SL September 11

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19 September 2011

at the Shirley Community Centrey

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ContentsShirley Life 5

Andrew Pellings Column 9

Charles Parks Column 12

In the kitchen: Herman, the friendship cakeby Marzia 14Considering Alternatives: Teethby Helen Campbell-McDonald 18

Planning from hell: the Green Triangle and back garden infills 20

Invaders: poplar suckersby Desperate residents 22

Vintage Finds 24

Express Timberby Tom Dunsmore 26

Giovannas Column 30

Shirley Community Centre 33Spare a Thought Guv by Christian Wilcox 37

About Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirleyby Marzia 40

Shirley Library: October Activities 42

Outsourcing a very real threat to Croydon librariesby That Woman 43

Jill Latter, miniaturist: Best Dressed Beds 46

Repairs and no snow preparations @ Croydon Council 51

Front Cover: Angelina, Zumba trainer at the Shirley Community Centre

Editorial TeamTom Dunsmore, Mike Jackson, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya

(Editor), Andrew Pelling, Russell Elliott (Advertising Consultant), Peter

Hacker (Financial Consultant), and Robert Dil (Graphic Design Consultant).

ContactsT: 07940 415532 E: [email protected] W: www.shirleylife.com


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Congratulations, Jill

Our Editorial Team member, Jill Latter, had one

of her exquisite miniature beds featured in Dolls

House Magazine, a national publication. She

said: Whilst I was exhibiting at Miniatura (a

Dolls House Fair) at the NEC, Birmingham, a

journalist asked me if she could borrow the bed for a few minutes so it could be

photographed. On her return she told me that it would be for an article on the Best

Dressed Beds. Please see pages 46 and 47.

Welcome to Shirley Life, Christian

We are happy to welcome Christian Wilcox, Treasurer of the Voices Forum

Schizophrenia Support Group, Co-Lead of the Mental Health Forum, and Chairman

of National Perceptions, a registered charity for Schizophrenia Support.

A bouquet for C&C

RE wrote: Through the pages ofShirley Life I would just like to deliver a huge

bouquet of thanks to C&C Planning Partnership for successfully securing

planning permission for a small extension to my property. Throughout the initial

application process where Charles Park took my requirements, proposed

solutions and built them into a workable design through to subsequent appeal

and second application, Charles has been most knowledgeable, proactive and

professional throughout the process. In light of this and his success in achieving

an uncompromised design for me, I can only but wholeheartedly recommend

C&C Planning Partnership's services to anyone wishing to improve their homes.

They will not be dissappointed with the service and I believe this is a great

example of the importance of using local people with local knowledge and

experience. Many thanks again Charles and Chris; excellent job done!

Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign

An extract from the last newsletter: Some press coverage has tended to imply hostility

on the part of the Campaign in relation to the Fairfield's film programme, so it seemsdesirable to clearly state the committee's position. We have no objection whatsoever to

the Fairfield Halls expanding their film programme with a view to attracting more diverse

audiences, and we welcome the opportunity to see more films in Croydon that add

variety to the ones shown in multiplexes. Our reservations specifically relate to the title

The David Lean Cinema at Fairfield, which we consider inappropriate and misleading.

However, this is not a criticism of the Fairfield Halls, who were obligated to use these

words. When awarding the Fairfield a 1.5 million grant (which covers two years), one

of the council's conditions was: A re-branding of the cinema programme to enablecontinuity of the David Lean Cinema brand. This re-branding enabled the council to

claim that the cinema was moving rather than closing. In reality, it insults the intelligence

of the David Lean's loyal patrons, who are essentially being told that they need not miss


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You are warmly invited

to attend

Friday Peer Group Sessions

every Fridaybetween 2 and 5pm at

The Shirley Community Centre

SHRUBLANDSAVENUESHIRLEY, SURREY

CR0 8JA

We aim to create a welcoming place for Older Adults

to meet with their peer group, and make friends,

socialise, play games

(Bingo sessions and other games),

listen to music, sing along and reminisce.

We also plan to offer health advice and information,

exercise classes, and ComTea(relaxed computer basic training) sessions.

Free tea, coffee and snacks

Call us on 8776 2562 or

07590 202547

for further details.


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the experience of viewing films in an intimate 68 seat venue, or the distinctive

programming associated with it, because the important thing is that David Lean brand

lives on!To keep up with the latest news, press coverage, etc. you can follow and like

the Campaign on http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-David-

Lean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053

More bins to come.... unsatisfactory answers.....

Measurements taken at the

Addiscombe Bin Show:

Caddy: w23 x h25 x d23cm

Bin: w28 x h37 x d39cm

Editor
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-David-Lean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-David-Lean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-David-Lean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-David-Lean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053


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Extraordinary Council Meetingby Andrew PellingWith Croydon still reeling from the riots

Croydon Council was summoned to a

debate by the Labour Opposition to discussthe implications of the civil unrest for

Croydon.

The meeting was somehow unsatisfactory in

that the Labour Group had much to criticise but

were always constrained in their remarks for fear

of being seen to cause too much trouble whilst

the town is still recovering from the trauma ofthe troubles.

There is indeed much to complain about as the

police Borough Command in Croydon has

admitted that only 60 to 100 police officers were out on the streets to cope with

the conflict already predicted by the police from 9am that morning. One

wonders where the other 600 Croydon police officers were at the time.

Residents were told by 999 to defend themselves as well they could when

arsonists threatened.

There are questions about why Croydon politicians did not ask for more police

of the most senior politicians in the land during the day ahead of the riots as the

police started telling shops to close from as early as 9 am that day, according

to the acting Borough commander at the time.

Another pertinent question is why the amount of money being provided to

Croydon is so much lower set at 10 million rather than the previously agreed

65 million due through a programme called LEGI that had been provided underthe previous government but cut by the new government and the abandoned

Enterprise Zone that would also have yielded millions for Croydon.

There are questions also that have been

raised outside the Council chamber about

why Richard Ottaway MP went off yachting in

Cowes after the riots and why Gavin Barwell

tells on his blog on the night of the riots that Iwas at the AGM of the South Norwood

Residents Association this evening. As I

drove home, I saw several plumes of smoke9


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rising from Croydon town centre. Given what's happened elsewhere in London

over the last two days, I feared the worst and sure enough when I got home and

turned on the TV I saw the shocking pictures of Reeves. Why wasnt he with

his constituents instead of driving straight off to Sanderstead from a meeting in

South Norwood ?

