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YourCroydonISSUE 24 - DEcEmBER 2008

Access all areas – new Taberner House reception ready to goPage 20

A close-up look at croydon Schools for the Future 1-14

The credit crunch – how to stay on topPage 8

Post-christmas clean-up – this year’s collection timetable Page 16

YOURCROYDON ISSUE 24 - DECEmbER 2008 2

To contact croydon councilTaberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 3JS

email: [email protected]: 020 8726 6000 Council website: www.croydon.gov.uk Community website: www.croydononline.org

To contact the editorTaberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 3JS

email: [email protected]: 020 8760 5644

The next edition of Your croydon will be published on Wednesday, 6 January. Commercial advertising is welcome, but inclusion of an advertisement does not indicate council endorsement of any products or services mentioned.

contents

Designed by croydondesign the in-house business within Croydon Council [email protected] 80824/150M/11

6 Making Croydon safe for all Crackdown on badly-run pubs, bars and clubs results in licence revocations and voluntary temporary closures.

7 Randall’s caring spirit takes the prize A sheltered housing officer’s concern for his elderly charges makes him the people’s choice in this year’s Croydon Council Awards.

15 Hand-over of Heavers Resource Centre The second phase of the council’s Homes for the Future project completed as residents move in.

16 Keeping Christmas green Recycle your natural Christmas tree to help it to promote new growth. Where to take your tree when the tinsel’s dropped off.

18 Looking out for the vulnerable kids In the wake of the Baby P tragedy, Your Croydon looks at how the council assesses and helps children at risk.

21 From here . . . to West Croydon bus station Bus queues were populated by a tough breed back in the ’60s – little shelter from the elements and only a chilli burger for sustenance. Frazer Ashford remembers the good old days.

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lEaDING lINES

Do you have what it takes to work for your local authority?Croydon Council is always keen to recruit the best staff across a wide range of disciplines.If you’re looking for a new challenge, pay a visit to www.croydon.gov.ukIt could be the best day’s work your mouse has ever done.

a new vision for education in Croydon

The final round of public consultation

is about to close on one of the most

significant projects Croydon has seen

– the £350 million transformation of

secondary education across the borough.

The project – Croydon Schools for the

Future – will affect every Croydon child

currently of school age, as well as

children living in the borough for years to

come. Over the next decade, every school

in the borough will see change – ageing

facilities will be refurbished or rebuilt,

and schools will be given the support

and resources they need to keep making

progress.

School communities are central to the

lives of children, as well as their families.

It’s absolutely crucial that our children

receive the best start possible. Second

best is simply not good enough and we

intend to see that first-rate is the only

option available.

Before plans are set in stone on such a

significant matter, we wanted to hear

your suggestions and opinions regarding

the future of our schools – and you didn’t

disappoint.

Over the past six months, thousands

of people have told us their views – students, parents, grandparents,

guardians, governors, teachers and local

residents.

The debate was heartfelt and wide

ranging. There was never any doubt

that changes to the existing educational

arrangements would provoke a reaction.

We were delighted that local people

responded in such numbers and that

there was overwhelming support for a

new vision for education in Croydon.

There were many comments relating to

our aspirations for specific schools, and

we have spent time listening to your

views. Where possible, the blueprint

now reflects the ambitions of local

communities for their local schools. We

believe that these plans will provide

every child in Croydon with a world-class

education.

Because the final set of proposals has

changed significantly from that published

in June, we have embarked on a further

round of public consultation, which closes

on 31 December. This formal consultation

gives you an opportunity to feedback on

our final set of proposals. Once this phase

of public consultation has finished, we will

be carrying out statutory consultation with

affected schools in the new year.

This edition of Your Croydon carries a

four-page section, starting on page 11,

outlining the council’s proposals for the

future of education in the borough.

It will give you an idea of what is now

planned for your, or your child’s, school

– which schools are being refurbished,

which will be resized and which will be

granted academy status. Changes will

be seen in some schools as early as next

year.

Please, read the centre section of this

magazine, visit the website mentioned,

give us your views and, together, we can

work toward giving our young people the

education they deserve.

Mike Fisher Leader of the Council

Conserving our heritage

Looking after the past to enrich the presentFour new borough conservation areas have been created by Croydon Council.

As well as taking steps to safeguard the appearance of 49-91 Wellesley Road, St Bernards in Park Hill, Chatsworth Road (all in Fairfield ward) and Norwood Grove (Norbury), the council is extending the existing Church Road conservation area to include Grange Hill.

The enhanced designation safeguards more than 250 additional homes, and the borough’s 17 conservation areas protect thousands of buildings.

Criteria used to support claims for the protected status include the special architectural or historic interest of the area and its character or appearance.

The selected buildings at the northern end of Wellesley Road, for example, are now all that remain of the road as it appeared in Victorian times, contrasting dramatically with neighbouring 20th-century properties.

In order to preserve the character of a conservation area the council has extra controls.

There is a strong presumption against demolition and planning permission is needed for even minor changes such as cladding, inserting dormer windows or installing a satellite dish that can be seen from the roadside.

Also, anyone proposing to cut down, top or lop a tree must first contact the council.

YOURCROYDON ISSUE 24 - DECEmbER 20084

Residents’ views taken on board as traffic-calming humps are removedSpeed humps have been permanently removed from two locations in the borough after residents made their views known.

Speed cushions in part of Galpins Road, Norbury, and speed humps in part of Hayes Lane, Kenley, were dug up during routine highway maintenance.

When asked, residents said they were happy to carry on without the raised surfaces, also known as sleeping policemen.

As a result, the council will give residents elsewhere in the borough the opportunity to say whether or not physical speed calming devices should be removed when resurfacing next takes place.

Although originally introduced many years ago in line with residents’ views at the time, the popularity of the humps has waned.

Many residents said that not only were the cushions and humps ineffective at slowing traffic, but they also caused noise and vibration.

The disappearance of some road bumps also signals the end for some pole-mounted signs.

Alternative warnings, such as coloured road surfaces, or carriageway markings are now being considered instead.

Do you look after a child or adult who is ill, has a disability or is frail?

Many people in Croydon are missing out on the support they can receive if looking after someone. This may include financial benefits such as carers’ allowance and pension credit, or perhaps having a carers’ assessment.

