Issue 54 - June 2012

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

Croydon's summer of fun pages 12 & 13 Photo: Guy Milnes Photography Have a diamond street party See page 10 Day centre marks 60th anniversary See page 16 2 yourcroydon June 2012 | Your Croydon

Contents Useful contacts For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Olympic Torch route . . . .9 Croydon Council general enquiries On 23 July, the Olympic Torch will be 020 8726 6000 making its way through Croydon en route to the summer’s biggest sporting Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre extravaganza. 020 3040 0800 NHS Direct Celebrate the Queen’s big date . . 10 0845 4647 Croydon University Hospital The borough is on celebration 020 8401 3000 alert as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is marked with street parties and the lighting of a Get in touch beacon. To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: [email protected] Summer events ...... 12 or call 020 8760 5644 Music, theatre, comedy, food and fashion are just If you have any concerns or observations some of the attractions lined up for a summer of regarding the distribution or delivery of festivals around the borough. We have the wheres Your Croydon, please send an email to [email protected] and the whens. or call 020 7372 4776

Your Croydon welcomes letters for publication. Day centre’s diamond service . . . 16 They should be no more than 200 words. Receipt of a letter (in print or by email) does not guarantee It’s not only Her Majesty who is celebrating a 60th inclusion. The right to edit letters is reserved, as anniversary – a local charity has been helping people is the editor’s right of reply. Letters from known with severe disabilities since 1952. politicians and political groups will not be published. Post your letters, including your name and address, to Your Croydon, 7th Floor, , Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS. There’s football, too...... 18 As well as hosting the Take advantage of our Olympics, this summer will also see the national team contesting Euro competitive advertising rates 2012 in eastern Europe. Learn how to celebrate safely in Croydon. FULL HALF QUARTER page from £1,260 page from £630 page from £315 183x270mm 183x127mm 90x127mm If you would like your business to benefit from advertising Competition ...... 22 in one of the country’s leading community publications and would like more information, a copy of our rate card or a You could win tickets to see the booking form, please call: Paula Howell ✆ 020 8760 5644 nuntastic stage production of Sister This publication is printed on environmentally friendly, Act at the . TCF (totally chlorine free) paper, produced from a sustainable source. When you have finished with this newspaper please recycle it. 111043/150M/3 www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydon 3 Croydon’s summer of festive spirit

Summer is shaping up join in the pre-games celebrations on Monday, 23 July, when the Olympic to be a fantastic time for Torch is carried through Croydon. For celebrations and sporting information about the route, and how glory as the UK prepares to to get involved, see page 9. commemorate the Queen’s We’ve been able to deliver some good news for Croydon’s parents Diamond Jubilee, before recently by focusing on delivering the We’ll be welcoming the world to things that you’ve told us matter to welcoming fans to London for the Olympic you – and one of your top priorities enjoy the hospitality Games and Paralympics. is investment in education and young of Croydon’s people. Over the coming months, Croydon restaurants and As a result, we plan to build a new . will be joining the party with a fun- secondary school on the site of the bars packed schedule of events for local former General Hospital in London people. See page 12 for what’s on. Road, Broad Green. The school will A royal start to the summer will see cater for pupils aged 11 to 19, and offer thousands of Croydon residents join the a sixth form for 180 students. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations In total, we’re planning to spend by taking part in the Big Jubilee Lunch. some £77m, both on this project and More than 100 street parties will be the expansion of several existing taking place locally over the extended schools, providing the 660 extra weekend of 2 to 5 June. secondary places that will be needed And, on Bank Holiday Monday, the annually in just a few years’ time. council will light a beacon on the roof And there’s welcome news for of Taberner House to mark the Queen’s parents with younger families too as truly remarkable 60-year reign. the council has managed to secure the Football kicks off a summer of future of 25 out of 26 of Croydon’s sport on 8 June with the European children’s centres This, despite a 25% Championships – and we’ll be cut in funding and fears that many faced welcoming fans to enjoy the hospitality closure. of Croydon’s restaurants and bars. Thanks to the thousands of people The council and the police have been taking part in the consultations we were working together to make sure this able to restructure the management will be an enjoyable family-orientated of the centres to protect the much celebration. Troublemakers will not be valued services. welcome. Croydon then joins the rest of the country in welcoming competitors and visitors from across the globe to London for the Olympic Games and Paralympics. As the excitement Councillor Mike Fisher continues to build locally, you can Leader of the council 4 yournews June 2012 | Your Croydon £2m budget guarantees school repairs

Despite tough financial schools have been prioritised scheduled are: roofing and Woodside Junior; and pressures, Croydon’s schools to be fixed before the start of projects at Applegarth Juniors, replacement of windows at will benefit from a major the next school year as part of Castle Hill Primary, Greenvale Spring Park Primary. programme of repairs a five-year plan. Primary, Red Gates, and While the council looks following the council’s This follows the successful Wolsey Junior; repairs to the after these major projects, agreement of a £2m major completion of a programme heating systems of Beulah schools each have the repairs budget. of urgent works that were Infants, Rowdown Primary, responsibility for carrying Windows, roofs and carried out last year. Heavers Farm, out minor repairs to their heating systems at a dozen Among the major works Manor Primary, St Giles, premises.

