Issue 49 - June 2011

Your primary source of community information www..gov.uk

Your croydon Your Say

We launch our campaign to give YOU more of a say in local issues – see page 4

How you celebrated the wedding of the year – page 12 2 yourcroydon June 2011 | Your Croydon

Contents Useful contacts For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Your Croydon, Your Say . . . . 6 This summer, the borough’s residents have more ways Croydon Council general enquiries than ever of voicing their opinions on how Croydon 020 8726 6000 can be improved. Make sure your voice is heard. Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre 020 8274 6000 Royal wedding fever . . . . . 12 NHS Direct Street parties were the order of 0845 4647 the day when Prince William wed Catherine Middleton. We sent Croydon University Hospital our photographer out and about 020 8401 3000 to catch the celebratory mood of residents. See our picture spread. Get in touch Doing it for the kids . . . . . 14 To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: A teenager who was formerly a Croydon Young Ambassador [email protected] is now doing his best to give or call 020 8760 5644 local children and young people purpose and a positive way to let off steam. Your Croydon welcomes letters for publication. They should be no more than 200 words. Receipt of a letter (in print or by email) does not guarantee Planning for the future . . . . 15 inclusion. The right to edit letters is reserved, as is the editor’s right of reply. Letters from known The next couple of decades hold a lot of promise for politicians and political groups will not be published. Croydon with major changes planned for the skyline Post your letters, including your name and address, – and at ground level. to Your Croydon, 7th Floor, , Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS. Exercising their freedom ...... 16 On the eve of training for a return to active duty, Take advantage of our the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, holder of the Freedom competitive advertising rates of Entry to the borough, came back to town. See our picture special. FULL HALF QUARTER page from £1,260 page from £630 page from £315 Competition ...... 20 330x259mm 132x259mm 132x127mm If you would like your business to benefit from advertising Win an amazing £150-worth in one of the country’s leading community publications and of dining vouchers to enjoy a would like more information, a copy of our rate card or a gourmet meal at any of award- booking form, please call: Paula Howell & 020 8760 5644 winning chef Malcolm John’s restaurants in Croydon If you have any concerns or observations regarding the distribution or delivery of Your Croydon, please send an and Sutton. email to [email protected] or call 020 7372 4934. This publication is printed on environmentally friendly, TCF (totally chlorine free) paper, produced from a sustainable source. When you have finished with this newspaper please recycle it. 110125/150M/05 www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydon 3 Come and talk to us – we’re listening

Welcome to the second roads for decades. Starting this year, we will be investing £15m into repairing edition of your new-look or resurfacing 59 streets across the Your Croydon – with essential borough. This is a huge undertaking that information about local will ensure everybody using our roads notices the difference when they cross services and how you can have into our borough from elsewhere. your say in local decisions. For a full list of the roads being improved in your area go to A recent survey told us that around 70% www.croydon.gov.uk/roadrepairs We’re bringing of residents read the magazine, with To ensure those streets are safe at Croydon Question a third of you saying its your primary night, we’re about to begin replacing Time roadshows to source for finding out what your council is every streetlight in Croydon – ensuring each area over the doing. So I hope you continue to believe, well-lit roads and deterring criminals. as we do, that Your Croydon delivers Work has also now begun on the next few months, value for money. brand new leisure centre at , giving you the As well as giving you updates on how which will bring state-of-the-art leisure chance to talk we’re working to improve the borough, facilities to the centre of the borough. this edition will focus heavily on how Anybody living in Purley will have directly to us about you can get involved and tell us your noticed work is now under way in High improving your priorities. Street to improve pavements, street local area. We began this last year when more furniture and the general feel of the area. than 2,500 of you told us how you On top of that, we’ve just confirmed wanted the council to spend its money a grant of £1.5m to Fairfield to ensure this year – for the next round of budget it can continue to deliver a first-class decisions we want to go a step further, entertainments programme over the giving you an opportunity to tell us direct next two years, following on from an where you think we should be making agreement to put aside £25m over the local improvements. next five years to improve the building We’re bringing Croydon Question Time itself, which is in need of attention. roadshows to each area over the next Looking back a little further to the end few months, giving you the chance to talk of April, I want to congratulate each and directly to senior cabinet members about every person who held a street party how you want your area improved. to mark the royal wedding – it was a For more information about getting remarkable effort and Croydon had the involved see page 8. fourth highest number of street parties in So what else has the council been doing? , thanks to the community spirit Well, despite the doom and gloom of of our residents. stories about national cuts, we’ve been We promised we would listen to focusing on the things that you’ve told your views, and this issue outlines how us matter to you. We asked thousands we’re doing that. of you last year to tell us what your priorities were going to be in a world with less money for councils, and you told us you wanted streets, safety and caring for the vulnerable as your top priorities. As a result, we’ve just announced the Councillor Mike Fisher largest investment into the borough’s Leader of the council 4 yourcroydonyoursay June 2011 | Your Croydon Make sure your voice is heard

