head to foot in blood. Gary's mum was crying."

Wendie said: "He was choking, covered in blood. I went on to my knees and held him.

"When I looked at him I thought he couldn't recover from it."

The appeal prompted more than 30 calls from the public, leads which the police are now working on.

"It was hard to watch," said Zowey. "Hearing my voice from the original 999 call was difficult, I didn't realise they were going to do that.

"I wasn't sure whether I wanted to do it to begin with but I'm really pleased there was a big response.

"Over the last 18 months I've wondered whether we were alone up here, but it's good to know there are other people in New Addington willing to stand up to these people."

The police are now following up the offer to boost the reward, along with other information received as result of the appeal.

Crimewatch viewer offers to top-up Gary Hayward reward

Clouds will clear for a warm and sunny bank holiday monday

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WE are set for a warm and sunny bank holiday in Croydon with only a bit of light rain expected on Saturday. Bank holiday Monday will bring the warmest and brightest weather with the mercury expected to hit 19 degrees Celsius. Leading up to that it will be again bright and sunny today with very little cloud in the sky and temperatures of around 17 degrees from lunch time through the afternoon. Saturday will bring lots of cloud throughout the day and a light shower at about 4pm. It will start slightly chilly with temperatures of around 9 degrees in the morning but it will warm up to about by the afternoon. Sunday it will again be cloudy with some sunny intervals and temperatures of between 15 and 17 degrees after 1pm. But Monday will be the day to savour with plenty of sunshine, particularly after 1pm, when clouds are expected to clear and the heat turns up a notch to around 19 degrees.

Clouds will clear for a warm and sunny bank holiday monday

IAN HOLLOWAY: Crystal Palace's triple PFA nod was fully deserved

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IT'S boosted Glenn Murray, Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie's confidence after they were named in the PFA Championhship Team of the Year this week. I'm delighted for them and it's great when your peers appreciate how well you've done. , and quite rightly so because they've been fantastic. Wilfried picking up the PFA Championship Young Player of the Year was also well-deserved and at the moment everyone is raising their game against him. I thought he was terrific at Millwall on Tuesday but he's going to have to learn to live with it, particularly next year in the Premier League. , but he's a fantastic lad and a great player. It was a tussle between him and Alan Dunne on Tuesday, who tried to contain him but I thought there were a couple of bits of brilliance from Wilf, especially one moment down in the bottom corner when he won a free-kick. It was just one pass, one clinical pass that was needed for what we needed, so let's go again on Saturday, but well done to him. The Championship is not an easy division, so to get other players talking about you is fantastic. There are a few favourite moments I have from his season, and there were few before I came to club too. My favourite was his performance against Hull City at home when he terrorised their defence and put Kevin Phillips in twice and then scored himself. Owen Garvan was absolutely brilliant at Millwall. His passing makes a difference and Glenn could have scored from his brilliant pass, but he also makes us look really solid. Stiff Let's hope he's not too stiff and he recovers quickly because he was sorely missed. He was out of his legs when I brought him off in the second half too. Peterborough have got to come at us on Saturday and when teams just sit in, it's made it difficult for us and left ourselves open a little bit. I fully expect Peterborough to have a go at us and they need to win, so it should be another fantastic game and atmosphere. I'm looking for another solid performance from our boys. I think the fans will fill the stadium and I think they should be. We're on the verge of something special here. Every single one of my players stood out as a man at Millwall and they were counted with a fantastic performance. I'm expecting nothing short of that again and I believe it will be good enough. I've heard we face Brighton in the play-offs if we win but we can't think like that at the moment – we just need that vital point. The chairman spoke to me on Wednesday and he was telling me everybody at the club would have taken that at the start of last summer to get into the play-offs. We definitely need to look at how far this group have come and help them over the line, it's as simple as that. If we get one point, we'll be on 70 points and Nottingham Forest would have to win 6-0 against Leicester City to overtake us. Basically we've got to match what they do and if they draw, it's over anyway. People talk about momentum but once you're in the play-offs, it's about what we do, and I guarantee you we'll be hard to break down. And then we've got talent going forward and the atmosphere changes. Let's bring it on Selhurst. Lastly, Aruna Dindane isn't looking like he'll play for us. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out for him and he hasn't been able to get to a level with the other lads and, sadly, I've had to tell him that.

