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ISSUE 79 – WINTER 2017 Your main source of community news

7,000 jobs and 1,000 new homes for local people – page 3

Uniting Croydon in encouraging young people to make positive life choices – pages 4 & 5 2 WINTER 2017

7,000 reasons Highlights to be cheerful Whitgift plans approved...... 3 As you may have heard by now, Croydon received The plans for the redevelopment a further massive vote of confidence last month when of the Whitgift Shopping Centre global retail giants Westfield and Hammerson received have received the thumbs-up from the green light from Croydon's planning committee and the council. confirmed they would be starting building works in the town centre in 2019. Choose your future....4/5 The new council-backed initiative The redevelopment of the will deliver is working to encourage young high quality retail, including a brand new flagship people to make the right choices Marks and Spencer store, restaurants, a cinema, 1,000 that will affect their futures. new homes and much more, which will make Croydon ’s premier retail destination for decades to come. Meet the new Importantly, it will bring up to 7,000 new full time Fairfield boss...... 6 equivalent jobs to our town centre once up and running as well as hundreds of construction jobs during the build. Neil Chandler previously worked at the much-loved entertainment As council leader I am pleased to report that all our hard centre as operations manager – work investing in our borough, whether that's the new now he’s running the whole show. , cleaner streets, new sports centres or facilities for young people, has had the additional benefit Croydon remembers.....7 of ensuring Croydon is where companies like Westfield A year on from the dreadful and Hammerson want to invest. Sandilands tram derailment, I am delighted to say that as part of our discussions with Croydon’s communities have the Croydon Partnership – the joint venture between pulled together to remember Westfield and Hammerson - they have agreed to having that fateful day. a training academy that will prioritise local people for the thousands of jobs that will be coming, as well as ensuring Christmas those who perhaps don't have current work experience, are as prepared as possible for their job interviews. schedules...... 12/13 All you need know regarding when It's also great news that Westfield and Hammerson are your bins will be emptied, when your London Living Wage employers, and are committed to local library is open and where you can working in partnership with the council and others to recycle your Christmas tree. provide what truly is the best for Croydon. So on that positive note can I wish everyone a happy Leisure for and peaceful festive season, with a special mention to all everyone...... 16/17 those - including some council staff - having to work over Check out Croydon’s great outdoors the festive period. and free health and well-being services to get you feeling your best for the new year.

To keep up to date with what’s going on, subscribe to Your Croydon and receive a free weekly email that’s Cllr Tony Newman full of news and information about your borough. Leader of the council Go to www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe and visit @cllrtony /ilovecroydon @yourcroydon For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 3

Whitgift Centre redevelopment given green light The exciting transformation of the town centre is set to begin in 2019, bringing with it up to 7,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes for local people. The Croydon Partnership’s £1.4bn recognise Croydon as a place to live, to redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping set up a business creating new jobs, and Centre was unanimously given the to spend free time. green light at a meeting of the council’s Leader of the council, Councillor planning committee last month. Tony Newman said: “The creation of The Partnership – the joint venture 7,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes is between Westfield and Hammerson – fantastic news for local people. It is very was first granted planning permission important Croydon residents benefit in February 2014, but submitted an from this exciting scheme and that’s enhanced outline planning application why we have been doing everything in October 2016, which included more we can to bring the redevelopment of housing, a third level of retail and the Whitgift Centre to fruition. It’s now leisure and a new flagship Marks and time for the Partnership to crack on and Spencer store. build it.” Hundreds of construction jobs will be on offer prior to the build getting under way and the exciting mixed used scheme will also bring with it thousands of other roles in over 300 shops, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities such as a multi-screen cinema and bowling alley. (left to right) John Burton OBE, Westfield Europe’s This is a major milestone for the head of development; Peter Cole, chief investment project and a huge vote of confidence officer of Hammerson; and council leader Councillor for Croydon. It shows investors rightly Tony Newman. Park Street 4 WINTER 2017 their Choosing future London’s largest youth population is pulling together under the banner of a new council- backed initiative to show they can take control of their lives, for the better. The Choose Your Future campaign aims to unite Croydon in mayor and deputy mayor next spring. encouraging young people to make positive life choices. You can find out more about the campaign and how to Many young people are already backing the campaign, support it at www.choose-your-future.com which asks them to think about the choices they make – Hear what young people choose to do in the video at whether it’s about their dream job, goals in life, or staying https://youtu.be/SS4VUU_RXOY safe – and asks residents, businesses and local organisations to support them in this. With one in three people living in croydon under 25 – the croydon has the largest population future is theirs and they have the potential to make Croydon of 0-24-year-olds in london over 123,000 even better. The campaign, launched in late October, came out of the priorities agreed at the borough’s first Youth Congress, in July this year. over 28,800 = 1 in 3 It celebrates and promotes young people’s achievements, while continuing to give them a real voice on local issues. July’s congress saw young delegates identify their priority over 94,435 18-24 local issues, leading to the development of the Choose Your years Future campaign around positive life choices. The congress will become an annual conversation between 0 -17 young people and community leaders. years Plans have already been announced to elect a young

A 3238 a levels taken 91.7% of croydon young people are in education, 53% employment or training. at university

knife injury victims offences using a knife 231 109 601 knives collected up 21% up 5% in amnesty may-september 2017 since november 2016 there have been 109 victims of knife injury AND FIVE FATAL STABBINGS (under 25s). For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 5

Taking knives off the streets The past year saw 101 knife-crime victims in Croydon who were under 25, a 16% increase on the previous year. There were also four fatal stabbings. Young achiever winner While the vast majority of young people are not involved in youth violence, there are very real fears and challenges for some. backs campaign Young people from St Mary's school volunteered their time Shaniqua Benjamin, winner of this year’s Young to act in a short film produced by the Youth offending service, Achiever of the Year award, pledges her support for Croydon police and the Palace for Life Foundation. the campaign in this video – www.youtube.com/ The film, which will form part of a one-hour workshop, watch?v=A0oHGmPoYqE&feature=youtu.be encourages young people to consider the consequences of Shaniqua founded Young People Insight (YPI), a carrying and using a knife. platform that gives a voice to young people. Through forum discussions, poetry nights and social events it encourages community engagement and provides young people with the opportunity to talk about the topics affecting them. She said: “Whether it’s choosing to work hard, choosing to be determined, choosing your career – you might not know where you’re going, but choosing to actually have a future, that’s key.”

