CQ310 - 11 from Councillor Janet Marshall

CSCS

The last Talkabout Croydon Survey was carried out in the spring and included questions on how our residents like to communicate with the Council. I would be interested to know the results and whether the methods we provide reflect our resident’s preferences?

The council carried out a survey in March 2011 to ensure our communications was as efficient as possible, and that we were using the most effective channels to get information to taxpayers.

This survey showed:

• The four most popular ways of getting information from the council were through direct mail, Your Croydon magazine, the local media and the council website. • As such our communications plan for the next year has been adjusted to increase local media briefings and adjust resources so more is directed at direct mail. Our website has just been relaunched to ensure it is far easier for people to find information online. • 66% of residents recall receiving a copy of Your Croydon, with 86% of those saying they read it regularly and 41% saying they would like to receive it every month. • 57% of people said they get their information from the local media. We ensure the Cabinet brief both the local newspapers on forthcoming decisions at least once a month, and there is regular daily contact between the media and the council press office.

CQ311 - 11 from Councillor Gerry Ryan

CSCS

Can the Cabinet Member ensure Officers arrange a meeting with Selhurst Ward Cllrs. to look at the need to utilise the Astro Pitch located beside the Brit School and the new Selhurst Primary School to greater extent. I have been contacted by members of the public who are extremely unhappy at the exorbitant cost which prevents more usage. Can you let me know what the cost of hire is and how often it has been used in the last year.

The Astro Pitch at Selhurst belongs to the Council and was provided by Lottery Grant and the Sport and Green Spaces Service provide a booking function for the pitch on behalf of the Council. Charges for the Astro pitch are the same as those for the Canterbury Road pitch and both operate a system of charging which incorporates peak and off peak use, junior rates and block booking discounts. The charges are available on the Councils Web and are included below for information.

The current hire costs for pitches

Full pitch £77.00 Half Pitch £43 Peak time Full pitch £43.00 Half Pitch £28 Off Peak (Block bookings of 10 or more dates receive VAT discount currently 20%) (Juniors off peak rate at all times including weekends and after 6 pm)

Use of Astro Pitch

Year full pitch half pitch total

2009/10 151 104 255 2010/11 110 124 234 2011/12 23 157

Information on use by schools during the day is not available.

Officers from the Sport and Green Spaces Service are happy to meet with Members to discuss increased opportunities for the pitch.

CQ313 - 11 from Councillor Gerry Ryan

CSCS

Can the Cabinet Member advise me if they have any plan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Samual Coleridge Taylor next year? If so can Selhurst Ward Cllrs. be invited to any meetings on this?

Members will be aware that 2012 is the 100th anniversary of Samuel Coleridge- Taylor’s death. He lived at various locations in Croydon and died at his home in St Leonard’s Road, Croydon on 1 September 1912, after suffering a collapse at West Croydon station. He is buried in Bandon Hill Cemetery, Sutton. His contribution to Croydon’s history is commemorated in the Museum of Croydon, where his portrait hangs, the Borough Archives and by an English Heritage blue plaque in Dagnall Road.

A number of individuals and stakeholder groups have already approached the borough to declare their interest in celebrating the life and work of one of Croydon’s most famous residents.

The Museum & Archive Service are planning an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of his death in autumn 2012. They will work with all interested parties and have noted the request for Selhurst Ward councillors to be consulted in the planning process.

CQ322 - 11 from Councillor Tony Pearson

CSCS

Can the Cabinet Member update me on Parks to Be Proud Of?

Since the end of 2010 master plans have been prepared for each of the 9 parks based on the proposals voted for as part of the project and over the next 9 months, we will be working with the local community as these improvements take shape.