IAN HOLLOWAY: Crystal Palace’s triple PFA nod was fully deserved


Yannick Bolasie calls on Crystal Palace to "finish the job" against Peterborough United

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YANNICK BOLASIE wants to cap off a remarkable first season at Palace by helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League after being named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. The winger has been a fantastic signing since arriving last summer from Bristol City and now he wants his teammates to complete what he would call a "great" season. "This is my first season at Palace but to go to the Premier League, I don't know, words wouldn't be able to explain that," he said. "It's on the verge of being a great season, but it's not a great season yet, if you know what I mean. "If we win on Saturday we'll go clear and if we draw, technically we should still be in the play-offs. "We still need to finish the job now." Last weekend, Bolasie was named in the Team of the Year alongside Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray, and he says it has helped him gain more confidence. "For me, it's an honour especially as I was playing reserve football last year," he said. "Technically, this is my first season in three years I've played regular football so it's been good for me, and to have been voted for by fellow players in the league is a great honour. "It gives me great confidence and it shows that what I've been doing this season has been good. "I'm just looking to get Palace in the play-offs now."

Yannick Bolasie calls on Crystal Palace to “finish the job” against Peterborough United

Lane closed on M25 due to broken down vehicle

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A BROKEN down vehicle has forced the closure of a lane on the M25. The vehicle has broken down near Clackett Lane services, causing delays clockwise between Junction 5 and 6. The roadworks continue to cause problems around Junction 6 as well so expect lengthy delays.

Lane closed on M25 due to broken down vehicle

Closing Croydon University Hospital's A&E and maternity units is an 'option', says health review

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CROYDON University Hospital's A&E, maternity and children's units could close under plans being considered by a review of healthcare in south west London. A report published today (Friday) includes the option of downgrading Croydon from a major acute to a local hospital. Losing major services in Croydon is listed as the 'least preferred' of three choices being considered by the controversial Better Services, Better Value (BSBV) review. The favoured option is for Croydon to remain as a major hospital, alongside St George's and Kingston, with Epsom and St Helier hospitals to lose out. John Goulston, chief executive of Croydon Health Services, believes the announcement has secured the future of his hospital's key departments. He said: "It is extremely good news for Croydon that the hospital is included in two options as a major site, with A&E, children and maternity services. "I fully support the BSBV review and the changes recommended are vital for the clinical sustainability of 25/7 services. "By keeping Croydon's major acute hospital, more patients will receive treatment at the places where they are currently seen, while getting a more consistent standard of care. "We are making continued progress and investment in the hospital which, together with the aims of BSBV, is all in the interests of patients, their families and staff." Croydon University Hospital treated 120,000 patients in its A&E department last year. The BSBV preferred option names St George's, in Tooting, as a major acute teaching hospital, with an A&E, maternity and specialist children's unit and ward. Two major acute hospitals, at Kingston and Croydon, would provide emergency and urgent care, as well as maternity services, an attached midwife-led unit and children's inpatient wards. Epsom will become a local hospital with a planned care centre, with St Helier, in Sutton, retaining local services only. It is estimated that restricting services in this way would save £40 million, and mean that 82 per cent of patients will continue to attend the same hospitals as they do now. Downgrading Croydon and retaining St Helier instead would save more money than the alternative option of the latter being kept as a major acute instead. Over 100 doctors, nurses, midwives, health professionals and patients were involved in drawing up the proposals. A 12 to 14 week public consultation into the proposals is due to start in the summer. This will include 14 public events, two in each borough, and a roadshow in supermarkets and train stations.