Successful careers Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for anyone keen to kick-start their career by gaining qualifications and valuable experience while getting paid. The campaign is calling on local organisations and businesses to consider giving young people a step up by hiring local apprentices, offering work experience or career mentoring. Hoping to set an example, the council has welcomed 24 young recruits to to start its new apprenticeship programme. The apprentices are backing the campaign and we catch up with their experiences of work at the council on page 21. And, on 26 October, Willmott Dixon, TfL, Superdrug and Supporting the campaign: Councillor Alisa Flemming (centre) with Croydon Kier were among the employers that turned up with live College students Loredana, Nordia, Bradley and Rachel. vacancies at the Croydon Live! jobs and training fair. 6 WINTER 2017 BACKING CROYDON’S CULTURE-TITLE BID CROYDON With thousands voting for the borough in an online poll, Croydon is submitting its formal bid to win a plum prize from the Mayor of London. Croydon is a front runner in the race for proposals, while thousands have and diverse culture just waiting to be the title London Borough of Culture – already voted for Croydon in an ITV explored.” and, with £1.1m up for grabs, it’s a race people’s poll. To add your voice, visit www. worth winning. Elizabeth Williams, a local writer and Croydon2019.London – you can find a Landing the title would kick-start an volunteer, said: “Croydon’s a beautiful link there to the ITV poll and it’s not too exciting year of festivals and events, place to live and should be proud of late to cast your vote. and see Croydon’s cultural offerings what’s happening here.” While not an official part of the promoted across the capital. And local resident Helen Sayers competition, it proves just how many Local arts organisations have been added: “Croydon’s untapped potential Londoners support Croydon and back its given the chance to feed into the bid means we have a plethora of raw talent bid for 2019.

STEERING FAIRFIELD INTO THE FUTURE It promises to be a busy year ahead for “We have an amazing space in a brilliant location and we’re in a strong position to attract some top names. the man taking over the running of the “The fact we will have our first full year of operation borough’s premier entertainment venue. in 2019 really does mean it makes perfect sense for the As the newly appointed venue director for Fairfield Halls, Borough of Culture title to come to Croydon for that year. Neil Chandler has just 12 months to prepare for the first “The award is designed performances in the iconic building following its £30m to go to the borough that refurbishment. shows it can use the Mayor’s Neil will be responsible for guiding the venue’s fortunes support to bring about a and promises to deliver a rich, diverse, and inclusive change – and that’s exactly programme of events, as well as strong links to the local what we plan to do once the community. Fairfield Halls reopen at the He said: “Leading Fairfield Halls into this new era is both end of 2018. an honour and privilege, and my ambition is to ensure the “We plan to change programme of events and activities appeals to both local and people’s perceptions about national audiences. Croydon as a cultural “The venue should provide a real hub for community destination and put the events, but, at the same time, I want us to be putting on borough firmly up there in shows that will pull people to Croydon from right across terms of the region’s best the country. entertainment destinations.” For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 7

