your ISSUE 74 – OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
www.croydon.gov.uk
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Mayor of London’s visit to town centre – pages 4 and 5 Pridefest brings rainbow of colour to North End and Surrey Street – pages 8 and 9 Veteran Olympian honoured with street name – page 18
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Destination of choice A recent official report gave Croydon the accolade of having the highest economic growth figures in the country. While we are never going to rely on any one report, what it did confirm was that the feel-good factor so many local people have been talking about really is returning to our town. Everyone who lives in Croydon knows what an amazing place it is, but now the word is spreading fast that Croydon really does have so much more to offer than many other places, and that we are building on that success with school exam results above the national average; and Body Shop, Superdrug and others moving their company HQs into Croydon, along with hundreds of new jobs. The good news doesn’t stop there – as a council, we are investing £30m into modernising Fairfield and building a new swimming pool in New Addington; Boxpark is on the verge of opening at East Croydon; Surrey Street Market is attracting new investment and is now trading on Sundays; a cultural renaissance led by the likes of the Rise Gallery is under way; and Croydon is now recognised as the 'Silicon Valley' of south London thanks to the fantastic work of Croydon Tech City, Dot Mailer, TMRW tech hub and others. However, economic success brings with it other challenges. We are redoubling our efforts to work with developers and others to increase the supply of affordable housing for local people; we have introduced a landlord-licensing scheme to drive up standards in the private rented sector; and, as council leader, I will never lose sight of the fact that ensuring our streets are as clean and safe as possible is a key issue not only for residents, but also for potential investors looking at Croydon as a place in which to either relocate or launch their businesses. Croydon's economic success will be the focus of our forthcoming Croydon economic summit, on 23 November, at which we will be joined by London's excellent new Mayor Sadiq Khan. Sadiq visited Croydon only a few weeks ago and was hugely impressed by the investment and growth Croydon is now seeing. He has pledged to work with the council to further improve our transport links, local stations, provision of new housing, and much more. He is committed to supporting our plan to ensure Croydon is truly London's growth borough and increasingly the destination of choice for all.
Cllr Tony Newman Leader of the council @cllrtony
Highlights Mayor visits Croydon..................... 4/5 The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, described the town as one of the capital’s hidden gems during his first official visit.
Fairfield refurb begins...............................7 Work to turn the award-winning plans for Fairfield into reality is under way behind the purple hoardings surrounding the site.
Pride of Croydon..................... 8/9 Surrey Street was turned into party central when the borough’s first Pridefest saw crowds flocking to celebrate the LGBT community.
Looking out for the kids...................... 13 Meet Sarah Baker, the woman who has taken on the task of chairing the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board.
Getting their hands dirty................ 17 Croydon schoolchildren have been putting their edible playgrounds to work, growing and then selling their own fresh produce.
Olympian has road named after him..................... 18 A veteran Olympian has seen the borough’s newest road named after him in honour of his 1964 silver medal win.
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For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Surrey Street Sundays
Sundays on Surrey Street have become very social affairs as the town centre’s historic market street comes alive with aromas and flavours from around the world. The creation of the Sunday market, boasting a free Wi-Fi service, is part of the council’s £500,000 investment into the area. Over coming months there will be a host of further improvements designed to make Surrey Street an even more exciting and inviting place – both on Sundays and the other days of the week. Regular live music and DJs accompany the Sunday market, and alongside many street food stalls there are increasing numbers of craft stalls selling jewellery and gifts – perfect for browsing in the run-up to Christmas.
Craft bread for canny shoppers
Top-notch ingredients and a passion for baking are behind the success of an artisan bakery that has set out its stall in Surrey Street. Al Focquaert is the historic market’s latest regular stallholder, returning to his Croydon roots following the creation of a successful business in Brighton. With a firm belief in simple, traditional, natural ingredients, his range of breads and pastries are a world removed from the
mass-produced loaves found on supermarket shelves. He said: ‘My dad was from Belgium and really drummed into me the value of goodquality ingredients. “This is the sort of bread that has sustained people for thousands of years. “It takes time and effort to make, but when I get customers coming back time and again for their favourite loaves or Danish pastries, I know I’m doing something right.”
All that glitters: jeweller Vivienne Taylor displays her silverware to the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor and Councillor Mark Watson
Tiny library gets free Wi-Fi Croydon’s newest (and smallest) library now has free Wi-Fi, a wide choice of street food and, even better, is open on Sundays. It’s in the middle of Surrey Street, and sits at the centre of one of Croydon’s many large street-art murals. The surrounding artwork is by Giacomo Bufarini, better known by many under his street name of Run. The Italian artist has added his work to that of many other well-known international names from the
street-art world to help turn Croydon into an imaginative sea of colour and design. This book-themed mural leaps into three dimensions with the addition of real books – which people are encouraged to borrow, replace and add to – with no need for a membership card. And, just like Croydon’s other libraries, the whole of Surrey Street now also has free Wi-Fi, enabling readers and shoppers alike to browse the internet as well as the bookshelves.
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London Mayor gets behind Croydon On his first visit to Croydon, London’s Mayor saw the borough’s potential, describing it as a hidden gem. The big issues facing Croydon in the coming years were among the topics discussed by the Mayor of London during his first official visit to the borough in early September. Sadiq Khan said: “Having just been named the fastest growing economy in the UK, Croydon is fast emerging as a hub for culture and development thanks to the extensive regeneration it has been undergoing in recent years. “I think Croydon is a hub for tech, for culture, for development, and it’s one of the hidden gems of our great city. “I’m looking forward to Croydon flourishing and thriving.” On his walking tour of the town centre he visited the main regeneration sites, including Boxpark, Ruskin Square and Fairfield. Time was taken to speak in depth with
council leader, Councillor Tony Newman, deputy leader Alison Butler and Jo Negrini, the council’s chief executive. The hot topics raised were: • Developing outer London: Croydon has the potential to deliver 37% of the London target for new homes. • Expanding rail capacity: Croydon needs better stations, better services and extensions to Tramlink. • Croydon’s growth zone: Continuing investment as London’s Growth Borough has seen the borough become the fastest growing economy in the UK. • Protecting local air quality: The health of Londoners is affected daily by the quality of the air, as much in Croydon as in central London. • A new university: South London needs a top-flight international university, and Croydon is the right place.