The principal role of any important that we listen to an online tool that allowed local authority is to deliver what you have to say. you, Croydon’s residents, to services to its residents that That is why, over the next have a go at balancing the Your help them to live happy, few months, and under the council’s annual budget. croydon productive lives. umbrella “Your Croydon, We are running the As a council, Croydon Your Say”, we will be giving budget consultation again Your believes the best way it can you more opportunities to, this year, and hope that help people is by regularly well, have your say about even more of you will take engaging with them, your borough. part and let us know your Say listening to what they have During June and July, spending priorities. to say – and then acting cabinet members and Details can be found on on those suggestions and senior council officers will page 9. comments. be conducting a series of So, if you want to Regular meetings, surveys Croydon Question Time influence the way Croydon is More trams and consultation exercises events at venues across run, be sure to get along to – fewer jams are just some of the ways Croydon. one of the Croydon Question you have been able to have For more information on Time events, and to log on The borough’s tram system your voice heard. Croydon Question Time, go to the budget consultation – admired by many for the In these financially to page 8. website when it goes live quick, clean and efficient tough times, it’s even more Last year, we launched on 6 June. way it moves around thousands of people every day – is about to get even better. Beating the bad guys With a £3m contribution Crime is on the back foot in Croydon thanks Acceptable behaviour agreements were from the council, Transport to the combined efforts of the council, police signed by 154 individuals – with 99% for London (TfL) – which and partner organisations. sticking to their agreement. took control of Tramlink A recent report shows that the Safer The Turnaround Centre in South End, in 2008 – is planning to Croydon Partnership (SCP) has helped the country’s first centre dedicated to introduce 10 more trams. reduce offences in a number of areas over turning young people away from crime and The increase in numbers the past 12 months, seeing crime numbers in antisocial behaviour, is also singled out for of rolling stock will Croydon tumble from 33,217 to 32,292 – a praise in the report. ease congestion during fall of 2.8%. It says that the centre has helped families daily peak travel times A significant drop in violent crime and young people at risk of becoming victims by improving service mirrored a reduction in antisocial behaviour of crime, or offending. frequencies – an ever-more after the council signed a number of • See the borough commander’s column pressing need with as dispersal orders. on page 21. many as 8,000 additional homes planned as part of the regeneration of the town centre over the next The competition jury’s in 20 years. In return for its “Fantastic” and “really the fact that the family was and we were able to take our contribution toward the chuffed” were how the able to take the overnight two boys,” said Michael. overall cost, Croydon will winners of our competition stay on Michael’s birthday – • To win a gourmet receive £4.2m from TfL for felt when they learnt a double celebration. meal in a highly regarded improvements to public they’d be enjoying a family “It was great because it local restaurant, enter our areas between East and weekend in a top town- was a family competition competition on page 20. West Croydon stations. centre hotel. Tramlink has a fleet of Michael and Susannah 24 trams, two of which are Grosvenor, and their sons used for maintenance, the Daniel, 8, and Josh, 3, won rest for passengers. the Jurys Inn experience The additional trams after entering the reader will operate a new competition in the March “congestion buster” service edition of Your Croydon. between Elmers End and In addition to a night’s Therapia Lane, running dinner, bed and breakfast at in addition to the existing the Wellesley Road hotel, the Wimbledon to New Grosvenor’s picked up a £40 Addington and Beckenham Whitgift Shopping Centre Junction services. voucher. The icing on the cake was www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydonyoursay 5 Huge cash boost for road repairs

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be in for smoother and safer journeys in Croydon thanks to the Your council investing £15m croydon over the next two years on long-term repairs and Your improvements. This is part of an ongoing Say £37m package of work spanning the five years from 2010 to 2015 and comes Roads and pavements this much-needed injection residents are encouraged to in the wake of the recent that are suffering the effects of cash. report any major problems announcement of £79.5m of severe weather and age An inspection of all the they may discover to being spent on renewing all are being prioritised for full borough’s roads is carried www.croydon.gov.uk/ of the borough’s streetlights. resurfacing works thanks to out at least twice a year, but roadrepairs Pedal power is go The borough’s participation central Croydon. Each group programme of community-led Boroughs cash, and, with a in National Bike Week has will comprise a cyclist, a car cycle rides to help get more bid that was put together by been boosted by an award driver and a pedestrian using people cycling; and advice on Croydon Cycle Forum and of £450,000 from the Mayor public transport. safe cycling near heavy goods council officers, Croydon has of London’s Biking Boroughs The nine will set off from vehicles. been awarded the largest scheme. the three starting points at Authorities from across allocation of funding, along The announcement 8am, and their arrivals at the capital bid for the Biking with Kingston. came just weeks before The Queen’s Gardens, next to local cyclists take part in a the Town Hall, will be timed. series of events – from 19 to The cyclists will be defending 21 June – to promote two an unbeaten run from past wheels. challenges. A Commuter Challenge The Mayor’s cash will will see groups of three support a range of initiatives, people, starting from including improved cycle , Shirley and parking at East Croydon , travelling in to station; a three-year Fairfield set fair Fairfield’s immediate of headline music acts future has been assured in the Arnhem Gallery, with the announcement of Fairfield has risen to the £1.5m of financial support challenge of embracing fresh from Croydon Council audiences and new tastes. over the next two years. To ensure the impetus The arrival, last year, can be maintained, the of chief executive Simon council has promised the Thomsett has seen a cash injection into the next resurgent enthusiasm two years’ arts programme. resulting in a number This support is in of successful bookings addition to the £25m and initiatives for the capital grant programme Park Lane complex. already approved. From well-attended That cash is earmarked for salsa nights in the newly essential improvement work modernised lobby space, that will see Fairfield set to through hip-hop showcases meet the technical demands and the new Stand! series of modern touring shows. 6 yourcroydonyoursay June 2011 | Your Croydon