Violin superstar debuts with LMP Euro 2012 Fairfield is the venue selected scenes he witnessed during comes to for Viennese violinist 1939 outside his home – Benjamin Schmid to make the marching of Jewish Croydon his debut with Croydon’s prisoners to the infamous It may not be Poland or the resident orchestra, the concentration camp Dachau, Ukraine, but London Mozart Players from which many never will be the focus of local (LMP). returned. football in June when it Schmid’s performance Schmid performs in the hosts a football competition of Concerto Funebre, a rare UK with LMP as part of a to mark the European performance of the German busy 2012 tour schedule Championships. 20th century work, will that includes dates in Japan, The Croydon Euro 2012 mark the continued close Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland Festival 5-a-side Football partnership with LMP music and Austria. Tournament will be staged director Gérard Korsten Tickets for the 19 May across Saturday and Sunday, and acclaimed international composer K.A Hartmann, concert, costing from £12 16 and 17 June, and is open soloists. that is rarely heard in the to £31.50, are available from to teams from across Croydon Concerto Funebre is a UK. the Fairfield box office, either who may be looking to fascinating work with a Hartmann wrote the online at www.fairfield.co.uk emulate the national team unique history by German piece in response to the or by calling 020 8688 9291 when it travels to eastern Europe for this summer’s big competition. Saturday will be given over to the youth tournament, Summer in the city for players aged from 13 to 16, with Sunday’s Stumped as to how to keep from 23 July to 10 August. be £45, with a registration/ fixtures forming the adult the kids entertained over the It aims to help children administration fee of £20. tournament. long summer break? aged from nine to 15 years Siblings will be charged £40. The deadline for team A local group’s summer with their school work, Registration forms can applications is Thursday, scheme could be just what providing exciting activities be obtained by calling 31 May, with a £5 non­ you need. and day trips. 020 8771 9700, emailing refundable deposit required -based A fully qualified teacher, cacfo.smschool@hotmail. from each team. Croydon African Caribbean coordinator and play leader com or in person at the Cacfo For more information, email Family Organisation (Cacfo) will run the summer school, reception at 40 Northwood croydoneuro2012festival@ will be hosting the scheme for which the weekly fee will Road, Thornton Heath. gmail.com Godric Rocks in A new children’s play area Designed to blend with the nearby playground. made from more than 50 landscape, it will be a great Aimed mainly at four to tonnes of Purbeck stone is place to relax and a fantastic 11-year-olds, the scheme is being installed by the council place for imaginative children part of the council’s “Parks to at Addington Vale. to play. be proud of” project which is Named after nearby Godric A large cluster of boulders bringing new play facilities, Crescent, Godric Rocks will be at the top of the hill will flower and tree planting, and a substantial new feature for appear to spill down the extra seating to Addington local people. slope, leading children to the Vale and Milne Park. www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 5 New school for former hospital site

A new secondary school is The new school will cater for planned for the site of the pupils aged 11 to 19, with six former General Hospital in classes in each year and a sixth London Road, Broad Green. form catering for 180 students. The council is in This will go some way the process of seeking toward providing the 660 government funding to extra secondary places that cover the project’s expected are expected to be needed in Photograph: Will Baker £22.2m building costs. It is Croydon by 2019. projected that the new school The extra places are being will welcome students in looked for at existing schools September 2015. where there is a possibility In the meantime, the of building new classrooms. authority is negotiating with The cost of these expansions Busy: five-year- old Rory Gibson the site’s current owner, the could cost the council lends a hand South London and Maudsley another £35.5m, although it NHS Trust, over the purchase is hoped that the Department Volunteers of the site – which is valued for Education will foot at spring into at £6m. least part of the bill. park action Reprieve for children’s centres A wild cornflower meadow will be a feature All but one of Croydon’s This news will be The of a Crystal Palace park 26 highly-valued children’s welcomed by parents who centre, run by Barnardos, following a day’s hard centres are to be kept open may have feared that the will cease to operate, but work from a team of despite the loss of more than reduction in budget from families will be able to use volunteers. 25% of funding. £4.6m to £3.5m could result others nearby. The 30 -strong team A range of new in the closure of many Barnardos requested weeded, tidied and approaches will be centres. the council cease funding planted the meadow in implemented, with the main Children’s centre services because it had already lost Westow Park with seeds cost savings being achieved are being developed to support from elsewhere – donated by the Royal by outreach work and the ensure that all families in leaving the operation no Horticultural Society’s sharing of managers by the area feel welcome and longer financially viable, It’s Your Neighbourhood centres. have easy access to services. even with Croydon’s backing. initiative. Meanwhile, in another corner of the park, raised flowerbeds were Thomas More boys bag a bronze constructed from logs, and the first seedlings Despite not having “played volleyball player Darius because a lot of the boys were planted in the Edible much volleyball before”, a Setsoafia, won the match haven’t played much Garden. Purley school took bronze 25-9, leaving Thomas More to volleyball before and, on the Local mum and in the recent London Youth take home the bronze medal. day, they played brilliant gardener Miranda Games. Bernie Gannon, and showed good Munday said: “This park The Thomas More School Thomas More PE sportsmanship.” always had potential, but team beat Redden Court, teacher, said: “It was a I use it a lot more now Havering; Langley Park great competition in a than I used to. School for Boys, Bromley; and brilliant environment “Since the Friends of Kingsford Community School, and all the Westow Park started, the Newham; before going down boys played a playground has got much to The Elmgreen School, really good better, so it gets used Lambeth. tournament – more. In the quarter-final, they did really “The park is prettier Thomas More played a great well to get to the too, because of the match to defeat East Barnet semi-finals. flowerbeds, wildlife 25-14 but met their match “I’m planting and all the new in the semi-final when they delighted trees – and more people came up against eventual to get a are using the park now, so winners Ernest Bevin College, bronze it feels really safe.” Wandsworth. Bevin, coached by England 6 yourhealth June 2012 | Your Croydon Changing for the better

Health services in Croydon are in transition, and a Croydon GP says they will leave the borough better equipped to deal with current and future challenges.

With health services across “Despite the many among the first in London to the board facing fundamental uncertainties with the reforms have access to the new NHS change, NHS Croydon’s nationally, Croydon GPs 111 telephone service for approach is to drive local have quietly risen to the dual residents needing advice that transformation by improving challenge of deficit reduction does not warrant use of the quality, effectiveness and and CCG development while emergency 999 service. patient experience – and doing making a difference with a Combined, these changes it affordably. vision of sustainability and place Croydon in a position That is the assurance given service redesign (not cuts), to develop a more joined- by Dr Agnelo Fernandes, through innovation and an up and integrated Urgent & who, with Dr Tony Brzezicki, improvement in quality.” Emergency Care system, which is joint clinical commissioning Among imminent changes will be easier for patients to lead for Croydon Healthcare are Croydon University navigate and ensure continual Consortium, the borough's new Hospital’s new Urgent Care improvement of quality of health commissioning group. Centre, and projects to improve services. Getting the NHS Croydon is developing the responsiveness of daytime Dr Fernandes said: “Getting “whole-system integrated GP surgeries to patients with the voluntary sector involved, voluntary sector care”, pulling together physical urgent care needs. and recognising the role of involved, and and mental health, and social Working together, the carers will be integral to care, at the level of patients. council and the CCG have service development. recognising the The frail elderly, children and worked on a number of new “Additionally, removal of role of carers will be families have been identified as services, including a community duplication and waste, the priorities. ophthalmic service, offering streamlining of overlapping integral to service Dr Fernandes said: “The cataract operations in the services, and a redesign of development. level of involvement of local GP community; a new community- services where needed, will practices with the new clinical based psychological service; result in more holistic and Dr Fernandes commissioning group (CCG) is and expansion of a community joined-up care for patients in better developed in Croydon gynaecology service. Croydon, making the best use than in many other areas. And Croydon residents are of available resources.” www.croydon.gov.uk yourborough 7 Looking at the Observatory A council resource could tell you pretty much everything you want to know about Croydon and how it works. Have you ever had a question particular topic, a resident about the local health situation? looking for information about Maybe you needed their area, or a trader thinking information on the number of opening a shop in one of the of households there are in borough’s district centres. Croydon. Voluntary and community Or, perhaps, you were sector workers access the researching social care for older site when they require people locally. local evidence for funding If any of the above situations applications, and elected – along with a host of others – members and their constituents has ever applied to you, a visit refer to it when they would to the Croydon Observatory like to be informed about local could well have met your initiatives. needs. It also helps the council In common with many to understand the needs and local authorities, Croydon preferences of residents, and has set up a website – www. to offer the right services to Croydon Observatory: the portal to all things Croydon croydonobservatory.org the right people, ultimately – that contains all sorts of delivering better value for to access the information they have to devote many hours to information and analyses of money. need directly and may work providing answers. local and national matters. Martin Ellender, the to reduce the number of FoI “In short, we hope that the And that information can be council’s head of strategy and requests the council receives, site will become a one-stop accessed by anybody, whether performance, said: “The site each of which impacts council shop for all information about it’s a student researching a gives residents the opportunity taxpayers insofar as officers the borough.”