Councillor Tony Newman, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Councillor Alison Butler and Councillor Stuart King
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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S E M O C GRIME HOME TO K R A P X O B The Mayor of London used his first official visit to Croydon to help the Boxpark Croydon Opening Festival. It wasn’t all regeneration, technology and plans for the future when the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, made his first visit to the town centre. While being shown the evolving Boxpark site, the Mayor took the opportunity to press the ‘start’ button on the borough’s big music event of the year. The Boxpark Croydon Opening Festival – being held on 29 and 30 October – will see grime returning to its spiritual home. The Mayor, said: “Boxpark will be a great addition to the town centre and a festival of this scale and calibre is the perfect way for Croydon to really get itself noticed on the capital’s cultural map.” The urban music event is jointly promoted by cutting-edge team Eskimo Dance and the NME. It is supported and part-funded by Croydon Council as part of its growth zone plans and ambitions to bring a new wave of culture to the town centre. Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said “Croydon’s evolving faster than people can keep up with. This is exactly why we’re supporting performance venues and the arts in general.” The following day will see NME host a free showcase celebrating the future sounds of London with the best up-and-coming musical talent.
S T N E V E R E H OT CROWD (21 OCTOBER): St George’s Walk will be taken over for a feast of music and entertainment in the first of what promises to be a thrilling series of nights. Expect street food, bars and some of the best bands on the touring circuit. NEW ROSE: 40 YEARS OF CROYDON PUNK (22 OCTOBER): St George’s Walk (next to the iconic former Greyhound venue) will be turned into an outdoor exhibition featuring both new artwork and memorabilia from the period around 22 October 1976 when Croydon’s The Damned released the first punk single, New Rose. Free launch event: 4 to 6pm; gig at The Oval Tavern in the evening.
DIWALI MELA (22 OCTOBER): North End will come alive between noon and 5pm as Croydon celebrates the ancient Hindu festival of lights. LONDON MOZART PLAYERS (23 OCTOBER): Croydon’s own orchestra has found a new home at St John’s church in Upper Norwood. The first public performance is suitable for the whole family and runs from 3pm to 5pm. It’s free, but booking is advised. CROYDON YOUTH ARTS COLLECTIVE (29 OCTOBER): The action returns to the Clocktower complex in Katharine Street as local youngsters host a free day of music, theatre, film, art exhibitions, talks, workshops and much more besides.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
s n o i p m a Street ch s p u r a e l c hit 100 Notable milestone for Don’t Mess with Croydon – but the work goes on. The magic number of 100 has been passed by the network of street champions that helps tackle fly-tips and litter by staging community clear-ups across the borough. Refusing to sit on their laurels, however, the work goes on – and recruiting more volunteers from the south of the borough is the campaign's next target. More than 300 volunteer street champions have cleared alleyways, streets and green spaces in 103 events since the council’s Don’t Mess With Croydon – Take Pride campaign began in 2014. Alongside council staff and Veolia waste contractors, street champions lead by example on keeping their neighbourhood tidy, as well as reporting fly-tips and other environmental issues to the council. Among the most recent community clear-ups have been: • South Norwood residents, council staff and Veolia contractors clearing 1.5 tonnes of litter and fly-tips from access alleyways off Falkland Park Avenue.
• A vanload of rubbish and flytipped bikes and mopeds cleared by conservation volunteers in Brickfield Meadow in Woodside. • Residents clearing a vanload of waste from an access alleyway off Cromwell Road in Selhurst. • A London Road litter pick by members of Broad Green Residents’ Association filling 20 black bags of rubbish. Now the council’s champion coordinator is calling for more people in the south of the borough to get involved. Tracey Bellamy said: “From Coulsdon air cadets to Thornton Heath community groups, we have a really dedicated network of street champions. “We particularly want to recruit people in areas such as Kenley and New Addington that often attract fly-tippers from outside the borough.” Councillor Stuart Collins, cabinet member for clean and green Croydon, said: “Tracey’s street champions are a fantastic example of people taking pride in their local environment, but we want to keep going so even more of our areas benefit from this initiative.”
To find out more about becoming a street champion, email tracey. bellamy@croydon.gov.uk. To report waste dumped in Croydon, email flytip@croydon.gov.uk, or use the free My Croydon app available for smartphones. Issues can also be reported by calling 020 8604 7000.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Fairfield’s fabulous future The exciting £30m refurbishment of Fairfield is set to herald a new era for one of south London’s most cherished venues. The purple hoardings have gone up around the Fairfield site, and, behind them, work is under way to turn the council’s award-winning plans into reality. The value of those plans was evident when the capital’s first citizen praised the vision that will see the building’s reputation enhanced when work is completed. On his first official visit to Croydon, London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, took time out to discuss the project with senior council officers and cabinet members. He said: “Growing London’s cultural sector is one of my core priorities and I’m delighted to see top innovators and entertainers setting their sights on Croydon. “One of the things I love most about London is that its cultural gems are not just limited to the city centre. Around every corner of the capital there is something new and exciting to discover and Croydon is full of fantastic things to see and do.” Even before the clearance work started in preparation for the restoration team, Fairfield received top-level recognition with a New London Architecture (NLA) Award. Lead architectural practice Rick Mather Architects received the accolade, and judges remarked how they could “see the project spinning off into a lot of secondary economic benefits,” as the scheme transforms a building that “desperately needs to be brought back into decent use”. And, in the weeks after being closed to the public, the building
provided a focal point for the National Trust, which took hundreds of people on a series of tours of Croydon’s ’60s architectural heritage. The renovation project has also recently been given the seal of approval from leading figures in the theatre industry. A voluntary panel of experts from the Theatres Trust visited Fairfield just before the closure. They applauded the council’s aim of ensuring the building retains all its best features, especially the goal of capturing the glory of its ’60s roots Lights fantastic: Councillors Timothy Godfrey and to emphasise its links to the Royal Alison Butler survey progress in the concert hall Festival Hall. When Fairfield reopens in the summer of 2018, audiences will see huge improvements and upgrades in all of the public areas, and production companies will find the all-important backstage has been brought fully up to modern standards. And, alongside the halls, the gardens will be turned into a lively and vibrant public space, with the underground car park transformed into a large art gallery. Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We’re 100% committed to ensuring this huge investment will bring about a big return for the local community. “In less than two years’ time we’ll be in a position to bring in some top-quality touring productions and shows, as well as working hand in hand with the huge number of community arts groups active in Croydon.”