The project has now entered the delivery phase with a number of key milestones achieved including: • Announcement of the chosen improvements at Croydon Clocktower – November 2010 • Master plans produced for each of the parks including the improvements that will be delivered within PTBPO and aspirational improvements • Tenders have gone out for playground improvements in Lloyd Park, Norbury Park and Hares Bank • Expressions of interest for the running of café/pavilion concessions within Lloyd Park, Coulsdon Memorial Ground and South Norwood Country Park issued and awarded • CCTV installed in South Norwood Country Park – June 2011 • Expressions of interest for the running of kiosks in Norbury Park and Thornton Heath Receation Ground issued

Going forward the project will be completed by March 2012, including amongst others, playground improvements in Lloyd Park, Thornton Heath Recreation Ground, Sanderstead Recreation Ground and Milne Park & Addington Vale, outdoor gyms in Lloyd Park, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, and Thornton Heath Recreation Ground. Pond Bank repairs at Waddon Ponds and improvements to café/pavilion buildings at South Norwood Country Park and Coulsdon Memorial Ground.

CQ326 - 11 from Councillor Adam Kellett

CSCS

Will the Cabinet Member join me in congratulating all those who represented Croydon at the Disability Swimming Competition as part of the London Youth Games, some of whom returned with medals? Will she also join me in thanking the teachers of the RAP Swimming Club and Croydon staff for making such a big contribution to the Children’s' success and enjoyment of the event?

A key part of this year’s achievement in the London Youth Games were the fine performances from the borough’s disabled athletes. This included the boys and girls swimming team who performed very well at the event at Beckenham Spa, Bromley in June, at which the girls team brought home the silver medal for Croydon.

The RAP (Recreation Activity Project) scheme provides a range of sports coaching opportunities for young people with disabilities. The swimming lessons included within this scheme provide the development route for talented swimmers to progress to regional events such as the London Youth Games.

The Sport and Physical Activity Team and in particular the council’s disability sports development officer and disability sports coaches should be congratulated on the fine work that has been undertaken over the years to develop this programme and provide countless sporting opportunities to the borough’s disabled young people.

CQ339 - 11 from Councillor Chris Wright

CSCS

The residents of Coulsdon East were delighted that Coulsdon Memorial Park was selected as a winner in the Parks to be Proud of Project. Could you please tell me the budget amount allocated to this park and the anticipated date for completion of the improvements?

Coulsdon Memorial Ground is one of the 9 parks receiving improvements through the Parks to be Proud of programme. The total amount allocated to the park is £131,065. Following many months of preparation, engagement and involving local people in choosing their favourite parks and the improvements they would like to see delivered, the following improvements will be undertaken in the park:

• Refurbishments to the café facilities • A new outdoor gym and improvements to the pathways • The planting of mature shrubs • New benches, spring bulbs and tree planting

Expressions of interest were recently sought for the running of the café in the park, and the works in Coulsdon Memorial Ground are due to be completed by March 2012.

CQ340 - 11 from Councillor Timothy Godfrey

CSCS

Heavers Meadow is a tranquil, green oasis, opposite Selhurst Railway Station and leading to Tennison Road. Will the Cabinet member give consideration to improving the entrances to the meadow with clear signage, proper fencing and the provision of more than one bench (seat) in the whole Meadow?

Heavers Meadow is a green oasis in an urban environment. Conservation volunteers from BTCV are scheduled to visit the meadow and pond this autumn to make improvements for wildlife, and they will make and install simple wooden benches to replace those lost to vandalism. Funds for capital investment are limited, however, given that the entrance to Heavers Meadow is opposite Selhurst Station does have an impact on the public realm, we hope to secure funds in this financial year to restore the main sign and renew the chain-link fencing and gates at the same time.

CQ345 - 11 from Councillor Jason Cummings

CSCS

Could the Cabinet Member please tell me how Croydon's young people did who took part in the London Youth Games and what the result was overall?

Once again the young people of Croydon have done the borough proud and their hard work and dedication has lead to Croydon achieving 4th place in this year’s London Youth Games Jubilee Trophy.