Your croydon Your Say

YOUR CROYDON Over the past few years, the council has been asking you to tell us what is important to you, and what you would like to see done to improve the borough. Thousands of you have taken part in one Your Say or more of the surveys we conduct and you regularly you have clear priorities for in your local area, and the Councillor surgeries making Croydon a better decisions that the council feed back your views through All councillors have monthly place in which to live. makes that affect you? questionnaires. We also learn surgeries at which you can These include tackling You can let us know your from the comments and talk to them in confidence crime and antisocial views in many ways. complaints that we receive. about decisions that the behaviour, making sure there We know that many of council has made that are more opportunities for Consultations affect you. young people, and making the The council often asks for For details of your local borough cleaner and greener. E-bulletin your opinions on policies councillor and surgery times, Residents’ priorities are and decisions we are taking visit To find out about more our priorities and the council www.croydon.gov.uk/ ways in which you can about services and your councillors has already done much work local area. have your say, and to keep to improve services in updated on the results You can find out what E-petitions these areas. consultations are currently of recent consultations, We know there is more to Did you know that you sign up to receive the running and see how to do and, while we have plans take part by visiting our can create petitions on our Your Croydon e-bulletin to make things better, we are website? – a monthly round-up website www.croydon. interested in your ideas for gov.uk/democracy/ Visit www.croydon.gov. of what is happening in what else we could do. consultations uk/petitions to read and the borough. You can sign other people’s petitions – The same site will also sign up on our website at Have your say or start your own. let you know the results www.croydon.gov.uk/ Would you like to have more By putting your petitions of consultations that have subscribe of a say about what goes on on our website, we can recently closed. www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydonyouryournewssay 7 aid ou s

Y parks

Croydon’s

Y

were important o

u

s a d i to you

isten e l ed

W

parks to be Proud

W

Of will revamp e

d l e i n Nine parkss e t

be more transparent, and provide a platform for as many people as possible to get their views heard. No petition will be rejected, providing it meets our guidelines, so why not have your say? Events We are often out and about around the borough asking your opinions on a variety of issues. Stop and say hello, and give us your views about what we can do to improve your local area. In June and July, you can also come along to one of the Croydon Question Time events, at which you will be able to talk to the borough’s decision makers. For more information, see page 8. Report it online From abandoned vehicles to potholes, you can let us know about a variety of problems on our website at www.croydon.gov.uk/ doitonline Your croydon Your Say 8 yourcroydonyoursay June 2011 | Your Croydon Croydon Question Time Talk to Croydon’s decision makers Croydon Question i Would you like to have the The events will run from Time venues u sa d chance to talk, face-to-face, 7.30pm to 9, and refreshments o to the people that make will be provided. Tuesday 14 June Y the decisions for Croydon To register your Wolsey Junior School,

Transport Council? interest, please email King Henry’s Drive, New

Local Y Are there any issues that you communications@ Addington, Croydon CR0 0PH

o would like to see the council croydon.gov.uk or call

u

was a priority s tackling more effectively? 020 8726 6000. And more a d i Tuesday 28 June Or are there any areas of information can be found Parchmore Community Croydon that you think could at www.croydon.gov.uk/ Centre, 53-55 Parchmore do with some extra attention yourcroydonyoursay Road, , from the council? You are welcome to attend Croydon CR7 8LY During June and July, any Croydon Question Time in ste the council will be hosting any part of the borough. li ned Tuesday 12 July We a series of events – Croydon If you cannot make any of Congregational

Croydon council has Question Time – visiting all them but would like to speak Church, Coulsdon Road, Old

corners of the borough, and to a member of Croydon

W Coulsdon CR5 1EH

secured £4m for majore giving you the opportunity Council’s cabinet, you can

d l e improvementsi n to speak to members of the find surgery details of the s e t Tuesday 19 July cabinet and senior council individual cabinet members Shirley Methodist Church, officers about the issues on the council’s website at Eldon Avenue, Shirley, and services that matter www.croydon.gov.uk/ Croydon CR0 8SD most to you. councillors www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydonyoursay 9

Your croydon Your Say

TELL US your spending priorities Government cutbacks mean that the council has to continue to make huge savings, while making sure that you get the services that you need.