Fortunately through by badgering, Malcolm Wicks, the other Croydon MP, hasgot the Secretary of State to get the Mayor to give back the riot money that he

had most eccentrically passed on to Spurs, the football club.

The Leader of the Council said that there would be a review of what happened

on the night though the Labour Group seemed to misinterpret this as an

independent public inquiry.

The meeting did call unanimously for extra police, contrary to the vote of

Councillor OConnell and Gavin Barwell to cut police in the London Assemblyand Parliament respectively.

So here are some key points made by our elected Councillors.

Cllr. Fisher (Leader of the Council):The council will seek to evict any convicted

in the riots who are in social housing. The now departing Croydon Police

Borough Commander was the best Croydon has ever had.

A review will take place on what went wrong and this information provided to

the Commons Select Committee. When people needed help the Council helpedthem. 16,000 had been given to the 100 families made homeless and traders

given 1,000 interest free loans. Free planning advice would be provided to

traders in the most affected areas.

Cllr. Newman (Opposition Leader): Traders let looters get on with it, prioritising

instead saving residents lives. Why were 38 police officers transferred earlier

that day to Lewisham ? Why was the Town Centre the only place protected?

Suggested lessons to be learnt on tackling gangs from New York. Pleased both

parties calling for extra police but Conservatives need to have their Croydon

MPs and GLA member change their support for police cuts.

Cllr. Collins (Labour): Many in West Croydon felt abandoned as police

protected property in the town centre instead. Collins mentioned a 9 year old

at public meeting who asked my mother called the police. Why didn't they

come? Broad Green Councillors had asked for a year for police office in Broad

Green because of the crime rates; Collins speculated that there would have

been less rioting if the police had tackled crime more closely along the LondonRoad previously.

Cllr. Pearson (Conservative): 90 individuals of all races attacked the Co-op,

10


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many from New Addington. Parents should control their children.

Cllr. Letts (Labour): Some traders in London Road and Brighton Road feel

abandoned and have the bureaucracy of six forms to be filled in to seek

compensation.

Cllr. Mohan (Conservative): 1,000 new volunteers after the riots. Croydon will

soon be a good place to live in.Cllr Ayres (Labour): The residents vigil to protect New Addington shops was

laudable but also disturbing as it reflects a loss of confidence in the police. Police

will be found to have misapplied resources, had poor riot training and no

appropriate riot equipment.

Cllr. Gatland (Conservative): Drawing upon her own previous experience as an

IRA gun-runner the Councillor said that when areas are hit by violence there is

a need for good people to move in and not let those gain political power whothrough what they say act against Croydons interests. Wanted to see Swan &

Sugar Loaf re-furbished.

Cllr. Shahul-Hameed (Labour): Footfall to shops still low, homeless still in

difficulties, need a police station and easier parking terms for West Croydon.

Cllr. Hoar (Conservative): He was in Council CCTV room on the night. Croydon

was like a war zone. Stop criticising police because they are brave so no more

criticism should be permitted.

Cllr. Louisa Woodley (Labour): When combatting gangs it is utter madness to

be cutting Safer Neighbourhood Teams Sergeants. Criticised London Assembly

Member and Councillor OConnell for voting to cut police numbers.

Cllr. OConnell (Conservative/London Assembly Member/Chair of the

Metropolitan Police Authoritys Finance Committee): He will campaign for

extra police as the person in charge of the finance for extra police. Police got it

wrong on the night. They broke their compact with the people to protect them.

Cllr Hale (Conservative): The Council did a great job.Cllr Kabir (Labour): The 100 homeless families treated badly by the Council

were placed in expensive B&B.

Cllr. Pollard (Conservative Deputy Leader): The inquiry is a review panel with

Councillors not an independent inquiry. 70,000 in loans have been dispersed

to businesses and there is 800,000 in rate relief.

Cllr. Butler (Labour Deputy Leader) criticised Cllr. OConnell for attacking

police when there was a thin blue line of just twelve officers defending theLondon Road/Station Road junction. The failure was elsewhere. Police officers

close to breakdown after the very long hours post the riots.

11


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Charles Parks ColumnPlanning in LB of Croydon

A planning application was made

to London Borough of Croydonon 28th March 2011 and the

planning department requested

the proposed dormer roof be

reduced in height and depth.

After talks with the owner, it was

agreed to leave the application

as it was because you cannot

appeal if an application iswithdrawn. The application was refused on 1st June 2011 despite no objections

from any neighbours.

C&C Planning suggested to the client that a second application should be

made and to put in an appeal to the Department of Enviroment Planning

Inspectorate for the first application which was refused and let them both run

concurrently.

A second application was made (which the council do not charge for) by

ourselves: this showed the roof reduced by 50% in heightThe council asked for the dormer to be reduced in depth and it was agreed the

side of the proposed dormer would be so small that it would not be worthwhile

building it.

C&C Planning confirmed that many other dormers had been given planning

permission in this area to similar houses but, nevertheless, the application was

refused on 27th July 2011 for a similar reason as the first application.

After considering all the points put forward by both the London Borough of

Croydon and C&C Planning, the Inspector confirmed that the applicationshould be allowed and planning permission approved.

We attach 2 sets of plans. It should be noted that the dormer with the higher

tiled roof (the first application which was submitted) is the one that has been

approved by the Planning Inspectorate.

C&CP L A N N I N G P A R T N E R S H I P L T D

8 Ash Road, Shirley, Croydon,

Surrey, CR0 8HU


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Refused by Croydon

Council

but approved by HMsInspector

Refused by Croydon

Council


14/53

In the Kitchen: Herman, the Friendship CakeJill phoned and asked me if I knew Herman, the German Friendship

Cake. A what? I asked. His name is Herman, she told me.

As my usual, I researched and found out that Friendship cakes have

been called the edible chain letter. Various friendship cake starters havebeen passed from person to person for more than a hundred years. The

original concoction, aka Amish

Friendship Cake or Herman

Cake, started as a mixture of

flour, sugar and water. Airborne

yeast fermented the mixture

which was a staple to early

pioneers in bread making. Of

course, this was before you

could buy active dry yeast at the

grocery store.

The starter, which was the leavening agent, was used to make pancakes,

breads and cakes. Sourdough packing pioneers relied on the starter as

a leavening agent. Todayis friendship bread recipes are more of a luxury

or a novelty than a necessary staple.When the starter is passed on, a recipe and instructions are given with

it. The mixture sits on the counter for seventy-two hours, until it becomes

a fermented starter. Then, according to a carefully prescribed ritual, the

starter is fed and stirred daily. The stirring must be done with a wooden

spoon, for 10 more days. If it is not carefully nurtured, the starter will die.