Are you killing with kindness?

The money you give to people begging is likely to be spent on heroin, crack cocaine and alcohol. Don’t line the pockets of drug dealers – support your local homelessness charity instead.

Phone 020 7870 8855 to report a sighting of a homeless person, so the outreach team can help. To donate, volunteer, or for more information, visit www.thamesreach.org.uk 8 yourfuture June 2012 | Your Croydon Saving the planet from the bottom up! Local mums who are passionate about reducing the amount of nappy waste sent to landfill are celebrating a scheme offering other young mothers the chance to try real nappies for free.

Parents can now apply for can try real nappies for centuries for a single a voucher that will help to free and see the difference nappy to decompose – and DID YOU KNOW? save both money and the it makes not only to their showing the many washable environment. pockets, but also to the alternatives that are In 2010 there were Croydon Real Nappy amount of waste that goes available. 5,536 children born Network has won funding into the landfill bin. Real nappies aren’t just in Croydon. from Team London, the The group is run by local good for the environment If each of those children Mayor’s volunteering Mums who are passionate but also save parents money used six nappies a day, programme, allowing about the advantages of and provide a healthier they would get through Croydon residents to apply real nappies – it can take alternative to disposables. 42 each week. Roughly, for a free £30 voucher to Croydon Real Nappy those 42 nappies would put toward buying washable Network offers free, impartial fi ll a black bin bag, nappies (at selected retailers information and advice and resulting in 52 while stocks last). hosts an information stand at full bin liners Real nappies have come Croydon University Hospital produced by a long way since the days on the first Wednesday of each child in its of plastic pants, nappy pins each month. first year of life. and terry towelling, with To find out more, x 52 per year funky designs and a variety arrange a visit or get an That’s a lot of of styles to ensure that even application form for the landfill that could the most discerning bottom is £30 voucher, email info@ be avoided with the well catered for. croydonrealnappies.org use of real nappies. Using the voucher, parents or call 07811 405606 Watching over the neighbourhood Do you have a keen sense of community? Are you a good neighbour who looks out for the people who live nearby? Would you like to see further reductions in crime?

If you answered “Yes” to It is also about looking the CroydonEye to their If you would like to get any of those questions, out for one another to neighbours three times a involved and become a Croydon Borough reduce the risk of crime in year. coordinator for a watch to Neighbourhood Watch your area. “Some go further in cover households in your Association (CBNWA) would The association’s disseminating weekly crime area, or you just want to like to hear from you. Malcolm Saunders said: alerts and, if appropriate, find out more, call the The aim of CBNWA is to “The group is successful informing neighbours of Neighbourhood Watch office prevent crime by improving but is in need of more current scams, or other on 020 8649 0168. security, increasing volunteers to act as criminal activity in their Alternatively, visit vigilance, creating and coordinators to keep area.” www.cbnwa.com maintaining a caring households in their ‘watch’ community, and reducing informed about crime the opportunities for crime. prevention measures via Some useful phone numbers It is about keeping the CroydonEye newsletter Neighbourhood Watch office 020 8649 0168 residents aware of crime- and other sources of prevention measures, information. Non - emergency police response 101 typical distraction burglary “As a minimum, we ask CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111 methods, and scams. our coordinators to deliver www.croydon.gov.uk yourOlympics 9 Rooting for the Olympic flame The route that the Olympic Torchbearers will take through the borough has been finalised – why not line the streets they will be running and cheer them on?

We are now almost at the stage of counting hours – rather than days, weeks or months – to London 2012, The Olympic Torch will enter Croydon from Bromley and Olympics fervour is steadily mounting. at 11.37am on 23 July via Crystal Palace park. Locally, the pre-games excitement is likely to reach its peak on Monday, 23 July, when the Olympic Torch Its journey across the borough will take it through , will be carried through Croydon before continuing central Croydon and along before turning left onto Croydon its journey to the Olympic Stadium for the opening Road and on into Sutton. ceremony four days later. The full route is: Upper Norwood, Thornton Heath and North End • Church Road, Upper Norwood • Mint Walk will be the best places to see the Olympic Flame as it is • South Norwood Hill • High Street, Croydon carried through the borough. • White Horse Lane • Lower Coombe Street And charity fundraiser Jonathan Dean, from • High Street, Thornton Heath • Davenant Road , was recently announced as Croydon’s • Brigstock Road • Road first confirmed inspirational Torchbearer for the • London Road • Warrington Road Olympic Torch Relay (see boxed copy). • North End, central Croydon • Back onto Duppas Hill Road It is expected that thousands of people will turn out • Katharine Street • Purley Way on the day to cheer Jon and his fellow torchbearers as • Fell Road • Croydon Road, into Sutton they make their way through the borough’s streets.