For the second year running, supporting older people, budget-setting tool. we will be asking you to try street cleaning, recycling You can vote on almost to balance the books and let and rubbish collections; every aspect of the council’s us know which services are and that services – from parks to the most important to you. leisure centres, from libraries It’s your money – have • you would prefer the to caring for the vulnerable. your say in how we spend it. council to raise money You will even be able to Last year, when we gave through increased suggest how much council you the opportunity to tell us charges for things like staff should cost, and which what you want your council planning, rather than by charges should be increased. to focus on you gave us a raising council tax. The consequences of clear message. decisions made on the budget More than 2,500 people We listened to your views, simulator will be displayed, took part in the budget and the services that you said explaining what the effect consultation and you told us: were the most important were of your decisions will be on protected in this year’s budget. services. • you would rather see In June and July we will You will also be able to reductions in some areas, be asking you again to help us suggest how the council like office costs, arts set the priorities for next year should save money and keep and libraries, than pay a by telling us which services public costs down. large council tax bill to are the most important to you All the responses will be maintain them; and how much you would given to councillors to be spend on them. taken into account before • the council’s focus From Monday, 6 June, vital decisions on services are should be on protecting visit www.croydon.gov. made, and council tax set for vulnerable children and uk/youchoose and use our the next financial year. 10 yourcroydonyoursay June 2011 | Your Croydon Community payback pays off Not everyone who puts on a uniform and cleans the street is a street cleaner. Most weeks in Croydon there are small teams from ‘Community Payback’ (what used to be called ‘Community service’) out and about clearing up corners of the borough that have become unkempt and unloved. Drain cover thefts Those involved have been sentenced by the courts to give something back to society through unpaid and demanding work that makes a difference to the lives of cost dearly local people. Often – as pictured below – they will be tasked with A spate of drain cover thefts in clearing fly-tipping, but they also help with graffiti recently left pedestrians and motorists removal and a variety of other jobs. Each project is carefully planned in partnership with at risk of injury and cost the council the Probation Service and the council. nearly £6,000 in just a few days. Almost 20 of the iron grating covers were stolen and two men were spotted in the act by a resident in Northwood Road, but by the time she had reported them they had driven off. Streetscene officer Nick Christodoulou (pictured above) helped make the holes safe with temporary plastic covers and cones, and new gratings were installed within a day or so. The new covers are made of a different and less valuable metal and are secured so that they can’t simply be lifted out. www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydonyoursay 11 Talking up a storm

TalkaokeTalkaokeTalkaoke Hundreds of residents, shoppers and town- centre visitors grabbed the opportunity to voice their opinions in a unique open-air forum in North End recently.

Representatives of the business for the police talking to young community, police, fire brigade children about crime, which and council stepped up to face was a really powerful moment. questions from the public in “One group of young people the borough’s first Talkaoke suggested a ‘Take a Gran event. Shopping’ scheme, to help Gun crime, unemployment bring together the young and the perception of young and old. people were just some of the “This was the fist time subjects debated around the we’ve been to Croydon and we table over the course of the day. had a great day – the residents Supporting the event were really got in to the Talkaoke information stands covering spirit and came up with some such issues as personal safety, really imaginative ideas.” and an operational fire engine proved a major hit with Technical difficulties children and their parents. experienced by the Your Mikey Weinkove, of Croydon distribution Talkaoke organiser The company resulted in many People Speak, said: “Croydon readers receiving their residents are passionate about copy of the March edition, they live in and the publicising Talkaoke, after perception people have of it. the event. The editorial team “The range of people taking apologises to all who missed part was really amazing. We the opportunity to attend. had the borough commander 12 yourcommunity June 2011 | Your Croydon A right royal knees-up

Highview Close,

Shaw Crescent,

Croydon celebrates marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton Road, Purley Woodcrest Despite the downbeat to Fieldway, streets were predictions of the nation’s closed and neighbours forecasters, the weather gathered to celebrate and held up for the big day, toast the happiness of the with the sun putting in new Duke and Duchess of reflecting Croydon’s multi- a few appearances to Cambridge. ethnic communities, as help warm Croydon’s everybody took great delight enthusiasm for a royal in celebrating the royal Highview Close, South Norwood wedding street party. We had a couple’s historic day. A tangible air of Well-wishers turned Young and old alike celebration covered the fantastic time, with out in their droves to enjoyed the party borough as hundreds of decorate streets, parks and atmosphere. While older residents hung out the Morris dancers playgrounds, and join the rest residents recalled similar bunting and produced festive and curry – all very of the country in celebration. celebrations from the past, food and drink to mark the The jams on the roads youngsters revelled in an marriage of Prince William eclectic. were of a sweeter variety extra day off school and to his beautiful princess, than usual, complimenting looked forward to what Catherine Middleton. Emma Sharville, the cakes, sandwiches, many see as a new start From South Norwood to organiser of the sausage rolls and, in many for the future of the Coulsdon, and from Waddon Highview Close streetparty instances, more exotic fare monarchy. www.croydon.gov.uk yourcommunity 13 A right royal knees-up

Vicarage Road, Waddon Road, Purley Woodcrest

Shaw Crescent, Sanderstead Vicarage Road, Waddon

Road, Purley Woodcrest 14 yourcommunity June 2011 | Your Croydon

For the love of football An enterprising teenager who started a project to give other youngsters purpose and something to do is keen to see others take advantage of its growing success.

