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ISSUE 75 – DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 Your main source of community news

Croydon remembers 2 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

Croydon Together Highlights As we enter the festive season, our thoughts in Croydon remain first and foremost with all the victims of the dreadful Meet the new top cop...... 3 Sandilands tram crash, both those who so tragically lost their Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe takes the big lives and those who are, hopefully, beginning to recover from seat at Croydon police station this month. Read some very serious injuries. In the face of this tragedy, it has, about his plans. at times, been inspiring to see how the borough’s communities – from places such as to Purley, and in the stands at Park – have stood together in solidarity Dark day for to support those affected and give so generously to our Croydon...... 4/5 JustGiving page, (click here). Thank you. The borough’s worst tram incident left seven dead and The role of the emergency services and their life-saving more than 50 injured. response to the tram crash also serves as a reminder that, as many take a well-deserved rest this Christmas, our emergency and public services will, in many cases, be out Mayor Khan backs there working hard, as will many who work in the retail Croydon...... 6/7 sector, where the Christmas break seems to get shorter The Mayor of and year on year. the capital’s new night czar Across Croydon, our economy has continued to grow to the address the annual Croydon point where, at one point in the summer, Croydon had the Economic Summit. fastest economic growth figures of anywhere in the country. That is good news in terms of increasing the number of What’s on local jobs and amount of investment into our borough, where...... 9 something to which, as a Labour council, we are committed Links to all the hot spots and to ensure remains a priority. It has been great news this buzzing venues to keep you, year to welcome Body Shop, Superdrug and the tax office; and the family, occupied and all moving thousands of jobs here as they have relocated to Croydon. entertained.

Croydon is changing rapidly, and our role as a council is Boxing very to ensure everyone benefits from the change and new clever...... 10/11 investment we are seeing, in terms of those new jobs, A two-day music festival building local homes for local people, continuing our to kick things off, and an campaign to ensure everyone in Croydon is paid at least unbeatable selection of the London Living Wage and investing in our own local priorities, such as the refurbishment of the or food and drink, are working the new swimming pool in New Addington. to make Boxpark the place to visit. Let me take this chance to wish you and your family a peaceful Christmas. Christmas schedules...... 12/13 All you need to know regarding when your bins will be emptied, when your local library is open and where you can recycle your Christmas tree.

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

Looking after his home patch

Croydon has a new police borough commander, and, living locally, he is determined to see a drop in crime figures. Boosting residents’ and businesses’ police community support officers into the Jeff has extensive public order and confidence in the local police service, and BTP, and the formation of a neighbourhood events experience, performing key protection of the vulnerable are top of policing approach on the Channel Tunnel leadership roles for a range of events the to-do list of Croydon’s new borough Rail Link at St Pancras International. including the Olympics, the Queen’s commander. “The St Pancras redevelopment has Diamond Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival and Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, similarities to the redevelopment plans New Years’ celebrations, not to mention who takes the top seat at Croydon police currently proposed and ongoing in numerous football matches. station in the run-up to Christmas, comes Croydon,” he said. So what attracts our new top cop to to the borough from Bexley – the London “It’s vital that – amid all of this change Croydon? borough with the lowest crime rate – and, and regeneration – people feel safe and “Policing is a vocation, and I am 100% in the longer term, he wants to emulate the have confidence in their local police. committed to the borough commander’s record he helped set on his previous patch. “Community safety is everyone’s role, and where better to do it than within Among his first aims is to ensure there concern, and has a key role to play in any the borough I live, and where I have a real are effective plans in place to prevent rises area’s redevelopment. connection? in domestic abuse and burglary that often “We need to take a holistic approach, “Croydon is a vibrant place with one of increase during the festive period. engaging everyone – from the business the fastest economic growth areas in the He said: “My priority is to protect community, the council, community groups, country, so who wouldn’t want to be the vulnerable people – whether they be schools and the public – to make Croydon a borough commander of Croydon during victims of domestic abuse, potential victims place where people want to live and visit.” these exciting times?” of child sexual exploitation, or supporting people with mental health concerns. “My aim is to boost the public’s confidence in the police and satisfaction levels with the service we provide.” The new borough commander has had close ties to Croydon for the past 40 years – he moved here with his family when he was 11, and attended Manor and Selhurst schools. Family and many close friends still live in the borough. As a youngster, he was a keen sportsman, playing basketball for England schools before spending time in the States on a basketball scholarship. Back in the UK, he started a successful police career, spending 24 years with the British Transport Police, 12 of those with the CID, working in a variety of roles “Croydon is a vibrant place with one of the fastest economic including deputy senior investigating growth areas in the country, so who wouldn’t want to be the officer on the Hatfield train crash. He has led on a number of major borough commander of Croydon during these exciting times?” projects, including the introduction of 4 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 A borough mourns Nobody who boarded that tram on the morning of 9 November could have had any idea that their journey would end in such dreadful circumstances as it approached the Sandilands stop. They, and all Croydon residents, will never forget what happened on that fateful day. As the news of a tram derailment broke on a seemingly ordinary November Wednesday morning, the enormity of the situation was yet to be realised. The hours passed with a steady trickle of details of what had happened until, eventually, the first hint of what many had feared was made with the announcement that there had probably been loss of life. Sadly, that probability came to be, and over the course of In Sandilands itself, residents offered tea, coffee, snacks, the following couple of days, the number of those who had even their loos, to the emergency service teams who rushed to lost their lives grew until the final toll of seven deaths was the scene and did such a brilliant job rescuing those trapped in confirmed. the toppled tram. Without doubt, one of the darkest days of recent Croydon In the community assistance centre set up by the council in history, and the feeling around the borough was one of New Addington, volunteers were on hand to offer support and stunned shock and disbelief. a shoulder to lean on for anybody who needed it. Disbelief that a trusted and reliable mode of transport used And, on a wider footing, many dug deep to boost theJustGiving by thousands of people every day of the week could be hit by page, (click here). fund that was launched to ease the financial such a devastating accident. It simply couldn’t happen. burden that victims and their families will be experiencing. But it did happen, and it has affected many people. While, on the face of things, normal service has been As ever, though, the resilience, fortitude and community resumed with the reopening of the track and surrounding spirit of Croydon residents has come to the fore, rallying in roads, it will be a very long time before the distressing events support of all those touched by the events of that morning. of 9 November 2016 fade from the memory. If they ever do. SELHURST SILENCE Fans and players observed a minute’s silence before the kick-off of the Palace vs Manchester City game at on the Saturday following the Councillor Oliver Lewis lays seven tram derailment. white roses in memory of those who lost their lives. LASTING MEMORIALS PLANNED MAYOR OF LONDON The seven who lost their lives in the Croydon tram PAYS TRIBUTE derailment are to be honoured with lasting tributes to be Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, placed at two sites in the borough. remembered those who lost lives Permanent memorials will be created which families and and family members in the tram friends of those involved, and members of the public, will derailment, and paid tribute to all those who responded to be able to visit, to reflect and pay their respects. the incident. One will be near the incident site in Sandilands, and the Addressing the London Assembly, he described the day second will be in New Addington, from where some of the of the derailment as one of the toughest he has faced since victims came. taking office. Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet Naming each of the dead, he said: “Our thoughts and member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “The prayers remain with the friends and families of those who council is committed to ensuring a permanent memorial lost loved ones.” is put in place at each location to remember those who, Watch the video: twitter.com/SadiqKhan/ sadly, died.” status/798882331843035137 For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 5 Seven die in borough’s worst tram incident Sandilands tram derailment on 9 November results in loss of life and severe injury to more than 50. Seven borough residents who set off toward East Croydon on that morning, as they had so many times before, not imagining for a moment that they would never reach their destination. THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES

DANE DONALD ROBERT PHILIP DOROTA PHILIP MARK CHINNERY, 19 COLLETT, 62 HUXLEY, 63 LOGAN, 52 RYNKIEWICZ, 35 SEARY, 57 SMITH, 35

The fiancée of Mark Smith, Indre The husband of Dorota Rynkiewicz, consequences and impact many Novikovaite, said: "Mark was my lover, said: "Words cannot heal the pain of people for a significant time. We’re my best friend, my everything. losing someone so dear. all heartbroken.” "He was, and still is, an amazing “Your life was a blessing, your The family and friends of Donald dad to our little boy. memory a treasure, you are loved Collett paid tribute by saying:` "Don "We would give up everything to beyond words and missed beyond was a well-loved, funny and generous hold and kiss him again. measure. Love you forever, Andrzej man, who could light up a room. "We love you to the moon and back, and girls." “He is tragically leaving behind a you are the best thing that happened in The family of Robert Huxley, said: loving family, partner, adored friends our lives." “Early on Wednesday morning, Bob and work colleagues. Mr Smith’s family said: "Our son left his home for work and travelled by "Please rest in peace and know Mark was a loving, caring, kind, loyal tram up to East Croydon, a journey he you’re truly loved and greatly missed." and popular young man known to many. has made a thousand times. Sadly and The family of Philip Logan, 52, said: A devoted father and husband-to-be tragically he didn’t return. "Philip, known to all who knew him and loving brother to his sister. “As you can appreciate, for his as Loag, a loving husband to Marilyn, "He touched many lives through the loved ones it’s been a difficult and brother to Susan, father to Lee, Tracy, passage of his too-short life. His loss uncertain time. Lisa and Adele, grandfather and great- has devastated us all. “Bob was a larger than life grandfather. "As a family we ask for privacy character and very hardworking. A “He was a true family man in what is a soul-destroying event in loving husband, devoted father and and generous friend to all, with a our lives. grandfather, brother, uncle and dear magnificently dry sense of humour. "A star that shines twice as bright friend to many. "Phil was a man with more love, only shines for half its life – that was “He was also a life-long Chelsea compassion and zest for life than words our Mark, he was a son we were all supporter and a season ticket holder. can express. He’ll be immensely missed very proud of." “This tragedy will have far-reaching by all that knew him." Public generosity helps ease strain In addition to the emotional distress caused by injury and affected by the tragedy that their situation is at the forefront loss of life, there is often the worry of meeting the costs of of people’s thoughts. everyday life when, perhaps, the main source of family income Council leader Tony Newman said: “I’d like to thank everyone is no longer there. who has already donated to the JustGiving page, (click here). Mindful of the possibility that many residents might be “I’m incredibly proud of how Croydon is standing together and finding themselves in this position following the Sandilands supporting each other. If you can spare some money and have tram derailment, Croydon Council, supported by Mayor of yet to donate, please do so via our JustGiving page, (click here), London Sadiq Khan, and the Croydon Advertiser, launched an which will ensure care, help and support is given to those most in online fundraising page. need as we go forward.” As Your Croydon went to press about 900 people had Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/ generously contributed more than £25,000 that will assure all crowdfunding/croydon-council-tram-incident-fund 6 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

Mayor hails Croydon A ‘KEY PLAYER’ in future success of London

The Mayor of London and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan declared quarter which includes the £30m Croydon crucial to the capital’s refurbishment of Fairfield Halls and the capital’s first night czar economic and cultural success, when he the Croydon Partnership’s £1.4bn voiced their support for spoke at the Croydon Economic Summit redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Croydon as they addressed 2016. Centre into a world-class retail and Delivering the keynote speech, leisure facility are exciting signs of this year’s influential the Mayor spoke of his confidence in Croydon’s evening and night-time Croydon Economic Summit. Croydon’s ability to become a key hub scene’s diverse and cultural offerings for for tech, culture and development, and residents and visitors alike. pledged his support to the borough’s Describing Croydon as a ‘significant bold regeneration plans. cog’ in the success of London, the The theme of this year’s seminar was Mayor said: “There is no question regeneration and economic growth in the regeneration of Croydon and the Croydon, with a particular focus on the knock-on contribution this will make evening and night-time economy in the to London’s wider economy will play borough and in wider London. a significant role in ensuring our city The recently opened Boxpark continues to flourish in the years and Croydon, the creation of a new cultural decades to come.”

“Croydon has a huge opportunity to make the night-time economy a central part of its economic development and is absolutely crucial to the development of skills of London’s future music workforce.” – Amy Lamé, London’s night czar For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 7

Applauding the council’s ambition and vision for the borough, the Mayor also commended culture being at the heart of new developments in Croydon, a sentiment echoed by the capital’s first night czar Amy Lamé. Speaking publicly for the first time since being appointed to the role, she praised Croydon’s commitment to supporting local culture and arts and spoke of the borough’s significant contribution to the British music scene. She said: “Croydon is absolutely crucial to the development of skills of London’s future music workforce. “I’m dedicated to making London’s night scene diverse and dynamic, and Croydon can lead the way by telling the world we’re open for business,” she said. to ensure local people reap the benefits have the Mayor of London and the new The bi-annual conference, which took of major businesses moving to Croydon. night czar attend Croydon Economic place at , focused on The conference brought together Summit and emphasise the significant regeneration and the borough’s economic delegates from the community, business, contribution regeneration in Croydon will growth, with panel sessions held on faith and voluntary sectors, all essential have not only for those who live and work improving Croydon’s night-time and in shaping Croydon’s future success here, but also for London as whole. evening economy and how the council Councillor Tony Newman, leader of “As a council, we will make sure and local stakeholders can work together the council, said: “It was fantastic to everyone benefits from the investment.” 8 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 CROYDON Play Street named best in London

A council scheme that sees residential roads closed so residents to apply for temporary road closures. that families can play safely outdoors has been voted the Love Lane resident and organiser Emma Hope-Fitch said: "It best in London. was just the icing on the cake. We've had an amazing year of Residents of Love Lane had a night to remember in October Play Streets. This award is going to fund a festive Play Street when they went along to a ceremony in Leicester Square where celebration. And we're looking forward to the next year of play." their project was named Play Street of the Year. Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for transport and The adventure started back in September 2015, when more the environment, said: “We now have several successful Play than 50 children from the Woodside street, and their parents, Streets in the borough, but it’s great that one of them is began their first Play Street event, enabling residents to enjoy officially the best in London.” games in the sunshine while the council kept their road For more information on setting up a Play Street in Croydon, temporarily traffic-free. visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/healthsocial/families/ The council introduced Play Streets by making it easier for ccfpartnership/playstreets