But then, if it lives, the resulting mass must be divided. One portion goes

into a quick bread batter, another is kept and the two remaining portionsare given to friends, thus the name - friendship bread. Folks too greedy

to share have found that the starter spreads to gigantic proportions,

soon over-running the kitchen. After experiencing this disaster, most

people are compelled to pass it on.

Anthropologists say people like to share things they have invested their

time in. It is the notion of giving something of yourself. Although this

friendship bread starter is a frugal gift, it is homemade and it producesa mouth-watering bread with a distinctive taste that can only be achieved

with the starter.

14


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What give friendship bread that distinctive flavour? The acids produced

as a by-product of the growing yeast create wonderful flavour. The acids

are the vital part of the flavour compound that gives each loaf its slightly

different tang. The acids also help preserve the starter by inhibiting the

growth of certain harmful bacteria.

Avoid starter recipes that call for the addition of milk, cream or eggs.These mixtures may change colours, start to smell putrid and look slimy.

This is a definite indication that something other than yeast is living in

your starter. Animal products were not a part of the original starter recipe.

Rather, they were added only when the cake was mixed for baking.

Recipes that call for milk, cream or eggs in the starter will support the

growth of some modern day bacteria. Salmonella, Clostridium

perfringens and staphylococcus areus like to grow in dairy products left at room temperature for hours. The modern day version is also

refrigerated after 72 hours as an added safety feature.

Why all the safety precautions? Because times have changed and sohave conditions on this planet. Lets face it. The pioneers did not have tocontend with a hole in the ozone layer, acid rain, polluted waterways or adisappearing rain forest. They also led different lifestyles. They exercised

much more, worked harder and were exposed to fewer chemicals. Someeven walked from St. Louis to California or there about.

My HermanJill kindly presented me two Hermans: one for Giovanna and one for me.

Herman came in his small container with a set of instructions for ten

days. I was a little worried but gave him a chance and took him in. He

was a German friendship cake starter mix

and all I can say, after ten days, is - WOW!You have to try this. I cook but do not

know anything about cakes: it was my first

cake. Read on to find out more about this

great 10 day German friendship cake.

Thank you, Jill.

In The BeginningThis is Herman as I received him. A bubbling dish of goo, sorry - 'Germanfriendship cake mix' (flour, milk and sugar apparently). The instructions


16/5316

were quite clear 'You cannot put me in the fridge or I will die of cold. If I

stop bubbling, I am dead.' I was worried.

I read on and felt relieved as the only thing I really had to do from day to

day was to give him a stir.

Half way through the ten day cycle you add some flour, milk and sugar

then on 10th day you add the ingredients for the cake and bake.A common cycle is based on the addition of one cup each of sugar, flour,

and milk every five days, with the mix being shared into equal portions

and the cake being baked every 10th day. The ten day cycle produces

four starter mixes, which must be either used to bake a cake, given

away, or used to start a new cycle. It is common to bake one part and

give away the other three.

German Friendship Cake InstructionsHere are the instructions I received with my little Herman.

Hello, my name is Herman.

I am a sourdough cake. I'm supposed to sit on your worktop for 10 days

without a lid on. You CANNOT put me in the fridge or I will die. If I stop

bubbling, I am dead.

Day 1 You get Herman and put him in a large mixing bowl and cover

loosely with a tea towel.

Day 2 Stir well with a wooden spoon (I liked the idea)

Day 3 Stir well with a wooden spoon

Day 4 Herman is hungry. Add 1 cup each of plain flour,

sugar and milk. Stir well.



Day 7 Stir well with a wooden spoonDay 8 Stir well with a wooden spoon

Day 9 Hungry again. Add the same as day 4 and stir well. Divide into

4 equal portions and give away to friends with a copy of these

instructions. Keep the 4th one. (or keep 2 for yourself if you wish

to have you cake and eat it).

Day 10 Herman is very hungry. Stir well with a wooden spoon and add

the following: 1 cup sugar

half tsp (teaspoon) salt

2 cups plain flour


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23 (two thirds) cup of cooking oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla essence

2 cooking apples cut into chunks (I added mixed dried fruit instead)

1 cup raisins (I didnt use them)

2 heaped tsp cinnamon 2 heaped tsp baking powder

Mix everything together and put into a large greased baking tin. Sprinkle

with a quarter of a cup of brown sugar and a quarter of a cup of melted

butter. Bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees. The cake freezes well.

After 45 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius the top is nice and brown and

the smell is delicious! I recommend that you cook Herman for a little

longer than the instructions say. Place baking foil over him so he doesn'tdry out and burn and give him another 15 - 20 minutes in the oven. The

extra time helps him cook to perfection, the foil prevents him from

becoming too dry or burning on top.

Sticking a knife into the middle to test is a good idea. If you get wet mix

on the knife then it needs more baking. However, because of the apple

content, it is quite a moist cake anyway.

I was a little apprehensive to start with as the recipe contained milk.

However, the ingredients were obviously able to ferment safely over time

without refrigeration.

I divided Herman in four portions as instructed. Then I cooked one as

bread and one as a cake, gave one away and kept going with the 4th.

I plan to do the same every 10 days and change the recipe each time.

I have become addicted to Herman.

So, if you are offered a German Friendship Cake called Herman please,

give it a go. You'll be as suprised as I was!

Marzia


18/5318

CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVESTried Everything Else? Try Homeopathy

If you are experiencing problems with your

teeth the first person you are likely to visit is adentist. More often than not the dental

practitioner will have a solution, whether it is to

repair, replace or extract a tooth, to undertake

root canal work, offer cosmetic alterations or give advice on oral hygiene. With

medicine we find increasing specialisation; we are referred to different hospital

departments depending on which area of the body is considered to be

malfunctioning. When it comes to the mouth we can enlist the services of

dentists, orthodontists, hygienists, maxillofacial surgeons etc.However , did you ever think of going to see a homeopath to help with dental

pain and discomfort? As a homeopath I see oral health as part of a bigger

picture. The condition of our teeth and gums is not solely a matter of how we

look after them, but strongly relates to factors such as nutritional status,

metabolism and genetic inheritance. Homeopathic remedies can be used to

ensure that the basic building blocks are in place.