Klein Roberts founded nearby Wandle Park. work, leadership – and they the Derby Road Football “From midday to 1.30 we respond very well, we don’t Academy, and he makes sure usually have about 20 kids have any problems, they’re that it does exactly what it aged from six to 10. That’s good kids, we’ve been lucky says on the tin. followed by a session for in that way.” The 19-year-old, who lives older kids – 11 to 16, and Klein is keen to stress that on Croydon’s Pilton Estate, there’s usually about 30 of the academy is not aimed through which Derby Road them,” said Klein. solely at young players runs, said: “I set it up to give “Girls are welcome, too, with the potential to turn young people something and we’ve had a few come professional. to look forward to, and along, but I’d like to see “We adapt the sessions something they can be others join in who’ll show a to make them harder for proud of.” bit more commitment.” those with ability, and less The idea sprung from So, what was it that drove so for those who aren’t so the work Klein undertook Klein to devote so much of gifted. That’s important for as one of Croydon’s Young his time for the benefit of their confidence – if they’re Ambassadors: “I helped others? struggling they’re less likely Klein Roberts organise the Well London “I do it for the love of to continue with the sport. World Cup last year at the we’ve become a feeder for the football and to give the kids “We’ve got FA-approved Linford Christie Stadium in Coulsdon Colts – about 20 of something to do. There are coaches – they won’t get that Hammersmith, and we had our players joined the Colts all sorts of signs all over the sort of coaching free 15 teams taking part. last season, and one of place saying ‘No ball games’ of charge in many places.” “The academy started on them’s being courted by and that kind of thing – kids To learn more about the the back of that, really, and Crystal Palace.” need to have something academy, visit we’ve been supplying free The academy, which is positive to do. www.drfa.btck.co.uk community football sessions in the process of applying “Football’s important for Alternatively, call for about a year. for charity status, holds two life skills, too. It teaches 07796 796660 or send an “It’s really taken off and sessions every Saturday in them communication, team email to: [email protected] www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 15 Bringing opportunity to Croydon

Active resident participation – is intended to form the spine will be one of the of the new town centre. cornerstones of plans that The regeneration extends will see the transformation of beyond central Croydon central Croydon into a vibrant with the New South Quarter cosmopolitan area, alive with development offering almost new homes, businesses and 900 new homes between leisure opportunities. and Wandle Ever since Mayor of London Boris Johnson identified Croydon as one of the key We’ve got to with the western boundary sites in his Opportunity Area formed by Roman Way and Planning Framework (OAPF), explore all the Wandle Park. the council has been working possibilities to do the Tony Pierce, the Croydon with partners on a series of best for Croydon. OAPF director, outlined the schemes and developments important role that borough that will see the regeneration residents will play in bringing of the town centre. Park, and the new Waddon the plans to fruition. Projects already under leisure centre set to offer “There are about 700 way include local people state-of-the-art people currently living in the on Wellesley Road, the eye- facilities. commercial and retail core catching black glass extension These, along with a of the town – basically the to , and the number of other residential area between the two rail public services hub in Fell and commercial schemes, stations,” he said. residents to champion these Road. hold much promise for our “As plans stand at present, developments, and the whole Exciting plans in the town and should help secure there could be as many as scheme has to be welcomed pipeline include the new its economic future. an additional 8,000 homes, by commerce and traders in bridge spanning East Croydon The opportunity area is which would see maybe the area, as well, because station (pictured top right). bounded roughly by Lower 15,000 to 20,000 people it will bring extra business A transformed Wellesley Road in the coming in. Those that their way. Road – reduced from an eight- north, Cherry Orchard Road are already there have to “We have to find ways lane highway to a people- and Park Hill in the east, welcome them. of growing the economy to friendly, tree-lined boulevard Aberdeen Road in the south, “We need the existing 700 make it all work – we have to attract investment. And it’s the local community that’s got to do it – council, business and residents – because the days of big public investment are over. “We’ve got to explore all the possibilities to do the best for Croydon.” Explaining that the OAPF is a long-term vision for the town, that will take anything up to 20 years to complete, Tony warned: “It’s not going to be all plain sailing, and there could be problems, but things are happening and we’re hopeful that this is the beginning of exciting times for Croydon.” The new face of Croydon College 16 yourbattalion June 2011 | Your Croydon The Rifles return Once again Croydon does our troops proud, welcoming them as they prepare to return to Afghanistan.

On a fine Saturday in May, the soldiers’ resumption of in Croydon Parish Church, the streets of the town training, on the following with ticket proceeds going centre were thronged with day, as they prepare for to charities supported by the crowds keen to show their their return to the war-torn Mayor and the regiment. appreciation and support of country. the personnel of The 2nd Following the unveiling Battalion, The Rifles. of a commemorative plaque Union flags were Just as they did when the outside the Town Hall, the waved as young and battalion visited Croydon in troops formally exercised late 2009, residents, visitors their freedom by double-time old – some with their and shoppers packed the marching along Katharine own memories of pavements as servicemen and Street, into Park Lane, then women, led by The Band and George Street and High serving their country Bugles of The Rifles, paraded Street, before returning to the in far-flung theatres through the town shopping Town Hall for a march-past of war – cheered and centre and along High Street, and salute. before turning into Katharine Union flags were waved applauded. Street, where they were as young and old – some inspected by the Mayor with their own memories of Croydon, Councillor of serving their country in Avril Slipper. far-flung theatres of war – The battalion, last year, cheered and applauded. was granted Freedom of The day’s celebrations – Entry to the borough in started with a selection of honour of its valiant duty in favourites by the band in Afghanistan, and its second North End – were rounded off visit was organised to mark with a conventional concert