To enable carers to find out more, and to celebrate Carers’ Rights Day on Thursday 11 December this year, Croydon Council, Croydon Primary Care Trust and local voluntary organisations are hosting a special “drop-in” event in the Mayor’s Reception Room at Croydon Town Hall from 10.30am to 3.00pm.

People from local organisations across the borough who are able to advise carers will be available to offer advice and information, answer queries and put people in touch with the most relevant services for their particular caring situation.

The Pop bus will be outside the Town Hall, providing blood pressure checks and general health advice, and a pharmacist will be on hand to conduct medication reviews and offer advice.

There will be free light refreshments throughout the day, and musical entertainment to reflect the festive nature of the season.

This event will be one of hundreds held across the country (official date 5 December) as part of the Carers Rights Day campaign organised by the national charity Carers UK.

The theme this year is “Making the most of your money” and the focus is on helping carers manage their finances, and access financial support and advice.

If you are a carer in Croydon and would like more information, please call the Carers’ Information Service on 020 8649 9339 (option 1) or visit www.carerscontactline.co.uk

It’s ‘good night’ to sleeping policemen

looking out for the carerscarers’ Rights Day 2008 – visit the Town Hall and learn what you’re entitled to

Get your application in now if your child starts primary school next yearFor parents, it’s a sign that their young child is becoming less of a baby and is taking the first, faltering steps into the outside world.

What is this momentous occasion? It’s the day the child starts primary school – and if your child marks his or her fifth birthday between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010, now is the time to apply for a reception class place.

Croydon Council produces a primary schools brochure containing advice on the application arrangements and details of all primary schools in Croydon.

If you’d like your child to attend one of the borough’s primary schools, written applications must be made on the form issued by the council.

The closing date for receipt of this form is 5 December 2008.

Late applications for schools in Croydon will not be considered until after the offer day date, 20 March 2009. It is vital, therefore, that you ensure you apply by the closing date of 5 December 2008.

Copies of the Croydon primary schools brochure, and the council’s application form, can be obtained from borough primary schools or from the council.

Alternatively, online applications can be made, until midnight on 5 December, by visiting the council’s website at www.croydon.gov.uk/admissions. Online copies of the primary schools brochure and application form will not be available after that time.

It is imperative you act now – time is short. For more information, call 020 8726 6400.

Some schools also require the completion of their own supplementary application form. Those schools will be able to advise on the closing dates for their application forms.

Time to sign for primary


Seeking your viewscouncil asks if success of the popular garden waste programme should be marked with expansion of serviceResidents’ commitment to reducing the volume of household refuse sent to landfill has been underlined with the continuing success of the council’s green garden waste collection service.

And, always keen to listen to suggestions and improve services, the council wants to know if residents feel an increase in the time the collection operates would be of benefit.

This year’s expansion of the service led to an increase in the amount of green waste collected, contributing to the improvement in the borough’s overall recycling performance.

It is anticipated that the final total will top 7,600 tonnes.

Further encouragement comes from the fact that the amount collected per household has increased when compared with last year’s figures.

Diverting organic waste from the household waste stream for recycling, rather than sending it to landfill, helps reduce the production of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a climate-change gas.

The council is asking whether the service, currently funded for 32 weeks, should start earlier or end later in the year, and seeks residents’ views as the 2009 timetable is drawn up.

If you would like to see a further expansion of the service, drop a line, by Wednesday, 31 December, to: Councillor Phil Thomas, Cabinet member for environment and highways, Members’ room, Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 3JS.

The festive season in Croydon this year is set to be one of the busiest, with a series of live performances in North End planned for each December Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.

The live performances will feature local artists, including a steel band and a neighbourhood choir.

Also in action will be Bollywood dancers and other contemporary dance groups, and it all promises to get the festive season under way with a suitable swing.

All this follows the switch-on of the Allders Christmas lights by the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Jonathan Driver, and the town-centre lights by larger-than-life actor Brian Blessed, starring as Captain Hook in panto at Fairfield this season.

Other district centres are also looking forward to the big Christmas launch.

The Christmas lights have already been switched on in South Norwood, Crystal Palace, New Addington and Purley.

Norbury and Coulsdon are set to see their festive illuminations burst into colour on 5 December.

Croydon dazzles for ChristmasLights, action, dancers and captain Hook to set croydon’s christmas scene

Emergency services call on motorists to stick to the rulesParking on double yellow lines can cost lives.

Sounds like an exaggerated and inflammatory statement, doesn’t it?

But, as our photograph shows, a thoughtlessly parked vehicle could take valuable seconds to negotiate; seconds that could prove to be the difference between a life saved and a life lost.

The picture illustrates the sort of hold ups and frustrations regularly encountered by fire, ambulance and police crews as they respond to 999 calls around the borough.

And it’s not just the emergency services that experience such hold ups. The council’s vehicles, too, can be prevented from providing the service that council taxpayers expect, such as having their household refuse collected.

Kevin Biggs, Croydon borough commander for the London Fire Brigade, said: “Motorists should be aware of the possible consequences of thoughtless parking.

“Their desire to save a couple of minutes’ walking can result in unnecessary delays for the emergency services and have devastating consequences.

“All too often, fire appliance drivers find themselves having to delicately pick their way around obstructions that, if motorists adhered to the restrictions, simply wouldn’t be there.

“The restrictions are in place for a reason and I’d ask motorists to observe them.”

Anybody wanting to report an illegally parked vehicle should call the council’s parking enforcement team on 020 8760 1966.


licence purge supports Safe for allBadly run pubs, bars and clubs targeted in council crack-down

Toys help launch siteIt’s a mix of play and serious business as new toy library ushers in website

Careful targeting of licence inspections is putting Croydon at the forefront of councils in London that are using police intelligence to secure better-run pubs and bars.

Thanks to two recent fast-track reviews, Croydon Council can point to two licence suspensions (CRO Bar and E Bar) and two closure orders (Crescent Arms and Frankie’s Bar).

In three of these cases, licences were ultimately revoked by the council and in the fourth, the licence was surrendered by the holder.