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showing pride With Surrey Street transformed into a sea of rainbow flags, the town’s first Pridefest set the standard for coming years. Pridefest, in late August, proved to be a terrific success, with thousands turning out for a celebration of south London’s LGBT+ community and turning central Croydon’s Surrey Street into party central for an afternoon. This year’s second-largest pride event in London, it drew an estimated 3,000 revellers after some 500 had taken part in a parade to the main event from North End. Dozens of local community organisations took part in the parade, which was headed by singers Rainbows Across Borders, a voluntary group for LGBT asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution of oppressive homophobic and transphobic regimes. They were joined by hundreds of individuals on the day, who turned North End into a sea of rainbow flags in the procession to Surrey Street where crowds were kept entertained by a programme of musicians, cabaret performers and DJs. The town’s historic market street was alive with food stalls and outside bars to complement the regular cafés and pubs. Host Christopher Haul guided everyone through the day and satirical cabaret act Topping and Butch had the crowd in stitches. Local band Bugeye – recently featured on BBC Radio 6 Music – had Surrey Street rocking with their home-grown brand of disco punk, and many other singers, drag acts and cabaret performers kept the audience entertained all afternoon. The evening finished with after-parties at the nearby Project B and Luna bars.
The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor, said: Leading hundreds of people along North End for the first council-supported Pride festival in my home town, and opening the festival on stage in front of such a huge crowd in Surrey Street was an unforgettable experience. “I didn’t expect such an amazing turnout, but the thousands of people who came showed that Croydon is a diverse, open and welcoming place to live and work. “It was a brilliant celebration of everything we have to offer, a big boost for local businesses, and I’m looking forward to making next year’s event bigger and better still.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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in croydon
New lease of life for venerable old lady
Reveller Liz Sheppard Jones said: “I was so happy to take part in the inaugural Croydon Pridefest march. It had a brilliant attendance and a great party atmosphere.” Croydon Pridefest was supported by the council, and chaired by Councillor Mark Watson, who said: “I’d like to thank everyone who worked on organising Pridefest – it was a real team effort. “From Ray Harvey-Amer, who put so much time into making the parade a success, and Chris Hall who organised the entertainment, to the team at Nudge Factory who got the word out on the street in advance – and of course the traders who ensured we had great food and drink available throughout the day. “I could name dozens of others, but they all know who they are and they have my real gratitude for a job well done.”
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Borough schools show how it’s done Trend-bucking exam results and top-quality teaching prove Croydon’s schools are in good health. Great teaching standards are a major factor in the vast majority of Croydon’s GCSE students doing better than had been expected this year. And this wasn’t the only good news for Croydon on results day. While students across the UK saw GCSE grades fall by 2.1%, Croydon’s schools bucked the trend with a 1.1% improvement in the combined result for A*-C grades in English and mathematics. The improvement in results was measured by Progress 8, the government’s new measure of success for schools, which looks at how pupils’ final results match up with what they had been expected to get
when they were assessed in year eight. From this year on, schools will be scored based on this measure of how well they can improve their students’ levels of achievement during the last few years before they sit their GCSEs. Returns from the borough’s secondary schools showed that 63% of pupils made the grade, against last year’s figure of 61.9%. Figures also show that Croydon’s schools have helped pupils achieve exceptionally well at the top A and A* grades. Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people, and learning, said: “What stands out in this
year’s Croydon GCSE results is that the quality of teaching has helped pupils improve academically during their time at secondary school. “Set against a national decline in standards, Croydon’s education system is proving it can deliver great results. “As a council, over the past few years, we’ve committed a huge amount of money to building new schools and classrooms so that everyone has a place.”
Getting ready for the class of 2017 Apply now for a secondary school place next year – and be sure to use the full range of choices available to you.
With the autumn term well under way and many children beginning their new school careers, now is the time for families to start applying for secondary school places in 2017. The closing date for applications is 31 October, and the council has made it easier than ever to apply online. Details of the application process can be found on the council’s website, and in the Admissions to secondary schools 2017/18 prospectus – linked from www.croydon.gov.uk/ admissions – featuring step-by-step guidance. The council is ambitious for all children in the area, and finding good school places plays an important part in helping them achieve their full potential. Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “This is an important time for families with children looking at the next stage of their education. “We want Croydon’s children to achieve their full potential, and we know that finding a school place plays an important part in starting this process on the right foot. “We’re proud that Croydon has a diverse range of good
schools, and that, last year, we were able to offer more places of parents’ choice schools than ever before. “It should be stressed that parents use all of their six available preferences when making their application. Individual schools are different, just as individual children are different, and we encourage people to seriously consider the schools that would best suit their child.” For further information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ admissions
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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It’s ‘all systems go’ for new community and leisure centre Community calls for a new leisure centre in New Addington have been given unanimous support by the council’s planning committee. The council has given the green light to plans for a new £17m community and leisure centre. The development will transform Central Parade’s west side with a building providing new community spaces, state-of-the-art sports facilities and eight new family homes. Initial work is expected to start later this year. Councillor Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “The work underlines our commitment to provide New Addington with new leisure and community facilities – and some much-needed homes as well.” The community centre will feature two multi-purpose halls, a stage, kitchen area
and associated rooms that can be used for meetings, offices and dressing rooms. Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care, said: “Local people have got their wish for a new leisure centre – it’s a great opportunity for everyone to improve their health and well-being.” The leisure centre will have a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, learning pool and spectator seating, plus a café, fitness suite, sport hall, crèche and studios. This work follows the council’s recently completed Connected Croydon streetimprovement project, which has seen about £1m of upgrades to Central Parade, including:
• widening and repaving of footways; • resurfacing of the road; • installation of a southbound bus stop and footpath linking to the Parade; • improvement of car park access and layout; • upgrading of parking arrangements for blue-badge holders; and • installation of bins, benches and cycle parking. “Set against a national decline in standards, Croydon’s education system is proving it can deliver great results. “As a council, over the past few years, we’ve committed a huge amount of money to building new schools and classrooms so that everyone has a place.”
New top cop for borough Council welcomes the appointment of the new police borough commander. Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe has been named as Croydon’s next police chief, and will take up the role on 10 December, when current borough commander Andy Tarrant retires. The 51-year-old, who has been the borough commander at Bexley since March 2015, lives in Croydon, and joined the Metropolitan Police after 24 years’ service with British Transport Police (BTP). Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council, said: “This is fantastic news and having a borough commander that lives in Croydon will ensure the town’s best interests are at heart.