Young and old: vetrans of past conflicts and serving troops in Katharine Street are watched by crowds including four-year-oldR iley Sheehan www.croydon.gov.uk yourbattalion 17 The Rifles return

The battalion, last year, was granted Freedom of Entry to the borough in honour of its valiant duty in Afghanistan, and its second visit was organised to mark the soldiers’ resumption of training, on the following day, as they prepare for their return to the war-torn country. 18 yourcommunity June 2011 | Your Croydon More new homes unveiled

Tenants are moving into built on the site of a disused homes built as part of the and abandoned block of council’s house-building garages that had become an programme, with another 64 unsightly mess for the people that set new environmental who lived nearby (right). standards about to be All of the homes are built occupied. to level-five standard of They are part of the the government’s code for second phase of homes to sustainable homes. be built on derelict sites They are fitted with a across the borough, and will range of state-of-the-art provide modern and spacious sustainability devices – such accommodation for families as solar panels and low- on the council’s housing energy heating systems waiting list. – meaning tenants’ use of In ’s resources is minimal, and the Thorpe Close, seven three- buildings have a low carbon bedroom houses have been footprint.

New homes in Alwyn Close (left) and King Henry’s Drive, New Addington Plaque marks homes’ eco-credentials Sumner Gardens, the council’s In 2008, Croydon became groundbreaking housing one of the first London development in Broad Green boroughs to begin building has won an architectural a new generation of publicly award. funded housing. Setting new environmental Energy-saving technologies standards in Croydon, the were installed to help project has won the civic reduce fuel bills and carbon building of the year title at dioxide emissions, setting an the Society of Chief Architects example for the kind of green of Local Authorities (Scala) building the council wants to awards. encourage on a wider scale. The 13 family homes form The civic building of the part of the council’s ongoing year competition is the only house-building programme to competition totally dedicated help ease overcrowding and to rewarding excellence for reduce waiting lists, and came design and construction in the top of about 90 entries for public sector. the award. A Scala spokesman said: Unveild: housing officers Beverley Nomafo, Ned Bagherzadeh, AngelaO hen with (third from left) Andrew Osborne of builders Osborne A plaque marking the “Sumner Gardens is highly award was recently unveiled sustainable. needed social housing. highly integrated project. at the homes, which were “The development “Items such as occupant- “The development is a built on underused council transformed the previously controlled wind turbines, demonstration of the excellent sites to the highest sustainable derelict and run-down solar panels, heat recovery design capabilities of Croydon standards, transforming a garage site into a new systems and rainwater Council’s architectural run-down area. neighbourhood for much- recycling form part of this services.” www.croydon.gov.uk yourcommunity 19 New Mayor aims to hit the right note With a love of music that has seen him singing with the Croydon Bach Choir, Councillor Graham Bass is sure to be on song for his year as Mayor. He was first elected to the council in 1992, representing Purley, where he had lived since 1964. In 2006-7 he served as Deputy Mayor to Councillor Getting it together Janet Marshall, and recently has been the deputy 1994, working almost Tightrope walkers, dancers, puppeteers and wandering giant chairman of the council’s entirely on the pioneering seagulls and lobsters are set to bring major fun to Croydon town scrutiny and overview of commercial computer centre this summer. committee, and chairman systems. He became one of These are just some of the attractions lined up to take part of the health and social care the first Fellows of the British in The Big Get Together – a four-day festival of fun taking place sub-committee. Computer Society. from Thursday, 2 June, to Sunday, 5 June. He has been a governor of Away from the public Organised by Croydon Business Improvement District (Bid), Roke Primary and Woodcote eye, Councillor Bass’ main the event takes place at five key locations around Croydon town High schools, and president interests are his family and centre from 11am to 3pm each day, with stores and the town’s of the Purley & Woodcote music. He also enjoys travel two shopping malls playing key roles. Residents’ Association for the and is a keen student of local For all the latest news about the events, including discount past 12 years. history, having amassed parking offers and the chance to win £1,000 to spend at He read mathematics and a collection of Croydon Croydon’s top shops, visit www.croydontowncentre.com/ economics at Cambridge, memorabilia. biggettogether and worked for Esso Cllr David Fitze will be Alternatively, drop into the Croydon Visitor Centre by East Petroleum from 1958 to deputy mayor. Croydon station. 20 yourhealth June 2011 | Your Croydon Teenage pregnancy rate tumbles The number of teenage girls falling pregnant in Croydon has fallen by almost a quarter, according to the latest figures.

The under-18 conception rate “An increase in local at colleges; an increase in for 2009 was 45.7 per 1,000 prevention and education the range and availability conceptions among women programmes being offered in of sexual health services in aged between 15 and 17. schools, colleges and youth local pharmacies; targeted This is a 22.7% decrease services are starting to have a prevention programmes for from the 1998 baseline, where real impact, and have helped young people; increased the rate was 59.1 per 1,000 contribute to this staggering capacity and availability and a 17.5% improvement reduction in our local rates.” of specialist practitioners from 2008 levels, where the supporting young people rate was 55.4 per 1,000. An increase in around sex and relationship Overall, Croydon has local prevention and education; and support shown a greater reduction in provided to pregnant its conception rates than the education programmes teenagers and teenage average both for London and being offered in schools, parents. for England and Wales colleges and youth since 1998. Kate Naish, Croydon’s services are starting public health lead for young to have a real impact people, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with these new Considerable investment figures, which represent the has been made to develop high priority Croydon Council new interventions and and NHS Croydon have enhance local services. placed on this joint strategy This work has included in recent years. new sexual health drop-ins www.croydon.gov.uk yoursafety 21

Refreshing drop in total crime Operation Refresh, launched last year, has continued to have a positive impact in areas in the north of the borough.