It is easy to forget that teeth need a healthy blood supply, that they are nerve

rich and, like any other part of the body, will suffer if nutrients are not taken up

at a cellular level. Healthy teeth and bones rely on the balanced absorption of

certain minerals and vitamins. Even if we eat the right foods or take adequate

supplements, a pre-existing systemic imbalance/weakness may prevent our

bodies from utilising these nutrients. Those who take great care with cleaning

their teeth, visit the dentist regularly, and yet suffer interminably with tooth

problems, can get despondent. They invariably know people who, despite

infrequent brushing, rarely see a dentist, and never get toothache or needfillings. Clearly individual susceptibility is an issue here. Homeopathy has the

edge over other therapies in recognising that consideration of the whole person

is important in any treatment.

A vital point to bear in mind when it comes to our teeth is that each tooth has

a relationship with an energy meridian in the body. Although we imagine we

are dealing with a tooth problem, the reality may be that we have a weakness

in another organ quite distant from the mouth. There are charts available that

provide details about these biological dental inter-relationships (e.g. seehttp://www.drwolfe.com/dentistry/tooth_chart ). If someone has an issue with

a front tooth, we need to be aware that this lies on the acupuncture meridian


19/5319

that runs through the bladder and kidney. If the focus is on strengthening these

organs, the tooth problem may resolve spontaneously; by re-establishing flow

in the blocked energy channel, the body is then able to heal itself.

It sometimes happens that after dental work has been carried out, pain can

persist and, in the absence of any detectable problem, the dentist might

prescribe antibiotics. If you are not happy to use antibiotics you will findhomeopathic remedies of great service in addressing the trauma of dental

surgery and promoting rapid healing. We have remedies for relieving acute pain,

draining abscesses, resolving chronic neuralgia, and dealing with the general

face-ache that can resist conventional approaches.

Another aspect that is given scant regard is the emotional component. If

someone feels fear at the prospect of having a high powered drill in their mouth,

or having a deep local anaesthetic injection, then they are far more likely to

experience pain. Fear and anxiety prevent the release of the bodys natural pain

relieving substances; endorphins and enkephalins (neurotransmitters). By

addressing the underlying tension, homeopathy can modify a persons

experience of pain. Sometimes fear of visiting the dentists surgery may mean

that essential repair work is neglected, and further deterioration ensues. It is

worth considering homeopathy when such a phobia needs to be overcome.

Look after that smile!

Helen Campbell-MacDonald, Homeopath

Helen practices at The Chestnut Clinic, West Wickham; fully insured and registered with the

Homeopathic Medical Association, she adheres to its strict Code of Ethics and Practice.

The Chestnut ClinicSpecialising in the Identification &

Treatment of Allergic Disorders

Home Visit Service

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20/5320

Planning from hell: the Green Triangle and infills An Outline Planning

Permission 11/01999/P was

presented for the Triangular

Land r/o 2-26 Shirley

Avenue, r/o 9-33 Valley Walk,

and land adj and r/o 179-189

Shirley Road, Croydon. lt

was for the erection of

buildings to provide up to 50

assisted living sheltered

apartments for the elderly

with associated landscaping

and parking.

The same developer stated

that the Green Triangle is

1 A site of Nature Conservation Importance.

2 A site of Borough Grade 11 Importance for Nature conservation

3 Local Open Land recognised as being vital for the quality of life in Croydon.

and yet argued that these classifications were inappropriate and should be

revoked.

Shirley Life does not believe that these classifications are inappropriate

because Residents are fully aware that badgers and bats are present in the

Green Triangle which is also a haven for biodiversity and wildlife. There is also

a lovingly tended apiary in situ.

Shirley Life believes that, once more, greed is raising its ugly head and lust for

profit is driving developers to destroy another green lung in Shirley. We are

already an over-developed area without the necessary infrastructures.

The development proposals weree described as midway between category 2

housing and Part 3 accommodation (registered care home). This level

accommodation implies a high level of support. Accommodation would probably

be suitable for couples as well as single people. It is therefore possible that up to

100 individuals may be housed there, reliant on ambulances and other large

delivery vehicles. Appropriate access with safe entry and exit to the site is an

important factor relating to the sustainability of the site, services, and properties.

There is none. The area near the Green Triangle is heavily congested. Shirley Roadis a red route, there is a large roundabout that buses from and to Croydon and

Addiscombe have to negotiate. There is a large secondary school and school

traffic is heavy.


21/5321

This is an Outline Planning Permission so there are no plans available. It can be

safely presumed that the developer will want to exploit the area to the maximum

and we might get a high building that would dominate the residential properties

in the area. A building capable of housing 50 to 100 individuals, plus common

areas and parking for staff and visitors cannot be compatible with the local

residential buildings. Parking problems will indeed be exacerbated as overflow

parking is already being absorbed in Shirley Avenue and surrounding roads.

Residents are often unable to park outside their own properties.

Shirley is not Croydon but a suburb. Therefore, there is no room for high rise

buildings and more cement. Shirley Life objected to the application and, in

particular, quoted the following in support of the objection:

1 UDP SP4 that states that the Council will:

a Preserve or enhance areas of recognised and valued character or special

interest.b Prevent the loss of identity of different parts of the Borough including

conservation areas and local areas of Special character, and publish

Proposals Statements for all conservation areas.

The Council and the elected representatives should enforce such policies and

discard the outdated and inaccurate papers presented by the developer.


Seek to protect the special character of wooded hillsides and ridges.

Development that would adversely affect the character of the area or lead to theloss of tree cover, either as a result of construction or as a likely consequence

of the everyday use of the development, will be refused.

Shirley green spaces are being eroded one by one. We must protect the

character of the area.


Ensure that all new development and proposed alterations to existing buildings

do not have an adverse impact on the designated panoramas, local views and

landmarks. Where the opportunity arises, the Council will encourage thecreation of new views and landmarks.

Infills and back garden developments are back in Shirley and far more

dangerous than the front extension of the Maywood Restaurant, one of the

best restaurants in Shirley. The extension does indeed grace the previously

shabby Poppy Parade and many residents commented against the refusal.

Shirley Life has objected against Outline Planning Permission 11/02230/P at

land rear of 42-44 Lime Tree Grove for the erection of a three bedroomdetached house; formation of vehicular access onto Annesley Drive and

provision of associated parking.


22/53

We noticed something growing in the lawn, in between pavingstones, in the plant borders. Our neighbours had the same problem.

We pulled them out and they grew back. A nightmare. We asked for

help and the response came in the form of a question: Was there a

poplar or had there been a poplar in the vicinity?