In addition, the council says that, faced with intervention, at least 15 licensed premises in the town have voluntarily closed down for a period of a week or more to sort out management issues that had been flagged up as a concern.

It was felt those issues were likely to result in enforcement action if not addressed.

About another 30 licensed premises have temporarily ceased selling alcohol voluntarily to address administrative issues that affected their right to sell alcohol.

With nearly 1,000 licensed premises in the borough, including 330 off-licences and some 200 pubs and clubs, as well as more than 300 restaurants, the council’s policy is to focus on the worst offenders.

Information, often provided by police Safer Neighbourhood Teams, will prompt covert monitoring, compliance inspections and test purchase visits.

In turn, this will often result in further visits by council health and safety, noise or trading standards officers.

Once a licensed premise has been identified by police and council as giving cause for concern, then it is possible information may also be passed to other statutory bodies, such as the inland revenue.

The overall aim of the approach is to send a clear signal that licensed premises must comply fully with the terms of their operational licence.

If they don’t, life could become very uncomfortable.

The launch of a website full of information on Croydon’s children’s centres got a boost when a bus full of toys toured the borough.

The website, at www.croydoncc.com, gives advice and information about all the services and activities available to the under fives and their families.

There are 20 children’s centres across the borough, with six more planned by 2010.

They offer play and learning, health services, parenting advice and early education. Some centres also offer day care.

The Toys to You bus toured the borough, giving parents the chance to view the new website

on laptops, and get help, information and advice about the centres, family services and primary schools.

While the parents did the boring, business stuff, their children were kept entertained with lots of activities and goodie bags.

Children’s centres are recognised for the positive effect they have on the lives of children and their families, and Croydon’s provide a range of activities and services.

For more information, contact the council’s family information service at 10 Katharine Street, Croydon, by calling 0845 11 11 100 or visit www.croydoncc.com

Careless parking

costs lives


Selfless dedication to his clients has seen Randall Harrison pick up the Going the Extra Mile trophy in the annual scheme that recognises the valuable work carried out by the council’s staff.

The Going the Extra Mile award gives members of the public the opportunity to nominate a member of staff who has delivered a service above and beyond the scope of their role.

Randall received his award after being nominated by the daughter of a long-term resident of the Ashburton Memorial sheltered home, in Stroud Green Way, Ashburton, where Randall was a warden.

The nomination read: “Randall is dedicated to the care of the elderly and went far beyond the call of his duty to give my mother care and support over the 12 years she was a resident.

“Randall always helped my mother without complaint and ensured her dignity was maintained, even when she had several falls in her flat, sometimes at night.

“He always kept in touch with me and my brother when our mother was in hospital and has made regular contact with us to enquire about her well-being.

“He has a gentle and caring spirit and his main concern is for the elderly and that they should be respected and given dignity.”

With his customary modesty, Randall played down his role: “Getting the award was a very pleasant surprise, it’s much appreciated, but I’m part of a team of about 26 and everything we do is a team effort.

“The award is in recognition of all the work the team does.”

Held in high regard by the tenants, Randall has recently taken on the role of floating support officer in a pilot project, which will extend the support given to the community by the council.

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A sheltered housing officer is the people’s choice in this year’s croydon council Awards

Going the extra mile


There can be few who are unaware of the problems that have hit the world’s economies.

The impact in the UK has affected all sections of society – and Croydon’s residents are no exception.

Inevitably, people have been contacting the council and other organisations in the borough because they are worried about their homes, jobs and finances.

Some services are already seeing the effects of these concerns – in August 2008 there was a 5% increase in people needing housing and council tax benefits compared with the same month in 2007.

Realising people’s concerns, Croydon Council is keen to keep residents informed of how it is responding to the challenges produced by the economic downturn; that people are given useful advice on how they might approach any financial difficulties; and are fully aware of the advice and support available.

Responding to the challengesThe council is considering its financial position and the implications for Croydon, and what it can do to lessen the impact.

Areas that are being, or are likely to be, affected have been identified, and the council is keen to find ways to help meet these challenges in both the short and long term.

The council’s customer service teams are already providing useful information to all who make enquiries about particular services.

However, they are working on improving their approach, in order to recognise the needs of the customer beyond what is asked for, and to proactively offer information and contact numbers for them.

There are plans to improve web-based information for people experiencing financial difficulties, with helpful information on the service available and the relevant contact details.

The council is also in the process of recruiting additional debt advisers to provide advice and support to those experiencing financial difficulties.

Useful AdviceOne of the most important steps to address any challenges that you are facing, or feel you may face, is to be proactive – do not ignore the problem.

Contact an independent financial advisor, or any of the services listed in the next section that provide financial advice.

There are other steps you can take, depending on your housing circumstances.

Owner/occupiers should: • contacttheirlenderimmediatelytocheckwhat

options are available;

• checkwithotherhigh-streetmortgagelenderstoseeif a better rate of interest is available if a remortgage is considered;

• workoutabudgetandlookatwaysofmakingsavings or cutting back;

• lookatincreasingtheirincome,ie,rentoutaspareroom. However, it is important to seek advice as permission may be needed from the mortgage lender, and from a welfare benefits service as entitlements may also be affected;

• getadvicefromCroydonCouncil’shousingadviceteam, Shelter or the Citizens Advice Bureau before voluntarily selling their home;

• checkthattheyarereceivingallthewelfarebenefitsto which they are entitled by calling the welfare benefits hotline on 020 8726 6100.

The government is developing, for launch early next year, a mortgage rescue scheme to help families with children, the elderly or other vulnerable households who are in trouble with their mortgage.

However, you can contact Croydon Council’s housing advice service to check if you are likely to be eligible for the scheme.

You should also avoid selling your property to a company which offers a “buy and rent back” scheme without first getting advice. There are many potential pitfalls with these schemes which could ultimately lead to you being evicted.