The initiative, involving this period and most serious University Hospital. We are On the theme of police and local partners violence has dropped by working with the hospital community engagement, I’m working together to tackle 24%. By contrast, burglary and council in an attempt also very excited to announce crime and antisocial has increased by about 12%. to make this happen. that we will be holding behaviour, is focused on There is clearly still Operation Refresh will be another open day at Croydon the wards of Bensham much work to do, but I’m continuing for the foreseeable Police Station on Sunday 3 Manor, Broad Green, confident we are moving future and, for me, the real July between 11am and 4pm. , Thornton Heath in the right direction. test is to see whether people Last year’s event was and West Thornton. As well as reducing who live and work in the a fantastic day and more I promised to keep you crime, we’re working hard area feel safer and more than 2,000 visitors came updated on the progress, to improve the look and feel confident in us to deal with through the doors. and, during the first six of the area. The local police crime or antisocial behaviour. We are hoping to top months of the operation, teams have worked with the We’ve already spoken that this year, so, if you’re since September 2010, I’m council’s Streetscene team to to communities in the area free, bring your friends pleased to say we’ve seen clean up various areas and and we’ll be going out to and family along – I look a 7% reduction in total this work will continue. them again over the next forward to seeing you. crime compared to the same We are also looking at few months to see what period the previous year. the possibility of putting a they think and feel in order Ch Supt Adrian Roberts Robbery is down by 5% in police team within Croydon to keep on improving. Croydon borough commander Dawn drugs raid nets pot plants The success of Operation Neighbourhood Teams, cannabis plants, Refresh was recently working together with thought to be worth in underlined with the close colleagues from the the region of £250,000 down of a Broad Green Territorial Support Group, were found growing cannabis factory. conducted the intelligence- inside the property. Police carried out a series led raids at four addresses in Two men were of dawn drugs raids resulting the north of the borough. arrested at the scene on in a large quantity of drugs A cannabis factory was suspicion of cultivating being recovered. uncovered at a commercial cannabis. They were Seized: these cannabis Police from the Broad premises in Bensham Lane. bailed pending further plants were uncovered at Green and Selhurst Safer Approximately 140 enquiries. premises in Broad Green Opening the cell doors

Have you ever wondered… the doors of Croydon police Visitors will be able to join as CSI, are not that far from How forensic examiners station are being thrown tours of the custody cells, and reality. find fingerprints? open to visitors on Sunday, 3 meet police dogs and horses All this and much more, July, between 11am and 4pm. and their handlers. including the chance to meet What do police dogs do A host of attractions, stalls Armed response officers and chat to your local officers when they are not sniffing and demonstrations will will demonstrate how they about the issues that might out criminals? reveal the answer to these deal with various situations, be affecting you or your What is life really like and other questions, and forensic examiners will community. behind bars for those who show what day-to-day life in reveal the tricks of their trade So, put the date in your commit crime? the building on Park Lane is and show how situations on diary and bring the whole Well, wonder no more – really like. popular TV cop shows, such family for a great day out. 22 yourdiary June 2011 | Your Croydon

Council meeting dates Venues Deadlines for public questions for forthcoming full council meetings (all start at 6.30pm). Central Library and Noon on the relevant deadline date. Meeting: Monday, 18 July Deadline: Monday, 4 July Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council website for daily hours) meeting, email it to [email protected] ; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the central-library council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; Telephone: 020 8726 6900 or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Email: [email protected] Museum – www. Scrutiny meetings (start at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, unless where stated) museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Meeting: 7 June Scrutiny and overview committee Email: [email protected] 5 July Community services and safety sub-committee 12 July Health, social care and housing sub-committee Fairfield Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG 19 July Scrutiny and overview committee/education focus Details: www.fairfield.co.uk For information on scrutiny, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email [email protected]. Telephone: 020 8688 9291 Email: [email protected] Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further information, go to www.croydononline.org/ccpcg Dingwall Road, Croydon CR0 2NF Forthcoming meeting dates are: Details: Wednesday, 6 July (AGM); Wednesday, 14 September: Wednesday, 16 November. www.warehousetheatre.co.uk Telephone: 020 8680 4060 Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at Email: www.croydon.gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil [email protected]