The answer was yes, a poplar had been felled by another neighbour. It

appears that Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra Italica) are notorious for

spreading by root suckers after the main tree is removed. We learnt thatpoplar trees have a narrow, vertical growth pattern that makes them

good landscape options for lining driveways and paths. Unlike other

types of trees that propagate by seed, poplar trees propagate primarily

by growing new trees off their extensive root system. These new trees

are called suckers and can quickly become invasive if not removed. It is

recommended to cut down poplar suckers as soon as they first emerge

from the ground.

We also read that the root buds become active when the tree comes

out of dormancy in spring, resulting in an abundance of unwelcome

suckers. In all texts there seems to be reference to spring but this is

happening in September! The blighters are eveywhere and grow at

incredible speed.

One could spend the rest of ones life either pulling the suckers out by

hand or chopping them back, or one could go the easier route and kill

whats left of the tree with a glyphosate-based product. This chemical isone of safest to use in the home garden, but it is a non-selective

herbicide. To apply it, paint or spray the exposed stump and suckers

with a 50:50 solution of glyphosate to water. (Roundup Tree Stump &

Rootkiller or Deep Root Ultra Tree Stump & Weedkiller). Triclopyr (SBK

Brushwood Killer) can also be used.

If the suckers are very large, you cut them down to the ground and allow

them to resprout to half the original size before spraying. This will reducedamage to nearby desirable plants from drifting spray. Repeat the process

as needed until suckers no longer appear. Will they ever go away?

22

Invaders: poplar suckers

Desperateresidents


23/5323

JustpulledoutThebeginning

Oneweekold

2weeksold

oneofthemanyroots


24/53

Vintage Finds is wonderful little

shop that specialises inexquisite antique French

chandeliers, vintage distressed furniture

and stocks many items made by localcrafters.Come and discover beautiful gifts and

old treasures given a new lease of life.You can create your own individual

style with our affordable pieces.

We offer a sourcing service and, if youcannot find what you're looking for, we will endeavour to do so for you.There is parking to the front of the shop.

Vintage Finds, 9 Beckenham Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0QRTel 07958 217558

24


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25


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The Goat1-3 BROOM ROAD

SHIRLEY CROYDON

Recently refurbishedfamily-run pub offering

a wide range of beers,ciders, real ales

& wines

C&CP L A N N I N G P A R T N E R S H I P L T D

8 Ash Road, Shirley, Croydon,Surrey, CR0 8HU

MO B: 07796 777700TEL: 020 8777 9999 (OFFICE)TEL: 020 8777 7000 (OFFICE)

EMAIL: [email protected]

PL ANS F ORLOFTS, EXTENSIONS, HOUSES,& STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

FOR COUNCIL APPROVALS

35 YEARS EXPERIENCEFREE CONSULTATIONS


27/5327

Express Timber by Tom Dunsmore

In the last issue we found out something of Johnnys adventures as hebuilt his career in the timber trade, of the obstacles that are part and

parcel of businesses in general and the self-employed in particular and

of the disastrous fire that burned his business in Penge to the ground.

What would have been a devastating final blow to many in their early

50s was the beginning of another venture for Johnny who promptly

decided to rebuild and start again although he views it as his last

opportunity to develop the business. So we now take up the story of hisarrival in early 2008 at Express Timbers, 211 Wickham Road, and his

now familiar premises.

This was the start of the recession and, with hindsight, was a far from

favourable time for anyone to set up a new business, but with two

additional staff, what they initially lacked in stock and finance the whole

team more than compensated for in experience. By offering their

traditional service of advice and assistance in all their product range,cutting timber to size and free delivery, often the same day, and by being

competitive in their pricing, and by offering to quickly obtain items not in


28/53

stock, often within 24 hours, the business is gradually being rebuilt. The

first year was the most difficult, establishing themselves in a new area,

maintaining their former wholesale links and developing new retail ones,

being competitive and all the other factors which all businesses have to

contend with nowadays.

Johnny buys his large range of timbers direct from importers to meet the

needs of his wholesale customers and this wide range is available to his

other customers. His current stock consists mainly of softwoods in a wide

range of mouldings and sizes and he is gradually building up to a range

of specialist mouldings in hardwood; in time, he hopes to meet everyones

requirement in mouldings. He also stocks sheet material, fencing,

decking, etc. etc. and whilst the larger merchants stock mainly sawn

timber, he has it ready planed. Not appreciated from the road is a yard tothe rear where the larger sizes are stored and on-site cutting, drilling and

planing, etc. are carried out. And this only touches on the timber side!

The variety of goods stocked by Express timbers is impressive. Even the

window and external display of timber, plumbing, ironmongery, paint,

decorating, door furniture, electric tools, safety clothing, gardening and

other equipment and accessories of various sorts doesnt do justice to

the extensive range held. Inside there are well stocked shelves displayingmore items and the

office turned out to

be a veritable mini-

warehouse of nuts,

bolts, screws, hooks

and much, much

more. Not contentwith being unable to

display everything,

Johnny has plans to

change the layout

next year to improve

the access and

display for the benefitof his customers.

28


29/53

Johnny speaks very

highly of his staff

whom he claims to

work to a frazzle

but they obviously

thrive on it! They allstrive to maintain

the same very high

standards of

service, work very

hard and take the

minimum out of the

business to ensurethat the maximum

is ploughed back in and stock kept as high as is consistent with takings;

with such a myriad of stock items each takes responsibility for a section.

Paul is a keen model maker and is interested in architecture; he is

responsible for tools, electrics and key cutting and will fashion complicated

keys by hand if required. Louis concentrates on the plumbing side of the

business. The shop is open seven days a week, which is especially

convenient and useful to those who can only shop on a Sunday.

Johnny also speaks very highly of Shirley customers, many of whom are

now regulars and familiar faces; this is not only very satisfying, but proves

that the desire of customers to have the majority of their needs under one

roof and receive a first-class, personal and competitive service is being

met. There is plenty of competition in the area (and Wickes has opened

up nearby) but this special, comprehensive service with delivery thrown

in - the hallmark of Express Timber has found a niche in Shirley and

Express Timber is rapidly building on it. The public also seems to

appreciate the lack of a queue at the check-out!

One would think that there cant have been much time for anything else in

Johnnys life, but he was no mean boxer when at school and was a Junior

ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) champion and now, having given up

boxing, is a keen golfer with a highly commendable handicap of 9 and has

found the time to be Captain of one club and chairman of another.

Well done, Johnny. Its pleasure to have you (and your team) in Shirley.

