the riddlesdown recorder
TRANSCRIPT
R I D D L E S D O W N R E S I D E N T S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N
THE RIDDLESDOWN
RECORDER
INSIDEChildren’s Christmas PartyMP’s ReportSecurity TipsWho are We?
And More....
ISSUE 201WINTER 2016
Date for your
Diary!
AGM of the RRA
7pm on Wed 20 April 2016
at Riddlesdown Collegiate
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE Easy Parking
102 Lower Barn Road Purley Tel: 020 8660 1400
O P E N I N G T I M E S Shop: Weekdays 6am - 8pm Sat. and Sun. 6am - 7pm Post Office: Weekdays (except Wed): 9am - 5.30pm Closed 1pm—2pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm Sunday Closed Last collections from postbox: Weekdays 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays - Midday
Newspapers and magazines (all can be delivered)
Stationery, cards, tobacco, confectionery
Groceries, fruit and vegetables Wines and spirits Fresh bread and rolls (Sats. only) Chilled drinks, meats and
dairy produce Frozen ice cream, ready meals Next day dry cleaning National Lottery
Come to us for your . . .
RIDDLESDOWN’S POST OFFICE
Newsagents, Confectioners and General Store
Contents:
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERSAll Emergencies: (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 999
Police Non Emergency Number: 101
Purley Police SNT: 07920 233892
Sanderstead Police SNT: 020 8721 2470
NHS Non Emergency Number : 111
Section Heading Page
The RRA Committee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4RRA Editor’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5The RRA Committee Reports
Chairman’s Report – Brian Longman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Planning Report and Environment Report – Phil Thomas . . 13Transport and Membership – John Rapp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Your Contributions and ArticlesChildren’s Christmas Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Who are We? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20MP’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Councillors’ Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Riddlesdown Collegiate Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Top 10 Security Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Community PagesFeatured Group – Marion’s Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Community Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Front Cover Photo:
Frost Patterns on Riddlesdown – Rachel Tarrant, Local Resident
This is your local Community Magazine – for futureissues we welcome your contributions, either directlyabout Riddlesdown or which are of interest to localresidents – send these to [email protected]
Further information and past issues of this magazine canbe found on our website:
www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
Printed by Cherrill Print, 297 Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 6EQ Tel 020 8681 78263
The Annual General Meeting of the RRA will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 20 April 2016in the 1st Floor Staff Canteen, Riddlesdown Collegiate, Honister Heights. Use the mainfront entrance to the building and take the stairs up to the first floor. Some limited parkingwill be available within the Collegiate grounds.
The Riddlesdown Residents’ Associationcommittee members
Brian LongmanChairman and RiddlesdownCollegiate Liaison t: 8657 8374
John RappMembership, Road Stewards andPublic Transport Concernst: 8660 9531
Neil TarrantRecorder Editort: 8668 4061
Fred Wallist: 8668 7837
Monica Pught: 8660 6008
Phil ThomasPlanning & Environmental;Website Editort: 8668 3815
Janice KedwardsSocial Secretaryt: 8668 2011
Diana ChittyFootpaths Liaisont: 8668 3337
Bill Whitmarsht: 8660 2178
Mavis Wildert: 8668 3579
You may write to the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association at any of the following addresses:66 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead CR2 9JU or 37 Buttermere Gardens, Purley CR8 1EJ,
Please mark your correspondence with the committee member’s name, if applicable. Or you can e-mail any committeemember at [email protected] or at any of the e-mail addresses listed above. RRA Notice Boards
are situated by Riddlesdown Pharmacy in Lower Barn Rd, on the side wall of St Edmunds Church, by K&K Food & Winein Mitchley Ave. We also use the Boards on the Green by St Edmund’s Church and in the station waiting room.
Website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk Email [email protected]
Keith Powellt: 8660 5380
Jan Powellt: 8660 5380
Frankie WheelerFootpaths Liaison
t: 8660 3886
Vice-President: Mrs H.Kiernan
Linda BevinSecretary & Treasurert: 8763 4195
The Riddlesdown Recorder
4www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
As I am writing Christmas now seems like adistant memory. Yet before Christmas StEdmund’s Church hall saw the return of theRiddlesdown Children’s Christmas Party. Afull report on this very successful day can befound later in this magazine. Photographs ofthe day can be found on our website. This isjust one event that the RiddlesdownResidents’ Association runs, and in theChairman’s report you will be able to finddetail of the forthcoming Community Festivalorganised in conjunction with SandersteadResidents’ Association and local Churches. Itwill be held on 18th June on the Gruffy nextto Sanderstead pond. Further details, andinformation on ways to get involved can befound in Brian Longman’s report.
We are also very pleased to include reportsfrom our new local MP Chris Philp, andreports from two of our local councillors TimPollard and Yvette Hopley. You will also beable to read about the continuing success ofour local secondary school, and of importantchanges to its leadership.
As ever, I am extremely grateful to everyonewho has contributed to this magazine, and toRoger Cherrill of Cherrill Print for putting ittogether. We are always happy to includereports on any local activities or societies.Contributions need not be long, a paragraphand a photograph would be enough to keepeveryone informed! If you would like tosubmit an article, or just discuss an idea forone please email the editor [email protected].
Editor’s Notesby Neil Tarrant
R I D D L E S D O W N P H A R M A C Y 104 Lower Barn Road, Purley, Surrey
Tel/Fax: 8660 7150
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-1pm, 2.15-5.30pm Wednesday: 2.30-5.30pm, Saturday: 9am-1pm
For caring, friendly, confidential advice
We also offer:
* New electronic prescription collection/order service for: Dr Woolf, Dr Kay, Woodcote Practice, Parkside Surgery, Selsdon Medical Practice,
Moorings, Keston House: Purley Memorial.
* Minor ailments advice and treatment * Medicines use review* Community Trays * Stop smoking clinic * Malaria Prescribers
* Flu Jab * Brand new vitamins/supplement range* Blood pressure checks * ‘Healthy Heart’ checks * Deliveries
Support your local independent pharmacy ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
PharmacyIn my last report, I discussed the difficultsituation facing our local pharmacy in LowerBarn Road. In March the Essential SmallPharmacies Scheme, which was introducedin 2006, came to an end. The Scheme wasintended to ensure that small localcommunity pharmacies, like ours inRiddlesdown, with a relatively low footfalland prescription rate were supported. Iremember I said at the time, that whilst weremained confident that our local pharmacywould continue to flourish and support theresidents of Riddlesdown, we must not becomplacent. To that end the Association hasspent the last six months campaigning toensure that our excellent Pharmacy servicecontinues to support the residents ofRiddlesdown and for many years to come.
The Association has sought advice andassistance from a wide range of organisationsincluding, Croydon Health Services, NHSEngland and the local Pharmacy committee. Iam now extremely pleased to report that theRiddlesdown Pharmacy is now designated asa Healthy Living Pharmacy and as such, partof Croydon’s Minor Ailment Scheme. Thismeans the pharmacist is able to prescribeover-the-counter medications for a plethoraof common conditions. The service is free tochildren and adults who are exempt fromprescription charges, thus avoidingunnecessary visits to the GP. Add to this awhole range of other services from basichealth checks, advice on self-care and thenew online prescription service. We nowhave a Pharmacy service in Riddlesdown thatwe can be proud of.
Incidentally, whilst preparing this report Inoticed on the NHS Choices website thatRiddlesdown Pharmacy has a five star rating,so well done to the whole team in LowerBarn Road and especially to Naseem, ourextremely helpful and knowledgeablePharmacist.
Post OfficeMany of you will be aware that our local PostOffice in Lower Barn Road has been subjectto a comprehensive review of the services itprovides under the Post Office’s investmentand transformation plan.
I think many residents may have seen theBBC TV programme earlier this year, whichshowed a number of communities who hadreal concerns that their local Post Officewould close under a modernisationprogramme. Riddlesdown Post Office fordecades has been at the very heart of ourcommunity and we were not surprised at thenumber of residents who have contacted theAssociation to register their concern that thePost Office might have to close. TheAssociation has liaised closely with Vijay Patel,our long-standing and extremely helpfulPostmaster.
The Association has lobbied and met with thePost Office team managing the programmeand has also sought the assistance of our localMP Chris Philp, who contacted the CEO ofthe Post Office to raise our concerns.
The proposed new service would be offeredfrom an open-plan style service point,integrated into the retail counter and wouldopen for longer hours, including Sundays.
Chairman’s Reportby Brian Longman
The Riddlesdown Recorder
6www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
However, one of the main points of concernwas whether the new service would retain allit current products and services. We alsoraised the issue of the recent closure of thelast bank in the Sanderstead Parade inLimpsfield Road and the need for the PostOffice to retain all its current financialservices. In the end, the decision was one forVijay and his family to make and, I am pleasedto say, it was to stay and work with the newstyle Post Office service in Riddlesdown. Itwill retain all its existing services.