Running with the flame Nominated by his daughter Beccy, Jon Dean is an active community fundraiser, a foster parent and a champion for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. He said he was delighted to receive the news that he will have the privilege of carrying the Olympic Torch. “I was over the moon when I got the news,” said the 54-year-old from Sanderstead, who is also an Olympic volunteer for the driving team. “I don’t yet know which leg I’ll be running, but, wherever it is, it’ll be a memorable experience.” No stranger to a pair of running shoes, Jon has completed the London marathon on a number of occasions and, three years ago, successfully tackled the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge with his two daughters. “In 2009, my sister and I joined him in completing the challenge – in 23 hours 56 minutes,” said Beccy. “This was an amazing success for us, and was only achieved by him encouraging us to sprint down the last mountain –– Ben Nevis to complete the task in the 24-hour time limit and raise over £10,000 for the Mind charity.” 10 yourdiamondjubilee June 2012 | Your Croydon Have a diamond street party The crowning glory of this year’s royal diamond jubilee celebrations will be the lighting of a beacon in central Croydon.

Over the weekend of 2 to 60 years as the United 5 June, more than 10,000 Kingdom’s head of state. Croydon’s borough residents are Croydon’s beacon will beacon will be lit on expected to celebrate the be lit on the roof of council Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. headquarters Taberner the roof of council Croydon Council is House, and will be one of a headquarters expecting the staging of network of more than 2,012 more than 100 events in the to be lit by communities and Taberner House, borough, with 85 registered, others throughout the United and will be one of so far, from north to south, Kingdom. east to west. Additionally, the Town a network of more The next edition of Your Hall will be lit up and than 2,012 to be lit Croydon will feature pictures decorated in bunting. and stories from a number The council will also be by communities and of the events, so keep an eye switching on light cannons in open for delivery, at the end parks in the north and south others throughout the of July. of the borough, firing beams of United Kingdom. Two of the highlights of light 300m into the night sky. the weekend will take place As part of this celebration, on Sunday, 3, and Monday, the council is encouraging all 4 June. residents to get involved with This year’s Big Lunch – recording this historic event. rechristened for 2012, the Pictures and stories can Big Jubilee Lunch – will take be sent to data.equalities@ place on the Sunday. The Big croydon.gov.uk and the best Jubilee Lunch encourages submissions will appear neighbours, particularly in in the next edition of Your this special year, to sit down Croydon. and enjoy eating together and For further information getting to know each other. about what is happening At about 10.15 on the nationally, visit www. following evening, the diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk council, like organisations The council will release across the country, will light further information on the a beacon to celebrate Her beacon event in Croydon at Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee www.croydon.gov.uk once – marking an astonishing details have been finalised. www.croydon.gov.uk yourdiamondjubilee 11 Have a diamond street party

Diamond Jubilee weekend Saturday, 2, to Tuesday, 5 June The Big Jubilee Lunch is part of the offi cial programme of events supported by Buckingham Palace over the extra-long jubilee celebration weekend. Among other events are: • a performance on the Saturday by The Diamond Jubilee Massed Male Choir, comprising the Croydon Male Voice Choir joined by 10 other choirs and totalling more than 400 voices. The concert is at Fairfield, starting at 7.30pm; • choral evensong at , on Sunday at 6.30pm. All will be welcome, and further details are available at www.croydonminster.org or by calling 020 8688 8104; • also on Sunday, the Thames Jubilee Pageant will see 1,000 craft from around the UK assembled on the Thames; • a televised concert will take place at Buckingham Palace, and 2,012 beacons will be lit on the Monday; and • Tuesday will see a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, and a formal procession by the Queen. To find out more, visit www.royal.gov.uk or http://tinyurl.com/cb73d84 12 yourspace June 2012 | Your Croydon Music in parks… and theatre in a car park

With the national spotlight shining on events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, we look at the summer line-up a little closer to home.

June is shaping up to be a great month for culture in Croydon. There will be jazzy grooves in Haling Grove, and the promise of an eclectic mix of reggae, funk, ska, rock and blues at Westow Park. Last year To top it all, there will even be international theatre in, of all places, a multi-storey car park. some 4,000 people And with the recent announcement that the national Oxjam music festival is set to hit town in October – cunningly branded CROxjam for the local leg (www.croxjam.com) – Croydon promises turned up – and to be alive with activity right through to the autumn. this year numbers Left: a scene of bucolic bliss in Westow Park at last year’s Overground are expected to be Festival. Below: a rockabilly trio slap and twang outside The White Hart, well beyond that Church Road. as the word has definitely got out that this is one hot (and free) ticket.

Crystal Palace Overground Festival Westow Park and Crystal Palace Triangle 13-16 June www.crystalpalacefestival.org

Perched high on the hill at the northern tip of Croydon, Crystal Palace straddles four boroughs and is home to a thriving artistic community. For four days in the middle of June, the triangle will be humming to hundreds of different tunes, as bands and DJs deliver their musical magic to the sixth annual Overground Festival. Last year some 4,000 people turned up – and this year numbers are expected to be well beyond that as the word has definitely got out that this is one hot (and free) ticket. Poetry, comedy, theatre, film, food and fashion – all will be found in abundance around the main shopping area. This sits alongside the arts and crafts, sports, kids’ activities, food stalls and bars that will spring up around the main music stage in Westow Park on the afternoon of 16 June. www.croydon.gov.uk yourspace 13 Music in parks… and theatre in a car park

London International Festival of Theatre and the Perpenata Theatre Company present Unfinished Dream Unfinished Dream Q-Park multi-storey car park, Surrey Street, Croydon 21 June to 1 July Croydon Summer Festival – Jubilee Special www.croydon.gov.uk/lift featuring the Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Hamid Pourazari is one of the most exciting independent Haling Grove, theatre makers currently working in Iran. 23 June His work with some of Tehran's most marginalised communities is visceral, visual and unashamedly bold. www.croydonfestival.co.uk London International Festival of Theatre has commissioned Hamid, with Perpenata Theatre Company, to At just £10 a ticket, or £25 for a limited number of VIP create a new work in what it sees as one of London's most seats, the new Croydon Summer Festival is launched for the contrasting boroughs – where wealthy commuters jostle Diamond Jubilee and represents excellent value for money, with refugee communities. packing a great bill of jazz, blues and soul into a single day. Through poetic storytelling and inventive promenade The Pasadena Roof Orchestra will headline, bringing big- performances, Hamid will reveal some of the hidden and band swing to this beautiful corner of Croydon. moving stories of refugees whose lives are currently in With more than 40 years and 30 records under their limbo, all showcased within the unusual concrete confines belts, the orchestra is absolutely certain to have everyone up of the Q-Park multi-storey car park, tucked away behind and dancing to infectious beats born out of the exuberant . dancehall bands of the roaring '20s. For more information and tickets: [ 020 8688 9291 The Dave Markee Quintet, The Phil Singleton Octet, Kocoa Brown, Jessi Markee, and the Trinity School Big Band are among the other performers sharing the stage, and there will, of course, be the almost obligatory marquee bar and the promise of some excellent food. 14 yourrights June 2012 | Your Croydon Benefits changes ­

Changes to the benefits system will take effect in the near future, so it is important to be prepared for what is going to happen. The majority of people currently in receipt of benefits are likely to be affected by changes mooted for the benefits system – and they face a difficult time ahead if they are not fully aware of what is planned. Croydon Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is committed to helping local people get the information, advice and support they need to get through the changes being made.