29


30/5330

GIOVANNAS COLUMN

Alton Towers Theme ParkSpend a day in the park

This summer I had the chance to spend

a day at Alton Towers, one of the biggestand most interesting theme parks in

Europe.

If you want to take a

good look at the

area surrounding

the park, jump on

one of the cabins ofthe skyride it will give you an aerial view of the

Tower, the rides, and its fantastic gardens.

The castle in the middle of the park has always belonged to the Talbot

family, Earls of

Shrewsbury.

The park had opened

its doors to the public

for the first time in

1860 when the public

used to visit to watch

acrobats, elephants,

bands and fireworks

and its magnificent

gardens.

The Tower wasowned by different families until the 1950s when it was finally given back

to the Alton Towers LTD Company that used to own it and became a

Theme Park in the 1980s.

The rides for thrill-seekers are: Th 13teen, The Blade, Nemesis, Air,

Enterprise, Oblivion, Rita, Submission, just to name few and are the most

popular ones among teens and adults.

Walking through the park in the Katanga Canyon area you will love theCongo River Rapids ride: this is great fun for families but everyone would

enjoy it.You can also try The Flume: you will climb into a bathtub and

P

icture

by

Picture

Partnership,

Shirley


31/5331

fly down. It drops through

waterfalls. You will have lots

and lots of fun.

There are a variety of

restaurants as well as ice

cream shops; however, if youhave packed a picnic, there

are a lot of beautiful spots

where you can have your

lunch, relax and enjoy the

atmosphere.

We did enjoy the runaway

Mine Train which is also a ridefor little ones as well as

Marauders Mayhem where

you will swirl and twirl in

gunpowder barrels

Hex is a multimedia

experience: a ride through the

history of the castle, quite

surprising and mysterious, not for the faint hearted.

We decided to go on the Battle Galleons, it was an experience that I

would definitively avoid next time because we got soaking wet. It was

also funny as I did not expect to get so wet. The kids loved it, so, if you

decide to go on it, make them put their raincoats on or take a change of

clothes with you.

It is best to purchase the

tickets in advance in orderto avoid the long queues at

the entrance.

It was a lovely experience

that I would like to repeat in

the future; less tiring and

stressful than travelling to

Disneyland Paris and, inthis economic uncertainty,

less costly.


32/5332


33/53

Shirley Community Centre (SCC)

33

Activities at the Centre

AM PM

Monday Available Available

Tuesday Available Zumba with Angelina 1.30 - 2.30pm

Zumba with Emma 6 - 7pm

Tenshin Tsunami Ryu 7 - 9pm

Wednesday Available Racquet Club 4 - 5pm

Thursday Available Fit n Funky 2 - 3pm from 22/09

Racquet Club 4 - 5pm

Zumba with Angelina 6 - 7pm

Legs, Bums & Tums 7 - 8pm

Road Cycling Club 8 -10pm

Friday Available GKR Karate 6 - 7.30pm

Tenshin Tsunami Ryu 7.30 - 9.30pm

Saturday Shirley Saturday School Available

Sunday Shrublands Christian Fellowship

Care Direct UK and Living Hope Project are now running activities for Older

Adults in the south end part of the Centre each Friday afternoon. Please contact

them on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details.

Shirley Saturday School has now opened. Places are still available: please

contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130 for further details.

Future events for your diary:

Saturday 29 October: event to present the 10 winners of the Prize Draw of thesurvey Which of the following would YOU like to see at the Centre? and a

presentation of the results of the Survey. It will be a Halloween themed event.

Saturday 12 November: Quiz Night. All proceeds to the Royal British Legion.


34/5334

There are now 3 Zumba classes at the

Shirley Community Centre with

Angelina on Tuesday from 1.30 to2.30 and Thursday from 6 to 7pm

andEmma on Tuesdays from 6 to 7pm

Come and have fun with us!

What the Centre offers

The main hall is complemented by a well equipped kitchen, there are two other

rooms, and a separate room suited to smaller committee meetings.

These premises are ideally placed in a residential area and are well served by two

bus routes. There is some on-site parking,

The Centre is available most mornings and the early part of each afternoon. It is also

very popular for private parties at weekends.To hire the Centre, please contact 020 8777 4298 on Thursdays between 9.30 and

11.30am or email [email protected]. There is also a website,

www.shirleycca.com, to keep you abreast of events .

Midweek charges are 10 per hour (40 for a whole morning or afternoon, 50 for a

whole evening) or 250 for private parties on a Saturday or 350 on a Sunday. The

small Meeting Room cost is 5 per hour at any time.

More details available on request.

Shirley Saturday School - Give your child a head start10am to 1.30pm at The Shirley Community Centre,

Shrublands Avenue, CR0 8JA

AS/A2 Chemistry, Biology - Science KS3 - Science GCSE

(Core, Additional and Triple),

Maths, GCSE, KS3 English GCSE, KS3 We specialise in providing personalised tuition for our students. We provide for students with varying abilities. We advise and help A level students in their application to Universities.

An early start with us is a big step to your childs success.

Do not wait until your child starts struggling in school before

deciding to get extra help!

For further information, please contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130or email [email protected]
http://www.shirleycca.com/http://www.shirleycca.com/


35/53

OPEN EVENINGThursday 22 SEPTEMBER 2011

BETWEEN 5.00 pm and 7.30 pm

Headteachers Presentations:5.30 pm, 6.15 pm, 7.00 pm

RECORD BREAKING YEAROUR BEST EVER RESULTS

100% OF STUDENTS GAINED 5 A*- C

71% OF STUDENTS GAINED 5 A*- C

(including Maths + English)

69% OF STUDENTS GAINED 10 OR MORE

A*- C

COME AND BE INSPIRED(Please note: 6th Form Open Evening will be held on

Thursday 17 November 2011 from 6.00 pm 8.00 pm)

Headteacher: Mr N M Barrow Cert Ed BEd(Hons) NPQH FCoTShirley Church Road, Croydon, CR0 5EF

Telephone: 020 8656 9755: Fax: 020 8654 8507Email: [email protected]: Website: www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk

SHIRLEY HIGH

SCHOOL


36/5336

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37/5337

Spare a Thought Guvby Christian Wilcox, Defender of Crazy PeopleIn this age of cuts its easy to forget there are others who are actually

worse off than you. As you struggle to handle mortgage payments,

less money in your pocket, and higher food and clothing bills. Add to

that less help from The Govt with your kids and it really does add up.Its not going to be easy for you. But, there are those who have actually

got it harder.