On behalf of the Association I would like totake this opportunity to say thank you to Vijayand his family. I know the process has beenlong and stressful for them, with the creationof a new business plan and longer openinghours. I have said it before and I will say itagain, our local shops will only survive if wesupport them.
Vijay and his family have said yes toRiddlesdown, so let us make sure we supportthem in this new service. The shop and PostOffice however will have to close for about aweek at the end of January/beginning ofFebruary whilst building works are carriedout, so watch out for information that Vijaywill display in the shop about this.
Helping Staying Healthy in RiddlesdownCroydon recently ran a Self-Care Week withthe aim of helping people better understandhow to stay healthy and look after any minorailments or long-term conditions they mayhave.
Dr Agnelo Fernandes, a local GP andAssistant Clinical Chair of NHS CroydonClinical Commissioning Group said: “Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy and
making healthy choices that reduce the riskof illness in the future. Healthy choices caninclude keeping active, eating well and givingup smoking. Self-care is also about ensuringpeople understand when they can treatthemselves at home, for example if they havea cough or cold, and the importance ofchoosing the right health service. Peopleoften go to their GP with a minor ailmentwhen they could get faster and moreappropriate treatment from their Pharmacist,who as trained health professionals can alsoprovide advice on healthy living and commonhealth problems.”
Apart from my role as Chair of the RRA, I alsosit as a patient representative on thePrevention, Self-Care, Self-Management andShared Decision Making Board. Croydonhas wide range of information and initiativesto help people stay healthy but how to getthe message out to Croydon residents is stilla big issue. To help spread the word theAssociation, in the New Year, will introduce aStaying Healthy page on our website.
All the information will be provided by theNHS Croydon Clinical Commissioning Groupor Croydon Council. When operational theAssociation would welcome your feedbackon the project, so please check the RRAwebsite early in the New Year.
Local Police SNTThe Sanderstead Safer Neighbourhood Team(SNT) police panel meets four times a year, inopen meetings (usually at RiddlesdownCollegiate), to represent the views of localresidents on local policing issues.
At the October meeting of the SNT panel,three new promises were agreed: to
Chairman’s Report
continue to target both burglaries and motorvehicle crime, which remain major concernsfor residents, and to tackle anti-socialbehaviour (ASB)
In November, the police ran a campaign withthe aim of reducing motor vehicle crimeacross Croydon. Motor vehicle crime in theBorough showed a 14.3% increase duringthe six-month period April to September2015. Inspector Kevin Fitzgerald is keen toraise awareness of the rise and is urgingresidents to act now and take simple steps toprevent their vehicles from being a target.Inspector Fitzgerald said; “A majority of theseincidents could have been avoided if drivershad taken simple crime prevention measures,as 50% of the vehicles were either leftunlocked or with items left displayed inparked vehicles. During the next fewmonths, both uniformed and undercoverofficers will be patrolling the Borough toprevent offences and detect offenders.”
The advice from the police is simple:
• Always lock your vehicle when you leave it.
• Ensure all windows are closed.
• Never leave valuable items in your car -Sat Navs, cash, credit cards, chequebooks, mobile phones, or other valuables.
• Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on yourwindscreen.
• Consider fitting anti-tamper screws toyour number plate.
• Never leave your car keys where they canbe seen from the front door.
Community Festival inSandersteadCroydon has offered to all CroydonCouncillors, via the Community WardBudget, £2,000 each to be used for aCommunity event by the end of June 2016.Riddlesdown and Sanderstead Residents’Associations, together with local churchgroups, recently met with our three localcouncillors to discuss the possibilities. It wasdecided a Community Festival with music,dance, arts and crafts would be appropriatefor the event.
The date is confirmed for Saturday 18 June2016 at 2pm on the Gruffy by SandersteadPond, Limpsfield Road. Arrangements are atan early stage and we are still looking forsuggestions and volunteers on the day. Pleaseemail me if you would like to be involved (mycontact details are at the front of thismagazine). Details of the event will be on theRRA website in the New Year.
8www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
The Riddlesdown Recorder Chairman’s Report
Website, Facebook & PlanningNotifications and DecisionsAs usual all planning applications anddecisions in our area are updated weekly onthe RRA website. Generally planning mattershave been fairly quiet in Riddlesdown overthe last 6 months with no major applications.Just the usual residential applications and oneretrospective application for the land inMitchley Hill (see report below). Did youknow we also have a Facebook page? Whynot give that a “like” and maybe post somecomments on there!
Croydon Local PlanAt the beginning of November, CroydonCouncil’s Planning Department publishedtwo large documents for their proposedstrategic planning policies up until 2036. Theconsultation period for this Local Plan ranfrom 6 November to 18 December 2015. Soby the time you read this in the New Year,the consultation period will be over. Thedetails were published on our website andFacebook page, so hopefully you had thechance to look at the documents and maybemake some comments.
The Croydon Local Plan: Strategic Policieswas adopted in April 2013 and set a visionand framework for the planning of theBorough up to 2031. A partial review of theStrategic Policies is now being undertaken toensure that the Borough has an up-to-datedevelopment plan to 2036 and to takeaccount of the further alterations to theLondon Plan, which has increased the
Borough’s housing requirement. The partialreview also includes updated evidence onemployment policies, community facilitiesand a move from Local Areas of SpecialCharacter to Local Heritage Areas.
The Croydon Local Plan: Detailed Policiesand Proposals will provide greater planningpolicy detail to the Strategic Policies, settingout development management planningpolicies and site allocations for a range of landuses to meet the Borough’s growth needs to2036. The Detailed Policies and Proposalswill also ensure a continued focus on the 16“Places” of Croydon outlined in the CroydonLocal Plan: Strategic Policies. Once adopted,the Detailed Policies and Proposals willreplace the currently saved policies of theUnitary Development Plan (2006).
At the time of writing this, at the start ofDecember, the RRA has not fully exploredthe documents as yet, but from brief viewingsthere is nothing in it that appears to affectRiddlesdown too much, apart from the re-introduction of “garden grabbing” whichcould be a problem. Unfortunately in thePlan, Riddlesdown falls between the Purleyand Sanderstead “Places” so we are not reallyrecognised as an area! Some adjustment toGreen Belt land in Riddlesdown is beingconsidered (added to rather than removed).However, the main areas of concernelsewhere are the proposed 16 storey Purleytower on the Baptist Church site in BansteadRoad and the future of the Purley poolcomplex and car park. Also proposed aretwo travellers’ sites on Green Belt land at the
Planning & Environmental Mattersby Phil Thomas
Council’s Coombe Lodge Nurseries inConduit Lane, and nearby Coombe Farm inOaks Road, Croydon and/or one at Pear TreeFarm in Featherbed Lane, Addington, closeto the Borough boundary. A proposal for anew school is also being considered on theplaying fields, next to Coombe Farm off OaksRd. We will publish our comments submittedto the Council, on the RRA website.
Mitchley Hill FieldResidents might remember that despiteobjections from the RRA and Councillor TimPollard, the owner of the land in Mitchley Hill,beside the Dunmail Drive accessway, wasgranted planning permission in February2013, for the formation of a vehicular accessonto Mitchley Hill and the construction of anaccess road within the site. This planningpermission was granted by the PlanningCommittee, where Councillor Pollard voicedhis objections.
In early 2014, the owner was then grantedsubsequent planning permission to erect thegates and fencing and to discharge someconditions on the 2013 decision. Since then,the owner has rather slowly been erecting abarbed wire fence all around the site,erecting gates and digging a trench for awater supply and forming a hardstand areafor vehicles.
In late October 2015, another planningapplication was submitted by the owner forthe retention of the security gates and anagricultural hardstand/turning area. Thisapplication had to be submitted because thePlanning Enforcement Officer had noted thatthe hardstand area was much larger than hadoriginally been given permission for – 12
metres deep by 9 metres wide, compared towhat has been built of about 36.6 metresfrom the back edge of the pavement by 17.6metres at its widest point on the turning area.This was a retrospective planning applicationbecause most of the works have already beencarried out.
We know that some residents have objectedto this application and an objection has alsobeen made by Croydon South MP, ChrisPhilp. Because the RRA’s objections wereignored in February 2013, we have made noobjections on this particular application.However, we have made some observationsto the Planning Department about theexcessive depth of the hardstand stand andalso the height of the gates fronting thehighway.
At the time of going to press we understandthe Planning Officer has refused theapplication without a referral to the PlanningCommittee. The reason for refusal is that theproposal would be detrimental to the visualamenities and the open character of theMetropolitan Green Belt. This now meansthe owner will have to remove some of thehardstand and re-instate the grass area andreduce the height of the gate, unless heappeals against this decision. We are awarealso, of the many rumours flying aroundabout what the site is going to be used for.We understand that it is the intention of theowner to graze livestock on the land. Itremains to be seen when!