There were over 550 young people who took part in trials and training for the event with 300 of the most talented participants went on to represent Croydon at London Youth Games qualifying rounds throughout June and the finals weekend in July. In total, Croydon entered 40 different teams involving children aged between 9 and 17.

Croydon were crowned London Youth champions and received gold medals in: • Angling • Gymnastics Floor and Vault (Advanced) • Girls Disability Athletics • Boys Disability Athletics • Boys Swimming • Mini (primary age) Gymnastics

Silver medals were won in the following categories: • Girls Judo • Girls Disability Swimming • Gymnastics Floor and Vault (Intermediate) • Boys Volleyball • Mini Swimming

A bronze medal was won in the following category: • Diving

In the disability trophy, Croydon achieved second place overall.

None of the achievements of the Croydon teams at the Youth Games would be possible without the support of our volunteer team managers, coaches, and assistants who this year numbered 82 in total. They support the work of the council’s sport and physical activity team, who have worked throughout the year providing a range of sporting opportunities to young people which underpins the borough’s performance in this year’s games.

Since the London Youth Games began in 1977, the Croydon team has produced several elite level athletes including Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls and GB Basketball captain), Martyn Rooney, 4x400m World silver medallist and 400m European Bronze medallist, and Monique Davis 100m, 200m, 400m Gold medallist at 2008 European Championships for people with learning difficulties.

CQ360 - 11 from Councillor Maggie Mansell

CSCS

Will you confirm what you have previously said that the specification for outsourcing the library services include: • That buildings and land, remain Council owned, • The libraries service is as a package, no cherry picking. • Central Library be included, • Keeping open all the district libraries, Will the specification also require: • Free access to books and • Free access to the internet. • User groups/community support groups to be arranged for each library. • TUPE protection for staff. Will the existing telephones, call centre, and IT contract with Cap Gemini remain in place for the Library service? Will you copy the letters to outside bodies inviting expressions of interest to me?

If the Council decides to outsource the library service a detailed service specification will be drawn up. However I can confirm:

• that buildings and land will remain council owned • there will be the potential for organisations to bid for parts of the service and for the service as a package • the Central Library will be included • current library network will be maintained • TUPE protection always applies to contracting out of services

It is a statutory obligation to provide free access to books. However charges can be applied to other services and these are reviewed on an annual basis.

Consideration will be given to user groups/community support groups along the lines of the model that has been developed at Thornton Heath Library.

The provision of services such as telephones, call centre, and the IT contract with Cap Gemini would need to be examined as part of any procurement process and service specification, therefore it is not possible to answer this at present.

Market testing is conducted through the public services’ procurement portal and advertised on the council website. Letters are not sent to individual bodies. Please see the link below for further information. This information can be forwarded to any individual, group or organisation. http://www.croydon.gov.uk/business/tenders/tender-opps/libraryservices

CQ361 - 11 from Councillor Maggie Mansell

CSCS

Given that the David Lean cinema makes a profit, that it can be organised without access to the rest of the Clocktower, and that the rooms in Fairfield are not of the same size and have their own projection equipment, will you reconsider the decision to close the David lean cinema?

We will not reconsider the decision to close the David Lean Cinema.

The cinema represented a direct cost to the Council of £160,000 a year and therefore did not make a profit, it in fact created a loss. However, its budget must be seen in the wider context of the overall Clocktower budget and operations. Reduction of these operations has achieved significant savings for the Council.

While the Cinema can be accessed separately from the rest of the Clocktower, its operation depends on shared services (wheelchair access, fire evacuation points, toilet facilities, etc.), which means it cannot be run without opening the rest of the building.

We have made the projection equipment available to Fairfield Halls, enhancing their current equipment base, to retain independent cinema screening opportunities in central Croydon.

CQ363 - 11 from Councillor Alisa Flemming

CSCS

How much do you expect to save in revenue terms and in which years by the outsourcing of the Library services?

Currently the potential for outsourcing the library service is being tested. When this work is completed and the market assessed we will be in a position to judge likely revenue savings that the outsourcing of the library service may achieve. At present it is not possible to provide an estimate of this figure.