X Factor and PALACE OPEN town’s festive season

The Croydon Christmas lights switch-on welcomed in the festive season in glittering style as thousands enjoyed a star-studded evening of entertainment. The festive season got off to a star-studded start in mid-November as X Factor finalists Reggie‘n’Bollie were joined on stage by Crystal Palace FC manager Alan Pardew and club captain, Scott Dann, to officially turn on the Croydon Christmas lights with Mayor Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor. Thousands of spectators joined the celebration in The younger generation were thrilled following a North End to watch the glittering finale which guest appearance by children’s cartoon favourites transformed over 16 major streets throughout PAW Patrol. Croydon town centre into a twinkling wonderland. Croydon Business Improvement District has The ceremony was the climax to an afternoon of delivered the Christmas lights and switch-on event for lively entertainment, featuring stunning performances over ten years, creating a community atmosphere that from street entertainers, dancers and local musicians. Croydon can be proud of. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 9

What to do – where to go

Aladdin – 7-31 December Young musicians in concert – , , Katharine Street, Croydon Leisure Centre and Theatre, 11 December, 3pm – CR9 1ET CR0 4RG United Reformed Church, Sanderstead Aladdin, packed full of side-splitting Hill, CR2 0HB Step out of the cold and design your own Christmas cards. Drop-in, free, comedy comes to town. Talented young musicians present an family fun! hour or so of music. Followed by tea Purley Oaks Primary School and stollen cake for all. Stanley’s Christmas Christmas fayre Extravaganza 10 December, 11am Surrey Opera presents A Red and Green Christmas Soiree 17 December, 6pm – Stanley's Film Purley Oaks Primary School Bynes Club Stanley Halls SE25 6AB Road Croydon CR2 0PR 11 December, 7.30pm – St John the Head to Stanley Halls for a day-long Gifts, crafts, entertainment, Evangelist Church, Shirley Church Road, celebration of community, film and refreshments, face painting, tombola Shirley, Croydon CR0 5EF festivity. and, of course, a visit from the very A potpourri of Christmas music, busy man himself. readings and more. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) 21 December, 7pm – Stanley's Film Charity Music Concert by The Muppet Christmas Carol @ Club Stanley Halls SE25 6AB Frankie & Jonny Stanley’s Junior Film Club Embrace the magic of Christmas and 10 December, 4pm – Café Adagio 227 17 December, 10am – Stanley's Film warm your heart with our special Lower Road Addiscombe Club Stanley Halls SE25 6AB festive screening. Croydon CR0 6RB A wonderful festive adaptation for Belshazzar's Feast Talented acoustic duo Frankie & the whole family. Jonny will be performing their own 21 December, 7.30pm – The Oval material as well as covers of well- Create Your Own Tavern, 131 Oval Road, Croydon CR0 6BR known songs to celebrate music and to The Feastie Boys in Croydon for use the opportunity to help raise funds Christmas Cards Christmas. It's as traditional as, erm, for the tram incident JustGiving fund. 17 December, 11-1pm and 2-4pm well, Christmas itself! Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit But remember, Surrey Street is the perfect antidote to big to Croydon’s Surrey Street market. supermarkets and chain stores every day of the week. • If you live nearby, it’s the ideal place to pick up your real On Sunday 11 and Sunday 18 December there will be festive Christmas tree. fun and games with live music and entertainment alongside craft and street food stalls to get you in the mood for the • You can cut those big Christmas grocery bills by loading up season of good cheer. the larder with all the fresh fruit and veg you’ll need to feed hungry family and friends. • Fresh flowers and plants are great gifts, and they help no end to brighten up a Christmas lunch table. • If you want a change from shop-bought bread but don’t have the time to bake, why not try some of the amazing artisan loaves and pastries on offer throughout the week. It now also has free WiFi available, so you can browse the web or check your emails free of charge on your phone, laptop or tablet. 10 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

A WARM WELCOME FOR BOXPARK CROYDON

It is still early days, but after opening with a successful two-day music festival and going on to attract a growing customer base, Boxpark has already made its mark on central Croydon’s social scene.

A sold out two-day music festival marked the opening of Croydon’s new Boxpark pop-up food and drink mall. The festival, which featured performances from some of the biggest names in grime, followed a party to introduce the 34 new traders to Croydon, ahead of the mall opening its doors to customers for the first time. The impressive development which is constructed from stripped and refitted shipping containers, arranged around a covered courtyard, is the first of its kind to offer only food and drink. Conveniently located next to – the main gateway to Croydon – the space has a capacity of 2,000 and will host regular events and performances. Boxpark teamed up with the council and developers Stanhope and Schroders to bring the exciting venture to Croydon as a meanwhile-use scheme which will see it occupy for five years. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 11

FIVE WITH ROGER WADE, FOUNDER BOXPARK Your Croydon put five questions to the Boxpark boss

Why did you choose Croydon as the location for the newest Boxpark? Why not? Croydon is the largest London borough by population. It has suffered an image problem, as coined famously by David Bowie once quoting “I think it’s the most derogatory thing I can say about somebody or something: ‘God, it’s so f**king Croydon!’ ”. The concept that an entire borough was regarded as boring and grey is ridiculous and insulting! I was born CROYDON WORKS and bred in south London. I’m proud of my roots and I wanted to bring a world-class development to Croydon. FOR BOXPARK What benefits does Boxpark Croydon bring to the borough? You can’t regenerate an entire borough by just building JOB SEEKERS new houses and offices. You need to give the community a place to hang out, and enjoy. Both the Fairfield and An event staged by Croydon Council and partners will undergo major new development saw dozens of local people recruited to work in over the next five years. the lively new surroundings of Boxpark. Boxpark Croydon gives the local community somewhere More than 50 local people landed jobs at Boxpark following a to eat, drink and play. Apart from that, we have also council-led recruitment drive. created hundreds of jobs for young people, and we hope From staff at franchise restaurants to 14 direct Boxpark that the local office workers and residents of Croydon employees, 52 Croydon residents secured new jobs at the pop-up will enjoy their Boxpark. mall as the direct result of a recruitment fair run by Croydon Works. What can residents expect from Boxpark Croydon? The partnership between Croydon Council, Croydon College We hope that local residents and office workers will and Job Centre Plus, saw 98 people interviewed for kitchen, table- enjoy a fantastic array of new food and drink outlets, waiting and customer services roles at Boxpark. and enjoy 200-plus free events at Boxpark every year. Modelled on the technique used at a speed-dating session, We’re not just building in Croydon, we’re building for employers sat at rows of tables with applicants able to move Croydon. Without the support of the local community, between interviews in quick succession. we won’t exist. Prior to the event, Croydon Works also ran advance training sessions for applicants wanting extra industry-recognised What developers can you name that build a development certificates in customer service and food preparation. and actually stay around to run the development? We’re Melanie Eburne from Woodside (pictured), received three job fully committed to the people of Croydon, and we want offers on the spot during the recruitment event. The 20-year-old will to create a truly special place, they will call their own. combine waitressing at Boxpark’s Donde tapas bar with studying for #YourBoxpark an NVQ in travel and tourism. How did you find working with the council to get She said: “I have nothing but amazing things to say about Boxpark Croydon off the ground? the recruitment fair, it was handy to take your CV and apply to whichever employers you wanted to work for.” If it was not for the support of Tony Newman, the leader André Golding, 26, from , who has become a of the council, and Jo Negrini, CEO, Boxpark would not security manager for Boxpark, added: “In my previous managerial have been able to come to Croydon. roles I’ve never had access to the directors, but after my first The council understands that if you need to regenerate meeting at the recruitment fair I realised it was a very different ball a borough and create new jobs, you need to invest in game. It’s very exciting to be part of Boxpark Croydon.” attracting new businesses to Croydon. What reaction did you have from others when you "I HAVE NOTHING BUT AMAZING THINGS TO SAY ABOUT said Croydon would be the new location? THE RECRUITMENT FAIR, IT WAS HANDY TO TAKE Overall the reaction from the general public has been YOUR CV AND APPLY TO WHICHEVER EMPLOYERS YOU overwhelmingly supportive. People have come up to me WANTED TO WORK FOR". and thanked us for bringing Boxpark to Croydon. 12 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