10www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
The Riddlesdown Recorder Planning & Environmental Matters
Environmental Issues by PhilThomasPurley Hospital – Urgent CareCentre (UCC)/Minor InjuriesUnitAs I have reported in a number of previousissues, the eight Residents Associations (RAs)in the south of the Borough (Hartley &District, Purley & Woodcote, Kenley, EastCoulsdon, Old Coulsdon, West Coulsdon,Riddlesdown and Sanderstead) continue tomaintain a dialogue with the Croydon ClinicalCommissioning Group (CCCG) aboutUrgent Care at Purley Hospital. The CCCGare responsible for the funding of all UrgentCare provision and GPs within Croydon.
Following correspondence and a number ofmeetings with the CCCG, the eight RAsrealised we were just hitting our headsagainst a brick wall as the CCCG had theirown agenda! Croydon South MP, Chris Philphas also been lobbying the CCCG and ishaving the same problems! So on 1September, the eight RAs wrote to JeremyHunt, the Secretary of State for Health askingfor his intervention at Purley. Our letter waspresented to Jeremy Hunt by Chris Philp. Acopy of the open letter can be viewed on ourwebsite. Although we did get a responsefrom Jeremy Hunt, the gist of the reply wasthat we should continue to pursue our issueswith the CCCG!
At the same time our letter was sent in earlySeptember, the CCCG released a publicdocument about proposals for future UrgentCare in the Borough of Croydon. In thereport there were a list of 11 scenariosproposed but some scenarios would result in
the closure of the existing Minor InjuriesUnits at Purley and at Parkway, NewAddington and the Walk-In Centre at EdridgeRoad, Croydon. This could have hugeimplications for tens of thousands of Croydonresidents, not just those in the south of theBorough.
Following this September report issued byCCCG, the eight joint RAs wrote on 20October 2015 to all 16 CCCG GoverningBoard members expressing grave concernsabout their report, including the lack of publicconsultation.
The RAs believe there is another option,which is a combination of extended GPpractices and a walk-in Urgent Care Centreat Purley Hospital. The Scenario 6a, asproposed by the RAs is supported by ChrisPhilp MP, and all Councillors in the south ofthe Borough. We believe this scenario isfeasible both, in terms of logistics and finance.We did receive a response from the CCCGwho agreed to review and consider ourproposed scenario 6a, along with the other10 scenarios.
However, at the end of November, theCCCG then published a shortlist of theirthree preferred options. This document wasreleased before full public consultation aboutall the 11 scenarios, including the RAsscenario! They applied a scoring process toeach of the 11 scenarios. However, as an RAgroup, we believe this scoring process isflawed.
The CCCG’s preferred 3 options, wereissued at the beginning of December (Option1 is their preferred option). These are their 3options:
Planning & Environmental Matters
St Edmund’s Church Riddlesdown’s Anglican Church at the Heart of the Community
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Option 1: An Accident & Emergency (A&E)and a Urgent Care Centre at CroydonUniversity Hospital (CUH); a GP Out-Of-Hours service at CUH, 3 GP hubs in thevicinity of the current services; (note “in thevicinity of” and not actually named as PurleyHospital, Parkway or Edridge Rd!)
Option 2: Same as we have now; i.e., an A&Eand a UCC at CUH, a GP Out-Of-Hoursservice at CUH, two MIUs at Purley & NewAddington; one Walk-In Centre at Edridge Rd.
Option 3: An A&E and a UCC at CUH, GPOut-Of-Hours service at CUH, 2 GP hubscovering all of Croydon. They go onto say,the GP hubs in Option 3 can be located inone of 3 different ways.
3a - Two GP hubs in the vicinity of NewAddington and Purley, covering all ofCroydon.
3b - Two GP hubs in the vicinity of EdridgeRd and New Addington, covering all ofCroydon.
3c - Two GP hubs in the vicinity of EdridgeRd and Purley, covering all of Croydon.
What are GP hubs? The CCCG say: “GP hubsare led by GPs, and can treat all ages. Theywill provide all of the same services as theWalk-In Centre and Minor Injury Units andmore. You can get advice and treatment fromGPs and nurses for minor illnesses, injuriesand ailments between 8am and 8pm, 365days a year. They will check your medicalrecords so you won’t have to tell your storymore than once. In time you could haveskype or face time appointments if youchoose to. There will also be a roving GPwho could visit you at home if medicallynecessary. If you are unwell, call NHS 111
before you go as they can assess yourproblems, advise you over the phone, andmake an appointment for you to have thebest care. This might be at a GP hub, theUrgent Care Centre or even a dentist. In anemergency an ambulance will be sent to you.You can go straight to a GP hub, but it’sbetter if you know you are going to the rightplace before you set off, so phone before yougo. 999 will continue to take emergency calls,and NHS 111 will take all calls that are urgentbut not emergency calls.”
The consultation runs until 17 January 2016and the Croydon CCG are expected to makea final decision about the future of urgentcare services in early February 2016. Possiblyby the time you read this report it will be toolate for you to comment. The effective datefor this Urgent Care contract will be fromApril 2017.
The RAs believe that the x-ray facilities atPurley are now under-used and should beavailable for urgent care patients who go toPurley and need possible fractures diagnosed.The RAs group are also convinced thatdespite the “public consultation” process, theCCCG will progress to the tender processfor option 1, regardless of what the public say!
We will update more about this on ourwebsite in due course.
A&E and Urgent Care atCroydon University Hospital(formerly Mayday)Until spring 2017, the A&E Department andUrgent Care Centre, are now temporarilylocated in buildings accessed via theWoodcroft Road entrance. This is atemporary move whilst a new £21.25m A&E
Planning & Environmental Matters
Department is built on the existing site, offthe Mayday Rd frontage. Croydon UniversityHospital is one of the few London hospitalsto offer on-site car parking for patients andvisitors near to the Emergency Department.Patients and visitors can now park at theWoodcroft Road entrance, next to thetemporary Emergency Department andUrgent Care Centre.
Don’t Mess With Croydon – TakePrideI’m sure many of you are aware of the slogan“Don’t mess with Croydon – Take Pride” thatwas brought in with a huge fanfare in May2014, following the election of this LabourCouncil. The Labour group members proudlydisplayed and were photographed on thesteps of the Town Hall in Katharine Streetwith this slogan with emblazoned on theirsnazzy new white T shirts. The cost ofcourse, of these T-shirts, came out of ourCouncil taxes!
Move on a year and a new “village” systemwas brought in on 1 June last by the Council.This meant changes to our rubbish andrecycling collection days and we were toldthere would be an improvement in streetcleaning on the previous system! Well, whatdo we now have 7 months on? Streetslittered with leaves and rubbish, and a non-existent street cleaning service. At the timeof writing in early December, some streets inRiddlesdown (and many others in the south)have not been cleaned for nearly 7 monthsnow, although a lucky few have been cleaned.When was the last time you saw a mechanicalsweeper or any hand cleaning beingundertaken in Riddlesdown? Probably in lateMay 2015!
Hopefully by the time you read this report,in the New Year, our streets will have beenswept at least once to clear the huge amountof leaves (which are now getting grounddown by vehicular and foot traffic) and litter!The compacted leaves block road gully gridsand can cause flooding after heavy rain. Ofcourse, the wet slippery leaves on thefootways are also a danger to pedestrians,especially the many elderly who live in thearea. More costs for the NHS to pick upbecause this Council cannot be bothered tokeep its streets clean. We have also pointedout to the Council that spillage from recyclingcollections also add to the litter problems onour streets! The streets would be worse if itweren’t for the residents who do pick uprubbish off the streets. Thank you to thoseresidents.
However, very little is done by various privateland owners, to collect any rubbish on andbeside the Public Footpaths and Bridlewaysin the woodland within a 500 metre radius ofRiddlesdown Collegiate, on land not ownedby the City of London Corporation. TheCommon is generally kept clean by the Cityof London Corporation. We have pointed thisout to the Council a number of times nowwhen commenting on the condition of thePublic Footpaths.
Following the many complaints the RRA havereceived (and we know residents havecomplained themselves to the Council), wehave written to Jo Negrini, the “Director ofPlace” (yes, a stupid title isn’t it!) Steve Iles,the Director of Streets, Nathan Elvery, theChief Executive and Councillor Stuart Collins.He was the Councillor who promoted theClean, Green, Croydon; after Labour said in
14www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
The Riddlesdown Recorder Planning & Environmental Matters
its 2014 local election manifesto that it is “ourgoal is to make Croydon the cleanest andgreenest Borough in London.” At the time ofwriting this report, the only person torespond has been Steve Iles who advised usthat street cleaning in the south of theBorough now takes place every 6 weeksrather than the previous 4 weekly cleaning!However, the street cleaning in the north ofthe Borough remains unchanged!Sanderstead Ward Councillor Yvette Hopleydid have to submit a Freedom of Informationrequest to discover this information as well!However, we have had no straight answerfrom the Council as to why the now planned6 weekly street cleaning, has turned intonearly 7 months!