What’s Should I start happening and how worrying now? will it affect me? There is no need to worry There are a lot of changes now as these changes will in the pipeline and some are happen gradually and already happening. everyone will be told how Without going into they will be affected and detail about all of them, what they need to do. here are some bits of useful information to get started What should with: • single people (with no I do? children) under the age of The important thing is to 35 will generally get only watch out for the changes and enough money through the expect that you will receive housing benefit system to letters and information pay for a single room in a about them. shared house; If you are the sort of • people on Incapacity person who does not open Benefit will be moved their letters, now is a good on to Employment and time to change. Support Allowance or, if The first time you will appropriate, given help to hear about the changes is get back into work; through a letter from the Job • a new benefit called Centre or the council, and it Universal Credit will should tell you what is going replace Income Support, to happen and what you need Housing Benefit, Child to do about it. Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, some Employment and Support Allowance What if I don’t and some Job Seekers understand the Allowance; letters I get? • Council Tax Benefit will change and support for If you are sent a letter you paying council tax will be don’t understand, you will given in a new way by the usually find a phone number local council; and you can ring to get more information. • Disability Living Allowance In addition, you can always will change into a new ask a friend for help or get the benefit called Personal The important thing is to watch support and advice you need Independence Payments. out for the changes and expect from CAB or another local advice agency. that you will receive letters and information about them. www.croydon.gov.uk youryourrightsnews 1515 get the help you need

and would like to know more, How can contact the CAB training I get help from team on: 020 8683 5212 or write to the Thornton Heath the CAB? office (at the address, left). The best way to get help is to Further information and write to either the Thornton help can be obtained from: Heath or New Addington • www.adviceguide.org.uk office, asking for help and (the CAB website, full of giving a daytime telephone useful information) number so you can be • Croydon Council: www. contacted. croydon.gov.uk/advice/ • Thornton Heath CAB, benefits/claim (to check Strand House, Zion Road, your eligibility to claim Thornton Heath CR7 8RG Housing Benefit and • New Addington CAB, 1 Council Tax Benefit online) Overbury Crescent, New • Croydon Council welfare Addington CR0 0LR rights team: 0800 731 5920 (freephone telephone What if I don’t advice line) or visit www. croydon.gov.uk/advice/ need any help? benefits/welfare-benefits/ If you don’t need any help, • Jobcentre Plus: 0800 then the CAB probably needs 0556688 (to claim yours. Jobseekers’ Allowance and Many people don’t realise other benefits) that the CAB is a charity and • Tax Credit helpline: 0845 the service is run mainly by 300 3900 (to claim Tax volunteers. Credits) Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills or use the ones you already have, full training and support is always given and satisfaction is guaranteed. If you can give some time Yvonne’s story Yvonne contacted the CAB having lost her When Pension Credit stopped, CAB job at the age of 64. She had suffered a heart stepped in to help Yvonne contact the Pension attack following the death of her husband, and Service and provide the information from her had multiple health issues. occupational pension that it was requesting. Yvonne had never claimed benefits and She was helped with a claim for Disability had no savings, but she did have a small Living Allowance, which was granted after an occupational pension. appeal. She was living in a privately rented flat and Her son decided to live with her as she was concerned that she could no longer afford needed significant care. her rent, even though she had claimed her state In view of this change of circumstances, her retirement pension. benefit entitlement was recalculated, and her She was scared that she might be put out on son was advised of his entitlement to Carers the street or put into a home. Allowance. Yvonne’s benefit entitlement was checked With these benefits Yvonne and her son are and she was helped to claim her Pension able to continue living in her home and know Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax that they can receive further assistance if their b e n e fi .t circumstances change again. 16 yourcommunity June 2012 | Your Croydon Diamond service from day centre

The economic crisis is hitting most of us in one way or another, and the loss of work contracts is a blow for an established local charity as it marks a notable anniversary.

We’re now looking for alternatives and would welcome enquiries from any local firm that may have suitable work. It might include jobs that are uneconomical or monotonous for the firm to do itself, but may be of Providing care and support, and assembling Remembrance Day water’s an excellent base for offering confidence-boosting poppies, and light clerical tasks. exercise, providing a relaxing huge benefit to our work opportunities for its users, Such work helps the and fun environment for clients. The Garwood Foundation has centre’s clients feel they have movement by decreasing been providing an invaluable made a real contribution, and muscle spasm, relieving service in Croydon since 1952. benefits them by maintaining pain and increasing range of However, as it celebrates manual and mental dexterity. movement.” its diamond anniversary, the Sadly, however, those Another important foundation, like so many others, opportunities are now service is physiotherapy, the is feeling the economic pinch. under threat. treatment helping clients Based in South Croydon, Ros Molla, the centre’s to maintain mobility and the charity provides a wide manager, said: “The centre’s strength. range of services for local users have benefited from In addition to Bramley Hill, adults and children with doing work for a major The Garwood Foundation profound and multiple construction company and has two charity shops – in disabilities, their families the Royal British Legion for South Croydon and and carers. many years, Sadly, because – and two other centres – And its Bramley Hill of a change in production Jean Garwood House and Centre, one of Croydon’s practices, we’re about to lose Rutherford School. leading day-care centres, both contracts. Jean Garwood House is a offers users a friendly and “We’re now looking for residential home for as many supportive environment with a alternatives and would welcome as 14 adults with physical balance of work opportunities, enquiries from any local firm and learning disabilities, and therapies and social activities that may have suitable work. sensory impairments. for people with cerebral palsy, “It might include jobs Rutherford School is a degenerative and acquired that are uneconomical or specialist school for pupils disabilities. monotonous for the firm to aged from two to 19 years The centre’s aim is to do itself, but may be of huge with profound and multiple encourage confidence, benefit to our clients.” learning difficulties, complex develop skills and to motivate If your company can medical needs, degenerative individuals to use their help, call 020 8686 4716 conditions and additional abilities to the full, enabling or email bramleyhill@ sensory impairments. them to maintain a good garwoodfoundation.org.uk Please remember – this quality of life. Such work is vital to help is Croydon’s local charity The dedicated staff the funding of the centre’s providing support for local work to help users develop facilities, among the newest of people with disabilities. For a range of skills, including which is hydrotherapy. more information, visit www. light engineering, packing, Ros said: “The warm garwoodfoundation.org.uk www.croydon.gov.uk yourcommunity 17 Diamond service from day centre

LOUISE

A wheelchair user, Louise has been a member of the Bramley Hill Centre for six years.