FESTIVE SEASON OPENING HOURS BIN COLLECTION TIMETABLE Access Croydon, Refuse and recycling collection date changes Monday 26 December Closed Over the Christmas holiday period, the council’s refuse and recycling Tuesday 27 December Closed services will be operating to a slightly revised collection schedule. Wednesday 28 December 9am to 4pm The table below shows the alternative days on which bins and Thursday 29 December 9am to 4pm boxes should be left out. There are no collections on MONDAY 26 Friday 30 December 9am to 4pm DECEMBER 2016. Monday 2 January Closed Calendars with further details of the date changes and which containers Tuesday 3 January 9am to 4pm need to be put out for collection can be found by clicking www.croydon. Croydon Council call centre gov.uk/environment/rrandw/collection/resident/bin-collection Monday 26 December Closed NORMAL COLLECTION DATE REVISED COLLECTION DATE Tuesday 27 December Closed Monday 26 December 2016 Tuesday 27 December 2016 Wednesday 28 December 9am to 4pm Tuesday 27 December 2016 Wednesday 28 December 2016 Thursday 29 December 9am to 4pm Wednesday 28 December 2016 Thursday 29 December 2016 Friday 30 December 9am to 4pm Thursday 29 December 2016 Friday 30 December 2016 Monday 2 January Closed Friday 30 December 2016 Saturday 31 December 2016 Tuesday 3 January 9am to 4pm Missed collections can be reported via your MyAccount at Croydon libraries www.croydon.gov.uk/myaccount or by calling 020 8726 6200. Saturday 24 December 9am to 1pm Monday 26 December Closed Tuesday 27 December Closed CHRISTMAS PARKING IN CROYDON Wednesday 28 December Open as normal Council spreads a little festive cheer for motorists with Thursday 29 December Open as normal relaxation of rules. Friday 30 December Open as normal The practice of recent years is being followed once again with the Saturday 31 December 9am to 4pm council easing the regulations in its car parks, and on-street bays, on Monday 2 January Closed specific days over the Christmas and New Year period. Tuesday 3 January Open as normal Helping to spread a little festive cheer, the relaxation of parking regulations will help people visiting shops, enjoying the displays of Croydon leisure centres festive illuminations or simply dropping in on relatives to share the Saturday 24 December Check local times seasonal cheer. Sunday 25 December Closed The whole borough will be free of parking enforcement in council-run Monday 26 December Closed car parks and on-street bays on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Tuesday 27 December Closed Wednesday 28 December Check local times Yellow-line, footway and bus lane restrictions, however, will remain in place on these days, and motorists are advised to park in a reasonable Thursday 29 December Check local times manner, showing consideration for other road users and pedestrians. Friday 30 December Check local times Restricted enforcement activities will be in place on Christmas Eve and Saturday 31 December Check local times New Year’s Eve; this will see parking enforcement officers providing a Sunday 1 January Closed visible presence but not enforcing parking bay offences. Instead, they will focus on providing advice and guidance, and responding to specific Monday 2 January Check local times enforcement requests, such as inconsiderate parking across driveways, Tuesday 3 January Open as normal access points and the like. To check your local leisure centre’s opening times, go to NORMAL PARKING ENFORCEMENT WILL BE IN PLACE FROM 27 www.fusion-lifestyle.com/contracts/croydon_council/centres TO 30 DECEMBER, AND RESUME ON MONDAY 2 JANUARY. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 13 Real tree? Be sure to recycle it If your Christmas demands a CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING COLLECTION POINTS real tree, think about what will Ashburton , access from Tenterden Road East Grange Park, Canon’s Hill happen to it after the holiday. Fairfield Oaks Road/Coombe Road car park With almost one million Christmas trees thrown away Heathfield car park, Gravel Hill each year in London alone – and fewer than 10% of Kenley Residents’ Association, Oaks Road green those being recycled – it is important that we New Addington Central Parade car park remember to recycle our tree. New Addington Fisher’s Farm household reuse and recycling centre, North Downs Road If you opt for a real Christmas tree this year, do not Purley Upper Woodcote Village RA, Woodcote Village green forget to take it to one of the council’s designated Purley Purley Oaks household reuse and recycling centre, Brighton Road recycling collection points between Monday 2 and Selsdon Recreation Ground, access from Woodlands Gardens Friday 13 January 2017. Shirley green At other times, Christmas trees can be taken to any of Shirley Shirley Park RA, Green Court Gardens green the council’s household reuse and recycling centres South Norwood Whitehorse Meadow, Parry Road – but please remember to remove all tinsel and Secret Garden, Westow Street decorations before taking it to be recycled. Waddon Wyevale Garden Centre, Waddon Way Waddon Factory Lane household reuse and recycling centre, Factory Lane

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING COLLECTIONS There will be collections from the listed points between Saturday 2 January and Friday 13 January – so please do not leave Christmas trees at the collection points after Friday 13 January. Trees needing to be disposed of after this date can be taken to one of the borough’s three household reuse and recycling centres. Only real Christmas trees should be disposed of at these collection points, any other waste disposed of will be treated as fly tipping.

CLEARING THE WAY As ever, with winter upon us, the council’s team of gritters is tooled up and ready to go if a wave of Arctic-like weather descends on the borough. The workers tasked with keeping Croydon moving during the winter weather are in the middle of their busiest period. To make sure the borough is kept moving in the event of snowfall, the council has been putting the necessary systems and resources in place, and has already stockpiled 3,549 tonnes ready for the coming winter. The stock will be closely monitored and further orders made if necessary The 570 roadside salt bins have been checked, and will be replenished at the earliest opportunity in the event highways staff and contractors have had to grit roads and pavements according to a priority plan. On an ongoing basis, the council works closely with the emergency and voluntary services, utility companies and other London boroughs, to plan for a coordinated response to major emergencies. In preparation for possible bad weather conditions this winter, the council has made robust plans to ensure the road network is kept as free as possible, continues to provide services to the most vulnerable, and carries on gritting roads and, where necessary, footpaths. But the council cannot do everything. It needs the support of residents and businesses to keep the borough moving by promoting community resilience. Whether it is looking out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours or helping in other ways, if people get involved, this winter will be easier for everyone. For further information and advice, visit www.croydon.gov.uk During an emergency, the latest information will be broadcast on local radio and TV. 14 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