Street cleaning in Riddlesdown has not alwaysbeen great, but at least we did see amechanical sweeper and some handsweeping done on a 4 weekly basis and it wasa lot better than we have now. Since the new“village” system this certainly appears not tobe the case anymore!
So what next? The RRA will keep pursuingwith the Council if things do not improve, butthe Council will only take notice if residentsdo the same. Please write, e-mail or ring theCouncil and in particular those senior Councilofficers named above and also CouncillorStuart Collins who is ultimately responsiblefor this mess on our streets in Croydon. Hiscontact details which we have taken from theCouncil’s website, are e-mail;[email protected] or telephonenumber 07789 068870 or correspondence toc/o The Town Hall, Katharine Street,Croydon CR0 1NX. Please copy in yourWard councillor and also the RRA.
Street LightingAt the time of writing, the installation for newstreet lighting is well under way by Skanska(the Council’s contractor) and all the roads inour area now have either had their lightingcompleted or it will be completed veryshortly.
We believe generally that the white streetlighting is an improvement on the previousorange lighting and is of benefit to pedestriansin particular, but we are aware that not allresidents agree with us! The main complaintwe have heard is that some lights are toobright (especially if you live opposite one) andon some hills the bright lights can be dazzlingto motorists, particularly when raining. Also afew columns were put in places in thefootway that could hinder the visuallyimpaired, those in wheelchairs and parentspushing wide buggies. Where these columnswere positioned badly in footways, we didcontact the Skanska and asked if they couldbe re-positioned.
As far as brightness of lamps is concerned, wereceived this response from Skanska: “thestreet lighting designs are tailored specificallyto light the adopted highway to the requiredlevels meeting with the current BritishStandards. The new street lighting isinternally shielded and improvements in thestreet lighting optics allow for very preciseangling of light to be achieved. As such, wedo not envisage an issue with light spill,however should you feel that there is an issuewith regard to the light levels once the streetlight is illuminated, we will happily investigatethis and install additional rear shielding shouldthis be deemed necessary.”
Planning & Environmental Matters
The RRA understands the shields are notfitted at the time of installation but are fittedupon requests from any residents who haveany obtrusive lighting issues. If any residentswish for a shield to be fitted on a columnoutside or opposite their properties thenthey are advised to contact Skanska on 0800028 5986 to put in a request. Alternativelyresidents can e-mail Skanska requesting ashield at [email protected]
Some residents may have also noticed anantenna at the top of each street light. We aretold the antennae actually enable the lights tobe switched on or off (or even dimmed)remotely and is the means of being in radiocontact with a control station. However, theCouncil are still in the process of developinga dimming policy of which any issues will bedealt with on an individual basis. The Councilwould not randomly start dimming lights ifthe correct lighting levels are achieved in theroad. If any queries come to Skanska’sattention then they can deal with eachindividual issue.
On the reinstatement of grass verges, wehave been told by Skanska: “all excavationswill be fully reinstated, in regards to grassverges they will be levelled with top soil andthen re-seeded.” The winter months arepossibly not the best time to sow grass seed,so we will keep an eye on any disturbedareas.
If any resident has any concern about anystreet light, we suggest you contact Skanskadirect on the above telephone number or e-mail address.
Proposed Changes to Charge forGreen Waste Collections fromApril 2016On Monday 19 October last, the Council atthe full Council meeting, voted to end thefree garden waste collection service and tointroduce a charge to residents who want touse this service. We understand that in orderfor the new scheme to be viable, at least18,000 people will have to express aninterest or there will be no collections at all.
The Croydon Conservatives, who opposethe charge for this service, did organise apetition which was presented to the fullCouncil meeting on 7 December, by localRAs. All the Councillors did debate this butno vote was taken as to whether the schemewould be scrapped.
At the end of November, the Council wroteto all residents with further details of theservice. The consultation and registrationperiod ended on 31 December, so by thetime you read this report it will be too late toregister.
Croydon’s proposed charges are: one 240litre bin is £60; two 240 litres bins are £105;
one 140 litre bin is £55. There would nooption for two 140 litre bins. The Council saythat if the scheme goes ahead and you paybefore 16 February, you will receive a £10discount on the above charges. A number ofother nearby Boroughs now charge for thisservice and their prices are roughlycomparable, except Horsham who onlycharge £29.
It has been highlighted by some that you canonly register online to opt in to the service(there is no paper or phone option). So what
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The Riddlesdown Recorder Planning & Environmental Matters
happens if you are not online, and do notwant to set up an email account, plus anaccount with the Council? It is suggested thatyou can do this at a library, or at AccessCroydon but people who do not understandor trust computers may not want to do thisand it will still involve setting up the variousaccounts. Some older and/or disabled peoplewho would like the service may not be abledo this. Payment is also by direct debit/creditcard and involves putting in these detailsonline. Some people do not like giving thesedetails out online. There is no cash or chequeoption.
Previously a maximum of 10 bags werecollected free of charge. The proposed 240litre bins will only take about 4 to 5 existingbags, in volume. So if you want to dispose ofthe existing volume of 10 bags, this meanstwo wheelie bins will be required. We alsounderstand the Council are also proposing atsome time for a new combined wheelie binfor the current blue and green recycling bins.So if you elect to pay for this garden wasteservice you will eventually have to store threeor four wheelie bins (one black refuse bin;one bottles/plastic/paper recycling bin; andpossibly one or two garden green waste bins)on your property! We have been unable toget a date from the Council when these newrecycling bins are to be introduced, if at all!
The RRA believe that if a charge is made andthis service does continue (or does not), thiscould well see more bonfires in the area andhence increase pollution in the Borough.More residents will possibly put their greenwaste in the black bins, which in turnincreases costs for landfill dumping to theCouncil and this could be reflected through
increased Council taxes. Also more peoplewill no doubt drive to one of the three refuseand recycling waste centres in the Boroughwhich will add to congestion at these sites, inparticular to our local depot, Purley Oaks,which at times has huge traffic queues on theBrighton Rd, outside the site. Also more flytipping will no doubt occur on the streets.This in turn means the Council will have toremove it! Additional costs for us all.
Nearby Tandridge Council do not have adirect green waste collection service but weunderstand their residents belong to a GreenWaste Club. This is run by the waste disposalcompany Biffa and residents pay their £50(plus a £10 one off payment) direct to Biffafor a 240 litre bin which is collected every 2weeks for 50 weeks of the year. This is alonger period than Croydon are proposing. Ifnot enough residents sign up to Croydon’sscheme, the scheme may be scrapped.Planning for this possibility, the RRA on behalfof the Residents’ Associations have written tothe Council to ask if they will investigate thisscheme run by Biffa, for all Croydonresidents.
We will provide further updates in the NewYear on our website, and with the Council’sdecision and whether this service willcontinue.
Overhanging hedges, shrubs andtrees The RRA continues to receive complaintsabout shrubbery and hedges overhangingpavements and we would again like toremind residents about this issue, with springand summer fast approaching. Vegetation cancause inconvenience for people in
Planning & Environmental Matters
wheelchairs/motorised mobility scooters andparents with buggies, by making the footwaynarrower particularly for the disabled andmore importantly the blind and visuallyimpaired, who could walk directly into thevegetation and injure themselves. Allproperty occupiers are legally responsible forensuring that vegetation from their propertydoes not overhang the highway and theoccupier could well have damages awardedagainst them by a court for any injury. TheCouncil also have the power to serve a noticeon the household and, if necessary, undertakethe work themselves to remove the potentialdanger and charge the owner accordingly.
So please check whether any of yourvegetation is overhanging the pavement and,if so, please arrange to cut it back level withyour boundary. If you want to report anoverhang to a particular property to Croydon
Council, it can be done on the Council’swebsite by going to the ‘Report it’ section.Or alternatively telephone the Council on020 8726 7100.
RRA Website and AmazonDo you buy off Amazon? If so, then pleaseclick on the link at the bottom of our websitehome page and provide funds for the localCommunity. We do not receive commissionon everything but any amount helps. We havealready received some money from Amazonand any profits we make from this are usedfor the benefit of all residents and thecommunity. Please give it a try. It costs younothing. Unfortunately if you make multiplepurchases you do have to enter via ourwebsite again. This is the way Amazon set thesystem up! Just follow the link at the bottomof our homepage atwww.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
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Membership In this report I return to some topics that Ihave mentioned before in The Recorder: theAssociation’s early days; the fact that so manypeople regard Riddlesdown as a super placefor family life; and that younger residentshave a part to play in the future.