CQ364 - 11 from Councillor Alisa Flemming

CSCS

What support will be given to staff proposing an in house bid for Library services?

Following the market testing, should the council progress to procure the library service, a seminar will be organised explaining the bidding process. All potential bidders including any staff groups will be invited to attend this seminar to ensure they have every opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the procurement process.

CQ365 - 11 from Councillor Alisa Flemming

CSCS

What legacy has been arranged for Croydon from the Olympic Games?

We are currently looking at different ways in which to make the most of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, including working with schools, businesses and cultural and sporting organisations.

A broad range of projects and events as part of a Croydon specific legacy programme for the 2012 Games will take place. The basis of this will be the continuing Kickstart Programme which has, and will continue to provide a selection of mass participation events and funding projects to encourage participation in sport in the lead up to 2012. So far the programme has involved over 1000 individuals taking part in events such as Parkrun, Health Walks, football festivals, table tennis tournaments and even an Xbox Kinect (motion sensor) sports competition in the Healthy Living Hub in the Central Library.

CQ366 - 11 from Councillor Sherwan Chowdhury

CSCS

Could the Councillor inform me how much money is being spent on Norbury Park?

Norbury Park is one of the 9 parks receiving improvements through the Parks to be Proud of programme and will receive £161,872 to deliver these improvements. Following many months of preparation, engagement and involving local people in choosing their favourite parks and the improvements they would like to see delivered, the following improvements will be undertaken in the park:

• Improvements to the play area • Refreshments kiosk • Wildflower meadow • Community garden • New benches, spring bulb and tree planting

CQ369 - 11 from Councillor Carole Bonner

CSCS

Would the Cabinet Member please outline the current plans for New Addington Library to include the timescales, the space in the CALAT building that has been allocated and who has been consulted? Would she also confirm how the space in CALAT compares with the current space available and which activities it will be possible to continue in the new location. For example they currently run wriggle and rhyme and after school homework clubs as well as many others.

The business case for the relocation of New Addington Library to the CALAT building is currently being developed. As part of the preparation, it is proposed to carry out public consultation that will shape the design, and layout of the space. A detailed specification will be drawn up to include floor space and fit-out requirements. The business case will include a programme with timescales for implementation. This work is currently in progress and not yet available.

The programme of activities currently delivered such as Wriggle and Rhyme and After School Clubs will continue to be delivered, assuming a relocation is agreed.

CQ375 - 11 from Councillor Humayun Kabir

CSCS

Did Croydon Council buy any tickets for Olympic Games if yes how many and for whom?

Croydon Council has not purchased any tickets for the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

CQ381 - 11 from Councillor Shafi Khan

CSCS

Is the Cabinet member aware that Norbury Hall Park gates in Craignish Avenue, are left open during the night time and it attracts all sorts of anti-social behaviour? Can we work with the local resident association to avoid this problem?

Norbury Hall Park is not one of the Council’s designated locked parks and has not been locked for a considerable number of years; in fact I understand that under the then Labour administration The Leisure Services Committee designated Norbury Hall Park as one of a number of unlocked parks on the 18 June 1998. However, it is one of the parks that both the Mobile Enforcement Units (MEU’s) and the park rangers patrol on a regular basis and no information has been reported or received by either team regarding anti-social behaviour. Both teams have now been asked to increase patrol visits. Should the residents association wish to consider forming a ‘resident assisted opening and locking’ programme for this park it is something that could be considered.

CQ382 - 11 from Councillor Shafi Khan

CSCS

Can the Cabinet member tell us how much money was spent for the up keeping of the White house in Norwood Grove since May 2006? Can she give us the itemised breakdown figure?

The Council has commissioned the maintenance upkeep for the White House in Norwood Grave as follows:-

2006/07 £9.3k 2007/08 £21.8 2008/09 £12.1 2009/10 £42.6 2010/11 £20.5 2011/12* £43.7 *Further expenditure in the current financial year 2011/12 is expected.