CROYDON REMEMBERS November saw the first anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment and was marked with the unveiling of two dedicated memorials. Croydon fell silent as the community came together to mark the first anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment. Hundreds attended a civic ceremony in , where a permanent tribute was unveiled in honour of those who lost their lives and the many others affected by the tragedy was unveiled. The public ceremony followed a private visit by the families who lost loved ones, to Sandilands, where a permanent Mayor of London Sadiq Khan meets family members of Donald Collett. memorial in tribute to those who died was unveiled. that day, nor will it ever forget the seven people who lost their The stone plinth, located close to the incident site, has been lives, their families and others affected by this terrible incident.” inscribed with the names of the seven people who, sadly, lost Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “Our thoughts and their lives, as well as the date of the incident. prayers remain with their families and loved ones, and all of Both memorials have been surrounded by saffron crocuses, those who were injured and affected by that dreadful day.” the flower associated with Croydon, to provide a peaceful area British Transport Police Sergeant Chris Morbey said: “Words of reflection that can be visited all year round. cannot describe how sorry we are for the loss that seven Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council, spoke at families experienced that day and the grief they continue to the civic ceremony, which was attended by Mayor of London, feel. It was a dreadful event that should never have happened.” Sadiq Khan, and representatives of the emergency services and other agencies’ staff who responded to the incident both on the day and in the immediate aftermath. A ceremony led by the deputy council leader Councillor Alsion Butler, was simultaneously held outside the Town Hall, where the civic flag was lowered and a minute’s silence observed. Councillor Newman said: “Croydon will never Sergeant Chris Morbey is comforted by Danielle Whetter, the granddaughter forget the tragic events of Paula Phillips, sister of Donald Collett. of victim Phillip Logan. 8 WINTER 2017 Bright future with new leisure centre operator The signing of a contract with a new operator promises a bright future for Croydon’s council- owned leisure centres. Major investment, big improvements and significant cost savings are on the cards with the announcement of GLL as the new operator of the borough’s five leisure centres. The contract starts in March and will save taxpayers £1m-plus by 2021. A revised membership and charging structure will provide concessions and discounts and the gym facilities at , , Purley and will be refitted with state-of-the-art equipment. The cafés at Thornton Heath and Waddon will also be delighted GLL has been chosen as the preferred partner to modernised, and extra money will be invested in and around deliver Croydon’s leisure service. the newly opened Ashburton Hall. All centres will meet “We bring 25 years of experience and stability in the demanding industry-quality standards. leisure industry with the remit to get more people more Alongside the centres, the revised contract covers active more often. approximately 30 football pitches and tennis courts in the “GLL will put affordability and accessibility at the heart of borough’s parks. its offer to the people of Croydon.” GLL will have responsibility for bookings and for increasing The council has ensured GLL fully complies with the the numbers of people making use of these facilities. London Living Wage and offers employment opportunities for Chris Symons, GLL’s director of development, said: “I’m local people. A VOICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE Young people looked after to relate to these young people in care by the council are being in the best way I can; it’s about having empowered to shape the a positive impact on their lives. “Young people, especially those services they receive. in care, deserve to have their voices Working to improve services for all heard.” children and young people, looked- This is one of many immediate after youngsters, supported by social steps the council has taken to improve workers, have come together to form children’s social care following Ofsted’s the relaunched children-in-care council. judgement in September. Meeting fortnightly, the c-i-c Two new teams of social workers council will develop its own agenda, are in place, a recruitment-and- the content of which will determine retention drive is under way and when senior managers from Croydon the council has strengthened Council’s children’s services team and administrative support to free front- members of the corporate parenting line social workers. panel are invited to attend. The council will submit its formal The council will be supported by action plan to Ofsted this month. peer mentors like care-leaver Chinelo Further information can be found at Chizea, 18, who explained: “Given my http://croydonlcsb.org.uk/2017/09/ history as a child in care, I will be able children-in-care-council/ For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 9 Palace up their game for fans with disabilities Two sensory rooms have been built at Park as the club strives to make games more accessible for fans with a range of disabilities. Crystal Palace’s strong community commitment has been strengthened this season with investment in special facilities for their less-able fans. In addition to increasing wheelchair capacity from 57 to 128, there is now a fully compliant and accessible sensory room for supporters with autism or sensory impairments. Pam Groves, the club’s disabled liaison officer, with Ellie, mum Sarah The new Whitehorse Lane stand sensory room is fully and step-sister Ellis in the new sensory room. accessible, sound proofed, features mood lighting and a number of different sensory equipment items and children's try the sensory room out. Having it there was good because toys. if it was too overwhelming watching the match outside, I A second sensory room has been created in the existing could go and watch it in the sensory room. TV studios with an impressive pitch view, available when not “I really enjoyed my first experience of watching a Crystal in use by TV broadcasters. Palace game and, to top it all off, they won. Ellie, 14, from New Addington, tried out the room at the “Thank you for my teddies and for being there to help us home game against Chelsea. out on the day. I'm already thinking about what match I want She said: “Thank you very much for inviting me down to to go to next.” 10 WINTER 2017 New school places offer greater choice for families Council sets out exciting plans that will see more school places and a new school for children with special needs. More mainstream primary and secondary school places in areas of greatest demand across Croydon, plus a new special school for pupils with special educational needs, feature in plans set out by the council. Two new, six-form entry, mainstream, secondary free schools are due to open in 2018 and 2019 in the north and south of the borough, subject to Local Plan approval next year. In September, extra places became available at The Archbishop Lanfranc School, and the Harris Federation is to establish a further new secondary free school in the borough, with dates to be confirmed. track record of working in partnership with education Meanwhile, the creation of a new, 150-place, specialist providers and the government to meet demand, creating free school for students with special educational needs, more than 10,000 new primary places and nearly 2,000 new and expansion of existing special schools, will significantly secondary places over the past six academic years. improve the local offer for these children and young people. • Families with children who are four years old, or Two new primary schools – two-form and three-form approaching their fourth birthday, should now be starting entry – are also due to be opened in September 2019. to apply for primary school places in 2018. Across the mainstream schools, a total of 430 new Year The closing date for applications is 15 January 2018. 7 secondary school places, 270 reception primary school Details of the application process, with step-by-step places, 150 special educational needs places in the new instruction, can be found on the council’s website, and in the special school, plus extra places at existing schools will Admissions to primary schools 2018/19 prospectus. come online over the next three years. For further information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ As London’s growth borough, Croydon has an excellent admissions. Nature Connectors With amazing parks, woodlands and open spaces on its doorstep, Croydon is one of London’s greenest boroughs. However, it has been found that people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities traditionally access them less frequently than others. Designed to understand and overcome barriers to accessing nature among BME communities, Nature Connectors is a new six-week course run entirely outdoors in Croydon’s wild and green spaces. Participants learn woodland skills, and gain confidence to lead and guide others. Supported by Croydon’s BME Forum and funded by Croydon Council, the project has so far run a successful pilot cohort. One happy nature connector said: “It’s been wonderful – I’ve learnt so much… about the trees, knowing the names, and feeling safe, not feeling foolish about it…” A short film with more from one of the nature connectors can be viewed at: www.wildinthecity.org.uk/nature-connectors Five courses are scheduled for 2018; to learn more, email [email protected] For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 11 Seized and crushed Croydon Council has impounded its as part of a multi-agency operation 31st and 32nd vehicles suspected of involving around 30 council officers being used by fly-tippers. alongside counterparts from the Two Ford Transit vans are the latest police, HM Revenue and Customs, victims of the council’s campaign to and the Driver and Vehicle Standards tackle those who dump rubbish. Agency (DVSA). They were spotted and impounded This operation also led to six by environmental enforcement people being issued with £80 fixed- officers, and will be crushed if their penalty notices for fly-tipping. owners cannot be traced. Since launching its Don’t Mess The first of the two vehicles was with Croydon – Take Pride campaign seized on 7 November by council in 2014 to combine enforcement officers in Pawsons Road, Thornton with encouraging more than 300 Heath. It had no number plates, and local volunteers to lead community the load area was filled with building clear-ups, the council has seized and waste and oil drums. crushed dozens of vehicles used by The second vehicle was found full of fly-tippers. waste on 14 November in Peterwood To report a fly-tip in Croydon, call Way in Croydon. 020 8726 6200 or email flytip@ The 7 November seizure came croydon.gov.uk The street vacuums Clamping down on are coming! the fly-tippers The number of fly-tips recorded across the borough in the New Addington and East Croydon are among the latest past six months has dropped by 21% overall, compared to areas of the borough to get street vacuums under the the same period in 2016, as the council’s Don’t Mess with council’s ongoing £1.3m investment in cleaning equipment. Croydon campaign continues. In August, the council unveiled eight specialist vacuum From April to October this year, there were 11,876 cleaners, which collect litter more efficiently, in the town reported incidents of fly-tipping, down from 15,211 during centre, Broad Green and . the same period in 2016. In November the council introduced six new street Month by month, the drop between 2016 and 2017 vacuums in Fieldway, central New Addington, around East ranged from 16% in June to a 35% drop between April Croydon station and on Beulah Hill; 25 more will be rolled 2016 and the same month this year. out across the borough by March. Since launching its Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Launched to support the council’s Don’t Mess with Pride campaign in 2014, the council has: Croydon – Take Pride campaign, which combines • cleared 87% of fly-tips within 48 hours (target 80%); enforcement against fly-tipping with encouraging • successfully prosecuted 171 offenders; and community clear-ups, the £1.3m council investment in • tackled shopfront fly-tipping by restricting when equipment includes: business rubbish can be put out for collection. • steam cleaning pavements in West Croydon; Fly-tipping figures, April-October 2016 • four new road-sweeping machines to support manual compared to April-October 2017 street cleaning 2,500