I was delighted to see – on 5th December2015 – a Saturday become party time. TheChildren’s Party, a much-loved Riddlesdowntradition was back. It also showed me thatwe have a young group of Residents who aredetermined to enjoy their life in Riddlesdown.Amongst them was Neil Tarrant our Editor,and his wife Rachel whom I met at the partyalong with their five and seven-year-oldchildren.
While the entertainer – Geronimo –captivated the thirty-five or so children, theadults were free to chat with each other. Iam confident that those conversations arefoundations for the future – I kept hearing“we must do this again” – with peoplebecoming a team that cares for family life inRiddlesdown. I learned that Neil and Rachelhave been networking with many people –you too can ask if you can help.
If you would like to get involved in theassociation please either contact myself orBrian Longman. (Contact details at the front
of the magazine). Remember you can alsokeep up to date with the association’sactivities and events by liking our Facebookpage or visiting our websitewww.riddlesdownresidents.org
I end by saying that going to the party, madethis old man very confident for the future ofRiddlesdown as a place to enjoy family life.
Please accept my best wishes for 2016.
TransportRecently, it has seemed that at any socialgathering in Riddlesdown, our currently poorbus service is mentioned. I can report thatLondon Buses (part of TfL) are investigatingthe 412 route. They have learned that it isnot an end-to-end route that runs likeclockwork. They are now very aware that atseveral points in the route -- leaving DownsCourt Road and joining Godstone Road; upRectory Park; round the Selsdon Triangle;getting onto the Brighton Road at SouthCroydon – there is potential for delay. Theyalso know that as a result of these delays andother eventualities, such as giving passage totrams at the Croydon underpass, drivers dostruggle to remain within the allotted runningtime. I am waiting for their post-investigationresponse to me and will report further.
I am continuing to monitor the train servicegiven to us.
Transport and Membership
Transport and Membershipby John Rapp
Don’t forgetThe Annual General Meeting of the RRA will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 20 April 2016in the 1st Floor Staff Canteen, Riddlesdown Collegiate, Honister Heights.
Children’s Christmas Party 2015Neil TarrantThe 5th December 2015 saw the return of amuch-loved Riddlesdown institution: theChildren’s Christmas Party. Around 35children along with their parents,grandparents and other friends and relationsgathered at St Edmund’s Church hall to enjoytwo hours of games, dancing, food and goodcompany.
The children were enthralled by theentertainer Jeronimo’s magic, games andactivities. The afternoon was topped off bythe arrival of a very special visitor, FatherChristmas! For some reason he looked veryfamiliar to many of the residents.
It was a lovely occasion, and a greatopportunity for the residents of Riddlesdownboth young and old to meet and spend timetogether. Several of the parents who broughttheir children had come to the partythemselves when they were younger, andwere happy to share fond memories ofprevious events.
I would like to thank Laura Bradley, Nick andAnna Tennant and Rachel Tarrant for theirhard work in organising this event and makingit such a success. The party will return againin December 2016, and a final date will beconfirmed in the next issue of the Recorder.If you would like to get involved in organisingthis event, or have any suggestions orcomments please do get in touch!
Who Are We? Keith PowellWhere are you from originally?I was born in Redhill hospital in 1952. I firstlived in a house, then bungalow inSanderstead before moving to Coulsdon.After I was married I lived with my wife in aflat in South Croydon until we moved to amaisonette in Coulsdon in 1991. Finally wemoved to Riddlesdown in December 1993.How long have you lived in Riddlesdown?We have lived in Riddlesdown for 22 years.We thought it was a nice place to live with astation nearby with easy access to Croydonand London. It is also close by to the countryside.How long have you been involved in the RRA?I am reasonably new to the committee,having been a member for about 3 years. Iam also a road steward.Is being on the committee a lot of work?It is not a lot of work for me, apart fromdelivering the Recorder magazine. I am alsoa member for the Neighbourhood Watch forpart of Brancaster lane and attend committeemeetings.What else do you do?I have been a self-employed gardener forabout 4 years now. I have supported CrystalPalace for over 50 years, and I have a homeand away season ticket. I have also beeninvolved with Trinity Mid- Whitgiftian CricketClub through umpiring and scoring for over40 years. Last summer I joined Purley BuryCroquet Club.
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The Riddlesdown Recorder Your Contributions & Articles
Your Contributions & ArticlesThank you to all the RRA Committee for their contributions – we now have yourcontributions, information, articles, letters and photographs on the following pages.
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Chris Philp MPIt’s been a very busy six months since I waselected as our MP. I have been working veryhard on important local issues as well asgetting to grips with the many idiosyncrasiesof Parliament. Below are some updates onsome of the local issues I have been workingon.
I have been heavily pressing Southern Rail tofix the huge problems with their service,including lateness, over-crowding and station-skipping. Sadly, I have yet to see anysignificant improvement so far. I thereforerecently met with the Rail Minister, ClairePerry, to press for change. Southern’sperformance is the worst in the UK and sheis now holding weekly review meetings, atmy request, with Southern and Network Rail.I am also arranging a meeting with them all inthe New Year with other MPs on theBrighton Main Line to pile on more pressureto fix these problems urgently.
Moving on, many people will have heard thata Grammar School in Kent recently receivedapproval to open a satellite school. Here inCroydon we do not have any GrammarSchools, although neighbouring Bromley andSutton both do (I went to a Grammar Schoolin a next-door Borough because my parentscould not afford the fees at Trinity here inCroydon, where I was offered a place). Ibelieve that Grammar Schools help childrenfrom ordinary backgrounds like mine achievetheir potential. I have therefore been workingwith the Headmaster of Wallington CountyGrammar School in Sutton to exploreopening a new satellite of that school here inCroydon. I have already written to Education
Secretary Nicky Morgan and met withofficials to get the ball rolling.
Unfortunately, Croydon’s Labour-controlledCouncil has announced that from 2016 it isgoing to start charging for the recycling ofgreen garden waste - over and above theCouncil Tax we all pay. The free GardenGreen waste collection service wasintroduced under the previous administrationin 2006. The recycling rate during this timeincreased from 16% in 2006 to 50% in 2014.Without the free collection of green gardenwaste, I believe it is inevitable that therecycling rate will fall as it will discouragerecycling. It will also potentially lead peopleto dump their garden waste, thus increasingthe problem of fly-tipping, which is already aserious concern.
I totally oppose the charges. The recycling ofgarden waste is an incredibly popular serviceand residents are entitled to have their greenwaste collected free of charge given that weall pay quite hefty council tax already. Ioppose the Council charging people for it,and believe that it will only lead to moreproblems.
On a more positive note, I have been pleasedto support plans by Westfield andHammerson to redevelop the WhitgiftCentre into one of London’s leading shoppingcentres – hopefully to include a John Lewisstore. Not only will it transform Croydon,giving us a modern shopping centre with allthe top brands (and reasonable parkingprices!) and create thousands of jobs, it willalso help improve Croydon’s image andencourage other major firms to invest in theBorough. In the Autumn we had some
The Riddlesdown Recorder
22www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
Your Contributions & Articles
excellent news. There was one remaininglegal obstacle to the scheme progressing.Westfield and Hammerson already controlmuch of the land involved, but they had beenunable to acquire some of it. A CompulsoryPurchase Order (CPO) was required toacquire this land, with the landownersreceiving fair market value compensation.
The Government announced that it hadapproved the CPO (which I had lobbied for).Work on site is due to start in early 2016 witha target opening date of early 2020. This willgive a huge lift not just to Croydon towncentre, but to the whole Borough.
I have been continuing to oppose completelyplans for a 16 floor skyscraper in the centre ofPurley (the planning application is due to bemade in early 2016), and I have also opposedcouncil plans to downgrade some local greenbelt land (Including Sanderstead Plantation). Iam also still pressing Croydon’s ClinicalCommissioning Group to extend the openinghours at Purley Hospital’s Minor injuries Unitso that it is open in the morning as well as theafternoon. I expect some news in the NewYear on these issues.
In Westminster, I have been very active onour behalf. I have spoken in a wide range ofdebates in the Commons. These includedebates on the Housing Bill, Finance Bill, onPersonal Injury Fraud, Productivity, TradeUnion Reform, the appalling service ofSouthern Rail and many other topics. Thespeeches are on YouTube and can be found ifyou search for “Chris Philp” on You Tube andclick on the first link.
Shortly after being becoming a Member ofParliament I was elected to the Treasury
Select Committee by other MPs. I havealready questioned the Chancellor, theGovernor of the Bank of England and theHead of the Office for Budget Responsibilityon growing the economy, creating jobs andon interest rates. The experience of havingset up and run my own businesses for thepast 15 years has been useful in doing this.
If you would like to get in touch aboutanything, please email me [email protected]. I am also ableto arrange tours of Parliament, so please alsoemail if you and any friends or family wouldlike to come on one. I will endeavour toeither conduct these tours myself, or to beavailable to chat and answer questions at theend.