Imagine a life where you are literally skimming the Poverty Line every day,

end up in fuel poverty (where 10% or more of your income is spent on fuel

to stay warm and clean), and also have a mind you simply cannot rely on. I

dont mean that last one in a jokey sense. I mean for real. Where crazy

thoughts invade your day, and can be so overwhelming they actually effectyou. Where voices that only you can hear taunt you or confuse you. And

where other people can be very scary indeed due to them wearing the

wrong colour shoes ( for example ). You can end up so afraid you dont

leave the house for days on end, and as such the liberty your average

person enjoys just isnt there.

So youre stone broke and crazy. Welcome to the life of the Mentally Ill.

My people are mostly harmless (I am one of these Mentally Ill people. I wasgassed by my boiler and left with a bad brain injury), and are more afraid of

you than angry at you. They avoid you, they hide from you, and they want


38/5338

to be left alone by you. Most violent crime out there is carried out by people

classed as sane. Not by us Mental Health Service Users. And this is all

very real. Were not a danger to anyone really.

So

Im writing this to show the level of hardship we face. If youre mild like meits inconvenient, but rarely disastrous. Others are, quite frankly, stuffed. And

have trouble making their money last the 2 weeks between payday for us

at present, let alone the month you guys often budget to. As we are simply

too ill to do the math properly. But its not stupidity in most cases. Its being

distracted. How do you concentrate and do big stuff when you are so

heavily distracted by your illness? Some people just cant. Its too much.

So, how do we manage our illness? Therapies are becoming more available

(although that is still slow going), and we have medication as well. But

medication has a down-side. Much as it stops us being so distracted and

hounded by our illnesses it still leaves us half asleep all the time. Its often

not safe to drive, we have to sleep more, and in some ways we are still too

distracted to get stuff done properly. So need help with some things in life.

Typically this help comes from Charities. We do get some state assistance

as well, but a lot of it is The Third Sector. And in Croydon that Third Sector

budget has been cut by 8%. And out of a budget of 17 million pounds forthe whole Voluntary Sector that is a lot of money to lose. About 1.5 million

pounds? Charities I know that work with the Mentally Ill are suffering.

Add to this Government plans to cut 100,000 disabled kids by 50% in the

new Universal Credit system to replace the Disability Increment of Child Tax

Credits. And also how Disability Living Allowance will now be replaced by a

system where a predicted 800,000 disabled people will get a Benefits Cut,

and Its not going to be pretty is it? It kind of makes you wonder why youpay your taxes. In this Green and Pleasant Land the most vulnerable in our

society are really going to get it hard. And its the Charities that stand against

these terrible cuts.

So how are these Charities surviving? Well, they are surviving, but its now

a lot harder for them. The problem is thus: The more time they spend fund-

raising the less time they have to spend helping people. They are small

teams and only have so many sets of hands, so this is true. This is whyCouncil money was so valuable. It simply happened, and left them free to

focus on the work. They did not need to worry about funds that much. Now


39/5339

so much of it is gone these Charities are now suffering. Front line services

like Youth outreach right the way through to The Counselling Services are

feeling it. They cant do as much front line work, as they have to spend

more time fund-raising now. Or they have to shrink, and not fund-raise as

much. If they shrink theyll be helping fewer people as well. So who helps

us Mentally Ill types now?I did speak to one of Gavin Barwells (the MP) Litter Pickers about whether

they would do more. I was curious about the Big Society. Gavin has a

volunteer group that goes out and picks up litter in the local parks. As the

MPs own team, I figured they would lead by example and as such rise to

the challenge. I was left very disappointed. Their choice was more important

than going where the real need was. They simply werent interested. They

do Litter Picking only.

Litter wont kill anyone. Isolation and Mental Health problems can kill. For

real. Yet they would not rise to the challenge.

I actually suggested adopt-a-granny. Its a simple enough concept. You

adopt an old lady (or couple ) and do her shopping run for her once per

week. So that she is not alone, and gets help with those heavy bags when

needed. Simple enough, but it ensures said granny can carry a lot of food

and cleaning products home. So ensures she is well fed and has a betterquality of life. Cans of pet food can be heavy, and a little furry friend in old

age can be a life-saver.

It also requires less medical skill than caring for the Mentally Ill can, so should

have been a breeze for the MPs team. I never did get a reply to that one.

So, whos going to help us as we struggle to manage our lives? With no-

one in the Charities with a spare hand these days, and the Big Society being

more interested in chocolate wrappers? Sadly, thats the million dollarquestion.

So spare a thought guv. You may be having a hard time at present, but

others are suffering more. And they could do with some help. All you have

to do is treat them like human beings, not be afraid of them, say hi to your

neighbours to make sure theyre ok, keep your kids quiet around them

(peace and quiet is good ), and maybe pick up a paper for them. Its not a

biggy, but it can make a world of difference to those living in what can oftenbe a very tough world.

A world which is about to get much tougher with these cuts.


40/53

About Andrew Dunsmore

of Picture Partnership, ShirleyCouncillor Louisa Woodley, a friend and a colleague

(she is, amongst other things, a gifted language

teacher) needed some professional pictures takenfor her GLA campaign. I had no hesitation in recommending Andrew, one

of the best photographers in the country.

A session at Picture Partnership is exciting: you don't just get a shoot. You

get fun. And at the end of it, you'll have natural, stunning images that can

be treasured forever. Andrew puts you at ease and gets you out of your

shell. Louisa looks splendidly relaxed and confident.

40

www.picturepartnership.co.uk.

Marzia
http://www.picturepartnership.co.uk/eventshttp://www.picturepartnership.co.uk/events


41/5341


42/53

Now Online at www.shirleylife.comand very soonin print

SAVE OURLIBRARIESand make yourvoice heard!!!