“Jeff comes with a fantastic reputation and we look forward to working very closely with him and helping to keep Croydon a welcoming, safe and inclusive 24-hour borough.” Mr Boothe held a variety of BTP roles including deputy senior investigating officer on the Hatfield train crash. He also has extensive public order and events experience from covering the Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Notting Hill Carnival. He said: “I’m excited about taking on the challenge of providing a quality policing service for the people of Croydon.”
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Giving kids the best start Croydon children will get the ‘best start’ in life thanks to a project set up with the input of families from across the borough. Each month, more than 500 new babies are born in the borough. To help all those new arrivals achieve the best they can be, Croydon’s Best Start programme is designed to give parents and parents-to-be much-needed help and support. The programme coordinates and shares information between health visitors, midwives, early learning practitioners, family nurses, children’s centres and voluntary and community organisations. This joined-up thinking means parents need explain their situation only once to get a tailored package of support from the network of 400 professionals who are part of the programme. More than 50 families worked with the council and Croydon Health Services to help shape the scheme and parents are also being encouraged and supported to help each other by sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “I’m a mother myself, and I’ve recently had my latest child, so I really appreciate how the first couple of years of a child’s life are critical. “Studies show that it’s this time that’s vital with regard to how well they’re going to be achieving by their mid-20s. “Croydon Best Start really helps to emphasise just how the role played by mothers, fathers, and other carers at the very earliest stages of a baby’s life is really important in helping a child develop and reach their full potential.” Binnie Crookes-Martin is one of the ‘Best Start Buddies’ – parents who engage, involve and support other parents. She said: “The ‘buddy’ scheme was set up by parents to help each other out. “Right from the outset it breaks down barriers to people signing up to Best Start by taking away any sense of
Above: Mayor of Croydon Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor with Binnie Crooks-Martin. Top: Councillor Alisa Flemming and baby Jasmine.
bureaucracy.” Christina Hickson, associate director of nursing for children’s services at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “By bringing together in one place all the help and support that’s available in Croydon, children can grow to be the best they can be. “Every child is a complex individual, and the various relationships they form with different family members and carers means that every one of
them is unique – but all deserve the same thing, which is to get the possible start in life.” Latest news can be followed on the Best Start Facebook page.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Protecting our young Safeguarding children is far from being kids’ stuff, but the woman responsible relishes the challenge. Bringing passion and a wealth of experience to the role, Sarah Baker recently took over as the independent chair of the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB). Coming to Croydon from the NHS with a background in children’s nursing, health visiting and nurse education, Sarah most recently held a director post in community health services, quality and nursing. She also chairs two other local safeguarding children’s boards and a safeguarding adult board in London, as well as being a health peer with the Local Government Association, supporting local authorities to review the quality of their children’s services. She has a real enthusiasm for working with children with disability and is a trustee at The Children’s Trust in Tadworth – the UK's leading charity for children with a brain Injury. Of her appointment to the CSCB, she said: “I feel especially privileged to take on this role, as I previously worked in Croydon in 1995 when I came to set up the Children’s Hospital at Home, which I know has gone from strength to strength.” She explained that the CSCB is the statutory body that brings together all the local agencies that have a role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people up to
the age of 18 in the borough. “In addition to lay members, it includes representatives of many agencies – from health and children’s services, to the police and probation services, to name just a few. “Our main role is to coordinate and monitor the effectiveness of arrangements designed to ensure better safeguarding outcomes for children and young people.” Talking about how the board operates, she said: “We promote the principle that safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility. “Our purpose is to make sure that all children and young people in our area are protected from abuse and neglect. “Children can be safeguarded from harm only if agencies work well together, follow procedures and guidance based on best practice, and are well informed and trained. “In addition, we want to make sure parents, children and young people, and professionals have easy access to information about a broad range of childsafety issues.” The board’s mission statement includes the aim of ‘… promoting safe practice by all involved, and early intervention, as far as is possible, with children, young people, and their parents and carers.’ It also seeks to act as
‘a model for working in partnership by continually seeking the common ground between all concerned. This includes challenging actions or failure to act’. Sarah concluded: “We’re committed to finding the best
ways of keeping the focus on the welfare of the children and the young people of Croydon, and I’m delighted to be part of an established, strong and dedicated team.” Learn more at http://croydonlcsb.org.uk
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Hundreds of homes set for former council HQ site The land formerly occupied by Taberner House is set to be redeveloped with a mix of homes and commercial properties. An award-winning residential developer has been appointed to regenerate the site of the council’s former headquarters building. Specialising in building homes for families and young professionals in the capital, Hub will aim to create a 500-unit development and give The Queen’s Gardens, adjacent to the site, a new lease of life. The scheme will include a mix of housing for rent and sale – with at least 30% affordable – sitting above 13,000 sq.ft. of commercial space at the Park Lane site. Hub, based in London’s West End, is
renowned for delivering sustainable, low-energy homes and for its commitment to engaging with local communities. The company is set to work alongside Sterling Prize-winning architects AHMM to draw up new plans for the scheme, with construction set to start next year, subject to planning approval. Cllr Alison Butler, cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Hub to Croydon. They come with an impressive reputation for great design, sustainability, and working with local communities.
“As well as bringing a fresh and exciting approach to residential building in the town centre, and providing much-needed quality homes that are within reach of local people, they’ll be revitalising The Queen’s Gardens. “The fact that development teams of this stature continue to come to Croydon, post-Brexit, shows the continued confidence that exists in London’s growth borough being a great place to invest.”
The taxman cometh Well, thousands of them, actually, as HMRC announces move to new Croydon office development. Hot on the heels of the decision of two major retailers to set up shop in Croydon, HM Revenue and Customs has announced that its new regional office will occupy one of the buildings going up next to East Croydon station. The news has been welcomed by Croydon Council as yet more evidence of confidence in the town – and it follows news that The Body Shop and Superdrug will be taking over new and refurbished offices in the area. The deal means that some 2,500 HMRC employees will occupy the whole 184,000 sq ft building at One Ruskin Square when construction is complete.