CQ391 - 11 from Councillor Donna Gray

CSCS

What is the current expenditure levels on each of the 15 bowling greens in Croydon and what is the percentage reduction are you seeking to make during 2011/12? Other than closure what are other options being taken into consideration as part of the consultation process?

The current expenditure on the Councils 11 bowling greens is estimated at £210k per annum. Consultation is currently being undertaken with the bowling association to consider a number of options aimed at reducing the expenditure by 27% (£57k). The estimated costs of each green have been provided to the association in order to support decision making, and the council has requested membership numbers to support its analysis..

The options suggested include:-

• The clubs share the greens to reduce the number of sites. • The clubs take on full responsibility for the greens. • The clubs receive a grant and take on responsibility for the horticultural maintenance of the greens.

The clubs have been asked to provide any additional options they consider may assist in providing the savings.

2011/12 Site Horticulture Legionella Buildings Buildings Utilities Watering Total Control (Responsive) (Project) System Ashburton Park £7,637.82 £2,138.05 £88.45 £3,645.52 £3,960.30 £516.66 £13,509.84 * ** Grangewood Park £7,537.43 £928.84 £370.39 £218.85 £3,960.30 £516.66 £9,055.51 * ** Lloyd Park £7,637.82 £661.15 £1,659.37 £526.44 £3,960.30 £516.66 £10,484.78 * ** Milne Park £7,537.43 £855.35 £1,268.23 £772.49 £3,960.30 £516.66 £10,433.50 * ** Norwood Grove £7,637.82 £786.38 £180.00 £3,265.50 £3,960.30 £516.66 £11,869.70 * ** Sanderstead £7,738.20 £666.40 £3,107.86 £15,936.08 £3,960.30 £516.66 £27,448.54 Recreation Ground * ** Shirley Church £7,537.43 £1,035.10 £1,909.93 £0.00 £3,960.30 £516.66 £10,482.46 Recreation Ground * ** South Norwood £7,662.91 £683.21 £2,670.30 £14,052.54 £3,960.30 £516.66 £25,068.96 Lake Bowls * ** Pavilion South Norwood £7,537.43 £1,117.43 £1,276.52 £5,552.48 £3,960.30 £516.66 £15,483.86 Recreation Ground * ** Thornton Heath £7,537.43 £1,094.44 £1,658.15 £0.00 £3,960.30 £516.66 £10,290.02 Recreation Ground * ** Coulsdon £7,662.91 £661.15 £0.00 £0.00 £3,960.30 £516.66 £7,662.91 Memorial Ground * ** £83,664.63 £9,966.35 £14,189.20 £43,969.90 £43,563.30 £5,683.30 £201,036.68

• Estimated cost of £9,000 for maintaining the bowling green surrounds not included in above figures. * Estimated figure for electricity and water based on selection of costs provided by Interserve. ** Annual watering system maintenance averaged over all bowling greens.

CQ405 - 11 from Councillor Wayne Lawlor

CSCS

Can the Cabinet Member specify what Croydon's strategy is for the Olympics, particularly the London Youth Games, how much has been invested in encouraging the skills and talents of young people to come forward and participate?

The Council is currently looking at different ways in which to make the most of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, including working with schools, businesses and cultural and sporting organisations.

We will be undertaking a broad range of projects and events as part of a Croydon specific legacy programme for the 2012 Games. The basis of this will be the continuing Kickstart Programme which has, and will continue to provide a selection of mass participation events and funding projects to encourage participation in sport in the lead up to 2012. So far the programme has involved over 1000 individuals taking part in event such as Parkrun, Health Walks, Football festivals, Table tennis tournaments and even an Xbox Kinect (motion sensor) sports competition in the Healthy Living Hub.