Sunday 5 June Saturday 25 June part of the Sanderstead to Worcester Close, Spring Park. The Big Lunch in Haling Grove Summer bird walk in Wood countryside area, Noon to 4.30pm. Bus: 194 Join the Friends of Haling Grove for Meet the Friends of 10am to 4pm. Come for an hour fun in the park – bring your own and members of the London Natural or the whole day, all equipment is Saturday 23 July picnic. For more information History Society, at 10am in the car provided by the countryside warden, Selsdon Wood bat and moth find the Friends of Haling Grove park in Old Farleigh Road, for a two- with a BBQ for all hard-working night. For details, contact on Facebook. hour walk. Bus:T33 volunteers. [email protected] For more information, Saturday 11 June Sunday 26 June call the countryside warden on Sunday 31 July Birds over Summer wildflowers and orchids 07771 715812 Hutchinson’s Bank open day Join the park ranger for a two-hour in Happy Valley Meet the sheep that graze the area, stroll over Addington Hills. Meet at Come in search of orchids and other Saturday 2 July see living moths and enjoy a guided noon in the main car park, by the colourful wild flowers on the scenic Butterflies and management of walk. Children will enjoy a mini-beast Chinese restaurant. slopes of Happy Valley. Hutchinson’s Bank safari and light refreshments will be Bus: 466; tram: Coombe Lane. Learn about the folklore and Two-hour walk with Peter Holiday, provided. This family fun day, from medicinal uses of our native flora. Hutchinson’s Bank volunteer. Meet 11am to 3pm, will be hosted by Saturday 11 June Meet the countryside warden at 11am at the junction of Featherbed the Old Surrey Downs Project and The orchids of 2pm, at the car Lane and Farleigh Dean Crescent. supported by the Hutchinson’s Bank Hutchinson’s Bank park, Ditches Lane, for this Grid ref: TQ 378 620. volunteer group. Contact 01737 Meet London Wildlife Trust volunteer 90-minute walk. Tram: New Addington terminus 733933 for more information. Martin Wills at 11am at the junction Bus: 404, 466; train: Coulsdon South, (line 3), then a five-minute walk to of Featherbed Lane and Farleigh then a one-mile walk along Downs Featherbed Lane. Dean Crescent, Addington. Road and Ditches Lane. Grid ref: TQ 378 620. Saturday 16 July Tram: New Addington terminus (line Sunday 26 June Millers Pond open day 3), then a five-minute walk to the Ragwort BBQ bonanza Join the friends’ group for a fun-filled entrance, off Farleigh Dean Crescent, Join us for the annual ragwort- family day out at the annual open off Featherbed Lane. removal bonanza in the Skylark Field, day. Entrances in Shirley Way and A www.croydon.gov.uk Croydon yourservices 23 B Your A to Z A-Zof council Directory services C D The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small E selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk A and follow the “A-Z of services” linkYour on the essential guide F Croydon B C right-hand side of the home page. A-Z Directory D to services E G Your essential guide F to services G Emergency planning Noise H We have a range of emergency How to make a complaint when I H J management plans for responding dogs, alarms, parties, construction K to major incidents and disasters. or other excessive noise causes a L nuisance. M Fly-tipping I N O We take fly-tipping seriously and Out-of-school activities P will prosecute anyone caught Extended schools offer a range Q J R illegally dumping waste. of services and activities, often S outside normal school hours, to T Graffiti help meet the needs of children, Elderly care U K V Graffiti is an illegal, antisocial their families and the wider W activity that creates a negative community. X L Y impression of an area and Z contributes to people’s fear Parking dispensations/ 1 of crime. suspensions What to do if you need parking M Household bulky waste restrictions suspended for funerals, Access to property – dropped We offer a collection service for building work or shop fitting. kerbs and crossover N certain large, non-recyclable items How to apply for a dropped kerb such as furniture or white goods. Roads – closures and outside your home or business. diversions O Interactive maps Information about scheduled Blue and green boxes – Based upon the council’s corporate road and pathway closures and recycling geographic information system diversions in the borough. P We provide blue and green boxes (GIS), it provides interactive Social services for door-to-door recycling of mapping that allows you to access Refuse Collection household waste. a variety of information. Health and social care information. Q

Complaints – procedure Jobs – local authority Trading standards R Provision of a means for local vacancies We aim to enforce and advise on residents and businesses to Find out about the latest council legislation designed to protect the comment or complain about job vacancies, access online consumer from dishonest traders. S any of the services we provide. application forms and sign up Fly-tipping for vacancy alerts. Vehicles, abandoned – Complaints may be about the reporting and procedures T quality of the service, delays Leisure centres How to report an abandoned or in providing the service, Swimming pools and sport & fitness untaxed vehicle. discrimination or the behaviour of centres in Croydon. U our staff or council representatives. Wasps We take customer complaints and Meals on wheels Pest control provides treatment Guided walks V appeals seriously and recognise The meals on wheels service for a range of common household their value as feedback on delivers meals to older or and garden pests. our services. vulnerable people in their own W homes on a short- or long-term Zoo licence Disabled parking basis, according to need. You need to apply for a licence If you have a blue badge you may to run a zoo – should you really X be able to apply for a disabled want to! parking bay. Y Z 1 YOUR CROYDON YOUR SAY QuestionTime Talk to Croydon’s decision makers

Improving parks… building schools… Q cutting crime… repairing roads … Come and talk directly to the people who make decisions about our borough’s future, and tell us how we can make your area a better place to live.

For more information visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/YourCroydonYourSay

Croydon Question Time - your chance to have your say, about your borough.

110127_Croydon_QuestionTime_DECAUX.indd 1 06/05/2011 12:09