Closing Croydon University Hospital's A&E and maternity units is an 'option', says health review

UKIP: 'We can win Croydon Central in 2015'

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CROYDON'S leading UKIP member believes the party may win a clear majority in Croydon Central at the next general election. Peter Staveley, a 51 year old transport consultant who lives in Davidson Road in Addiscombe,has also talked up the party's chances in next year's local elections. UKIP is not currently a force in Croydon but following a very encouraging night, with the party having currently won 42 seats and averaging 25 per cent of the vote in wards where it is standing, Mr Staveley is confident that the political landscape could be about to change. He will be standing for the Croydon Central seat in 2015 - as well the local elections next year - and has high hopes for the party's future. "This is a big moment for UKIP," he said. "It demonstrates that people are no longer content with the three main parties who all have very similar policies and fail to represent their voters' interests. "There is every possibility that UKIP could win Croydon central in 2015 - if there is the same swing with the two most popular parties from 2010 as Eastleigh saw in their recent by-election, then we would have a 1,000 majority." In the local elections, Mr Staveley thinks residents are sick of Conservative and Labour voting along party lines rather than representing their wards. "It's always a foregone conclusion, councillors of the same party hardly ever vote against each other. UKIP does not have a whip and we would always vote how are electorate would want us to. "We will are gathering together a list to put one candidate in every ward. I am hopeful that there will be no overall majority in the next local elections and UKIP will hold the balance of power. "That means Conservative and Labour councillors will have to come to us to get their policies through and we can all work together to represent residents." UKIP have come in for some tough media attention during the past few weeks, not least for a Somerset candidate pictured doing what looked like a Nazi salute and a Leicester candidate liking 'ethnic banter' and the English Defence League (EDL) on Facebook. Last November Winston McKenzie, the party's candidate in the Croydon North by-election, caused national outrage when he said gay people should be able to adopt. However, Mr Staveley said: "We are the only party who ban people who have been part of the British National Party, the National Front and EDL from becoming members. "The Tories have trawled through our social media feeds and highlighted maybe three or four racist members but these people obviously faked their forms to join the party and have since been expelled. "I can't see why we would attract racists. It's not immigrants we are against but the current immigration policy. "The problem is the number of unskilled workers who come here and take all the jobs. There are even skilled workers coming from abroad who are taking unskilled jobs - like trained doctors working in Starbucks. "They send most of their money home and leave after 10 years anyway. And there is the problem of those who come, don't work and then claim benefits. I have no problem of immigrants coming here if we need them. "Winston McKenzie will be standing for Croydon North in 2015 - he came from Jamaica and is black as they come so I don't see how we are racist. We have black, Asian, homosexual members and are very diverse. The difference is we are not members of the political class and therefore are in touch with the people unlike the career politicians of today." At the moment, UKIP in Croydon are targeting Coulsdon East and Addiscombe for the local elections as the two area seem be attracting the most support. "I am not being racist but these areas are more white British, Christians and over 60 - that's who the majority of our voters are. And when areas are affected by immigration, that also boosts support. "Immigration exacerbates our housing problem and our school places shortage and they are things people really worry about." Mr Staveley also said that most of the UK's problems nationally and locally stemmed from the country's membership to the EU. "Even issues like recycling and waste disposal, electricity are down to EU directives which it makes no sense for us to follow. Then there is the bureaucracy and money wasting which is completely unnecessary." The hopeful candidate, who is part of Addiscombe's Safer Neighbourhood Team and is well known in the area, said he would tackle the issues most important to residents like fly-tipping, the lack of police on the beat, sorting out road humps, rubbish and recycling. Despite their lack of political experience, Mr Staveley said: "We have all worked for businesses or run families, we know how to work a budget - basically you spend less than what you take in. "At the end of the day, we are the common sense party. That's what people want."