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs, said: “Croydon’s skyline is changing almost daily, and each new office block or apartment building will bring with it the jobs and homes that will breathe new life into the heart of the town. “This is coupled with the enormous transformation that the redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Centre will bring with it – and the new cultural opportunities that will come from the council’s £30m regeneration of Fairfield Halls.” The agreement by HMRC to lease the new office space includes an option to take double that again in other parts of
the £500m development should further expansion plans require it. David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope, said: “HMRC’s decision is a further vote of confidence in the regeneration and revival of Croydon, and Stanhope and Schroder’s creation of an attractive and vibrant destination and sense of arrival at East Croydon station.” James Lass, fund manager at Schroder UK Real Estate Fund said: “The letting of One Ruskin Square in its entirety, prior to completion, is a strong validation of our strategy to commence development on a speculative basis in Croydon – an emerging part of the London office landscape.”
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Foot off the gas, driver – 20mph speed limit is here New limit means roads in the north of the borough have just become safer. Hundreds of north Croydon roads now have a new 20mph limit, introduced as part of a council commitment to make the borough’s streets safer. Except for main through roads such as Whitehorse Lane and Beulah Hill, all residential streets in parts of South Norwood, Selhurst, Bensham Manor, Thornton Heath and Upper Norwood are now covered by the new permanent 20mph limit. The roads included in the new changes have 20mph signs, and drivers caught speeding by police can expect fines, points on their licence, or prosecution. Several of the affected roads, listed on a zoomable map, also include number plate recognition speed detectors and electronic signs that flash up each vehicle’s speed. Seeking to implement 20mph across the borough by 2018, the council has divided
the borough into five sectors and consulted local people. A majority of area 1 respondents said they wanted 20mph, and area 1 received approval earlier this year. In area 2 – covering parts of Addiscombe, Ashburton, Woodside, Shirley, Heathfield, Fairfield, and parts of Selhurst and South Norwood – a majority of respondents were similarly in favour of a 20mph limit. The area 2 proposals are now out to statutory consultation before being considered for final approval by Christmas. Proposals in relation to areas 3, 4 and 5 will be considered during 2017 and 2018. Extensive 20mph limits reduce the risk and severity of accidents, cut congestion and pollution levels, encourage less car use and discourage rat-running in quieter streets.
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for transport and the environment (pictured), said: “I’m glad we’re delivering on our 20mph manifesto pledge because it will keep residents safer and make our streets more enjoyable places to live.” Click here to see which roads are covered by area 1 and for more information on the area 2 consultation.
Helping hand for Thornton Heath firms Cash boost sees local firms benefiting as part of council’s area-improvement works. Free business training and support worth almost £150,000 is being given to small firms in Thornton Heath. Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) has been appointed by the council to help give businesses the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. The money is part of the £2.7m being invested in the district centre by Croydon Council on everything from smartened shopfronts and better signage to large pieces of public art. The result will be a more welcoming and inviting place to visit and shop. Business and Enterprise Support Thornton Heath (BESTH) complements the massive investment currently going into Croydon town centre, where some £5bn is expected to be invested over the next few years on new offices and homes. On a recent visit to Thornton Heath, Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for the economy and jobs, spent time listening to the views of local business owners. He said: “I’m delighted to announce the introduction of this exciting new
package of tailored business support for Thornton Heath. “We’re using physical improvements to shopfronts and the public realm as a springboard to help revitalise the area – but what’s critical is that the changes aren’t just on the surface. “Businesses need to step up to the challenge and offer a wider range of better quality goods and services to meet growing local demand. “By working together we can really make things happen.” Roberta Asafu-Adjaye, owner of Efie Nefie restaurant, said: “As a relatively new business in the area, I’m very much looking forward to the free professional support to improve my business and, indeed, the training that’s going to be on offer.” Firms who sign up to BESTH will receive one-to-one support or training in a range of areas including company registration, in-store merchandising, food safety, marketing, website development, tax returns, business planning, accessing finance, and recruitment practice – including how to take on work placements
or apprenticeships. CVA’s enterprise manager, Bhupendra Solanki, said: “The initial response to our engagement has been very positive and we have in place an excellent team of business advisers who are excited to be making a real difference to Thornton Heath businesses.” Local businesses wanting to find out more about the BESTH project should email bhupendra.solanki@cvalive.org.uk.
Blooming business: Councillor Mark Watson chats with Doris the florist
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PARK YOUR VIEWS Do you have a view on the way your local park is run, or how it might develop in the future? If so, complete a new survey and join in as Croydon talks parks. As one of London’s greener boroughs, Croydon is blessed with 127 parks, providing fantastic recreation possibilities all year round to residents and visitors alike. Now the council is asking the parks users what they feel about the green spaces, why they value them, and what they would like to see improved. To get the answers to those questions, a new survey of parks users will help bring a step closer the council’s ambitious plans for securing and improving the borough’s green spaces. Croydon Talks Parks gives residents the chance to paint a detailed picture of how they use parks and what changes they would like to see made in how they are managed and run. Many residents have already responded and a few of their comments are included as pull quotes, here. Questions cover issues such as community events and festivals, sports facilities, nature conservation, and volunteering. Responses will be analysed and built
into the council’s ‘ambitious for parks’ programme, which is looking at a wide range of options for the future of Croydon’s green public spaces. Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “This is the next phase in the council's manifesto commitment to securing our valuable parks for the generations to come. “We’re determined to maintain standards and bring about real improvements despite the financial challenges we’re faced with. “That’s why we’re looking for sustainable ways to fund investment alongside opportunities for getting local people more involved.” Responses are invited from individuals, groups, volunteers, allotment users, community networks, businesses and anyone else who has an interest in Croydon’s parks. The survey closes on 31 October, with results published by the end of the year. To complete the survey visit www.croydon.gov.uk/talkparks
SURVEY RESPONSES Waddon Ponds park is excellent, especially the baby area and the ability to feed ducks, geese, swans and their chicks. In my view the best park in Britain, outside of a few of the Royal Parks.” “My son’s Cubs use the spaces for games and football practice, fly a kite, cycle, picnic, look at nature, collect blackberries, climb trees.” “I like to meet friends for food in the park and my favourite is Lloyd Park, although we go to Thornton Heath Rec and South Norwood because of the cycle paths.” “I go to look at flowers and trees; drink tea; chat to elderly; bump into friends and neighbours.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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s t i u r f e h t g n i Enjoy s s e c c u s r i e h of t Borough schoolchildren have been getting soil under their fingernails and then demonstrating their business sense. Forget traditional playground activities such as hopscotch and British bulldog, green-fingered school children have been using the space to cultivate fresh fruit and veg. Edible Playgrounds have been built in Rockmount Primary, Fairchildes Primary and Meridian High – the borough’s food flagship schools – as well as St Giles’ School. The innovative scheme helps children learn about healthy eating habits at an early age. It also aims to tackle obesity and food poverty, and create opportunities for pupils to learn about nature in a fun and engaging environment. The children’s learning is linked to the ongoing work of Croydon’s Food Flagship programme in schools to develop a whole-school approach to healthy eating. Earlier this year, the pupils got to work preparing the soil, sowing seeds and potting plants to grow strawberries, tomatoes, green beans and other produce to be ready in time for the summer. They then had the chance to demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills by selling the produce they had grown, alongside other hand-made items, at the borough’s first schools’ food market in July.