The current economic challenges affect us all – Croydon Council is facing them head on

Croydon Council is keen to keep

residents informed of how it is responding

to the challenges produced by the

economic downturn

crunchcredit crunching down on the

9

Private tenants should:• getadvicequicklyasrentisthetopfinancialpriority;• trynegotiatingwiththeirlandlordtoapayanamounttheycan

afford each week/month to work off the arrears;• checktheyarereceivingallthewelfarebenefitstowhichtheyare

entitled by calling the welfare benefits hotline on 020 8726 6100;

• beawareoftheirresponsibilitiesiftheyarealandlord and are sub-letting.

council/housing association tenants should contact their landlord quickly who will:• establishthereasonforthedebtandprovidean

appropriate response;• establishthewelfarebenefitstowhichthetenantmaybe

entitled, and to give the appropriate advice and assistance;• agreeacourseofactionwiththetenant,resultinginarealistic

agreement to clear the arrears;• adviseonwhatactionwillbetakenifthetenantdoesnotreduce/

clear the arrears; • arrangedebtcounselling,ifappropriate.

Tenants should also check they are receiving all the welfare benefits to which they are entitled by calling the welfare benefits hotline on 020 8726 6100.

Available servicesOrganisations that provide advice and information if you are facing financial difficulties or if you cannot pay your mortgage or rent:• Welfare benefits team – free confidential welfare rights advice.

Tel: 0800 731 5920 (Monday 2-7pm; Wednesday 11am-2pm; Friday 9am-noon)

croydon council’s housing advice service – for advice on • mortgage/rent arrears, housing rights and welfare benefits.

Tel: 020 8726 6100 Email: [email protected] Website: www.croydon.gov.uk

• Citizens Advice Bureau – for legal, money and welfare benefits issues.

• Thornton Heath Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 020 8684 2236

• New Addington Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 01689 846890 Website: www.croydoncab.org.uk

• Croydon Credit Savers Union – a savings and loans cooperative offering its members access to ethical savings and affordable credit. Tel: 020 8760 5711 Website: [email protected]

• Age Concern Your money matters Project – financial advice for older residents. Tel: 020 8681 2061

• croydon Housing Aid Society – for advice on housing-related matters. Tel: 020 8726 0840

• croydon and Sutton Law centre – for housing and benefits advice. Tel: 020 8667 9226

• Shelter – for help with housing, mortgage debt, problems with welfare benefits. Tel: 0808 800 4444 Website: www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline

• community Legal Advice – for legal advice. Tel: 0845 345 4345 Website: www.clsdirect.org.uk

• consumer credit counselling Service – for help with debts. Tel: 0800 138 1111 Website: www.cccs.co.uk

• Financial Services Authority (FSA) – for guides on how to manage your money. Tel: 0845 606 1234 Website: www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

• National Debtline – for help with debt. Tel: 0808 808 4000 Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

• Payplan – for advice on debt. Tel: 0800 917 7823 Website: www.payplan.com

• DirectGov website – for money, tax and benefits advice. Website: www.direct.gov.uk


Over the past few years, we have been asking you to tell us what is important to you, and what you would like to see done to improve the borough.

Thousands of you have taken part in the surveys we conduct and you regularly give us feedback through questionnaires.

We hear what you tell us at the Neighbourhood Partnership meetings, and we learn from the comments and complaints that we receive.

We know that many people have clear priorities for making Croydon a better place. These include tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, making sure there is more for young people to do, and making the borough cleaner and greener.

We have acted on your feedback, and brought about a number of improvements.

For example:• Youtoldusthatyouwantedmoreofficersonourstreets.

We listened and put an extra 100 uniformed officers on Croydon’s streets.

• Youtoldusthereshouldbemoreforyoungpeopletodo.Welistened and have invested in 20 new games areas, with 10 more due by next March.

• Youtoldusthereshouldbemoreopportunitiestorecycle.Welistened and, as a result, are recycling more than ever – and there will be 1,500 local recycling centres by next March.

We know there is more to do and, while we have plans to make things better, we are interested in your ideas for what else we could do.

Please take a few minutes to visit www.croydon.gov.uk/stilllistening to let us have your views.

We’re still listening...Your priorities are our priorities, which is why we would still like to hear from you about how you think we can further improve services

11

Croydon Schools for the Future, which sets out proposals for the future of every school in Croydon, will see around £350m investment into secondary school facilities over the next three years, through the government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative.

This investment will mean better facilities for pupils, more choice and improved educational opportunities for all young people living in the borough.

Schools will become community hubs, with local people able to benefit from the new facilities on offer.

On the following pages you can find out about what will be happening to your local school and learn more about the Croydon Schools for the Future programme, as well as getting answers to the most frequently asked questions.

More information on the BSF initiative and on Croydon Schools for the Future can be found by visiting www.croydon.gov.uk/secondaryreview or contacting your local school for more information.

Last month, Croydon Council approved plans for the transformation of education across the borough.

A bright future for croydon’s learners croydon council is investing £350m in its schools as part of its vision for the future of education across the borough.

Every school in the borough will see change – ageing facilities will be refurbished or replaced, and many schools will be resized to better meet the needs of local communities. Our best schools will be challenged to expand, improving schools will be supported to help them flourish, and underperforming schools will be transformed.

Widening access to further education is vital to ensure all learners in Croydon are equipped with the right skills to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Most schools will be upgraded to provide sixth-form and further-education facilities offering a full range of academic and vocational qualifications.

More school places will be made available throughout Croydon so that no child has to travel outside the borough to go to school. Improvements to facilities for pupils with learning difficulties and special educational needs will ensure that all learners, regardless of background or ability, get the best start in life. And new academies will be established which will raise standards in areas with records of low educational achievement.

Our blueprint for the future of education in Croydon has been developed using feedback from school communities. We have listened to parents, teachers, governors and pupils, and their views have helped our original plan to evolve and improve. When the process of transformation is complete, Croydon’s school facilities will be among the best in the country – and will allow us to provide all learners with a world-class education service.

councillor maria Gatlandcabinet member for children’s services and adult learning

education in croydonA bright future for

Every school in the borough will see

change as part of Croydon’s programme

of investment


Croydon Council’s proposals have been subject to extensive consultation over the past year, with teachers, pupils, governors and families invited to have their say on the future of the borough’s schools. Public consultation on draft proposals took place in July, August and September, and the council received thousands of responses, both in writing and from visitors to public meetings at schools.

The majority of respondents welcomed the plans and recognised that the unprecedented level of new investment will bring significant improvements to education in Croydon.