A new gateway to Croydon A major milestone in the multimillion pound redevelopment of West Croydon transport interchange has been reached with the opening of the new bus station. As Croydon undergoes a £5.25bn Residents and visitors can feel the regeneration, the council has been full benefit of these improvements transforming this important gateway to – funded by the Mayor’s Regeneration the town centre with a major package of Fund and TfL in partnership with improvements to the public realm. Croydon Council – with the new West More than £6m has been invested into Croydon bus station now at the heart the area around West Croydon transport of the transport hub. hub, upgrading it to meet the needs of Transport for London (TfL) has Croydon’s growing population and making invested £4.5m in rebuilding and it easier for residents and visitors to get modernising of West Croydon bus around. station, giving it significantly increased Streets have been improved by capacity and a much-improved changing the road layout around the bus pedestrian-friendly layout. station and upgrading the traffic lights at The new bus station, which will the Station Road, North End and serve 25 bus routes and accommodate Tamworth Road junction to improve 23,000 passengers a day, was recently traffic flow. officially opened by London’s Deputy The pavements have been widened in Mayor for Transport, Val Shawcross. London Road and North End, making it Councillor Stuart King, cabinet easier for pedestrians to travel through member for transport and the area. environment, said: “It’s fantastic to see Around the corner, West Croydon tram West Croydon bus station rebuilt, package of improvements and the new station has been refurbished and widened modernised and given the makeover it bus station is right at the heart of this.” and architectural lighting and features deserves as it is a major transport hub The new bus station facilities include installed at St Michael and All Angels and gateway to our town centre. This is a fully accessible bus stops, a large grade 1 listed church. really important milestone in the sheltered waiting area, real-time travel The area has been revitalised with regeneration of Croydon. information, improved lighting and public art and new planting, with further “We’re revitalising and transforming security and an information office that is building front improvements and public the streets around the West Croydon staffed daily between 6.30am and art planned for the coming months. transport interchange with a £6m 9.30pm. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 15

Fairfield – busy behind the scenes The £30m makeover of Fairfield Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet public space, a new college, a stunning Halls is on track – with the member for culture, said: “It’s hugely 2,000 sq m art gallery, as well as shops, exciting to see this well-loved but offices and 2,000 much-needed homes – stunning new state-of-the-art neglected Croydon landmark being all with the new Fairfield Halls at its heart. venue set to open in 2018. restored to its rightful position as our Croydon Council’s planning committee It’s been a hive of activity behind the cultural flagship and a major destination is due to consider the plans in January, purple hoardings in Park Lane since the for the arts in south London. with a new operator due to be announced cherished but dated 1960s Fairfield “The exceptional design will ensure in May. complex was closed temporarily in July. Fairfield retains its unique character while Councillor Godfrey said: “We want a Drilling rigs are on site to check becoming a modern, flexible and sustainable model that can deliver the foundations, while the interior is sustainable venue fit for the 21st century.” high-quality arts, the community and completely stripped ahead of the major The refurbishment is part of the first locally driven events, and the welcoming overhaul in May. phase of the wider regeneration of College environment this fantastic new Fairfield Lighting and sound equipment – Green as a vibrant new cultural quarter and its customers deserve.” including Fairfield’s organ – has been for Croydon. Visit https://fairfieldcroydon. safely stored. Plans include a high-quality landscaped wordpress.com for updates. The changing face of New Addington While the £1m improvements in Central Parade are now completed, work on the adjacent community and leisure centre is under way. New Addington’s new community and leisure centre is a step closer with the completion, during November, of comprehensive site surveys. This exciting new development will transform Central Parade into one of the most thriving and vibrant district centres in the borough. Demolition works to the former housing office, parts of the For more information, email [email protected] community centre and the library building are due to start early Ward councillor Oliver Lewis said: “It's great to see these in the new year and should take about four weeks. much-needed improvements. Following this period, parts of the community centre, “The new leisure centre is going to be a fantastic facility we including the sports hall and main hall, will reopen for use. can all be proud of.” The community centre building, currently run by Addington Anyone who has recently visited Central Parade, just a few Community Centre Association, will remain open until the first steps from the location of the community and leisure centre, week of January, with all activities in the centre running as usual. will have seen how all of the council's public realm works are Construction work on the new leisure and community centre now complete. will begin in the spring, with the new centre scheduled for This £1million scheme has included street lighting, new completion in summer 2018 paving, drainage improvements, and road resurfacing. 16 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 LANDLORD LICENSING SCHEME – ONE YEAR ON In its first year, the council’s landlord licensing scheme has been welcomed by private tenants and landlords alike. More than 28,000 private rented • launched the i-Latch online database properties are now covered by for estate agents or prospective Croydon Council’s landlord licensing tenants to search if properties they scheme a year after the scheme went are interested in are unlicensed or live. being illegally sub-let. The council launched the scheme in The council’s public protection October 2015 in response to a rise in manager, Shayne Coulter, who privately rented properties with oversees the scheme’s operation, says negative consequences, including the main focus so far has been on antisocial behaviour and poor-quality properties that have either been homes. complained about or are suspected of Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader Private landlords in Croydon are being run illegally, such as homes and cabinet member for homes, permitted to keep a licence to let their without a gas safety certificate. regeneration and planning, said: “This properties only if they meet certain She said: “The overwhelming scheme is about ensuring homes are fit standards set out by the council. Most majority of landlords have complied for people to live in, and working with landlords pay a one-off £750 licence with the scheme and many have landlords to make that happen. fee per property that helps to pay for appreciated the support they get from “We’ve made a great start on the scheme’s five-year running costs. us – one even gave us a box of raising standards in private housing in Since launching the scheme, council chocolates for sorting out a property Croydon, and next April a new law will landlord licensing staff have: that their tenants were illegally allow councils to issue fixed-penalty • carried out almost 500 priority sub-letting. notices to landlords and tenants inspections as a result of complaints; “The scheme is also protecting caught breaking the terms of the • issued 352 improvement notices for tenants from illegal eviction; there property’s licence.” landlords to upgrade their tenants’ have been a few civil court cases For more information on the properties or face enforcement action; rejected because the judge knew the scheme or to apply for a licence, visit: • begun preparing over 25 cases for landlord should have held a proper www.croydon.gov.uk/ prosecution; and Croydon licence.” betterplacetorent