Croydon Council has supported, and will continue to support the London Youth Games through its investment in the provision of a Borough Team Coordinator and a revenue budget to cover core costs associated with the event. Over the past 12 months Croydon Council has invested around £45k to ensure that as many young people as possible have the opportunity to tryout, train and compete for Croydon at the 2011 Games. This has been supplemented by a large amount of voluntary hours provided by team managers, coaches and assistants.

We see the London Youth Games as a priority activity and will continue to support the event in the coming years.

CQ406 - 11 from Councillor Wayne Lawlor

CSCS

What work has been undertaken by the Cabinet Member in relation to reducing backroom office costs within the library service, before outsourcing was considered?

The library service has delivered significant savings from its backroom costs over the past two years by streamlining processes and reducing management. In 2010-2011, savings of £97k were made from improving efficiency in the library stock unit and reducing transport costs. In 2011-12, the library staffing restructure delivered a further £220k savings by reducing management and specialist support services.

Further efficiencies will only be delivered by adopting radically new approaches to the delivery of the service

CQ407 - 11 from Councillor Wayne Lawlor

CSCS

Will the Cabinet Member reconsider her decision on commissioning Tim Coates to chair a full scale review of Croydon's library services? Given his high level of expertise, experience and knowledge of the service, Mr Coates is ideally placed to ensure that we get the best out of our library service that will make it grow from strength to strength.

Following extensive consultation with residents of Croydon, the Cabinet took the decision on Monday 13 June to proceed to market test interest in the provision of a borough Library Service, and to do so jointly with the London Borough of Wandsworth. This market testing is now under way and the outcome of the exercise will be reported back to Cabinet in September. It is not deemed necessary or helpful at this point to commission any further work in relation to the library service.

CQ408 - 11 from Councillor Paul Scott

CSCS

Following our meeting in March with the Cabinet Member and Officers, local community groups and individuals in the South Norwood have started coming together to join People for Portland Road’s and The South Norwood Business Partnership’s proposal to take over the Stanley Halls as set out in both organisations ‘Expressions of Interest’ submissions. Will the Cabinet Member please confirm whether a community based bid will still be received positively, setting out the context of the Council’s current thinking on the future management of this extremely important community asset and advising what support the Council would be willing to offer the community in the preparation of its bid and going forward, if successful, the maintenance and running of the Halls.

During 2011/12, the council will consider the future management and operation of Stanley Halls. At its May meeting, the council’s Cabinet confirmed its intention to keep the Halls in council ownership and available to the community.

While the council reviews long-term options, arrangements have been made to 31 March 2012 to operate the Halls on a “light hire” basis to keep the Halls in community use.

With regard to the Council supporting the community with its bid, this was discussed at the aforementioned meeting and it was confirmed that the council do not have funds or staff resource to support any community group. Any organisation wishing to submit a bid at the appropriate time will be treated equally.

CQ411 - 11 from Councillor Mike Selva

CSCS

Will the Cabinet Member please give full details of the proposed works to South Norwood Country Park funded under the Parks to be Proud Of initiative including a full scope of the works, the programme for carrying them out, the cost of the works and the percentage of the Parks to be Proud Of budget being spent on this park.

South Norwood Country Park is one of the 9 parks receiving improvements through the Parks to be Proud of programme and has been allocated £192,319 to deliver these improvements. This equates to 12.8% of the PTBPO budget.

Following many months of preparation, engagement and involving local people in choosing their favourite parks and the improvements they would like to see delivered, the following improvements will be undertaken in the park:

• Improvements to the visitor centre experience including kiosk/café • Picnic area • Improved security • Bat and bird boxes and beehives • New benches, spring bulb and tree planting

The programme for carrying out the work is:

• Expressions of interest for running of café in visitor centre – March 2011 • Award of café concession – May 2011 • New CCTV – May 2011 • Planning application submitted – ‘August/September 2011 • Visitor Centre design to include café – July/August 2011 • Refurbishment works – To be delivered by March 2012 • Landscaping around visitor centre and playground – March 2012 • Bat & bird boxes – March 2012