After a thorough review of all feedback received, the council’s final proposals reflect the views of school communities across the borough.

Key changes to the original proposals include:

• AddingtonHighandSelsdonHighremainingasseparate schools, with Selsdon High becoming an academy and Addington High becoming a National Challenge Trust school;

• WestwoodLanguageCollegeremainingopenandbecoming a National Challenge Trust school;

• HalingManorbecominganacademyschool.

Public consultation on the council’s final proposals was launched on 13 November and closes on 31 December. Once this phase of public consultation has finished, Croydon Council will be carrying out statutory consultation with affected schools in the new year.

You can give your views on the blueprint for croydon’s schools:

• bywritingtousatCroydonSchoolsfortheFutureConsultation, Croydon Council, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS;

• byemailingtheconsultationteamat [email protected]

• bycompletinganonlinefeedbackform,accessibleat www.croydon.gov.uk/secondaryreview ;

• bycallingtheconsultationlineon020 7618 9199 and giving your feedback to the consultation team.

Your local schoolEvery school in the borough will see change as part of croydon’s programme of investment. Among those changes:

• ArchbishopTenison’sCofEHigh,BenshamManor,Coloma Convent School, Edenham High, St Andrews, St Giles, St Mary’s High, Shirley High, Thomas More Catholic High, Virgo Fidelis, and Woodcote High will be resized and/or add sixth-form provision;

• AshburtonCommunitySchool,HalingManorSchooland Selsdon High School will become academies;

• AddingtonHighSchoolwillberefurbishedandbecome a London Challenge Trust school;

• consultationwilltakeplaceonwhetherArchbishopLanfranc should become an academy, depending on the performance of the school this year;

• WestwoodLanguageCollegewilladdsixth-formprovision and become a National Challenge Trust school;

• waystoincreasethenumberofschoolplacesforboys in the north of the borough will be examined in further detail next year;

• StJoseph’s,NorburyManorBusinessSchoolandRiddlesdown High will be rebuilt and refurbished;

• BeckmeadSchoolwillberebuiltandrefurbishedtooffer state-of-the-art facilities for pupils with special educational needs.

Further information on plans for all schools can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/secondaryreview

committed to consultation

A bright future for education in croydon

13

Your questionsWill Addington High and Selsdon High schools be permanently closed?No. As part of the council’s original proposals, the idea of merging Addington High and Selsdon High into a new academy school on a new site was considered.

After an extensive programme of public consultation earlier this year, it was decided that Selsdon High School will become a new academy and get a new sixth form, while Addington High will be refurbished and become a National Challenge Trust school.

This will allow both school communities to continue making progress while ensuring that they are given the support they need to improve opportunities for pupils.

Will my child be expected to move schools? Won’t their education be disrupted while all this is taking place?No child will be asked to move into a different school community as part of the Croydon Schools for the Future programme

Where a school is merging with another school, or where relocation of a school to a new site is planned, pupils may be expected to travel to school in a new location, but they will not be asked to leave their friends behind.

The council recognises that families may be concerned about disruption to their child’s education.

Croydon’s programme of rebuilding and refurbishment is a big project and it is possible that school communities may have to put up with some inconveniences in the short term.

However, across the borough all possible steps will be taken to minimise any disruption to educational provision and to make the transition period as smooth as possible.

When complete, Croydon will boast some of the best educational facilities in the country, ready to support the needs of all pupils for decades to come.

Croydon Council and individual schools will keep in regular contact with pupils and families throughout the process to explain how it will affect them.

Is Westwood Language College staying open?Yes. The council originally proposed to close Westwood Language College and send pupils to a new academy, but following consultation it was decided to keep the school open, add sixth-form provision and become a National Challenge Trust school.

There are no plans to admit boys at this stage, but there remains a significant shortage of secondary school places for boys in the north of the borough that must be addressed.

Croydon Council will examine this issue in more detail during 2009, and is committed to creating more school places for boys in the local area.

Where can I find out more about what is planned for my child’s school?You can contact the school for more information, or visit www.croydon.gov.uk/secondaryreview

Croydon Council will also be issuing updates to individual schools on a regular basis.


When complete, Croydon will boast some of the best educational facilities in the country

The majority of respondents welcomed the plans and recognised that the unprecedented level of new investment will bring significant improvements to education in Croydon


The Oasis Academy in Old Coulsdon has been open for only three months but is already making a big difference to pupils, as well as the local community it serves. The academy, which opened on 1 September, replaced Coulsdon High School.

Although the high school had made progress in raising exam results since it came out of special measures in 2007, the confidence of parents and the local community did not return.

Since reopening as an academy, the school community has been infused with new energy and purpose.

John Murphy, the academy’s principal, said: “Since the start of term, attendance has risen from 89% to 93.4% and punctuality has risen from 80% to 98.5%.

“Whereas Coulsdon High’s exclusion rates were high, since the start of the year we have had to suspend only one student.

“We treat members of the school community as a family – and you don’t give up on your family.

“By working closely alongside the local community, the confidence of parents has been restored.”

More students have applied to attend the school than there are places available – and where Coulsdon High’s attendance figures were declining rapidly, the academy now has a long waiting list.

Mr Murphy said: “Close relationships are being forged with local residents’ associations, churches and faith groups – and it isn’t difficult to see why.

“We want to make students feel valued, loved and capable of achieving.

“We believe every single child has potential, and we have high aspirations for them, as well as for staff.

“We opened the school throughout the summer break to get the classrooms ready and to plan for the new term, and we had more than 30 children coming to school to help us do that.”

The enrichment programme set up by the academy is especially popular, and offers activities to suit every student, including boxing with former world champion Duke Mackenzie, Latin classes, and more than 20 after-school clubs.

Involvement is not limited to students and the school is being transformed into a community hub, offering ICT classes for the elderly, family cookery classes, drama, a judo academy and an on-site medical centre.

Oasis principal, John murphy

Nivek andrews, a Year 11 student, said: “I’m enjoying school and you can tell the teachers are as well – they’re a lot happier.

“all Year 11 students get their own laptop – which is great.”

Solomon Egbo Egbo, pictured right, also in Year 11, agreed: “Teachers talk differently to pupils now and we’re encouraged to get involved with the way the school runs.