UKIP: 'We can win Croydon Central in 2015'

'UKIP can win Croydon Central in 2015,' says bullish prospective candidate

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CROYDON'S leading UKIP member believes the party may win a clear majority in Croydon Central at the next general election. Peter Staveley, a 51 year old transport consultant who lives in Davidson Road in Addiscombe,has also talked up the party's chances in next year's local elections. UKIP is not currently a force in Croydon but following a very encouraging night, with the party having currently won 42 seats and averaging 25 per cent of the vote in wards where it is standing, Mr Staveley is confident that the political landscape could be about to change. He will be standing for the Croydon Central seat in 2015 - as well the local elections next year - and has high hopes for the party's future. "This is a big moment for UKIP," he said. "It demonstrates that people are no longer content with the three main parties who all have very similar policies and fail to represent their voters' interests. "There is every possibility that UKIP could win Croydon central in 2015 - if there is the same swing with the two most popular parties from 2010 as Eastleigh saw in their recent by-election, then we would have a 1,000 majority." In the local elections, Mr Staveley thinks residents are sick of Conservative and Labour voting along party lines rather than representing their wards. "It's always a foregone conclusion, councillors of the same party hardly ever vote against each other. UKIP does not have a whip and we would always vote how are electorate would want us to. "We will are gathering together a list to put one candidate in every ward. I am hopeful that there will be no overall majority in the next local elections and UKIP will hold the balance of power. "That means Conservative and Labour councillors will have to come to us to get their policies through and we can all work together to represent residents." UKIP have come in for some tough media attention during the past few weeks, not least for a Somerset candidate pictured doing what looked like a Nazi salute and a Leicester candidate liking 'ethnic banter' and the English Defence League (EDL) on Facebook. Last November Winston McKenzie, the party's candidate in the Croydon North by-election, caused national outrage when he said gay people should not be able to adopt. However, Mr Staveley said: "We are the only party who ban people who have been part of the British National Party, the National Front and EDL from becoming members. "The Tories have trawled through our social media feeds and highlighted maybe three or four racist members but these people obviously faked their forms to join the party and have since been expelled. "I can't see why we would attract racists. It's not immigrants we are against but the current immigration policy. "The problem is the number of unskilled workers who come here and take all the jobs. There are even skilled workers coming from abroad who are taking unskilled jobs - like trained doctors working in Starbucks. "They send most of their money home and leave after 10 years anyway. And there is the problem of those who come, don't work and then claim benefits. I have no problem of immigrants coming here if we need them. "Winston McKenzie will be standing for Croydon North in 2015 - he came from Jamaica and is black as they come so I don't see how we are racist. We have black, Asian, homosexual members and are very diverse. The difference is we are not members of the political class and therefore are in touch with the people unlike the career politicians of today." At the moment, UKIP in Croydon are targeting Coulsdon East and Addiscombe for the local elections as the two area seem be attracting the most support. "I am not being racist but these areas are more white British, Christians and over 60 - that's who the majority of our voters are. And when areas are affected by immigration, that also boosts support. "Immigration exacerbates our housing problem and our school places shortage and they are things people really worry about." Mr Staveley also said that most of the UK's problems nationally and locally stemmed from the country's membership to the EU. "Even issues like recycling and waste disposal, electricity are down to EU directives which it makes no sense for us to follow. Then there is the bureaucracy and money wasting which is completely unnecessary." The hopeful candidate, who is part of Addiscombe's Safer Neighbourhood Team and is well known in the area, said he would tackle the issues most important to residents like fly-tipping, the lack of police on the beat, sorting out road humps, rubbish and recycling. Despite their lack of political experience, Mr Staveley said: "We have all worked for businesses or run families, we know how to work a budget - basically you spend less than what you take in. "At the end of the day, we are the common sense party. That's what people want."

'UKIP can win Croydon Central in 2015,' says bullish prospective candidate

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