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP IN RIDDLESDOWN

Residents of all ages donned their gloves to woodland and footpaths in Mitchley Hill, Dunmail Drive, clear an amazing 40 bags of rubbish at another Rectory Park, Mitchley Avenue and Footpath 24, making it successful Don’t Mess with Croydon community home just before a huge downpour. clean-up. As well as the 40 sacks of rubbish they also removed plastic and an old chair that had been dumped. Around 40 adults, children, councillors and the 19th Purley For more information on Croydon’s network of 309 clean Beaver scouts braved the elements and came together for the and green champions, or for help organising a clean-up in your autumn rubbish clearance event in Riddlesdown. community, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/ Armed with litter picks and sacks, they cleared farmland, dontmess/green-champions For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 17 prosecutions on the UP The list of fly-tippers and litter louts convicted as part of the council’s Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride campaign has grown by 12. Fly-tipping pieces of furniture, dumping • Jendayi-Natasha Pennie of Lodge Lane, • Christina Gavae of Church Road, Crystal black bags of household waste and New Addington: ordered to pay £350 for Palace: ordered to pay £350 for dropping dropping cigarette butts landed offenders fly-tipping refuse bags of household waste a cigarette butt in North End, Croydon, with fines and costs totalling £3,895 at and items of furniture in the communal on 21 March. Croydon Magistrates’ Court in October. area of flats on Lodge Lane on 11 March. The council has now prosecuted 126 • Sadek Benamore, c/o Dylans Barbers, people in the two years since launching its • Sonia Yiadom-Hut, 34, of Norwich Road, Central Parade, New Addington: ordered Don’t Mess campaign, (click here), which : ordered to pay £360 to pay £310 for dropping a cigarette in also focuses on recycling and changing for fly-tipping a refuse sack containing Central Parade on 15 May. behaviour. household waste on the pavement in The campaign has also encouraged Norwich Road on 18 April. • Arun Krishnaswamy Rao, of Lime Tree more than 300 locals to lead 100-plus Court, Haling Park Road, South Croydon: community litter picks, increased recycling • Leanne Moore of Warbank Crescent, ordered to pay £310 for dropping a by tightening waste collection rules New Addington: ordered to pay £350 for cigarette in High Street, Croydon, on 23 outside shops in West Croydon, Thornton leaving bags of refuse on the walkway to April. Heath and Norbury, and installed 80 more properties' front doors on 17 March. dual rubbish and recycling bins along • Raitan Rostas, of Bensham Manor Road, streets across the borough. • Mubin Abdul, 44, of Portland Road, South Thornton Heath: ordered to pay a total Norwood: ordered to pay a total of £350 of £410 for fly-tipping a shopping trolley The list of offenders is: for dropping a cigarette butt in High filled with multiple sacks of refuse in Swain • Enoch Antwi of Queenswood Avenue, Street, Thornton Heath on 17 March. Road on 18 April. Thornton Heath: pleaded guilty to fly- tipping multiple large items including • Aziz Ul Anjum, 56, of Sandy Lane South, For more information on how to chairs, onto the pavement at Monks Wallington: ordered to pay a total of Orchard recycling centre on 13 April; £350 for dropping a cigarette butt in High get involved in the Don’t Mess with ordered to pay a total of £310. Street, Croydon, on 25 March. Croydon – Take Pride campaign, visit the council website. • Pedro De Silva, 43, of Bensham Manor • Samiel Brhane, 24, of Cheltenham Place, You can also report dumped waste via Road, Thornton Heath: ordered to pay Acton: pleaded guilty to dropping a the council’s dedicated fly-tipping hotline a total of £350 for fly-tipping cardboard cigarette butt in Park Street, Croydon, on on 020 8604 7000, the council’s My boxes and refuse sacks on Ecclesbourne 23 March; ordered to pay £95 in costs, Croydon smartphone app, (click here), or Road, Thornton Heath, on 19 April. conditionally discharged for six months. by emailing [email protected] Council expands shopfront rubbish clampdown A council project that has seen 70 tonnes less rubbish dumped outside shopfronts on one of the borough’s main roads is expanding into South Norwood. The council’s ongoing campaign against front of shops on the Thornton Heath fly-tipping and littering has resulted in stretch of London Road, over 20 tonnes in tidier streets and savings of thousands of West Croydon and another 20 tonnes in pounds. Norbury. As part of its Don’t Mess with Croydon Now, Croydon Council is expanding – Take Pride campaign (click here), earlier the scheme to Portland Road in South really pleased this year the council restricted the time of Norwood, and other areas will be we’re getting businesses to be day that businesses in London Road were considered over the coming months. more responsible and help make allowed to leave their commercial rubbish Emma Conroy, who works at Steve’s their areas tidier.” out for private waste collectors. Flowers in London Road, Norbury, said: The council’s time-banded waste Unrestricted, the practice had “There aren’t piles of stuff by street bins, collection scheme was trialled in April with attracted fly-tippers and made the area and there aren’t boxes and rubbish piled 100 businesses along High Street, look untidy. up as much as we used to notice. It shows Thornton Heath, and resulting in savings The success of the pilot saw the it’s working.” of more than £6,000 in fly-tip disposal time-banded waste collection scheme Councillor Stuart Collins, cabinet costs. expanded in August through Thornton member for Clean & Green Croydon, said: Business owners reported the high Heath to past Norbury station, resulting “Commercial waste left on the pavement street as being tidier as a result of the in almost 35 tonnes less rubbish left in is ugly and encourages fly-tipping, so I’m trial, which is now also permanent. 18 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017

Power to the People Communities are to be given more The initiative follows the success of a local projects. responsibility for the things that similar scheme in Thornton Heath which The council’s commitment to devolution matter most to them as part of a saw residents, business owners and has seen funding for this year’s community new scheme aimed at devolving other stakeholders work together with ward budgets double to £288,000. town hall powers to residents. councillors to identify key issues in the Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the area. council, said: “This council is committed Residents in three borough districts are Feedback from the community was to entrusting more powers from the town being given the chance to work alongside used to specifically shape a number of hall to local communities, and the pilot the council to shape how projects and projects, such as the cleaning of the clock scheme will enable residents in South services are delivered locally. tower along with 9000 sq m of paving Norwood, Purley and New Addington to As part of the six-month pilot, along High Street. be at the heart of decisions made about communities in South Norwood, Purley Last year, more power was handed their local area. and New Addington will be asked to to residents across Croydon when the “Most importantly, it will give those identify key issues, needs and priorities in council introduced the community budget living and working in these areas a strong their neighbourhoods and to put forward programme. The initiative gives each area voice in the delivery of local services and suggestions to deal with them. in the borough its own budget to spend on projects planned for their communities.” We must never forget A ceremony in the Town Hall will remember those who perished during the Nazi Holocaust and more recent atrocities. All are invited to attend a ceremony The day is an international event about what happens after genocide, that, every year, remembers and marking the liberation of the Nazi and of our own responsibilities pays tribute to the many thousands concentration camp Auschwitz- in the wake of such a crime. of victims of the Holocaust and Birkenau in 1945, and is a time to: To support schools with classroom- other 20th-century genocides. • remember those murdered in based projects, an activity pack is Holocaust Memorial Day will be the Holocaust and under Nazi available at http://hmd.org.uk/content/ marked in traditional manner with persecution, and during subsequent order-or-download-activity-pack a public candle-lighting ceremony genocides, including Cambodia, In addition, visit www.cferinfo. in the foyer of Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur; and org.uk to find resources for schools at noon on Friday 27 January. and the wider community. • hope for a safer, inclusive society That will be followed by where the differences between presentations in the council chamber, For further information about us are respected as reality including a keynote address by Eve Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 or today and in the future. Kugler, who was a child survivor Croydon’s candle-lighting ceremony, of the Holocaust. Read more at This year’s theme – “How can life email [email protected]. www.shatteredcrystals.net go on?” – asks audiences to think uk or call 020 8726 6000 extn 61623. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 19