• two new refuse -24.6% 2,000 -16.1% -23.4% collection vehicles to -21.6% -20.7% -35.1% -8.6% collect orange waste bags; and 1,500 • 80 solar-powered 1,000 BigBelly bins, which April May June July August September October use an automatic To report a fly-tip confidentially, use the My Croydon compactor to squash app, notify the council through My Account, call 020 8604 the rubbish. 7000 or email [email protected] 12 WINTER 2017

BIN COLLECTION TIMETABLE FESTIVE SEASON Refuse and recycling collection date changes Over the Christmas holiday period, the council’s refuse and recycling OPENING HOURS services will be operating to a slightly revised collection schedule. The table below shows the alternative days on which bins and boxes Access Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House should be left out. There are no collections on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 December, nor Monday 1 January. Monday 25 December Closed Calendars with further details of the date changes and which containers Tuesday 26 December Closed need to be put out for collection can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/ Wednesday 27 December 9am to 4pm environment/rrandw/collection/resident/bin-collection Thursday 28 December 9am to 4pm NORMAL COLLECTION DATE REVISED COLLECTION DATE Friday 29 December 9am to 4pm Monday 25 December 2017 Wednesday 27 December 2017 Monday 1 January Closed Tuesday 26 December 2017 Thursday 28 December 2017 Tuesday 2 January 9am to 4pm Wednesday 27 December 2017 Friday 29 December 2017 Croydon Council call centre Thursday 28 December 2017 Saturday 30 December 2017 Monday 25 December Closed Friday 29 December 2017 Sunday 31 December 2017 Tuesday 26 December Closed Monday 1 January 2018 Tuesday 2 January 2018 Wednesday 27 December 9am to 4pm Tuesday 2 January 2018 Wednesday 3 January 2018 Thursday 28 December 9am to 4pm Wednesday 3 January 2018 Thursday 4 January 2018 Friday 29 December 9am to 4pm Thursday 4 January 2018 Friday 5 January 2018 Monday 1 January Closed Missed collections can be reported via your MyAccount at Tuesday 2 January 9am to 4pm www.croydon.gov.uk/myaccount or by calling 020 8726 6200. Croydon libraries CHRISTMAS PARKING IN CROYDON Saturday 23 December Closed Monday 25 December Closed A little parking present from the council as rules get Tuesday 26 December Closed seasonal relaxation. Wednesday 27 December Open as normal In common with the practice of recent years, the council is easing the regulations in its car parks and on-street bays on specific days over the Thursday 28 December Open as normal Christmas and New Year period. Friday 29 December Open as normal Helping to spread a little festive cheer, the relaxation of parking Saturday 30 December Open as normal regulations will help people visiting shops, enjoying the displays of Monday 1 January Closed festive illuminations or simply dropping in on friends and relatives to share the seasonal good spirits. Tuesday 2 January Open as normal The whole borough will be free of parking enforcement in council-run Croydon leisure centres – see individual sites car parks and on-street bays on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. www.thorntonheathleisurecentre.com Yellow-line, footway and bus lane restrictions, however, will remain in www.purleyleisurecentre.com place on these days, and motorists should park in a reasonable manner, www.southnorwoodleisurecentre.com showing consideration for other road users and pedestrians. www.newaddingtonleisurecentre.com Normal parking enforcement will be in place from 27 to 30 www.waddonleisurecentre.com December, and resume on Tuesday 2 January. For events and meetings across Croydon visit www.croydon.gov.uk/events 13

Treecycling it’s a Christmas thing

If you’re opting for a real CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING COLLECTION POINTS tree this Christmas, think Ashburton , access from Tenterden Road about what will happen to East Grange Park, Canon’s Hill Fairfield Oaks Road/Coombe Road car park it after the holiday. Heathfield car park, Gravel Hill With almost one million Christmas trees Kenley Residents’ Association, Oaks Road green thrown away each year in London alone – and fewer than 10% of those being recycled New Addington Central Parade car park – it is important that we remember to recycle our tree. New Addington Fisher’s Farm reuse and recycling centre, North Downs Road If you opt for a real Christmas tree this Norbury Granville Gardens car park year, do not forget to take it to one of the council’s designated recycling collection Purley Upper Woodcote Village RA, Woodcote Village green points between Tuesday 2 and Sunday 14 January. Purley Purley Oaks reuse and recycling centre, Brighton Road At other times, Christmas trees can be Selsdon Recreation Ground, access from Woodlands Gardens taken to any of the council’s reuse and recycling centres – but please remember Shirley green to remove all tinsel and decorations before taking it to be recycled. Shirley Shirley Park RA, Green Court Gardens green Waddon Factory Lane reuse and recycling centre, Factory Lane

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING COLLECTIONS There will be only two collections from the listed points – on Sunday 7 and Sunday 14 January – so please do not leave Christmas trees at the collection points after Sunday 14 January. From 8 -19 January, householders will be able to leave Christmas trees out for collection with their kerbside waste and recycling bins. 14 WINTER 2017