She is always happy, popular and sociable, and enjoys circulating around the centre, chatting with all her friends. A member of the art group (run by volunteers from the Art Society), Louise joins in the adult education lessons (including numeracy, literacy and computer skills), enjoys using the Nintendo Wii – especially the dance program – and, with support, has cooked simple meals and cakes in the centre’s training kitchen. Louise takes part in trips to Croydon Arena, to use its adapted bikes, and outings to an adapted canal boat on the River Wey, in Guildford, but her greatest achievement has been the successful completion of the bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Louise assembling poppies

ANTONY

Jean Garwood House is the foundation’s residential home, and Antony, who lives there, has been at the centre since 1974.

He enjoys the home’s congenial and supportive atmosphere, outings, and holidays in the foundation’s adapted caravan at Pagham, in West Sussex. He attends the day centre five days a week, and his favourite activity is the weekly woodwork group, which produces items such as bird tables, model trains and chess boards. He especially enjoys the light engineering and packing jobs. Antony walks using a forearm frame and maintains his mobility by regular use of the centre’s Motomed, a piece of kit that can be pedalled by arms, as well as legs.

Antony on the Motomed 18 yoursafety June 2012 | Your Croydon Kicking off a safe summer of sport The European Championships herald a summer sporting bonanza, and the council and police are working to ensure all enjoy it safely. Top tips for a safe night out Come to Croydon to enjoy policing operation in Croydon Black cabs are the Euro Championships for Euro 2012, said: “The • plan your journey – the only vehicles this summer – but if you’re overriding message from us check the TfL website thinking of causing trouble, is that we want people to for last trains or buses, that are licensed stay away. come to Croydon, watch the or book a cab before to pick up passengers That is the stark message football and have a good you go out to get you from Croydon police and time. home again; without pre-booking.” Croydon Council ahead “If, however, any choose of this year’s big footie to cause trouble, we will • if you’re in a group, tournament. have officers on hand to deal think about having a The adoption of a joined- robustly with troublemakers.” designated driver who up approach worked well in Anybody intending to won’t be drinking and Croydon during 2010’s World watch the football at a bar can drive you home Cup tournament, and the or pub in Croydon, should safely; police and local authority are plan the evening in advance • don’t use unlicensed hopeful of a repeat success. to help to make sure they get cabs – only get into a The police and the home safely. minicab that you have council’s licensing teams Ch Insp Slade said: “A ordered; and have been working with pubs lot of fans will have a beer and bars across the borough or two when they’re out, so • keep your valuables to remind them of their thinking about the journey safe when you’re out responsibilities to prevent home should be a priority and about – take only any alcohol-related antisocial – either public transport or what you really need behaviour in and around pre-booking a taxi is a good with you, and keep their venues ahead of the idea. your valuables with tournament’s 8 June kick-off. “It’s also wise to keep you at all times. They have also been your valuables with you at offering tips and advice on all times, and out of sight, so how to reduce the possibility you don’t become a target for of trouble, such as employing an opportunist thief. extra door staff for the big “And only use a pre- games, and using plastic booked minicab. When glasses on match days. getting into a cab you have There will be additional not ordered, you’re getting officers on patrol in Croydon into a stranger’s car. on match days, with the aim “Black cabs are the only of keeping fans safe. vehicles that are licensed to Chief Inspector Duncan pick up passengers without Slade, in charge of the pre-booking.” It’s wise to keep your valuables with you at all times, and out of sight, so you don’t become a target for an opportunist thief. www.croydon.gov.uk yoursafety 19

Keeping Croydon safe this summer

As you read this, the Euro sure that people have a we will be focusing more with our focus firmly on 2012 football championships, safe and enjoyable time of our resources on our providing our victims with a being held in Poland and the celebrating these events, Neighbourhood Policing quality service, and arresting Ukraine, will be underway. both in Croydon and across Teams in the coming months. and convicting our offenders. Although the England London. What you will see from The Neighbourhood team’s preparations have We are also determined the autumn onward will be Policing Teams will be more been far from ideal, Croydon’s not to give criminals any more officers on your local embedded in their local police have been busy opportunity to commit Neighbourhood Policing community and will get to preparing for the tournament offences in Croydon during Teams, and that these officers know what the local issues for many months. this period, and I want to will be more visible and will are, especially the issues that Our message is – come reassure you that we have be investigating more crimes might not be serious crime, to Croydon if you want to put in place a number of in their wards. but antisocial behaviour watch the football and enjoy measures to ensure that we Alongside these teams, we issues that often cause people yourself, but don’t come here deliver our normal day-to­ will still have our specialist the most anxiety and fear. looking for trouble. day policing alongside these CID investigative teams I am excited about these We will have a robust events. that will be responsible for changes and am looking policing operation in place to The other thing I wanted investigating more serious forward to being able to deal with any individuals that to talk about this month crimes like robbery, burglary, deliver a more flexible and do cause any trouble, and you concerns the changes to domestic violence and serious responsive police service to will be arrested. the way we carry out local violent crime, and we will you. Euro 2012 is the first policing across Croydon after still have our emergency In the meantime, of many major events this the Olympics. response teams that will be have a safe and enjoyable summer, and with the The Met’s commissioner dealing with urgent calls and summer of celebration. Diamond Jubilee, Olympic has stated that incidents. Torch Relay, Olympic and Neighbourhood Policing These changes will help Dave Musker Paralympic Games all to Teams will be at the heart us to deliver a better police Chief Supt Dave Musker come, we are ready to make of our policing style and service for people in Croydon Croydon borough commander Don’t support beggars on benefits A few coins passed to somebody worse-off than ourselves can leave a warm glow – but that charitable act could be doing more harm than good.