I hold regular street stalls on Saturdaymornings around the area. Please email meat [email protected] if youwould like to be notified of when and wherethese are, or to receive other local emailnews from me.
If you would like to keep up to date withwhat I am doing as our Member of Parliamentfollow me on twitter (@chrisphilp_mp), likemy Facebook page(facebook.com/Chris.philp.33) or have a lookat my website (www.chrisphilp.com).
Councillors’ ReportsTim PollardIn my last piece for the RiddlesdownRecorder I talked about some of the changeswe have seen from Croydon Council in termsof how they approach development insuburban areas. Since then we have had aconsultation on the latest stage in thedevelopment of the Croydon Local Plan,
Your Contributions & Articles
which is the suite of planning documentswhich outline what is and is not permitted inCroydon. The process of developing the planhas been going on for many years so wasstarted when the council was under differentpolitical control.
There is a lot of good stuff in the plan’s latestdraft but, as always, there are also a numberof changes which I consider to be much lesswelcome. The new administration’s priorityis to build more housing to accommodateCroydon’s expanding population. That is nota bad thing, but it does mean there is abalance to be struck between supporting theneeds of incomers and respecting the rightsof the existing population.
So in the latest plan there are a number ofchanges which, if ultimately approved, will, Ibelieve, have an impact on the quality of lifein the suburbs. One of these is the weakeningof protection for back gardens. Under theprevious administration there was apresumption against back gardendevelopment. It tends to lead to crampeddevelopments with insufficient outdoor spaceand loss of privacy to neighbours. That is nowproposed to change, but I have challengedthis on the grounds that it is actually contraryto the London Plan, which affords muchmore protection against garden-grabbing.
A second major area of concern is theredesignation of some Green Belt down toMetropolitan Open Land (MOL) and thedegrading of some MOL to unprotectedstatus - for example the area of green ringingShirley Oaks Village. In Sanderstead a numberof open spaces are being downgraded fromGreen Belt to MOL (Sanderstead Plantation,Purley Downs) and this is likely to be a
slippery slope. I oppose all reduction inprotection for our precious green spaces.
A number of areas in the borough neardistrict parades are being proposed for‘intensification’. Bizarrely, this includesOnslow Gardens, near All Saint’s Church. Ihope this is just an error and can bewithdrawn, as I consider it to be completelyillogical to open up that quiet road, full ofdetached properties and bungalows, fortaller flat developments.
In terms of the administration of the recentconsultation, I have concerns about the clarityof documentation and ease of access to thepublic. It is quite likely that many reading thisreport will have completely missed the factthat this important consultation was going onand will be annoyed about the fact that thecouncil was not more pro-active incommunicating it. The documentationprovided to the public was in electronic PDFformat only and was very confusingly set outwith references to each area scatteredthrough the thousands of pages. I believethat this made it very hard for the public tounderstand what was being proposed ormake meaningful comments.
Riddlesdown RA and other local RAs havebeen very proactive in responding to theconsultation on their members’ behalf andthe window for responses has now closed.All your ward councillors also put in extensivecomments and objections.
We can only hope that the council respondspositively to many of these comments and ismore pro-active in communicating the nextround of public involvement.
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The Riddlesdown Recorder Your Contributions & Articles
Councillors’ ReportsYvette HopleyMany residents will have noticed a reductionin street cleaning. Since June and theintroduction of the new Village System manyof the roads and pavements remainedunswept and as autumn leaves fell thisbecame a real problem in the south of theborough. I put in a freedom of informationrequest to try to ascertain exactly what hadhappened and was informed that streetcleansing was cut from every four to sixweeks in most of our roads. However, theleaves were only being picked up on an "adhoc" basis. Naturally residents were furiousand our in boxes became extremely full withenquires. Since June, most residential roadsin the south have been cleaned every sixweeks instead of every four, while parts ofthe north are now cleaned every fortnight.As local councillors, we do not believe thatthis is at all fair. Changes to street cleaningwere introduced at the same time as a newbin collection service. That included a£575,000 cut to council contractor Veolia'sbudget, which saw the number of bin lorriesfall by two but did not result in a reduction inthe number of street cleaners. As readersmay have seen in the Croydon Advertiser, thefrequency of rounds in the south was cut toincrease cleaning in the north. There was noconsultation about the reduction in serviceand I know that many residents are unhappyabout this unfair reduction in cleaning. Therehave been many complaints about the
problems that have resulted from the cuts inrecycling and street cleaning. Someproperties (particularly flats) did not receiveany collections for up to six weeks, despiterepeated calls to the council to pick up thewaste. This now seems to have beenrectified but if residents are still experiencingproblems please do get in touch with us andwe will endeavour to assist and resolve anyissues locally.
Recently I have taken on the role of shadowcabinet member for Transport andEnvironment. In this role I am particularlyconcerned about the rise in parking charges.The current administration is looking to raise£1 million of revenue from increased charges.The bulk of this revenue will be raised fromlong-term stays which I believe will beparticularly detrimental to our town anddistrict centres. This will not encourageresidents to spend time shopping in centralCroydon and in some district centres. Iunderstand that many businesses areextremely worried about these changes, andI believe they will be a false economy withmany shops not being able to exist given thisincreased burden on the shopper. Coupledwith this the promise of one hour freeparking in some areas, which was an electionpledge, has now been broken. I am informedby an officer that in some areas parking willbe cheaper. I have asked to see a report of allthe charges and changes in the boroughwhich I will examine and certainly challenge ifunfair.
Your Contributions & Articles
Collegiate ReportThe academic year is well underway here atthe Collegiate and whilst it has featured theusual outstanding work from students andstaff, there have been significant changes inthe leadership of the school. RiddlesdownCollegiate is part of The Collegiate Trust, andthe Trust is now developing links with otherschools and academies which will see otherschools joining our Trust. Mr Smith, who hasbeen Principal at Riddlesdown Collegiatesince 2006, has now assumed the role ofChief Executive of the Trust; in this role heoversees the work of the new Principal, MrDey, who has held a number of posts withinthe school over almost 10 years. Thispartnership has delivered great success forour students over the years, and will continueto do so in the years to come.
Mr Gordon Smith Mr Soumick DeyChief Executive – PrincipalThe Collegiate TrustReaders will know that here at Riddlesdownwe focus on two key features of education;the very best academic results possible, alliedwith the development of skills and qualitiesthrough the whole range of activities we offerhere. We began this year once again withexceptionally strong GCSE results which nowmake us one of the top 3 performing schoolsnot just in Croydon but in the wider area.Our focus is on developing these standardsfurther and making sure that every one of ourstudents has the benefit of an exceptionaleducation.
Top Ten tips for securing your homeWith burglary on the increase in theRiddlesdown area. The Metropolitan Police’sOperation Bumblebee are targeting burglarsin London. Help keep your home secure byfollowing these 10 Top Tips:
1. Close and lock all doors and windows. Ifyou have multi-locking door handles, liftthe handle, lock it with the key andremove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Putthe key in a safe place out of sight in caseof fire.
2. Don't leave your keys or ID documentswithin easy reach of doors, letterboxes orwindows.
3. Lock garages and sheds so garden toolsand ladders can’t be used to break intoyour home.
4. Keep side gates locked and wheelie binsstored behind them.
5. Use timer switches linked to lights and aradio so it appears that someone is athome.
6. Invest in a safe for valuables andsentimental items and securely fix it to asolid surface.
7. Install a visible intruder alarm system -burglars don't want to be seen or heard.
8. Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting toincrease visibility and deter burglars.
9. Keep side and rear boundaries high torestrict access and front boundaries lowto remove hiding places.
10. Photograph and mark valuables andsentimental items with your postcode andhouse number/name. Register items withserial numbers at: immobilise.com - see
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The Riddlesdown Recorder Your Contributions & Articles
related links.What makes your home attractive toburglars?
1. A high front boundary.
2. Low side and rear boundaries.
3. Accessible wheelie bins.
4. No visible intruder alarm.
5. No security lighting.
6. Valuables on display.
7. Open or unsecured windows.
8. Unsecured garage or shed door.
9. Unlocked back or side gate.
10. Paved path or driveway.
For more help and advice visitwwww.metbumblebee.org or go to yourlocal Police station, or ring your area SaferNeighbourhood Team.
Your Contributions & Articles
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Featured GroupMARION’S GUIDED WALKSJan-July 2016
Volunteer Marion’s walks explore localcountryside, wildlife and history. Boots areadvised as paths may be muddy, andwaterproofs in case of rain. Dogs allowed ifon leads. Finish at the start point. Walksare free.
Fri 26 Feb 10.00 am A Blow Along theTop Track GR 323 605
Come for an exhilarating 2 hour walk throughvaried chalk hill habitats. See downlandwhere sheep and cattle graze and follow oldrouteways. Meet in Riddlesdown Commoncar park at the end of Riddlesdown Road.