From the traditional fun of pantomime, to receive the weekly Your Croydon e-mail With Christmas fast approaching there through to classic festive films or feasts of newsletter you’ll not only get regular Christmaslive music. Eventslocal news updates from the council, but are plenty of ways to celebrate the arrival We’ve compiled a short list of some of the we’ll also send you a link to what’s on in events on offer between now and the end Croydon’s venues every day of the year. of the festive season here in Croydon. of the year – and remember, if you sign up Go to www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK A CHRISTMAS CRACKER AFROBOX – PANTOMIME AT ST JOHN’S Boxpark | 8pm, 21 December Waddon Leisure Centre St John the Evangelist, 2 Sylvan Road AfroBOX is a celebration of the Running until 31 December 7pm, 15 December continued growth of the sound of young Join in the magical land of ‘Croydinia’ The orchestra will be kicking off the Africa. Hosted by Croydon resident, where song, dance, and silliness are the countdown to Christmas with a concert artist/producer SILVASTONE. (Free) order of the day as you follow Jack, his your whole family will enjoy (various mum Dame Trott, and their treasured prices – family ticket £36) THE CIYO BROWN QUARTET cow Daisy, as they fall about laughing, Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews HIDEAWAY CHRISTMAS SHOW 8.30pm, 21 December fall over and get truly covered in foam THE POLAR EXPRESS (FILM) Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews Jazz guitar man Ciyo Brown’s new and gunge. (£66.50 family ticket) Stanley Halls | 17 December 7pm, 15, 16 December quartet has already been selling out Get up, get on, and get ready for the Janette Mason will be joined by Lily Dior London venues, featuring Ciyo's vocal ride of your life! It’s Christmas Eve, and and Kevin Leo as she leads the Dirty excursions with a tinge of guitar. (£10) you’re about to roller-coaster up and Martinis, swinging and grooving their down mountains, slip-slide over ice way through some classic Christmas JAZZ JAMAICA fields, teeter across mile-high bridges crackers packed with soul, jazz and feel CHRISTMAS SPECIAL and be served hot chocolate by singing good festive twists and treats. (£15) Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews waiters more astonishing than any you 7pm, 22 December STORYTIME can imagine. (£3) Bassist and bandleader Gary Crosby BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST The Oval Tavern | 1pm, 16 December mixes up jazz and ska classics, bringing in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: YOUNGSTERS’ MATINEE This week’s storytime theme is Rudolph’s some reggae vibes and performing with Stanley Hallls | 2-3pm, 13 December CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY nose. (Entry by donation) a swing and zeal that has made them Teachers! Bring along your musical TAKEOVER (FILM) festival favourites around the world. kids (with their instruments and singing FUNK ME: ROOFTOP REUNION Holy Innocents, 192a Selhurst Road voices please!) to listen to and to join in Project B, 1 Bell Hill 1.30pm 17 December IDMC GOSPEL SOUL CHOIR with two of Britain's top musicians. (£3) 16 December The local community are celebrating CHRISTMAS SHOW After an amazing summer series of our Christmas with the second event in their Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST now legendary rooftop parties at Lost brand new Community Takeover strand. 9pm, 23 December The Oval Tavern Format Society, the team take over Bring your loved ones for a special A night of high energy, soul and gospel, 7.30pm, 13 December Project B in Croydon town centre for matinee screening of this Christmas and that's just the intro. Enjoy a festive On tour with a Christmas-themed their last party of 2017. masterpiece. (£3.50 - £9) night of Christmas carols, all given the show that mixes traditional folk music, IDMC Gospel Soul treatment, as well seasonal material, added to the usual THE OLD AVENGERS as traditional and contemporary gospel touch of classical and jazz (with a bit The Oval Tavern | 9pm, 16 December songs and inspirational melodies. (£20) of pop thrown in for good measure) This is billed as the band’s last gig at (£12.50) their favourite local – with some special guests (free). MUSIC TIME FOR 0-2 YEAR OLDS The Oval Tavern BOOGIE MONSTERS FESTIVE 11am – 1pm FAMILY ACOUSTIC JAM Live music and fun for children aged Boxpark | 10.30am, 17 December CROYDON UKE JAM 0-2yrs old. Entry by suggested £5 Join Boogie Monsters, the UK's award- The Green Dragon donation winning LIVE rock and pop band for 7.30 pm, 17 December Music starts at 11am and then sensory children, as they bring their fun and All abilities welcome, from experts and fun play from about 12noon. interactive daytime gigs to Croydon. to beginners. Free ukulele jam in the THE VINCE DUNN ORCHESTRA (Family ticket £28) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL THE MAN WHO INVENTED upstairs bar. It is very informal, just play or sing what you can. (Free) Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews CHRISTMAS (FILM) 2pm, 24 December CHRISTMAS CINEMA: DIE HARD World renowned drummer VINCE DUNN 2.30pm, 14 December Stanley Halls | 8pm, 19 December brings his fabulous orchestra for this Hoping for a career revival, Charles The perennial Christmas action special Christmas Sunday lunch show, Dickens aims for new success, with a blockbuster that introduced the playing an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin, foot series of events leading him to pen the world to officer John McClane (£20 tapping funk, classic big band swing and classic A Christmas Carol. (£6.50 - £8) for two – includes a bottle of wine) a smattering of classy festive songs (£15) For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 15

The JustBe journey to a healthier you One year after launch, a council website has pointed GEORGE thousands of residents along the path to a happier and George, 42, was finally ready to stop healthier way of life. smoking for good, but he knew that he Cooking healthier meals, losing weight, them make big, and small, changes to needed extra support to achieve his goal. cutting back on the booze, quitting their lifestyle. He was signposted to the JustBe smoking and doing more exercise – just The website is packed full of online Croydon website by one of the council’s some of the life-altering changes that tools, apps, podcasts, videos, and diet live-well advisers at the Healthy Living Hub local people have made with the help of and exercise plans with expert advice. (www.croydon.gov.uk/healthy-living-hub) JustBe. Blogs on the site show how residents in . Thousands of residents are getting have benefitted from the support, and Previous attempts to quit had failed, top tips to improve their life by logging offer inspiration for those just starting and he now faced barriers to making the onto Croydon’s unique online health on their journey to a healthier lifestyle. necessary changes, particularly from platform at www.JustBeCroydon.org Go to www.JustBeCroydon.org and having friends and family around him who Open to all residents, it has helped start your journey. smoked. George made his life and home surroundings a smoke-free zone and reintroduced exercise into his daily life. At his three-month review, George had the carbon monoxide reading of a non-smoker, and registered an increase in his physical activity levels and his mental well-being score. 16 WINTER 2017

Upper Spend some time in Norwood South Norwood the great outdoors Norbury Thornton Heath Check out Croydon’s great Selhurst 2 Playgrounds 3 Free ping pong outdoors and free health and Woodside Monks well-being services to get you for adults Orchard feeling your best this new year. Waddon It may come as a surprise to some, but Croydon is an exceptionally green Shirley borough, with 127 parks and open spaces Croydon spreading from the north to the south. These important spaces provide great South opportunities for dog walking and Croydon Tone up for free at your local outdoor gym, letting the kids run wild and burn off Addington some energy. there are new ones opening soon. The first will be in Goldcrest Way in New Addington, More than that, though, they can help followed by four next year . New us all live healthier lifestyles with a huge Forestdale Addington variety of other activities available, “With the help of the live-well adviser, I’m making plans to move more daily, and some of which might come as a surprise. For those who are partial to a game of ping pong, Selsdon thinking about how I’m going to exercise So get out and about, and explore your we’ve plotted four on our map. There are, however, more frequently.” – Miss M an impressive 22 ping pong tables, which are Woodcote Purley borough. totally free to use, dotted around the borough. • Goldcrest Way – New Addington • King George’s Field – Selhurst www.pingcroydon.co.uk 1 • Recreation Ground • Box Park Croydon Be food smart • Playing Fields – Waddon • The Peppermint Centre, Waddon Kenley • – South Norwood • Grangewood Park, Thornton Heath • Rickman Hill Recreation Ground, Coulsdon Coulsdon 4 Local guided Whyteleaf walks 5 Community Food Learning Centre Old Coulsdon