How much do you think street have help and support from public: “Most homeless people “The money you hand over beggars make in an hour? services and agencies such don’t beg and are often very will end up lining the pockets You would probably be as Croydon Reach and proud. of drug dealers. Even worse, it surprised to learn it was around Westminster Drug Project, and “Those who do are often can have fatal consequences if £30 last Christmas in Croydon. have no reason to beg. desperate to feed their habits, the addict overdoses.” All known beggars around “Their most prosperous being caught up in a desperate So, if you do come across , George times are when people are cycle of begging from the someone who you think is Street and North End are on going home from work, or public, ‘scoring drugs’ from a in need of help, don’t cough benefits, and have a roof over are out in Croydon for the dealer and then injecting up the cash, contact Croydon their heads. evening. The beggars will those drugs. Reach on 020 7870 8855. The beggars think they wrap themselves in a cover are on to a good thing – but and appear homeless to attract handing over cash isn’t the best more sympathy.” way to help them, as many Croydon Reach is the local have drug- and alcohol-related outreach team for Thames problems. Reach, a charity that helps PCSO Lorraine Thompson, homeless and vulnerable known and respected for people. her work among the town’s Chief executive Jeremy beggars, said: “These people Swain had this warning for the 20 yourcommunity June 2012 | Your Croydon Fighting back against a killer Seeing her husband suffer, and then die, from lung cancer spurred a Croydon woman to become involved in a charity that funds research into the disease – and then become a Cancer Awareness Champion. Shirley Tovey and fellow The Cancer Awareness Champions have hosted champions across the borough Champions received a full day’s stalls at East Croydon station, If we can have been raising awareness of training about lung cancer Croydon University Hospital’s the early signs of lung cancer signs, diagnosis, treatment Open Day, New Addington help save lives by in their local areas to try to and care from a specialist Peoples’ Day, local Hindu spreading the word save lives from the disease. nurse, as well as on community festivals and at New Addington Many people do not know engagement techniques. market. about symptoms, what signs to look out for, but Since receiving the training, The scheme is now early enough... then early diagnosis early increases 18 Croydon people have been benefiting from the support the chances of survival. spreading the word about the of the Brenda Kirby Charity, we can feel pride in For this reason, South West early signs of lung cancer, and set up by the former mayor of what we’re doing. London Cancer Network has encouraging people to get to Croydon to support cancer care supported a scheme to train their GP for a quick and easy needs in New Addington and local people in Croydon and chest X-ray if they appear to Fieldway. Wandsworth to become Cancer have any of the symptoms. For more information, visit: Awareness Champions. Croydon Cancer Awareness [email protected]

Shirley Tovey, Croydon Cancer Awareness Champion “ M y husband, Roger, was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2006. “That ’s when I met Vivian Bruce, the lung cancer nurse at Croydon University Hospital. “My husband lived for a further two and a half years, but dieddie d in May 2009. “I felt very strongly at the time that I wanted to get involved with a cancer charity to do something to help prevent this awful disease. “Eventually, Vivian phoned me to see if I ’d like to become involved with the South West London Cancer Network ’s new initiative in Croydon, and I jumped at the opportunity. “’So that s how I became a Cancer Awareness Champion. “If we can help save lives by spreading the word about symptoms, and pointing people with symptoms to their GP early enough, then we can feel pride in what we’” re doing.

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER There are many reasons that you might have some of the symptoms below, and they are probably nothing to worry about. It is, however, worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist if you: • have a persistent cough for three weeks or more; • are coughing blood; • become easily out of breath; • have constant chest infections that resist antibiotics; • lose weight, without trying to; or • have pains in your chest and/or shoulder. www.croydon.gov.uk yourwellbeing 21 Pupils visit Wandle Park site works

With work on the regeneration Pupils from local schools of Wandle Park now well Kingsley Primary, in Thomson under way, pupils from local Crescent, and St Andrew’s schools recently took the High, Warrington Road, were chance of a sneak preview given a guided tour of the park prior to the completion of the to see the progress of the work. first phase of the work. In addition to seeing the The park was closed in foundations of the skate park January and is expected to and the completed ball court, reopen later this year, by the children were shown the which time a series of major route that the Wandle will improvements will have been take across the park when it is carried out. brought back to the surface. They include the deculverting The children were among of the Wandle, ornamental those from a number of local planting, a bandstand, a water schools who were engaged in fountain, historic walls and the early stages of the project, paths, improved changing producing artwork outlining facilities, and a new skate park their ideas for how they would and ball court. like to see the park develop. Transformation: pupils survey the regeneration work