Fri 18 Mar 10.00 am Woodland Holesand Hazels GR.349 603
How many kinds of holes can we find? Whywere hazels coppiced?
A gentle 2 hour amble starting from whereOrchard Road enters King’s Wood [offLimpsfield Road, Sanderstead, B269, Busroute 403].
Sun 24 April 10.00 am Flowers ofLane and Wood GR.351 595
Starting from Hamsey Green Pond onLimpsfield Road, this two hour walk follows alane along the parish boundary and returnsthrough King’s Wood.
Fri 29 April 10.00 am King’s Wood inSpringtime GR 349 603
Enjoy the freshness of new leaves on ournative trees above and delicate flowers at ourfeet. A gentle 2 hour amble starting fromwhere Orchard Road enters woodland [offLimpsfield Road, Sanderstead, B269.
Sun 24 June 10.00 am Happy Valley& New Hill GR. 302 572 See what flowers are now flourishing onslopes where scrub has been removed.Some longish slopes on this easy paced 2hour walk exploring a spectacular chalk valley.Leave from Farthing Downs car park, onemile south of Coulsdon South Station.
Fri 1 July 10.00 am Riddlesdown’sChalk Grassland GR.323 605
In areas where sheep and cattle have beengrazing, the number of flower species hasmultiplied. Enjoy the colours and the insectsthey attract. This two hour walk leaves fromRiddlesdown Common car park at the topend of Riddlesdown Road.
Community Information: An A-Z of things to do locally,organisations to join and places to go.Botley Hill FarmhouseLive EntertainmentLimpsfield Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9QHTickets usually required. Tel: 01959 577154 & www.botleyhill-farmhouse.co.uk
28www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
The Riddlesdown Recorder
Community PagesShort pieces on local associations, events and activities. Submissions should be of around 150-200 words.Each edition we will also offer a ‘Featured Group’ section, in which an individual group can give a moredetailed account of its activities and aims. In this edition we are delighted to hear from the Purley LiterarySociety. If you would are interested in submitting an extended feature on your group please contact the editorat [email protected] or on 020 8668 4061 to discuss.
Community Pages
Bourne SocietyTheir website includes details of localpublications, historical information,downloadable leaflets of walks around thearea and photographs of Riddlesdown.Member only meetings – membership £10 ayear. There is also a specific SandersteadLocal History Group.www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/ orTelephone - 01883 349287
City Commons Events InformationCity of London website:www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-commons/Pages/City-Commons.aspxCity of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270,London, EC2P 2EJTelephone: 020 7606 3030, Email:[email protected] details of events and activities runby the City of London CorporationNote: advance booking can be required forsome events & activitiesDo check that events are definitely runningbefore turning upwww.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/Pages/default.aspx
CNHSS – Croydon NaturalHistory and Scientific SocietyHeadquarters and Registered Office: 96ABrighton Road, South Croydon, CR2 6AD.Unless otherwise stated, indoor meetings areheld in the Small Hall of the East CroydonUnited ReformedChurch, Addiscombe Grove, almost oppositeEast Croydon Station, at 7.45pm.Facebook and Twitterwww.facebook.com/pages/Croydon-Natural-History-Scientific-Society/106522816087133?ref=hl &https://twitter.com/cnhssprogramme
There is also a monthly e-newsletter sentblind copy, this includes all of the CNHSSevents. It also includes meetings of othersocieties, links to interesting websites, localcultural events, exhibitions open days andfestivals. To be added to the list please [email protected] Animal SamaritansLocal Riddlesdown registered charity –adopt, foster or sponsor a cat or dog locally
Tel: 020 8644 8829 or website:www.croydonanimalsamaritans.co.uk
Croydon Art SocietyHolds meetings & exhibitions – informationat http://www.croydonartsociety.org.uk/
Croydon Camera ClubMeets in Shirley most Wednesdays of theyear & has outings to photogenic locationsFurther Information via email:[email protected] website:www.croydoncameraclub.org.uk
Croydon Decorative and FineArts SocietyLectures take place on the 2nd Thursday ofeach month except August and Decemberat 10.45 a.m. in All Saints Church Hall,Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead CR2 9AB.Tea/coffee and biscuits from 10.00 a.m.Visitors welcome.Lectures in 2015 Other activities include Special InterestDays, Visits and Study Tours.Volunteering opportunities in HeritageConservation work and Church Recording.The society supports the arts in localschools.For Membership please phoneMembership Secretary on 020 8680 3049
Community Pages
Fairfield HallsTheatre, Concerts & Cinema, etc.Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG,http://www.fairfield.co.uk/
FoFD - Friends of FarthingDownsRegular talks, walks, meetings & exhibitionsHold a Sunday Tea on Farthing Downs thelast Sunday of each month, May toSeptemberFor more information - [email protected] or telephone: 01737554449The Jolly FarmersLive Music & Entertainment several times aweek, usually free. 7 Purley Road, Purley CR82HA, Tel: 0208 660 2076 or websitewww.jollyfarmers-purley.co.ukPurley Bury Tennis ClubFor information contact Tel: 020 8668 5250Email: [email protected]: www.purleyburytennisclub.net
Purley Literary SocietyMeetings October to March, 8:00pm,Purley United Reformed Church906 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LNVisitors fee per talk £5 or Season ticket (11talks) £22 or (6 talks) £12www.purley-literary-society.com
Purley & RiddlesdownTownswomen’s Guildhttp://purley-guild.webplus.net/ or tel 0208668 3719 or email [email protected] in the United Reform Church Purley onthe first Tuesday of each month from 2-4pm. Hold regular talks, lunches & various outings, etc.You can attend up to 3 meetings free ofcharge – otherwise membership is £24 pa
Riddlesdown Lawn Tennis ClubFor information contact Richard - tel: 0208645 0075Email: [email protected]: www.riddlesdownltc.com
Riddlesdown ParkRunFree 5km run every Saturday at 9am, onRiddlesdown Common – must registerFurther information at website:www.parkrun.org.uk/riddlesdown/
Riddlesdown CollegiateIn particular hold a Summer Festival inCollegiate grounds on Saturday 6th JulyFor more information see website:www.riddlesdown.org or tel: 020 8668 5136
The RSPB Croydon Local GroupMonthly Illustrated Wildlife Talks in SouthCroydonWhitgift Sports Club, Croham Manor Road -off Croham Road. South Croydon, CR2 7BGSecond Monday of each month, 2pm andagain at 8pm.Admission £4.00. Everyone is welcome, notjust RSPB members.Free refreshments. A selection of RSPBgoods, nuts & seeds are on sale.Parking limited on site but free in adjacentroads.T33, 64 & 409 buses stop nearby in Croham RoadMONDAY JUL. 13: – “Riverbank”. JennieHibbert gives a personal account of theseasonal changes one encounters on a riverover the course of a year. MONDAY APR. 11, 2016: “Wild Wonder”.Iain Green will remind us that there is somuch wild wonder to discover on our
The Riddlesdown Recorder
30www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
Community Pages
doorstep and will recount the experiencethat led him to form “Wild Wonder”.MONDAY MAY 9, 2016: “The Science andBeauty of Birds”. Oliver Smart guides usthrough some fascinating insights into thescience of birds, their adaptations, evolutionand physiology.MONDAY JUL. 11, 2016: “JapaneseAdventure”. Jenny Hibbert will take usthrough the Jigokudani Monkey Park, on toKishiro Shitsugen National Park, then toKussharo Lake and finally Rausu on theShiretoko Peninsula.MONDAY AUG. 8, 2016: General Meeting(afternoon) and AGM (evening), preceded bya talk from the Group’s EnvironmentCommittee.MONDAY SEP. 12, 2016: “London’s Birds”.David Daryll-Lambert says it’s amazing whatyou see here these days - owls, peregrines,red kites etc. Tonight he will plot the changesin London’s bird population.MONDAY OCT. 10, 2016: “Wildlife of RyeHarbour Nature Reserve”. Ian RumleyDawson will talk about his local patch in EastSussex, an area well known to many whotake part in our Field Trips.For more information contact John Davis on020-8640 4578or see www.rspb.org.uk/groups/croydon
Sanderstead Horticultural SocietyMembership £6 per family contact Val Burley020 8651 5837. Five member lectures a year& Garden Outings to great gardens. Othermember benefits including horticulturaladvice & Knights discount. Annual FlowerShow in June 2pm onward, Wettern TreeGarden, Purley Oaks Road
Scallywags PlaygroupA friendly mother and child playgroup thatmeets every Thursday morning in StEdmund's Church Hall during term-timebetween 9.30 -11.30am. Come and meetother local parents and carers and let thechildren have lots of fun with our toys, craftactivities, playdough etc. Contact details:Veronica Moulder, Tel 07803 728868
St Edmund’s Church &Community Hall, RiddlesdownSt Edmund’s lunch group meets on thesecond and fourth Wednesdays of eachmonth to provide a good lunch andcompanionship to local people. A prayergroup meets every Monday at the home of aChurch member. See the RRA Chairman’sreport in this magazine for more informationregarding the St Edmund’s Caring Group,which is part of Croydon NeighbourhoodCare. St Edmund’s is a dual purpose building,used both as a church hall and a Riddlesdowncommunity resource. Its congregation aremainly from the Riddlesdown residentcommunity and are friendly and welcomingto all. Sunday surfaces are at 8am and 9.15amworship varies week by week. Rev’d SusanAtkinson-Jones is the Team Vicar ofEdmund’s. Further information from website:www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk/st-edmunds
Surrey RamblersWebsite www.surreyramblers.org.ukCroydon Ramblers - tel: Rosemary 0208660 6107, [email protected] Wildlife TrustMore Information Tel: 01483 795440Website: www.surreywildlifetrust.org
Community Pages
Tuesday Night Badminton ClubTuesday night badminton takes placebetween 8-9.30pm in St.Edmund's churchhall during term time. We are a friendlymixed club with a mix of ability and wouldencourage new members to join. Noabsolute beginners please.