In all, 16 Croydon schools set up stall – and the public responded by going along to the food market and purchasing the goodies on offer. So successful was the market that another is pencilled in for Croydon Clocktower on Thursday, 20 October from 1 to 2pm. Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care, said “Edible Playgrounds, the Food Flagship programme, and schools’ food market, are helping children to better understand the importance of eating nutritious, healthy food. “This is an exciting venture for our schools and we’re really looking forward to the new crops coming to fruition.” Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, added, “I’m pleased that so many Croydon schools are being supported to further develop how children learn about growing and cooking fresh fruit and vegetables. “We hope that even more schools will have the opportunity to build an Edible Playground.” Croydon’s Food Flagship programme supports residents of all ages to make good food the easy choice. Find out more, and get involved, at www.croydon.gov.uk/foodflagship
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Nihill, Paul – meet NIHILl PLACE
A veteran Olympian has seen the borough’s newest road named after him in honour of his 1964 silver medal win. A new Addiscombe road has been officially named Nihill Place, after Paul Nihill MBE, the Croydon Olympian who took silver in the 50km walk at the 1964 Tokyo games. Paul’s podium finish in Tokyo was a personal best time, and the Italian athlete who beat him by only a few yards set a new world record. Paul held the world record for the 20km distance for some years, and competed at 50km in the Olympics of 1968 and 1972, as well as 20km in 1976. The Nihill family, including two-year-old Paul, moved to Croydon in 1941, and although he now lives in Chatham (almost exactly 50km from the road that will carry his name), he has always been a proud Croydonian. A life member of Croydon Harriers athletics club, he retains close links with the Sir Phillip Game Centre in Morland Avenue, where he trained as a boy.
The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor (pictured with Mr Nihill and Councillor Pat Ryan), who unveiled the new street nameplate, said: “Paul Nihill represents a breed of UK athletes who have discovered their talent while at school and have shown determination and courage to rise to the very top of their chosen fields. “He’s a very deserving recipient of this honour and it’s fantastic that, over the years, he has given up so much of his time to encourage others to follow in his – very fast – footsteps.” Paul said: “It’s a great honour to be recognised with such a permanent accolade. “I’ve always been proud to have been raised in Croydon, and actually lived just round the corner from the new homes development. “Watching the Olympics in London four years ago and in Rio this summer is very exciting, and brings back lots of memories.”
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Don’t make it easy for the burglar With the nights drawing in, put yourself in the shoes of a burglar. Which house would you break into? Yours, which is in darkness, or your neighbour’s, where the lights are on and music can be heard coming from the kitchen? The message from me is leave a light and the radio on when you go out; especially if you leave early in the morning for work. Also, where do you leave your car keys when you get in? Do you leave them by your front door where someone can pass something through the letter box, hook them away and steal your car? Leave your car keys out of sight. Doing this, along with other simple steps, can mean a 75% reduction in your chances of being a victim of house-breaking. Being a member
of the Croydon Neighbourhood Watch can reduce this even further – and joining could also lower your home insurance premium! We have seen significant improvements in how many of you think we are doing a good job. We still have some way to go, but satisfaction with our services has gone up, meaning that we are now third of the 32 London boroughs; a really significant improvement. I’d like to thank all my staff for making this happen. I recently commended more than 30 of my officers and civilian staff for acts of bravery and good work. Examples included: the officers who disarmed a woman armed with a knife; the detective who supported a traumatised victim of domestic abuse to give evidence against her controlling partner, and the officers who saved a man’s life by administering first aid. I am very proud of my staff and
these are just a few examples of what they do on a daily basis, to serve you and to make Croydon a safer place. Much has been written about officers and staff commuting in to the areas where they work. However, I am pleased to say that a large majority of the people working here live on the borough, in areas such as Crystal Palace, Purley and South Croydon. This means that we can be more understanding and deliver a better policing service because we live here. Perhaps that is why we are seeing such big improvements in our confidence and satisfaction ratings. This is my last column as I am retiring. I wish my successor, Jeff Boothe, all the best for the future, policing the BEST borough in London.
Andy Tarrant
Chief Supt Andy Tarrant Croydon borough commander
Helping to tackle domestic abuse Would you like to help someone who has experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence? Croydon’s Family Justice Centre is offering local people the chance to get involved in the work it undertakes across the borough. The centre has issued an appeal for leaders, staff, volunteers and members of local organisations to join its network of community champions. The champions have access to free training and support to help people in their neighbourhoods and communities. Through its ongoing programme of regular talks at community events around the borough, the centre raises awareness of domestic abuse and the support available to those affected. Anybody keen to have the team speak to their community, or who would like to join the network of community champions, should email fjc@croydon.gov.uk Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet
member for communities, safety and justice, said: “Croydon’s vision is that those living and working in the borough help to reduce and eliminate domestic abuse and sexual violence. “We’re committed to challenging an attitude that tolerates and condones violence. “We also aim to provide victims of domestic abuse with the support they need, and to protect them by tackling perpetrators, to prevent further incidents. “We acknowledge that it will take all of us playing our part to build on the progress already made in tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence in the borough. “This is why the team’s keen to come out and engage with communities so that we can equip the whole of Croydon to take a stand against
domestic abuse and sexual violence.” For more information, email fjc@croydon.gov.uk
Domestic abuse and sexual violence is everybody’s business
Speak up speak out We are here to help Call the Croydon Family Justice Centre: 020 8688 0100 National Domestic Violence freephone helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/domesticabuse
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Don’t fall victim to flu this winter Don’t wait until there is an outbreak, get your free flu jab now. Flu can be serious – It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly and which can lead to even more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. The most common symptoms from a bad bout of flu include a fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days; for some, though, the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. The flu virus changes from year to year and an updated vaccine, that can beat the new strains, is needed every year. Remember that you need it every year, so don’t assume you are protected because you had one last year. The nasal spray flu vaccine will be offered routinely on the NHS to all children born on or after 2 September 2011, and on or before 1 September 2013. Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families,
health and social care, said “It’s really important that anybody considered to be in a high-risk group gets their vaccine as soon as possible – and that includes health care workers and anybody who looks after a vulnerable person at home. “If you’re not sure, ask your GP whether you’re eligible to receive a flu jab or nasal spray.” More information is available at www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ Flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Search www.myhealth. london.nhs.uk for a full list of pharmacies offering the service in your area.