“There are more than 30 pupil directors that monitor different aspects of the school and I’m one of the managing directors.

“Everyone is encouraged to succeed. It really couldn’t be more different.

“I’d give the old school a rating of three out of 10, and the academy nine out of 10.

“I would say 10, but we’re told there’s always room to do better.”


An Oasis of inspirational teaching in Old coulsdon

The enrichment programme set up by the academy is

especially popular, and offers activities

to suit every student, including boxing with

former world champion Duke mackenzie, latin

classes, and more than 20 after-school clubs

15

Handover marks end of phase two of the Homes for the Future programmeThe council’s commitment to caring for older residents has been further highlighted with the opening of a new centre in South Norwood.

The handing over of Heavers Resource Centre marks the completion of phase one of the council’s £38m Homes for the Future programme, which will see the replacement of four ageing properties with new, state-of-the-art facilities.

This latest development follows the summer opening of the Fellows Court residential home in Addiscombe.

Two further centres – Addington Heights, in New Addington, and Langley Oaks, Selsdon – are scheduled for completion in 2010.

Heavers Resource Centre is a landmark scheme offering a one-stop shop for those with dementia and their carers.

The building has been designed with the needs of dementia sufferers in mind, incorporating all the latest design features and facilities to enhance optimal independence and choice.

This will be a first in the country in providing such integrated services for older people.

Within the scheme is a care home offering nursing facilities, a 24-place day activities centre, the Croydon Memory Service, the Croydon Alzheimer’s Society offices, and an office base for the Community Mental Health Team for older people.

The primary objective is for services to be coordinated to support and enhance independence in old age.

Residents of the old Langley Oaks, and others of Stroud Green Lodge, moved into these first-class facilities during October.

The new centre also accommodates the two day centres previously run in cramped accommodation at Moreland Lodge.

The schemes have been funded through the social care and housing PFI programme funded by two central government departments – the Department of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

PFI credits of £38m were awarded to the council to fund the programme.

Come along and join in the fun this festive season

Entertainment and street performers

More than 500 shops

Extended opening hours

Child Safe shopping

Restaurants and bars

Over 7,500 car park spaces

www.croydonchristmasfestival.com

We BID you a Merry Chr

istm

as

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

DIS

TRIC

TT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

DIS

TRIC

TTEnjoy a sparkling Christmas in Croydon

Future brightens for dementia sufferers


Croydon Council’s annual Christmas tree recycling programme has continued to grow in success since its introduction three years ago.

And, this year, it is hoped that even more trees will be sent for recycling into the council’s branded soil improver Croypost.

As usual, the council is providing a number of collection points around the borough.

This New Year, residents are asked to take their old natural Christmas trees to one of the following recycling

collection points between 3 and 11 January, ensuring that all the tinsel and decorations have been removed.

These trees will be recycled locally and turned into Croypost.

The success of scheme has increased over the past three years, starting with 7,000 trees collected in 2005/06; 8,580 trees in 2006/07; and showing an even greater increase in 2007/08 to 18,315 trees.

Your support for this scheme is greatly appreciated, so with your help we are aiming to beat last year’s total.

A tree isn’t just for christmas, it’s for croypost

Addiscombe co-op, Lower Addiscombe Road

Ashburton Ashburton Park, access from Tenterden Road

Broad Green Homebase, Purley Way

coulsdon Lion Green Road car park

coulsdon East Grange Park Recreation Ground, canon’s Hill

Fairfield Oaks Road/coombe Road car park

Heathfield Addington Park Recreation Ground car park, Gravel Hill

Kenley Kenley Residents’ Association, Oaks Road green

New Addington central Parade car park

Norbury Granville Gardens car park

Purley Upper Woodcote Village RA, Woodcote Village green

Sanderstead Occasionally Yours, Limpsfield Road

Selsdon Selsdon Recreation Ground, access from Woodlands Gardens

Shirley Green court Gardens green, Shirley Park Residents’ Association

Shirley monks Orchard green

South Norwood Sainsbury’s, Whitehorse Lane

Upper Norwood Secret Garden, Westow Street

Waddon Homebase, Fiveways, Purley Way

Waddon Wyevale Garden Centre, Waddon Way

The council’s three reuse and recycling centres accept real Christmas trees and 22 other materials during and after these dates.

The centres are at:• FactoryLane,Waddon • PurleyOaks,BrightonRoad,SouthCroydon• FishersFarm,NorthDownsRoad,NewAddington

Keeping your christmas tree green

Your support for this scheme is greatly

appreciated, so with your help we are aiming

to beat last year’s total

17

Over the Christmas holiday period, the council’s refuse and recycling services will be operating on a slightly revised collection schedule.

The table below shows the days on which day your collection will occur for the two weeks from 22 December.

For example, in the first week, if your refuse collection is usually on a Tuesday, it will be collected one day earlier, on Monday 22 December, but remain the same the following week.

Please note that your normal refuse and recycling collection day will resume as of Monday, 5 January.

The fortnightly recycling collection will also be subject to changes for this period. However, because there will be only one collection over this period, disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Please continue to recycle as much of your household waste as possible even during the festive period.

All councillors and staff at Croydon Council and Veolia wish everybody a merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Details of this year’s Christmas and New Year recycling and waste services

Dreaming of a green christmas

Existing day of collection

Revised day of collection

change in service

Mon 22 Dec Sat 20 Dec 2 days early

Tue 23 Dec Mon 22 Dec 1 day early

Wed 24 Dec Tue 23 Dec 1 day early

Thu 25 Dec Wed 24 Dec 1 day early

Fri 26 Dec Sat 27 Dec 1 day late

Mon 29 Dec Mon 29 Dec No change

Tue 30 Dec Tue 30 Dec No change

Wed 31 Dec Wed 31 Dec No change

Thur 1 Jan 2009 Fri 2 Jan 1 day late

Fri 2 Jan Sat 3 Jan 1 day late

Keeping your christmas tree green

Access croydon, Taberner HouseWednesday 24 Dec Open as normal

Thursday 25 Dec Closed

Friday 26 Dec Closed

Saturday 27 Dec Closed

Sunday 28 Dec Closed

Monday 29 Dec Open as normal

Tuesday 30 Dec Open as normal

Wednesday 31 Dec Open as normal

Thursday 1 Jan Closed

Friday 2 Jan Open as normal

croydon leisure centresWednesday 24 Dec Closing at 4pm



Saturday 27 Dec Open as normal

Sunday 28 Dec Open as normal



Wednesday 31 Dec Closing at 4pm



croydon libraries Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 4pmLibraries usually closed on a Wednesday will remain closed



Saturday 27 Dec Closed



Wednesday 31 Dec Open as normal



Festive season opening hours


How does the council support children caught up in a crisis situation?This will depend on the crisis and how urgent it is. Children’s services work directly with children and families and give advice and support to other professionals who are also working with them.