Plan revealed to Social Isolation stamp out burden and Loneliness

of loneliness Annual report of the director of public health Tips to combat the social ills of isolation and loneliness 2016 are at the heart of the first annual report from Croydon’s director of public health. Croydon has an estimated 9,860 Fairness Commission report, to prevent Ms Flowers said: “There’s so much older people who are lonely and 5,423 residents feeling excluded from family, we can do as individuals and as a older people who experience intense friends and social networks. community to address loneliness and loneliness. The report focuses on how individuals social isolation. This is alongside more than 17,000 and communities can play their part to “It’s not always grand gestures that people aged 18 to 64 who are socially support each other. are required; a smile, a meal shared, or isolated. And it contains examples of best asking for, or offering, help can make a These worrying figures are behind practice in the borough already making a real difference. this year’s public health report from difference to vulnerable groups, such as “My report for Croydon provides Rachel Flowers, the borough’s director Bump Dance Fitness, an initiative founded a few ideas of some simple things we of public health www.croydon.gov.uk/ by New Addington residents to support all can do for ourselves, friends and publichealthreport local mums in making new friends. community to reduce social isolation and Ms Flowers, who took the post at The director of public health advocates loneliness and help reduce the health the beginning of the year, has provided this approach of simple, effective tips harm it can bring – there are many a steer to progress pledges made at for communities and the council, health other things that I’m sure people can the 2016 Croydon Congress and act on service providers and the voluntary sector think of and I’d encourage them to go recommendations in the Opportunity and to tackle loneliness and social isolation. and do their bit across Croydon.” Don’t worry, JustBe happy and healthy Aimed at getting local people to adopt healthier lifestyles, a new website offers a raft of tips and pointers. Happier and healthier – that’s how cutting out smoking and maintaining visitors to a website recently launched healthy sexual relationships. by the council will feel after following JustBe Croydon features a health its lifestyle recommendations. MoT, inviting residents to complete The JustBe Croydon online health an online assessment to get started programme at www.JustBeCroydon. on their journey to better health. org focuses on six key health and Next year, services available well-being concerns to tackle on JustBe Croydon will expand to to meet the growing needs of a and improve local inequalities deliver one-to-one support from mobile and online community. that exist in these areas. experts, lasting up to 52 weeks, “The new JustBe Croydon website It is designed to be a go-to based on current best practice means residents are just a click away resource for residents for help around behaviour change. to self-help and encouragement to and support with eating a more Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet lead happier and healthier lives.” nutritious diet and keeping to a member for families, health and JustBe Croydon can be followed healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, social care, said: “Croydon Council on Twitter @JustBeCroydon being more active, improving is increasing its digital offer to #justbecroydon and Facebook/ mental health and well-being, residents, providing online services JustBeCroydon 20 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 Legacy gets our vote! Record number take part in vote for youth centre name. Croydon’s young people have already shown their excitement and enthusiasm people who use the centre.” When put to the public vote, nearly for the new Youth Zone project, due to The process of naming the new centre 3,000 people took part. This was open in Whitehorse Road in 2018. included a series of workshops led by a more than in any of OnSide’s previous Earlier this year a record number of team of marketing professionals from projects. votes were cast in a project to design and London-based SEA Design. With their Legacy will provide 20 different agree on a brand for the centre. expert help young people tried out a activities every evening for up to 200 As a result, the £6m youth facility, range of ideas. young people for just 50p per visit. run by the Onside charity, will be named Legacy. Young people from Croydon and across Legacy cash boost London worked hard to host and present a launch evening for the new brand name. Young people in Croydon have more Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet Introducing the event was 18-year-old cause to celebrate because their soon- member for children, young people Chinelo Chizea, who talked about how a to-be-built Legacy Youth Zone has and learning, said: “I’d like to thank group of 40 local youngstes and volunteers received a generous £500,000 toward the Stone Foundation for their had worked for weeks on developing ideas. construction costs from the Stone support for the young people of They had also visited the Wigan Youth Family Foundation. Croydon. Zone to see how it operated. Chinelo The council has invested £3m in the "I’m really pleased that the council’s said: “It was really amazing, we took part building work and will pay a further investment is already being added to in loads of activities, and the staff were £300,000 annually toward running costs. by others.” totally committed to helping the young Get your child on the path to education A child going to school for the first time is often as fraut for the parents as the child – ensuring the application is made in a correct and timely fashion can ease the stress. For families with boys or girls who are Be sure to use all six preferences, four years old, or approaching their and consider them carefully before fourth birthday, now is the time for a submitting your form. decision that will have a major impact To be offered a place, your child on their little one’s life. must meet the admissions criteria of the Those families should now be starting school. to apply for primary school places in If you do not get your first or second 2017. The closing date for applications is choices the council needs to know which 15 January. schools would be your other choices. If your child was born between 1 Without this information, you could be “We want to provide children with September 2012 and 31 August 2013, offered a school that you would not the best opportunities in life through a your application must be completed have selected. great start to their education. Parents by this date. Barbara Peacock, the council’s can play a huge role in achieving this Details of the application process, executive director of people, said: “For by making sure that their application is with step-by-step instruction, can be most children, primary school is their properly completed, reasonable in its found on the council’s website, and in first experience of full-time education expectations and submitted on time.” the Admissions to primary schools and it’s important they get all they can For further information, visit www. 2017/18 brochure. from it. croydon.gov.uk/admissions For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 21

PROUD TO BE HERE I am extremely One of my initial aims, chief executive Jo Negrini such as burglary, domestic proud to have been already begun, is to meet and community safety abuse and violence with appointed borough as many people as possible, lead Hamida Ali, have injury are historically known hear their thoughts, views, provided me with an insight to increase. Our priority commander of concerns and ideas. I have into the ambitious plans needs to be protecting Croydon; but the hard had the pleasure of meeting they have for Croydon. vulnerable people, such work now begins. the Independent Advisory I was invited to the as victims of domestic I would first like to Group, which I hope to Croydon Economic Summit abuse, and safeguarding take time to pass on my call upon to help shape Meeting, which discussed children and missing persons thoughts and sympathy to the borough’s policing. the potential impact of the and others in crisis. the families and friends of A meeting with David future evening and night-time The focus must remain those who tragically died Lindridge, the London Fire economy in Croydon. This on protecting the lives and and were injured in the fatal Brigade borough commander, is an exciting development property of the public, accident involving the tram looked at opportunities with the potential to bring preventing crime and derailment at Sandilands for joint working; and I more people to the borough. maintaining the peace. Junction on 9 November. have been in contact with It will be my role to work The people of Croydon It is at times like this that Croydon’s MPs – Steve with key partners to ensure have the right to expect the role of policing and our Reed, Gavin Barwell and we have a policing service a quality service and it is emergency service partners Chris Philp – each of whom that is capable of meeting my job to ensure we strive is called in to action. I would highlighted their areas of the challenges of the future. to achieve these aims. like to acknowledge the concern and a willingness My immediate focus efforts of those officers to work with me for the is ensuring that effective who performed their duties benefit of their constituents. policing plans are in place for Jeff Boothe professionally in extremely Initial discussions with the festive period and into Chief Supt Jeff Boothe challenging circumstances. council leader Tony Newman, the New Year; when offences Croydon borough commander

Take part to have your say on what matters to you in Croydon. Since the council’s Get involved customer engagement portal launched in July, more than 11,500 responses have been received to the online questionnaires and over 1,700 votes cast in the polls. The Get Involved site brings together all the ways people of Croydon can have their say with their council. Your voice is important, and your opinions welcomed when making decisions about the future of the borough. Have your say and take part in Croydon's consultations and engagements that focus on a wide range of council themes. Check out the calendar for events that may be linked to these consultations and engagements that interest you. Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the consultations, engagements, and polls so far. Visit https://getinvolved.croydon.gov.uk for the current poll and to take a peek at current consultation and engagement activities. 22 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 Communities reap benefits of old laptops