It’s 28 days – can you quit? Most people know that smoking is bad for your health but we also know how hard it can be to permanently kick the habit. Are you a slave to the ciggie? Find it hard to bash the ash? Yes? Then good news is here – Stoptober is back! The annual 28-day event encourages residents to ditch the cigarettes and supports smokers across the country toward giving up their addiction throughout October and beyond. There is evidence to show that a smoker who quits for 28-days is five times more likely to stay smoke-free for the rest of their life. More than 1,200 Croydon residents took up the challenge last year. The borough’s stop-smoking service has worked with nearly 3,000 to get them started on their quitting journey since April. Each received up to 12 weeks’ free support and more than 50% successfully quit after four weeks. You don’t need to quit using willpower alone – there is lots of online and face-to-face support to help you succeed this Stoptober.
That help takes in the app, email and social media support – including Facebook Messenger – to more information about the expert face-to-face support that your local stop-smoking service can offer, as well as the different types of stop-smoking aids available, including medicines and e-cigarettes. Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care, said: “Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to quit. “It could be to get healthier and fitter, to reduce the impact of cigarette smoke on friends and family, especially little ones, or to put a stop to money going up in smoke! “It’s amazing how quickly you’ll notice some really positive changes when you quit smoking.” Stoptober is here to help you quit smoking for good. Join in with the biggest stop-smoking challenge of its kind, search Stoptober online and sign up today. (facebook)/stoptober (twitter)@stoptober Call 0800 019 8570 to find your nearest Croydon stopsmoking adviser or visit www.croydon.gov.uk/smokefree for more information.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Free digital advice? Go On, then! The first Go On Croydon Digital Day proved a hit when it set up shop in the borough’s main shopping street. A purple tent that popped up in the middle of North End on one Saturday in July proved a magnet for people keen to brush up on their digital skills. More than 200 shoppers and visitors took advantage of the free advice that was on offer as the first Go On Croydon Digital Day took to the streets to spread the digital word. Digital champions from a range of Go On Croydon partners – including Croydon Council, Age UK, Argos, CVA, U3A, Lloyds Bank and Doteveryone – were joined by community volunteers, helping anybody seeking a little help or advice. Some wanted to learn the basics of getting online, accessing the web and improving their digital knowledge, while others were looking for tips on how to get the most out of their smartphones and tablets. Some visitors left after a chat, only to return, armed with their laptops, to get help on a particular issue. And those who wanted to know where they
could get more help with digital skills were directed to the Go On Croydon digital zones dotted around the borough – see panel for locations. Digital zones are places where people can discover the benefits that basic digital skills and being online can bring to their everyday life. The zones are local, friendly, social spaces where digital champions will be on hand to give top tips and advice on how to get online, and use a tablet, smartphone or laptop. The next wave of community based Go On Croydon digital zones are now launching, seeing digital zones being established in community organisations throughout Croydon. If your community organisation wants to get involved, email gocroydon@croydon.gov.uk To learn how you can benefit from digital skills, come along to the digital zone in Access Croydon in Bernard Weatherill House, Mint Walk, Croydon, every Friday EE between 9am and 4pm. 143 West Arcade, Whitgift Shopping Centre, Croydon CR0 1UT Tuesday: 9.30am – 11.30am
Croydon’s digital zones Age UK Croydon Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath CR7 7JH Wednesday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm Friday: 10.30am – 12.30pm Job Centre Plus 17-21 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 2TN Third Tuesday of the month: 10am – 2pm Job Centre Plus 72 High Street, Thornton Heath CR7 8AA First Tuesday of the month, 10am – 2pm Job Centre Plus 24 Whytecliffe Road South, Purley CR8 2YU Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am – 2pm
Lloyds Bank 95 George Street, Croydon CR9 1TN Thursday: 9.30am – 4.30pm Lloyds Bank 137 North End Road, Croydon CR0 1TN Thursday: 9.30am – 4.30pm Croydon African Caribbean Family Organisation UK 40 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath CR7 8HQ Wednesday and Friday: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Digital champions Digital champions help people in their community to get online and develop their basic digital skills. Whether it’s helping a friend, neighbour, customer or colleague, digital champions help raise awareness of the benefits that being online can bring to everyday life. They are not experts in IT, just people who are confident in using the internet and digital devices who want to support others in gaining the skills and confidence to do the same.