When a child is at risk, a social worker will be allocated and will work alongside teachers, health professionals, police officers and other professional support workers to meet with the child and assess the situation.

They will always try to support children by offering help and advice.

However, there are times when alternative carers may be needed.

The child’s welfare is central to all the decisions made by the social worker and, depending on the child’s age, their wishes and feelings are taken into consideration.

How do you get involved – does the police/public contact your team?When there are child protection concerns, social workers and officers from the police child abuse investigating team work closely together to assess the risk and to investigate.

They also have the power to protect a child who is at risk. This may mean placing the child with other family members, removing the adult abuser from the home, or placing a child into the care system.

Each time a child is involved in a police investigation, officers notify the council’s assessment services to see if children’s services need to be involved.

Members of the public also contact our team regarding children’s welfare. We really welcome this. The tragedy in Haringey shows we need the whole community to be vigilant in protecting children.

If anybody is concerned about the welfare of a child, we want to know. Each of these concerns will be assessed and, if necessary, investigated.

How many are in the team?There are about 30 social workers in the assessment service, which is based at Rees House.

The frontline duty service has 11 staff dealing with new emergencies; these workers undertake short-term seven-day assessments.

Another social worker will conduct a child-in-need assessment if there is a need for further support.

Helping kids in crisis

Just before Baby P became front-page news, Your croydon spoke to Richard Sammut about the way croydon deals with children at risk

They will always try to support children by offering help and advice

Richard Sammut, the assessment

and out-of-hours manager of

the children’s assessment

service

19

What is the process that sees a young person moved out of a crisis situation to safety – and what are the options for what then happens to them?Again, this depends on the crisis. For some children, the fact that a social worker has become involved will mean that they are safe. Others will need further help and the social worker will discuss the type of support that can be offered with them.

Alternative carers may be needed for some children, and the social workers will spend time with the child explaining why this is needed, and providing them with information regarding their new carers.

Depending on their age, they may take part in meetings about their future care.

Does your team provide round-the-clock children’s support?Yes – between 5pm and 9am weekdays, and 24 hours a day at the weekends and bank holidays, with the help of the emergency night duty service, which provides social work support. If there is an emergency that needs a social worker, this team will respond.

It is based at Taberner House and can be contacted on the council’s main switchboard number after working hours.

How many young people has croydon helped through this situation in the past 12 months?Over the past year, our assessment service has worked directly with about 14,000 children.

It’s likely, however, that a much larger number has been helped by telephone support to many professionals and families.

Depending on their age, children may take part in meetings about their future care


Following a major refit, carried out over the past couple of months, the public reception area of Taberner House is set to open this month with a new name.

Access Croydon brings a new level of customer service to the council’s headquarters building, welcoming visitors with a streamlined and improved reception.

After many years, the old One Stop had begun to show its age and was beginning to fall behind the expectations of customers and the level of professional service the council strives to provide.

And, with the number of visitors accessing the service each year exceeding 380,000 – more than four times the capacity of Wembley Stadium – the fittings and furnishings were showing understandable signs of wear and tear.

Access Croydon addresses all the old questions with a smart, modern look offering state-of-the-art services and facilities designed to make any visit pleasant and efficient.

In addition to a triage service that will assess visitors’ needs and ensure they receive a prompt and professional response, Access Croydon will be equipped with plasma screens relaying up-to-the-minute news and information on council services and borough events.

Of course, in addition to personal visits to Access Croydon, the majority of services can be accessed via the council’s website at www.croydon.gov.uk which includes safe and secure options for a range of services, such as purchasing parking permits and paying fines.

Full access for Access croydoncouncil’s headquarters reception area gets a new name with its new look

The subject of air quality is of increasing importance to people living and working in Croydon.

Along many of the borough’s main roads, air pollution exceeds target figures for one of the main traffic pollutants, nitrogen dioxide.

And all the signs are that this is likely to remain the case until well beyond 2010.

To combat this threat, Croydon Council is consulting on planning guidance that will help drive down emissions from new developments such as industrial plant, shops, offices and homes, all of which have energy demands that create pollution.

Extra traffic generated by new development can also worsen air quality.

The new supplementary planning document (SPD) updates and provides clearer guidance about developments that have impacts on air quality,

helping developers identify ways in which the impacts of new development can be minimised or offset.

The guidance also details how the council will treat polluting technologies such as biomass burners which, while helping tackle climate change by using wood chips and pellets as a renewable energy source, also emit fine particles in their smoke, which are harmful to health if not properly sited or controlled.

The draft SPD is available online at www.croydon.gov.uk/airqualityspd or in hard copy format at all the borough’s libraries and at Taberner House.

To submit a representation, email [email protected], visit the website at http://consult.croydon.gov.uk or write to: FREEPOST RLYG – JCCY-UELK, Planning LDF, Policy & Strategy, Croydon Council, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1JT.

council’s planners look at ways of improving the air that we breathe

Air quality goes under microscope

The new supplementary planning document

(SpD) updates and provides clearer

guidance about developments that have

impacts on air quality

21

council’s headquarters reception area gets a new name with its new look Those were the days, back in the ‘60s, when West Croydon Bus Station comprised nothing but rows of meagre bus shelters.

Compared with the protection offered today, the travellers of yesteryear would have been a hardy lot as they waited in the cold and wet for the next bus.

In this picture, Delta Point, the building on Wellesley Road, is under construction and, in the distance, the now long-demolished row of unique shops can be seen.