We all know that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for us, so why not grow your own? Allotment gardening provides a wide range of benefits to communities and the environment. “I used to think eating healthier foods was The Good Food Matters Community Food Learning a bit boring, but after exploring different Improve your fitness and have fun by signing up to Centre in New Addington, is a 1.5-acre bio-diverse foods with the live-well adviser I no longer one of the borough’s free nature walks. Running green space with a large eco-built, fully equipped reach for the sweets!” Mrs G. all year round, they are guaranteed to open your teaching kitchen. The aim of the centre is to work www.croydon.gov.uk/allotments eyes to what our green spaces have to offer. with the community to help connect us all to the • Mickleham Way, New Addington. www.croydon.gov.uk/walkingforhealth food we eat and how it is produced. It also aims to • Midday Sun, St Andrews Road, Coulsdon. • Happy Valley • empower people in the community by teaching the • Orchard Avenue, Shirley. • • Purley Way west invaluable skills of growing and cooking. • Purley Oaks Road, Sanderstead. • South Norwood • Gravel Hill www.goodfoodmatters.org.uk/ • Hartley Down, Stoats Nest Road, Coulsdon. • Norbury • Wandle Park • Mickleham Way, New Addington, • Pampisford Road, . • Croydon, CR0 0PN For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 17

2 Upper Norwood 8 Volunteer - 2 4 join a friends group 4 9 South Norwood Norbury 3 6 8 2 Thornton Heath Selhurst

2 3 Woodside Monks Orchard Waddon 1 8 Addiscombe 3 Shirley Croydon 4 7 4 Croydon’s parks have lots of friends groups, nearly South 6 Croydon 1 7 40. Together they have been doing some amazing things around the borough. An example of their Addington dedication includes fundraising for new children’s 4 5 play areas in Grange Park, Old Coulsdon; and 4 New they have also raised more than £5,000 for Millers 4 Forestdale Addington Pond, Shirley, to create a new path to hidden 7 benches. 1 2 Selsdon “I joined the Friends of Park Hill Park four 1 years ago. I’ve found it to be extremely Woodcote Purley rewarding. I’ve enjoyed meeting new Sanderstead people, while also knowing that I’m 4 contributing to and supporting nature conservation – both within my local park and across the borough.” – Erica Wright, Kenley 1 1 3 Friends of Park Hill Park www.croydon.gov.uk/parks-volunteering Coulsdon • Grange Park, Old Coulsdon 7 Whyteleaf 7 Have a break • South Norwood Country Park and Lake • Miller’s Pond, Shirley

4 6 8 9 BMX Old Coulsdon

6 Fun for the kids

Riders of all ages and spectators are welcome at Norbury Park BMX track which opened in the summer. With plenty of children’s play spaces tucked into “I’ve found it really positive. Different pretty much every neighbourhood, get the kids Many of Croydon’s parks are homes to fabulous groups come together; 'old' and out in the fresh air and let them enjoy the range of cafés where you can treat yourself to a wide experienced BMXers helping the younger equipment at the borough’s 41 playgrounds. For range of snacks and drinks. and inexperienced. Spectators, including three of our best playgrounds head to: • Park Life Café – Lloyd Park dog-walkers, stop to watch, bond and chat • Lloyd Park • Poppy Café – Coulsdon Memorial Ground – making this track the centrepiece of the • Grange Park, Old Coulsdon • Wandle Park Café – Wandle Park park.” – Mrs N • South Norwood Country Park and Lake • Coach House Café – • Norbury Park, Green Lane 18 WINTER 2017