27 January 2011

Ifyoustaysilent

CLOSED

October 2011

amily Learning Weekis on from Friday 7 to Saturday

5 October. You can book for the following events at

hirley Library from mid September:

amily Knitting Friday 7 October 2.30 to 5pm

uppet Making Saturday 8 October 2.45 to 4pm

Make a container from recycled fabric on Tuesday

1 October 4 to 5pmamily Card Making Friday 14 October 4 to 5pm

hymetime at 10am. Singing for babies and their

arents and carers on the following Fridays: 7, 14, 21

nd 28 October

Wiggle and Jiggle at 11am. Singing for toddlers and

eir parents and carers on the following Fridays: 7, 14,

1 and 28 October

torytime from 2.15 to 2.45pm. Stories and crafts for-7 year olds on the following Thursdays: 6, 13, 20 and

7 October

ock and Rhyme at 10am. Singing for babies &

oddlers and their parents and carers on the following

aturdays: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 October

tories and Craft Sessions from 2.45 to 3.45pm. For

-9 year olds and their parents and carers.

aturday 22 October: Autumn themehatterbooks, the fun and exciting reading group for 8-11

ear olds, is restarting as a monthly group from Thursday

3th October from 4-5pm. Come in and sign up!

ames Club from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Do you like playing

ards, dominoes, chess and other board games? Come

nd join us. Every Tuesday on 4, 11, 18, 25 October

raft Workshops & Card Making from 2.30 to

.30pm. There will be a charge of 3 to cover the cost ofmaterials. Tuesday 18 October

titch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Get

ogether with other knitters for a cup of tea and a chat.

eginners welcome. Friday 7 and 21 October

Readabout

outsourcingin

thenextpages!

POLICESURGERY

ShirleysSa

ferNeighbourhood

Teamsdropinsurgeryon

Saturday22October

from2.30to

3.30pm.


43/53


44/53

Outsourcing a very real threat to Croydon librariesNews of Croydon libraries broke on Friday, again not as an official notification

but in the local Advertiser - a paper only received by a small proportion of

Croydon residents. The article stated that, It is almost certain that an outsideorganisation will take over the running of Croydons libraries. Cllr Sara Bashford

told the Advertiser that the recommendation going to cabinet Monday 19th

September will be to go out to tender.

Residents may feel assured by the tone of the article that refers to this, following

a public backlash that led to Croydon Council dropping original plans to close

six libraries.... The Council has listened and responded to residents is the

message received. Unfortunately the situation couldnt be more different. The

extent of confusion and misinformation is quite astounding!

Debate is recorded in recent weeks in the letters pages of the local Guardian

http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/07/kept-in-dark-over-croydon-libraries.html

http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/listened-and-responding-

croydon-style.html

http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/08/library-users-have-been-denied-say-

on.htmland

http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/08/libraries-debate-on-letter-page.htmlbetween library campaigners and members of Croydon Council who deny that

residents are being kept in the dark over libraries.

Campaigners are adamant that the silence and mixed messages on libraries

have added to the confusion, leaving many residents completely unaware.

They point out:

Only 6 libraries were the subject of the consultation exercise, yet all 13 were

put out to market test and now look likely to be outsourced The consultation document was flawed, with parts not even been analysed,

denying residents the right to register that they wanted libraries to stay as

they were - a message heard very clearly from residents across the borough

during the consultation.

An Internal Reshuffle was undertaken, separate to the consultation,

resulting in a drastic reduction of staff in Croydon libraries and a marked

deterioration in the service on offer, already saving the council money beforeany cuts were even considered as a result of the consultation.

Cllr Bashford gave her assurances to look into a comprehensive list of

concerns from residents across the borough, relating to this deterioration of44
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service, highlighted to her by campaigners some months back. She has so

far fed back on only two very minor points, well short of the response

expected on concerns ranging from repeated errors, reduced help in

libraries, libraries being closed without notice, cancelled activities, and greatly

reduced staffing and access to qualified librarians. Campaigners made clear

that these problems were not present prior to this reshuffle and were in no

way a criticism of the library staff who they praised for their dedication in

such difficult circumstances. In fact the welfare of library staff, their pay and

conditions, have been a major concern of campaigners and have been

passed on to Cllr Bashford also.

The decision to market-test all 13 libraries was taken on the basis of the

ideas of just 412 replies, recorded as Explore links with commercial

businesses i.e. outsourcing, sponsorship, advertising, cafe, retail. Nobreakdown was recorded as evidenced by the refusal of the FOI request

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/breakdown_of_responses_to_libr

ary#incoming-199932 so those who offered ideas of efficiencies such as

seeking sponsorship or adding a cafe have effectively had their suggestion

counted as a vote for outsourcing.

Despite a complete denial of any involvement with companies such as LSSI

and Laings, just days after the decision to market-test all 13 libraries,

Croydon hit the national papers. It was reported that Croydon were working

with Wandsworth and had already met with LSSI, an American firm with a

dubious record for reducing hours and book stock, replacing staff with less

qualified ones, eroding the pay and conditions of staff and increasing

charges.

Have Croydon residents spoken out and given a clear message to the council?

Most certainly yes - 22,605 written responses were received in the form of

consultation documents, petitions, letters and emails as well as those whoturned up in their hundreds at all six public meetings held across the borough.

But, have Croydon, the listening council, really listened and taken account

of residents opinions by basing their justification to pursue outsourcing

on the views of just 412, and views that may well not have supported

outsourcing in any case?

Croydon has a clear record now for flawed consultations. There will no

doubt be a lot of anger from residents when they discover what is reallyhappening with their libraries.

http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/

45
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51/5351

Repairs and no snow preparations @ Croydon Council

Pictures are indeed more powerful than words. Below, you can see arepair carried out in Stuart Crescent not long ago. I had to do a bit ofinvestigating because I did not understand the reason for such a botched

up job. I learnt that the crack in the footway was noticed on an inspection

in February and a repair commissioned to ensure the public did not trip over

it. The cost of the repair, if indeed you can call it a repair, was minimal

because the gang who carry out such remedial work potholes etc are

paid for by the day and not per individual repair. I was assured that Jill

Govett, the Streetscene officer for Shirley ward, would take up the issue of

poor workmanship.


52/5352

Are we supposed to be happy with substandard repairs such as this eyesore

or the many potholes in our ward that keep reappearing a short while after

they are filled? Are they not a waste of our Council Tax?

On quite a different issue: we have not had much of a summer but winter

might be even worse. Hollies are covered in berries!

Our neighbouring Bromley Council has already organised a second SnowConference to prepare for any forthcoming adverse weather. Local

community groups work with the Council and can sign up to the new

scheme and receive their own supply of snow shovels and salt to distribute

locally as they see fit.

The Snow Friends Co-ordinator writes: We know that local residents havea wealth of knowledge about their local area. This is why by us providing the

support and guidance we hope you can act as the catalyst for mobilisingyour network of local members to help tackle any snow and/or ice whereyou see best in your neighbourhood. (sic)It seems that Councils, particularly with a Tory administration, think alike.

We pay Council Tax but receive fewer and fewer services. We are expected

to volunteer to do jobs because workers have been sacked.

They tell us that we are in it together but can you see much savings in

government quarters? Many of our local politicians hold two or three jobs

paid by us, the taxpayers.


53/53

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