During my time as a rock concert photographer, I would leave the gig, usually at Fairfield Halls, hurry back to my darkroom in South Croydon and process the negatives before midnight. I would then pick the best images and print off about 10 copies that I would rush up to Fleet Street in London.

I had a set route that took in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Mail, etc, and would find myself returning to South Croydon at around 1.30 in the morning, via West Croydon.

One of those shops in the background of this picture was a small burger bar – quite a rarity in the 1970s. I would always stop and have a chilli burger and chips before returning home and getting to bed.

It was a great stopping-off point on the way home, although with modern dietary advice, the burger at 1.30am would not be top of any list of best eating habits!

It was good then, though. But, like all good things, it came to an end and now nothing remains of the shop, except the great taste that still lingers in my memory.

For more examples of Frazer’s work, visit www.frazerashford.com

Bands, buses and burgersA look back to the days when bus travellers were a hardy lot, and a late-night chilli burger was the order of the day - Frazer Ashford’s rumbling tummy reminisces

West Croydon - nowWest Croydon - then

It was a great stopping-off point on the way home, although with modern dietary advice, the burger at 1.30am would not be top of any list of best eating habits!


Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil

I These meetings are to be transmitted using webcasting; Neighbourhood Partnership meetings are not webcast live. They can be viewed at www.croydon.ukcouncil.net/site/webcasts.php

croydon community Police consultative Group Partnership

Meetings of the Croydon community police consultative group are held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further information, go to www.croydononline.org/ccpcg

Forthcoming meeting dates are: Wednesday, 28 January; Wednesday, 18 March; Thursday, 7 May.

council

Deadlines for public questions for forthcoming full council meetings (all start at 6.30pm) Noon on the relevant deadline date.

Meeting Deadline Monday 1 December Monday 17 November

Monday 26 January Monday 12 January

To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876

Neighbourhood Partnership

Neighbourhood partnership meetings (all start at 7.30pm)Meeting Group Venue3 December Fairfield, Heathfield and Shirley Shirley High School, Shirley Church Rd

9 December Purley and Kenley Christ Church Hall, Brighton Road, Purley

For information on Neighbourhood Partnerships, visit the website at www.croydononline.org/neighbourhood_partnerships/, email [email protected], write to Neighbourhood Partnerships, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62564 or 62811.

Scrutiny

Deadlines for the forthcoming scrutiny and overview committee public question sessions. Noon on the relevant deadline date.

Meeting Deadline Cabinet Member2 December Community services 24 November Cllr Phil Thomas (environment and highways)

I 16 December Scrutiny and overview 8 December Cllr Tim Pollard (regeneration)

6 January Community services 15 December Cllr Dudley Mead (housing)

20 January Children, learning and leisure 12 January Cllr Steve Hollands (culture and sport)

To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) to the cabinet member detailed above, email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; post it to Scrutiny public questions, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62529 or 62315.

23

What’s On December 08www.croydon.gov.uk/leisurecroydon clocktower, Katharine Street, croydon Ticket office: tel:020 8253 1030 Email: [email protected] Text: 07771 837121

For further information of the listed and other walks and wildlife, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/events

or call the community partnership officer on 020 8726 6900 ext 64952

Live events at the clocktowermuseum Exhibition Frames of mind: creativity in mental Healthcare Exhibition Gallery Until Saturday 31 January 2009 monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm (closed 25-27 December and 1 January) Free Discover historic artworks from the collections of Bethlem Royal Hospital, alongside contemporary artworks created by artists supported by the Bethlem Gallery.

Dance PerformanceFlhip Flhop: Everything Happens on the Break Wednesday 3 December 7.30-8.30pm £10 (£8 concessions; £5 for 14-19 year olds) Elements of hip-hop

are hidden and twisted by Joey D and Matt Bailey into a dynamic physical performance.

community EventsArts Ambassadors present IGNITE Braithwaite Hall Friday 5 December 7.30-11pm All tickets £5 The Clocktower’s first all-ages gig, showcasing talented young performers, and headlined by signed Croydon indie band The Tunics.

Beautiful Octopus club: christmas PartyBraithwaite Hall Wednesday 10 December 7.30-11pm £5 (no concessions) A fantastic club night by, and for, adults with learning disabilities. A great night out and the perfect start to the festive season.

David Lean - December 2008

The Duchess * Hunger Alexandra The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas * Let’s Talk About the Rain Madeleine Quantum of Solace *I’ve Loved You So Long * DigitalEasy Virtue Mamma Mia! White Christmas

Hobson’s Choice The Nutcracker El Bano del Papa children’s & Family FilmsWall-E National Treasure: Book of Secrets The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie City of Ember

No Offence 2 Until 12 January 2009 No Offence 2 is an exhibition of art from young people aged 12-17 attending the Croydon Youth Offending Team’s Healthy Living Project. Their artworks represent their views on the positive elements in their lives together with what they find to be offensive in the community. No Offence 2 will be supported by music and imagery from other Healthy Living Project groups.

Guided walks in November Thursday 4 - Winter warmer 11am, Whyteleafe Recreation Ground, one-to two-hour walk This will be a faster-paced circuit of the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe countryside area in preparation for the christmas season of indulgence; will include some steep and uneven footpaths. Train: Warlingham, Whyteleafe Bus: 407Sunday 21 Happy Valley winter solstice tree walk 2pm, Farthing Downs car park On this the year’s shortest day, come along and discover the myths and folklore behind our native trees, and learn how to name them when they are without their leaves! Nearest Bus: 60, 405 Nearest train: Coulsdon South, walk one mile up Downs Road.Enjoyed a walk – and ready for more? The croydon HF Rambling club: visit www.croydonhframblingclub.org.uk, or ring 020 8680 3425 for up-to-date programme.The croydon Ramblers: visit www.croydonramblers.co.uk or ring 017372 42066 Orpington Field club: visit www.orpingtonfieldclub.org.uk or call 01689 855913, 01689 821225.

HungerThe Nutcracker

Quantum of Solace

White christmas

FINISHED SIZE = 1750mm x 1185mmyou told us“ there should be more for young people to do”

we listened“ we have invested in 20 new games areas and will have 10 more by March 2009”

we’re still listening

www.croydon.gov.uk/listening

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