Contact details : Mrs Christine Whitmarsh on0208 660 2178 or just drop in one Tuesdayevening.Whyteleafe Comedy ClubShows start at 8pm; tickets are £7. Pre-showfood from 7pm for £6. Bookings &information: 07845 757610. Venue: FunctionRoom, Whyteleafe Tavern, 206 Godstone Rd,CR3 0EE, www.whyteleafetavern.com
Walk & Cycle SurreyFurther information at website:http://walkandcycle.co.uk/surrey/groups.php
Warlingham HorticulturalSocietyHold Regular flower shows & plant sales inWarlingham & outingshttp://home2.btconnect.com/bransby/hort/hort.htm or call Derek Butler on 01883623618
WEAWorkers Educational AssociationSanderstead & Selsdon BranchEducational courses in Sanderstead, Tel: 0208 651 4651 or [email protected]
Whyteleafe TavernLive Free Saturday Music & Entertainment &Monthly Comedy Club208 Godstone Road, Whyteleafe CR3 0EE,Tel: 01883 626270 orwww.whyteleafetavern.com
Yoga with VeronicaA mixed ability class suitable for all ages whichtakes place on Tuesday evenings in StEdmund's Church Hall during term-timebetween 6.15-7.30pm. Yoga will improveyour flexibility and strength and help yourelax and de-stress after your busy day.Contact: Veronica Moulder, Tel 07803 728868
32www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
Community PagesThe Riddlesdown Recorder
Index to Advertisers
100 Lower Barn Road, Purley (opposite Riddlesdown Station)
Opening Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday 9am-5pm Thursday/Friday 9am.-6pm
Saturday 9am.- 4pm Monday/Sunday closed
• Perms • Sets • Tints • Highlights • Cut and Blow Dry Special Rates for Senior Citizens – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
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Purley Property CareQUALITY PAINTING, DECORATING
& MAINTENANCE WORK FOR YOUR HOUSE & GARDEN
Internal & External Painting & Decorating
General Repairs & MaintenanceGutters – UPVC/Cast Iron – Repaired,
Replaced & ClearedBathroom Renovations & Installations
Wall & Floor TilingFloor Sanding & Varnishing
General CarpentryFencing, Paving, Turfing
Small Jobs, Etc.Free Quotations References Available
Fully Insured
Phone: Steve Hulbert: 020 8645 9112
or 07961 807475
PageMary Bond – Solicitors 8Cannon Construction 12Neil Coppen – Window Cleaners 30Andrew Delgrosso – Painter and Decorator 17Des Res Blinds 25Gin Jewellers 21Nicola Harrison – Chiropody Services 21Paul Meakin Estate Agents 36The Post Office 2Purley Property Care 33Riddlesdown Pharmacy 5Riddlesdown Lawn Tennis Club 35St Edmund’s Church 12Virginia Stone – Music Teacher 35Tip Top Hair 33Village Pets 35
Thank you to these Advertisers, without whosesupport this magazine could not have been produced
If you would like to place an Advert, pleasecontact Neil [email protected] or on
020 8668 4061
SANDERSTEAD WARDLynne HaleTel: 8405 6721Email: [email protected] PollardTel: 8251 8500Email: [email protected] HopleyTel: 8657 0973 Email: [email protected]
PURLEY WARDDonald SpeakmanTel: 8405 6752Email: [email protected] QuadirTel: 8668 3672Email:[email protected] BrewTel: 020 8668 0814Email: [email protected]
Library Closing Days: Purley and Selsdon – Wednesdays and Sundays: Sanderstead – Mondays, Thursdays andSundays. Croydon Council’s telephone number for all enquiries: 020 8726 6000, website www.croydon.gov.uk
Address: London Borough of Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA. RRA Committee Meetings: usually 3rd Wednesday in January, March, September, November. Contact a Committee
member for details. The AGM is on 21 May 2014 at 7.30pm in St Edmunds Church Hall.
RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON TRAIN TIMES (SOUTHERN RAILWAY) Times below are from 13 December 2015 up to 14 May 2016. Residents are advised to check andconfirm times with Southern or National Rail.To East Croydon (EC), & London Victoria, (London Bridge (LB)): Weekdays: 06.15(LB), 06.42(LB),07.02, 07.11(LB), 07.35, 07.46(LB), 08.04, 08.18(LB), 08.37, 08.46(LB), 09.06, 09.36 then 06 and 36 mins pasthour until 23.06 (Plus LB train at 18.46, EC only trains at 19.16, 19.46 & 20.16). Saturdays (To Victoria only): 07.06, 07.36, and then 36 and 06 mins past hour until 23.06. Sundays (To Victoria only) 08.49, 09.41, and then 11 and 41 mins past hour until 20.41, 21.41, 22.41, 23.38. To London Bridge - No direct services Saturdays & Sundays.From London Victoria to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 05.47, 06.24, 07.32, 08.53, 09.23 and then 53 and 23mins past hour until 23.23 & 23.47. Saturdays: 06.23, 06.53 and then 23 and 53 mins past hour until 23.24 & 23.47.Sundays: 07.47, 08.53, 09.23, 09.53, 10.23, 10.53 and then 23 & 53 mins past hour until 19.53, 20.53, 21.53, 22.36. From London Bridge to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 07.02, 07.18, 07.50, 08.24, 17.13, 17.44, 18.17 & 18.47. Saturdays & Sundays: No direct Services.From East Croydon to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 06.06, 06.41, 07.17 (to Hurst Green), 07.34, 07.50, 08.09,08.41, 09.11, 09.41, 10.10, then 41 and 10 mins past hour until 16.40, 17.10, 17.30, 17.42, 17.58, 18.11, 18.31,18.43, 19.02, 19.11, then 41 mins and 10 mins past hour until 23.41, 00.10. Saturdays: 06.41, 07.10 then 41 & 10 mins past hour until 23.41 & 00.07. Sundays: 08.10, 09.10, 09.40, & then 10 & 40 mins past hour until 21.11, 22.10, 22.57.Enquiries: Southern Customer Services: Tel: 08451 272920 or www.southernrailway.com National RailEnquiries: 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.ukLocal Bus Route and Frequencyhe 412 starts/ends at West Croydon Bus Station and travels along Wellesley Rd, Katharine Str, High Str, SouthEnd, Selsdon Rd, Upper Selsdon Rd, Addington Rd (stop for Selsdon), Rectory Park, Mitchley Ave, DownsCourt Rd, Godstone Rd, & ends/starts at Brighton Rd, at Purley Hospital.Frequency Weekdays & Saturdays: Early; 20 mins, Peak; 15 mins, Daytime; 15 mins, Evenings; 20 mins, LateEvenings; 30 mins. Frequency Sundays; 30 mins.Enquiries: Tfl London Buses: Tel; 0845 300 7000 or Tfl website: www.tfl.gov.ukLinks also available via the Transport section on the RRA website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.ukTimetables are subject to change, so if in doubt, check with Tfl or the Operator(s). The RRA cannotaccept any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information.
Our MP (Croydon South - Conservative); Mr Chris Philp MP , The House of Commons, London SW1A 0AATel; 020 7219 8026 or visit his Friday mornings surgery; 36 Brighton Rd, Purley CR8 2LG (telephonefor appointment times).Email; [email protected] website; www.chrisphilp.comOUR COUNCILLORS: All letters to Councillors should be sent: c/o The Town Hall, KatharineStreet, Croydon CR0 1NX
GREATER LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER FOR CROYDON & SUTTON Steve O’Connell (Conservative) Tel: 020 7983 4353 Email: steve.o’[email protected] Website: www.steveoconnell.org
020 8657 1791
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