Sunday 3 June Projects are transforming the and Malcolm Bridge, Butterfly Train: Coulsdon South, walk one mile The Big Lunch in Haling Grove scrubby hillside to valuable grassland Conservation, for a leisurely stroll along Downs Road and Ditches Lane Join the Friends for this nationwide habitat. Meet Marion, Downlands in search of woodland and meadow community lunch and family Project volunteer, at 10am by the butterflies. Meet at 11am in the Sunday 22 July fun in the park, 12.30 to 4pm. entrance gate in Farleigh Dean Wood car park by the bear. For more information, contact Crescent, Addington. A two-hour Friends of Grangewood Park will be [email protected] walk with some steep slopes. Sunday 15 July celebrating Love Park Week with Happy Valley and beyond… Love Grangewood Park � Saturday 16 June Sunday 24 June Explore the beautiful meadows and Summer fest. � Orchids on the chalk slopes of Orchid and summer wild flower woodlands of Happy Valley and the For more details, visit http:// Hutchinson’s Bank foray in Happy Valley surrounding countryside to the south. grangewood.btck.co.uk/ Join the Hutchinson’s Bank volunteers A leisurely ramble in search of The walk includes a chance to visit at 10.30am, at the junction of orchids and other colourful wild the old St Lawrence’s Asylum burial Saturday 28 July Farleigh Dean Crescent flowers on the scenic slopes of ground, recently restored to look Summer flowers and butterflies and Featherbed Lane. Stay until Happy Valley. Call the Happy Valley after its historic and wildlife interest. in Littleheath Wood 12.30pm or bring a packed lunch and countryside warden on 07775 A three-mile walk over roughly 2½ Join the Friends of Littleheath Wood continue onto Chapel Bank 824811 to book your place. hours. Meet at the for a leisurely stroll through the ‘til 2.30pm. car park at 2pm. woods and meadows, with Malcolm Tram: New Addington terminus, line Saturday 30 June Bus: 404, 60 to Marlpit Lane, walk Jennings from Surrey Wildlife Trust. 3, follow the footpath down the hill How we manage Hutchinson’s one mile along Downs Road and Meet at 11am in the to Featherbed Lane Bank for butterflies Ditches Lane car park by the notice board. Join the Hutchinson’s Bank Sunday 17June Volunteers at 10.30am, at the Summer flowers and butterflies junction of Farleigh Dean in Selsdon Wood Crescent and Featherbed Lane. Stay Meet the Friends of Selsdon Wood at until 12.30pm or bring a packed 11am in the Selsdon Wood car park lunch and continue onto for a two-hour stroll. Chapel Bank ‘til 2.30pm. Bus: T33 Tram: New Addington terminus, line 3, follow the footpath down the hill Friday 22 June to Featherbed Lane Glories of Hutchinson’s Bank Grazing animals are helping create Saturday 14 July the right conditions for the myriad Butterflies galore in Selsdon chalk flowers to flourish. The Wood Downlands and Old Surrey Downs Join the Friends of Selsdon Wood 22 yourdiary June 2012 | 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, 2 July Deadline: Monday, 18 June Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see Meeting: Monday, 15 October Deadline: Monday, 1 October website for daily hours) Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, central-library [email protected] 020 8760 5657 email it to ; fax it to ; print and complete the Telephone: 020 8726 6900 www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion form at and post it to Questions for the council, Democratic Email: [email protected] 020 8726 6000 63876 and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call extn . Museum – www.museumofcroydon.com Scrutiny meetings (start at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, unless where stated) Telephone: 020 8253 1022 [email protected] Meeting: 12 June Strategy and overview committee Email:

10 July Health, social care and housing scrutiny sub-committee Fairfield 17 July Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG 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 Warehouse Theatre Forthcoming meeting dates are: Dingwall Road, Croydon CR0 2NF Wednesday, 4 July; Wednesday, 12 September; Wednesday, 14 November. Details: www.warehousetheatre.co.uk Telephone: 020 8680 4060 Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at Email: [email protected] www.croydon.gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil

Win tickets for million-selling production WIN Theatre tickets

Your Croydon is giving away Starke as Monsignor O’Hara; To win tickets for this hilariously divine comedy, tell us who two tickets for the smash-hit and introduces Cynthia Erivo as played the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the 1992 film version musical Sister Act, coming to Deloris Van Cartier. of Sister Act. New Wimbledon Theatre. Based on the movie of the Produced by Whoopi same name, this fabulous, Terms and conditions: The prize comprises a pair of tickets, valid for Friday, 8 June, to Saturday, 16 June 2012 inclusive. The editor’s decision Goldberg and Stage family-friendly, feel-good is final and there is no cash alternative to the prizes; tickets are subject Entertainment (Hairspray, show is packed with songs to availability, are non-refundable, non-transferable and not for re-sale. High School Musical), the show inspired by Motown, funk, soul played to more than a million and disco. Answer ...... people at the Now, as the habit hits the Name ...... Daytime tel no ...... during its West End run and road, you too can see why Address ...... is currently a huge hit on audiences fell in love with the ...... Broadway. funniest and funkiest nun on Email address ...... This production stars the run, and her heavenly Coronation Street’s Denise Black sequined sisters! Post to Your Croydon reader competition, North-west quadrant, 7th as Mother Superior; Brookside For information, visit www. floor, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS, to arrive not later and The Royal favourite Michael sisteractthemusical.com/tour than Friday, 1 June. The winner will be the sender of the correct answer, drawn at random. www.croydon.gov.uk yourservices 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 at the top of the home page.

Adoption IT, photocopying and fax Recycling – sites Find out how to adopt a child or Elderly care facilities – Croydon libraries Where to find our waste and young person living in Croydon. Where to find photocopiers and recycling sites, and what can be fax, and how to book free access to recycled at each. Antisocial behaviour one of our PCs and the internet. What to do about antisocial Register office behaviour. Jobs – disabled people General information about Dustbins employment and training Croydon register office. Benefi ts Information about household waste schemes School admissions – appeals Information about some of the help collection, your wheelie bin, and If you have a disability and are and benefits available to you in reporting a missed collection. looking for employment, there are You have the right to appeal to Croydon. schemes to support you. an independent panel if your child Education has been refused a place at your Consumer advice Information on schools and Libraries chosen school. Free to join, with a wide range of The consumer advice service, in colleges, pre-schools, adult and up-to-date books, music, journals Trees and landscape partnership with Consumer Direct, community education, extra­ and much else. offers help and advice on your curricular activities. Find out about trees and related rights as a consumer. issues, including tree preservation Elderly Motor salvage registration orders, trees in conservation areas Services for older people. Premises on which cars are broken and on development sites, and Fly-tipping down and spare parts sold require problems with neighbours’ hedges. Food safety and hygiene a registration. Unauthorised occupants – Our aim is to provide high-quality Nursery school education council property advice, both to consumers and businesses, and to ensure that food We ensure one year of free nursery Empty council properties may only premises operate within the law education for borough children. be occupied with our permission. and sell food which is safe to eat. Voting – elections Councillors Guided walks What you need to know about General information on your local There are more than 80 free voting in local and national councillors, including their role, guided walks and events on offer in elections. allowances and interests. Croydon every year. Refuse Collection Wheeled bins Dropped kerbs and crossovers Health clinics – youth support Information about household waste How to apply for a dropped kerb Free, confidential advice about all Older people – activities collection, reporting a missed outside your home or business. collection and your wheeled bin. matters relating to the sexual health Provision of leisure activities for of young people is available at a older people within the community, Youth projects range of clinics across Croydon. including cultural, sporting and other organised social activities. Voluntary organisations providing young people aged 13 to 19 with Planning – online planning something to do, somewhere to go, services and somebody to talk to. View current planning applications, Zoo licence decisions, appeals and enforcement cases, and link to the planning You need to apply for a licence portal for online submissisubmissions.on s. to run a zoo – should you really www. wawantnt to! croydo z n.gov.uk/ato You said you love Croydon’s parks. Find out about the improvements we are making in 2012.

www.croydon.gov.uk/parks Love to know what’s going on? www.facebook.com/ilovecroydon