BE ALERT – NOT ALARMED London has suffered several and suspects. This worrying increase night – opportunist thieves will take terrorist attacks this year, and is not just a Croydon problem; it is a advantage of insecure properties. the most recent attack – on a trend across all boroughs in London. I would also remind car owners to tube train in Parsons Green – In Croydon we have sought to adopt ensure satellite navigation systems reminds us all of the continued a multi-agency approach to tackling the and valuables are not left visible in need to be vigilant at all times. offences which are occurring now, but unattended vehicles. Please don't We ask that everybody remains also implementing a longer term plan let thieves have an easy time in alert, but not alarmed. to prevent these issues in the future. ruining this festive period for you. I’d further ask you keep your eyes We have been conducting I lead an extremely professional and ears open, helping keep yourself, targeted searches of areas looking and committed workforce, and my your family and your community safe for hidden weapons and knives that neighbourhood teams carry out regular by looking out for suspicious activity could be used to commit offences. drop-in surgeries at key locations in all and reporting it to the police, in The results have been good but wards. We also have contact points, confidence, by calling 0800 789 321. there remains a lot of work to do. details of which are on our website. This summer and autumn have In the run-up to the Christmas Please come and meet your officers been busy periods in Croydon, and New Year period, we will launch and let us know what it is you want your with one of the main achievements our Be Safe campaign, designed to police to concentrate on. We are happy being able to implement the Mayor crack down on the seasonal trend to attend community events that you are of London’s commitment to have in crime and antisocial behaviour. planning; just contact your local team. at least two dedicated officers There will be an increased focus The website is www.met.police. on every ward in Croydon. around burglary, robbery, domestic uk/contact-us and you can also follow These officers will not be taken away abuse, theft including shoplifting, us on Twitter – @MPSCroydon from their wards for other police duties, and motor vehicle crime. and they are responsible for problem With the darker nights now with solving, and being there for you. us, I would like to remind households My officers have been focused on to ensure all windows are closed and addressing the increasing violence locked when not at home, and all ChiefJeff Supt JeffBoothe Boothe among young people, both as victims ground-floor windows are closed at Croydon borough commander Helping to stop domestic abuse The Family Justice Centre has launched a new campaign with 70 Croydon NHS pharmacies showing those afected where to seek help against domestic abuse and sexual violence. It is estimated that one in four women and one in six men or those who might be reluctant to do so. will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime, Pharmacy staff will be trained on how to help if they are equating to 62,000 adults within Croydon. concerned about someone, how to look out for signs of DASV This alarming figure is the reason the borough’s Family and what support services to refer them to. Justice Centre (FJC) will continue to expand its training offer The Christmas and New Year period can be a particularly and marketing materials. difficult time for victims of domestic abuse, especially if the By joining forces with local pharmacists, the FJC team aims perpetrator is spending an increased amount of time at home, to extend its domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) monitoring their actions. support services across the borough. If you are worried about domestic abuse please call the The posters have been translated into the five most-spoken Family Justice Centre (open with the exception of the bank languages in Croydon, with the simple question: are you safe? holidays) on 020 8688 0100, or the free 24-hour national The initiative aims to identify those who may be affected domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. by DASV, especially those who have difficulty visiting the FJC, In an emergency call the police on 999. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 19 LEST WE FORGET A ceremony in the Town Hall will remember those who perished during the Nazi Holocaust and more recent atrocities. All are invited to attend a ceremony that, every year, remembers and pays tribute to the many thousands of victims of the Holocaust and other 20th-century genocides. Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked in traditional manner with a public candle-lighting ceremony in the foyer of at noon on Friday 26 January. This year’s theme is The Power of Words, exploring how That will be followed by presentations in the council language has been used in the past, and how it is used in the chamber, including a keynote address by Eve Kugler, who present day. See http://hmd.org.uk/resources/theme-papers/ was a child survivor of the Holocaust. hmd-2018-power-words The day is an international event marking the liberation To support schools with classroom-based projects, a of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in n activity pack is available at http://hmd.org.uk/content/ 1945, and is a time to: order-or-download-activity-pack • remember those murdered in the Holocaust and under Nazi In addition, visit www.cferinfo.org.uk to find resources persecution, and during subsequent genocides, including for schools and the wider community. Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur; and For further information about Holocaust Memorial Day • hope for a safer, inclusive society where the differences 2018 or Croydon’s candle-lighting ceremony, email yvonne. between us are respected as reality today and in the future. [email protected] or call 020 8604 7029. Council expands 20mph limit Hundreds of streets in north-west Croydon now have 20mph speed limits as part of council plans to improve road safety. Hundreds of streets in north-west On several roads where 20mph has Croydon now have 20mph speed limits been implemented, the council has as part of council plans to improve road installed number plate recognition safety across the borough. equipment to record drivers’ speeds and Anyone who has driven through the pass relevant data to the Metropolitan north-west corner of the borough over Police. the past few weeks will have noticed If speeding remains an issue, options that the traffic is slower. could include traffic-calming measures, The reason is that, since 6 November, as well as police enforcement. most of the roads in the area have seen In 2015, the council divided the the speed limit cut to 20pmph. borough into five areas and began the The exceptions are Transport for process of introducing the new speed London red routes, private roads and limit. The north-west joins the north a number of A roads that have been and north-east areas in seeing the granted exemption. restriction implemented, leaving the According to the Royal Society for two remaining areas – the south-east the Prevention of Accidents, introducing and south-west of the borough – to go 20mph limits cuts the risk of injury or live by next May. death in an accident. For more information, visit https:// New signs will be installed in www.croydon.gov.uk/transportand affected roads, and speeding drivers streets/roadsafety/20mph-areas-for- caught by police can expect fines, points residential-roads/croydon-20mph- on their licence or prosecution. proposal 20 WINTER 2017 YOUTH SPEAKING UP FOR YOUTH

London’s largest youth population is preparing to vote for its first young mayor – aiming to better represent youngsters’ hopes and aspirations. Tens of thousands of local Voting will be open to young people will get a taste young people aged from 11 of local democracy, and a to 18, while candidates will be new ambassador, when they required to be aged from 16 elect their first young mayor to 18 and live, work or study next spring. in Croydon. With more children and All those standing for young citizens than anywhere election will prepare a written else in the capital – including manifesto and run a local approximately 40,000 campaign with the support of benefit local voluntary sector and council officers. Any residents aged between 11 friends and volunteers. groups. young people standing will and 18 – Croydon’s young The winning candidate will They will be elected on a also get an opportunity to be mayor election is set to be serve a fixed term and work manifesto and be supported part of the local youth forums among the most exciting with other young people to in their role by the Mayor of and other youth voice groups. London has seen. manage a budget that will Croydon, senior councillors

Sunny side up: Hackney project set to Repowering generate cash for the community. Croydon Croydon Council, in partnership with Repowering London, is looking to create opportunities for residents’ to lead and deliver renewable energy projects. The initiative would reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, and create community funds for supporting local initiatives. Repowering London is a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in empowering communities to own and generate their own renewable energy using solar panels to convert the energy of the sun into clean renewable electricity. All profits from the scheme go straight to the community, who get to choose how the money is spent. Croydon young people will also benefit through internship opportunities. Repowering London has delivered a number of successful renewable energy projects across London including the Banister House solar installation in Hackney, which is set to generate £28,000 toward its community fund over the 20-year life of the project. What do you think of this idea for Croydon? Would you or your community group be interested in getting involved? Complete the survey at www.croydon.gov.uk/repoweringcroydon For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 21 The diaries of an APPRENTICE