Further information If you're interested in learning more about being a digital champion, or if you're interested in setting up a digital zone in your own organisation, email: gocroydon@croydon.gov.uk
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Council tax-free for a year! Two households relish the prospect of no council tax for a year. A young four-legged friend could be finding its way to a new home in Whyteleafe, thanks to the fact the residents have just won a year’s free council tax. Aidan Booker said that while clearing a debt was a priority, some of the money he and Jade Fletcher would save could possibly be used to buy a puppy for the couple and their two young children. Each year, the council draws the names of two council taxpayers – one from the council’s My Account holders, the other from direct debit payers – to have their council tax paid for the entire year. Aidan, the My Account winner, said: “I really don’t know why people don’t pay more things by electronic transfer. “I find it quite antiquated to have to pay my son’s nursery fees by cheque. It’s so
much easier to pay via the computer – and you then get a chance to win, like we did.” Kathleen and Raymond Pearson have paid the council tax on their Kenley home by direct debit “for years and years”. Kathleen said: “When we found out that we’d won, we didn’t really believe it; we didn’t realise that we were entered into a draw to win a year’s council tax. “It was only when our daughter looked it up online and told us it was true that we believed it.” To find out how you can pay your council tax by direct debit – and possibly find yourself in Mr and Mrs Pearson’s position this time next year, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/dd To sign up to My Account, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/myaccount
Focusing on the positive
Young people turn the lens on the good aspects of their age group. Teenage stereotypes were examined and challenged when a group of youngsters staged a photo exhibition questioning commonly held beliefs. Held in St George’s Walk during August, the hosts, aged 12 to 17, were seeking to dispel what they feel are the sometimes jaundiced opinions of them and their peers. The project came about when the group gave up Easter holiday time to work with professional photographer Katherine Leedale. She taught them basic photography skills, such as lighting and editing, which they used to take portraits of other young people. They also studied interview techniques to question their subjects about their experiences of being a young person in Croydon, and if they felt they were negatively stereotyped by adults. Makyra, 15, said: “I thought it was a good experience because it gave
us something to do and it gave us an opportunity to show teenagers in a positive light and from our own perspective. “It was a fun project and we got to meet new people and make new friends, while we did something positive in the process.” Leah, 16, said: “It was a wonderful experience of professional photography, something which I hadn’t done before. “I was able to meet a diverse range of people, both on the photography team and by being photographed, which really helped me see the different side to Croydon's young people.” Croydon College students were involved in the project, along with other young people who were supported to attend by Croydon Council’s early intervention support service. Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “The aim was to showcase
Good experience: D and K
a collection of work that really challenged the fear surrounding the perceived propensity of young people to violence and crime and, hopefully, made the observer question their own beliefs about young people. “The group captured some really positive images of their peers posing, having fun, and showing their personalities. The photos went a long way to dispel the myth that teenagers are always up to no good.” The project was led by Croydon Council’s primary prevention team, with funding from the Safer Croydon Partnership.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
Council meeting dates
Useful contacts
Deadlines for public questions for the forthcoming full council meeting (starting at 6.30pm) – noon on the relevant deadline date.
For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800
Meetings: Monday 17 Oct
Deadlines: Monday 3 Oct
Monday 5 Dec
Monday 21 Nov
Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be emailed to council.questions@ croydon.gov.uk; alternatively, write to Questions for the council, Legal and democratic services, 7th floor, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: 10 Oct 14 Nov For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings. For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings:11 Oct Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee
18 Oct Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee
1 Nov Scrutiny and overview committee
8 Nov Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee
22 Nov Streets and environmental scrutiny sub-committee
For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email scrutiny@croydon.gov.uk Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ safer-neighbourhood-board/ Forthcoming public meeting dates are: Meeting: Wednesday 18 January at 6.30pm Community Space, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings.
Guided Walks OCTOBER
Sunday 9 October Fungus hunt in Selsdon Wood Meet at 10am by the wooden bear. www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk
Sunday 16 October Happy Valley off-piste Discover the history and wildlife of the hidden areas of Happy Valley. Sunday 16 October Family survival afternoon in Biggin Wood Learn how to filter water, light a fire or build a shelter, just like the people who once lived and worked in the Great North Wood.
Sunday 16 October Ancient woods on the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe countryside area Explore the natural history of the ancient wood in Ainsley Berry Shaw and the ‘new’ wood at the Dobbin.
Friday 21 October Addington Hills heathland wander Feast your eyes on purple and gold where volunteers have cleared encroaching scrub from heather and gorse. A two-hour hilly walk starting at 10am.
Friday 7 October Bats over Shirley Meet at the Bridle Road entrance to Spring Park Wood at 6.30pm.
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Croydon Council general enquiries 020 8726 6000 Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre 020 3040 0800 Non-emergency urgent care - 111 Croydon University Hospital 020 8401 3000
Get in touch To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: yourcroydon@croydon.gov.uk or call 020 8760 5644 If anybody you know isn't receiving the online Your Croydon weekly, tell them that they can ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon. gov.uk/subscribe
Central Library and Museum of Croydon Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/central-library Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Email: libraries@croydon.gov.uk Museum – www.museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: museum@croydon.gov.uk
For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks NOVEMBER Saturday 12 November Autumn leaves in Selsdon Wood Meet at 1pm in the car park by the wooden bear. www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk Saturday 19 November Family autumn stroll through Littleheath Wood Join The Friends of Littleheath Woods collecting seeds and leaves (about 90 minutes). Sunday 20 November Ancient trees in King’s Wood A gentle two-hour walk exploring a fine example of local ancient woodland.
Sunday 20 November Be a woodsman/woman for a day in Happy Valley Learn about coppicing, the ancient form of woodland management. A short talk, tour and practical demonstration, then have a go for yourself. Sunday 27 November Sanderstead grazing paddock management Join a happy band of Sunday volunteers to help remove tree seedlings in the grazing paddocks. For all general enquiries, email biodiversity@croydon.gov.uk
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
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 Information on the courses available to older students. Blocked drains Information on how to deal with drain problems. Bulky waste collection What it is, how to book it and how much it will cost. CCTV Helping to ensure the safety of people in Croydon.
Disabled parking Providing parking bays throughout Croydon for vehicles used by the holders of blue badges. Emergency planning Keeping Croydon running in the event of serious incidents. Extended schools Providing a range of services and activities to help meet the needs of pupils, their families and the wider community. Fly-tipping How to report it, your responsibilities as a landowner, and how the council prosecutes fly-tippers.
Direct payments Giving a person the choice to buy and arrange their own social care services.
Recycling
Lottery registration Running a lottery to raise funds for a charity or an organisation such as a sports club, church or school, requires registration.
Safer Croydon Partnership Working to make the borough safer for all who live, work and visit here.
What to recycle, how to recycle and where to recycle.
Mice and rats Information on the telltale signs and how to get help eradicating them.
Gambling The different types of licences – and how to apply for them.
Neighbourhood wardens Offering help and support to local communities.
Home safety advice See if you are eligible for a free home safety check.
Out-of-school activities After-school clubs, breakfast clubs, holiday play schemes – they’re all here.
Instrument tuition Service for children and young people.
Recycling
Leisure centres Links and information on all the borough’s leisure centres.
My Croydon Download the council’s app for easy reporting of a number of issues.
CCTV
Croydon Careline Providing a home safety and personal security system, helping people to live independently within their own homes.
search Find the latest vacancies for positions within the council.
Planning applications Advice on all aspects of the planning process. Job
Planning
Trading Standards
Trading standards Dealing with doorstep crime and rogue traders, and offering advice to residents and businesses. Voluntary organisations Details on available funding. Welfare benefit advice Know what you’re entitled to and claim it. Youth projects All you need to know about Croydon’s youth provision. Zoo licence You need to apply for a licence to run a zoo – should you really want to!
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www.cro ydon. gov.uk/atoz