Residents across the borough a second life for the benefit of local “Due to financial constraints, we are becoming computer residents in a scheme believed to be the couldn’t afford IT equipment at the first of its kind in the country. retail price, but under the scheme we literate with the help of Eligible community, voluntary and were able to buy the laptops and now recycled laptops from charity groups can apply to set up a Go we have over 13 people using them. Croydon Council. On Croydon Community Digital Zone. “We teach people from the very Community digital zones are already basics of how to switch on a PC to Hundreds of laptops are being successfully up and running in areas how to use the mouse and keyboard offered to local community groups including Norbury, Shirley, Purley and as well as accessing of various online by the council in a bid to get more Broad Green. resources.” residents online. The Asian Resource Centre of Anybody interested in setting up The Go On Croydon Community Croydon has set up a Community a Go On Croydon community digital Computers scheme provides low-cost Digital Zone after applying for and zone, should email gocroydon@ computer equipment to help community receiving low-cost computer equipment croydon.gov.uk organisations support their clients, and under the Go On Croydon scheme and For more information visit local residents, to gain digital skills. runs IT classes every week. www.croydon.gov.uk/go-on-croydon The council is recycling more than Mamun Khan of ARCC said “We 500 old computers and laptops, wouldn’t have been able to purchase equipment that would otherwise have these laptops had it not been for the been disposed of, and giving them recycled computer scheme. Saving – it’s not just for Christmas

Croydon Plus is your local credit regularly, building up funds for a rainy day. over 18 who lives or works in Croydon, union, and it’s there to help you But if you need some help, our loans Merton or Sutton, and costs just £10 get into the habit of saving. are among the cheapest available because (covering administration and a minimum we’re a cooperative owned by our £5 balance requirement). Christmas is fun – and it can also be members and working for our members. Once you’re a member, you can open expensive. Most of those members come through a junior account for anyone you know Some people, unaware of a more recommendations from family or friends. under 16 and help them on the road to a affordable alternative, opt for taking out Sharon, 48, from central Croydon, was financially stable future. payday loans, and for them the festive one such, and she remembers: “When I So, if you’re struggling for cash this season can end up being a financial was younger I was always running out of Christmas, make a resolution now to make headache. money – I’ve never saved in my life. next year different – open a Croydon Plus Croydon Plus is the local credit union, “My niece was encouraging me to save, credit union savings account. offering a safe place for savings that so I opened an account and started saving; You can join and manage your account are protected by the Financial Services £5 a month at first, then £10, and more. online at www.croydonplus.co.uk or Compensation Scheme. “I realised I could actually do this.” phone for a chat on 020 8760 5711. We encourage members to save Membership is open to anybody aged It simply makes sense. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 23

Council meeting dates Useful contacts Deadlines for public questions for the forthcoming full council For police, fire brigade, ambulance, meeting (starting at 6.30pm) – noon on the relevant deadline date. call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Meetings: Monday 30 Jan Deadlines: Monday 16 Jan Croydon Council general enquiries Monday 27 Feb Monday 13 Feb Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at 020 8726 6000 a full council meeting, can be emailed to council.questions@ croydon.gov.uk; alternatively, write to Questions for the Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre council, Legal and democratic services, 7C Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. 020 3040 0800

Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, Non-emergency urgent care - 111 in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: 12 Dec 23 Jan 20 Feb Croydon University Hospital For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to 020 8401 3000 www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings. For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet Get in touch Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. team, email: [email protected] Meetings: or call 020 8760 5644 6 Dec Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee 8 Dec Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee If anybody you know isn't receiving the online 13 Dec Scrutiny and overview committee Your Croydon weekly, tell them that they can 10 Jan Scrutiny and overview committee ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon. 17 Jan Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee gov.uk/subscribe 31 Jan Streets, environmental and homes scrutiny sub-committee 7 Feb Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee 28 Feb Streets and environmental scrutiny sub-committee Central Library and Museum of Croydon For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET or email [email protected] Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/central-library safer-neighbourhood-board/ Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Forthcoming public meeting dates are: Meeting: Wednesday 18 January at 6.30pm – Email: [email protected] Community Space, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA Museum – www.museumofcroydon.com Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings. Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: [email protected]

For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ Guided Walks leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks DECEMBER Sunday 11 December and carol singing. For more information FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Christmas crafts at contact the Friends of Haling Grove via the Saturday 3 December about the 2017 walks Recreation Ground Facebook page. programme, friends of park Winter trees in Come and try your hand at making yourself Sunday 18 December groups, natural play and forest The wood is a remnant of the once Great a Christmas Wreath. £3 per place. Please Happy Valley winter tree ID school, or how to get involved North Wood, explore the history of the site call the warden on 07771 715812 for and folklore in caring for Croydon’s green and take a closer look at trees without their information and to book a place. leaves. Family event. Meet the community Wrap up warm to discover the myths and environment, contact the partnership officer at 10am at the Sunday 11 December folklore behind our native trees and learn community partnership officer. noticeboard by the main entrance off South St Nicholas in Haling Grove how to name them from their bark, buds Tel 020 8726 6000 or email Norwood Hill. Join the Friends of Haling Grove from and twigs. Meet at the car [email protected] 2pm to 4pm for mince pies, mulled wine park at 2pm. 24 DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY 2017 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.

Adult education Dog fouling Leisure centres Information on the courses available It is an offence if the person in Links and information on all the to older students. charge of a dog fails to clean borough’s leisure centres. up their animal's faeces from Recycling Blocked drains designated land. Lottery registration Information on how to deal with Running a lottery to raise funds for drain problems. Education a charity or an organisation such Recycling Providing a range of services and as a sports club, church or school, What to recycle, how to recycle and Bulky waste collection activities to help meet the needs of requires registration. where to recycle. What it is, how to book it and how pupils, their families and the wider much it will cost. community. Marriage Safer Croydon Partnership Working to make the borough safer Croydon Careline Information on the various services for all who live, work and visit here. Providing a home safety and Emergency planning offered by the council. personal security system, helping Keeping Croydon running in the people to live independently within event of serious incidents. My Croydon their own homes. Download the council’s app for easy Fly-tipping reporting of a number of issues. Complaints procedure How to report it, your We will try to provide a high responsibilities as a landowner, Neighbourhood wardens Trading Standards standard of service and rely on you and how the council prosecutes Offering help and support to local to tell us how we are doing. fly-tippers. communities. Trading standards Dealing with doorstep crime and Gambling On-street parking rogue traders, and offering advice The different types of licences – and Maps, tables and information on to residents and businesses. how to apply for them. the borough’s on-street parking bays and pay-and-display parking Voluntary organisations Home safety advice machines. Details on available funding. See if you are eligible for a free Disabled parking home safety check. Planning applications Welfare benefit advice Advice on all aspects of the planning Know what you’re entitled to and Disabled parking Instrument tuition process. claim it. Providing parking bays throughout Service for children and young Croydon for vehicles used by the people. Youth projects holders of blue badges. All you need to know about Croydon’s youth provision.

Zoo licence Planning You need to apply for a licence to run a zoo – should you really want to!

www. croydo z n.gov.uk/ato 160562