Youngsters from across the borough have recently started work as apprentices in a number of council departments. Your Croydon asked them how they had enjoyed their first week, and what the opportunity meant to them. Aged between 16 and 31, all but two of the 24 apprentices are Croydon residents. Through this scheme, thecouncil is aiming to grow its own talent and give local young people a step up the career ladder. Many of the council’s key service areas – including public health, youth engagement and finance – are set to benefit from these apprentices’ fresh Michelle, 22 perspectives on life in Croydon and public service. Business Administration Apprentice SHANE, 17 “Once the induction was over, I was a Finance Apprentice little sad as all the apprentices would be separated into the different departments “Being put into a professional work within the council and we all got on so environment at the age of 17 was well over the past two days. definitely something I couldn’t have “On the first day of work there was a anticipated just a couple months ago lot of reading material to go through to when I was doing my AS levels.” learn about my job role, as well as other information that would help me to figure out my way around the council building. Nazifa, 17 “The days that followed were great. I liked Rent Accounting Officer the people I was working with and found “The induction enabled me to connect it really easy to fit into my team. to other apprentices on a personal level “I’ve also been given a lot of support and and it was helpful for me to know that encouragement, which makes me feel that there are other people in the exact same I can achieve anything I want to inside position as me.” and outside of the council.” Rachel, 23 Community Arts Apprentice “On the Wednesday, I felt officially part of the office team and was able to come in and get straight to work with IMAD, 22 no hesitation and without asking what Economic Development needed to be done." Apprentice The council’s apprenticeship scheme “I was excited to start because I felt Ainat, 18 is open to anyone aged over 16 a great relief that I had a job and Community Arts Apprentice and living or studying in Croydon. something to get up for in the morning. “I genuinely feel like I’m going to learn For more information, visit “Working in the local council so much on this apprenticeship scheme www.croydon.gov.uk/jobsatcroydon/ also provides me with an exciting and it will contribute significantly to my apprenticeship opportunity to learn valuable experience personal development, as well as me or email in an environment I would love to forge being able to contribute as one of the [email protected] a long career in.” voices for young people.” 22 WINTER 2017 Council meeting dates Public questions for council meetings (starting at 6.30pm) should be Useful contacts emailed to [email protected] by noon on the For police, fire brigade, ambulance, indicated date. call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Meetings: Monday 4 Dec Deadlines: Friday 1 Dec Croydon Council general enquiries Monday 29 Jan Friday 26 Jan 020 8726 6000 Questions for council meetings (50 words maximum) can be put Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre in one of the following ways: • email a question, by the deadline, and attend the meeting 020 3040 0800 to ask your question; or, Non-emergency urgent care - 111 • if unable to attend, email a question, by the deadline; if time allows, the Mayor will put the question to the cabinet member. Croydon University Hospital • Alternatively, attend the council meeting and request to ask a 020 8401 3000 question in person. Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Get in touch Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: 11 December 22 January To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: [email protected] For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings For information on cabinet and If anybody you know isn't receiving the online Your shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet Croydon weekly, tell them that they can ensure delivery Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the by subscribing at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: Central Library and 12 Dec Scrutiny and overview committee Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET 19 Dec Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) 16 Jan Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ Museum – www. 23 Jan Streets, environment and homes scrutiny sub-committee central-library museumofcroydon.com 30 Jan Scrutiny and overview committee Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Telephone: 020 8253 1022 6 Feb Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email [email protected] Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ safer-neighbourhood-board Forthcoming public meeting: Meeting: Wednesday 14 March at 6.30pm – venue to be confirmed Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings. For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ Guided Walks leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks DECEMBER hours – of the Downlands Circular Walk. Discover Sunday 11 February Sunday 17 December the beautiful wooded countryside and farmland Family winter tree walk in King’s Wood around Happy Valley, Chaldon and the North Winter tree ID and folklore in Happy Valley Join the community partnership officer for a Downs Way. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at woodland saunter, become a woodland detective Forget the Christmas shopping, wrap up warm and 11.00am at the car park, Ditches and learn how to identify trees without their discover the myths and folklore behind our native Lane, Coulsdon. leaves, using other clues such as bark shape or trees and learn how to identify them from their seeds. Meet at 2pm by the woodland entrance, bark, buds and twigs. Meet at the Farthing Downs FEBRUARY off Orchard Road, off Limpsfield Road. car park at 2pm. Saturday 3 February For further information about guided walks, Littleheath Woods winter tree walk Friends of Park groups, natural play and forest JANUARY Even in winter there is plenty to see. Come and Sunday 21 January school, or how to get involved in caring for identify trees in winter, by their shape, twigs and Croydon’s green environment, call the community Downlands Circular Walk winter ramble buds with The Friends of Littleheath Woods. Meet Join the Happy Valley countryside warden to partnership officer on 020 8726 6000 or email 10am at the junction of Queenhill and Littleheath [email protected] follow the route long – seven miles, three to four roads. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 23 Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link in the purple field near the top of the home page.

Adult education Disabled parking Home safety advice Recycling Information on the courses available Providing parking bays throughout See if you are eligible for a free home What to recycle, how to recycle and to older students. Croydon for vehicles used by the safety check. where to recycle. holders of blue badges. Blocked drains Instrumental tuition Information on how to deal with Service for children and young people. drain problems. Leisure centres Bulky waste collection Links and information on all the What it is, how to book it and how borough’s leisure centres. Recycling much it will cost. Lottery registration CCTV Disabled parking Running a lottery to raise funds for Safer Croydon Helping to ensure the safety of people a charity or an organisation such Working to make the borough safer in Croydon. Dropped kerb and crossovers as a sports club, church or school, for all who live, work and visit here. To lower the kerb in front of your requires registration. property and provide vehicle access Trading standards Mediation service – housing to a hard-standing parking area, Dealing with doorstep crime and A mediation service for housing and council consent is required. rogue traders, and offering advice housing association tenants, and to residents and businesses. Emergency planning others CCTV Keeping Croydon running in the event My Croydon of serious incidents. Download the council’s app for easy Careline Energy advice reporting of a number of issues. Advice that could help save Providing a home safety and Neighbourhood wardens Trading Standards substantial amounts of money on personal security system, helping Offering help and support to local people to live independently within residents’ energy bills. communities. Voluntary organisations their own homes. Fly-tipping Occupational therapy Details on available funding. Connected Croydon How to report it, your responsibilities Enabling people with disabilities to Welfare benefit advice The programme of public works to as a landowner, and how the council carry out essential activities, with Know what you’re entitled to and improve borough streets, squares prosecutes fly-tippers. the aim of maintaining or improving claim it. and open spaces. Gambling independence. The different types of licences – and Youth projects Planning applications how to apply for them. All you need to know about Advice on all aspects of the Croydon’s youth provision. planning process. Zoo licence You need to apply for a licence to run CONNECTED CROYDON a zoo – should you really want to!

Planning www. croydo z n.gov.uk/ato Your Croydon November 2017.indd 1 with acourseat Aspire tothehighestlevel College Capel Manor on Monday,29January Crystal PalacePark,JubileeStand, horticulture andmore. environmental conservation,floristry, garden design,treesurgery, We havefive centresacross Londonwithcoursesinanimalmanagement, garden design,horticulture,landscaping, leatherwork,saddlery,shoemaking,treesurgeryandwildlife coursesatcentresacross Leading thefield inanimalmanagement,arboriculture, balloonartistry,environmentalconservation,countrysidemanagement, fl oristry, Come alongtoour from5pm LedringtonRoad,SE192BS until 7.30pm visit courses call03030031234or For furtherinformationonour ADVICE SESSION Capel. www.capel.ac.uk to find outmore. at London. 26/10/2017 15:58:14

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