News from Crystal Palace - News & stories from the fresh air suburb - Crystal Palace, London SE19 » Croydon council

RIESCO MUSEUM ITEMS GO UNDER THE HAMMER IN HONG KONG

jerrygreen85 — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:46:21 +0000

RARE ITEMS from Croydon museum’s Riesco ceramics collection are going under the hammer in Hong Kong today (Wednesday) following Croydon council’s controversial decision to sell off part of it.

Croydon’s decision – which they say has been caused by unaffordable security and insurance costs – has led to them resigning in protest from the Museums Association which had threatened to ban them if the sale went ahead.

A move by campaigners to call for a judicial review foundered through lack of funds.

Estimates for the 24 items iin today’s sale range from as low as 130,000 US dollars to 2.6 million US dollars (Today’s exchange rate is 10,000 US dollars = £6,129.70p.)

The brochure for the sale by auctioneers Christie’s states that Raymond Riesco – Jimmy to his friends – spent his early childhood in South Norwood. *

In its statement in July Croydon council said the decision to sell had been made after concerns were raised over unaffordable security and insurance costs, following a recent valuation of the collection.

“Due to these issues, the items in question have been taken off display at the Riesco gallery in the Croydon Clocktower. “The remaining 206 pieces of the collection are still on show for the public to see.

“The council sought the views of key stakeholders including Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as required by the council’s museum collections development policy.”

IN JUNE, the Museums Association, learning of Croydon’s plans to sell off part of the collection, said the proposals did not meet their code of ethics.

Nick Merriman, convener of the MA’s ethics committee, said: “Croydon did not approach us, we heard about this case through the press.

“The council should follow the formal procedure according to the code of ethics. “At the moment it is not clear to us that they are doing so.

“We would particularly like to know why the collection is not considered core as we understand it was part of the founding deposit at the museum.”

ON NOVEMBER 11th the Museums Association said a legal challenge to Croydon’s decision to sell the items had been withdrawn due to lack of funds – and announced that it would bar Croydon from future membership if it proceeded with its planned sale.

“Campaigners attempting to force a judicial review of the Croydon sale have this morning withdrawn their court action, citing a lack of funds to pay ongoing legal costs” the MA added.

(Croydon council had already announced its resignation from the MA. On September 30th it issued a statement saying:”This follows the MA’s ethics committee ruling that the council should face disciplinary action for deciding to sell 24 Chinese ceramics from its Riesco Collection.

“The council learnt it was to be invited to a disciplinary hearing through the media, after the MA published the announcement on its website.

“It said the council had breached the MA’s code of ethics, before giving the council the opportunity to present its case at the hearing.

“The council has never previously received funding from the MA and will still be able to continue providing a museum service despite resigning its membership.

“No longer having membership will mean the council no longer receives a copy of the Museums Journal or discounts at conferences and training events.”

The statement quoted Cllr Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, who said: “Sadly it appears the Museums Association has already made up its mind that the council should face disciplinary action.

“Therefore it appears attending any hearing to explain the council’s position would be futile.“We were also disappointed with the way the MA has failed to communicate directly with the council and believe it has not followed its own procedure.” )

*(In its statement in July Croydon said the proceeds of the sale could also be used to provide a significant contribution to the urgent investment needed in Croydon’s cultural infrastructure, such as the refurbishment of the Fairfield halls. Whether this will include the Stanley halls in South Norwood remains to be seen).

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NEW CONSERVATION AREA REPORT PUBLISHED Lack of maintenance a threat; No more uPVC windows in older buildings

jerrygreen85 — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:10:28 +0000

MANY BUILDINGS in the Upper Norwood Triangle area suffer from a lack of maintenance, warns a new report.

That could mean historic features may come under threat from further deterioration, removal or inappropriate replacement.

The report – the Upper Norwood Triangle area appraisal and management plan – says the overall condition of the conservation area, which was included on the English Heritage buildings at risk register in 2010 but removed in 2011, is variable.

The buildings are mostly occupied and a large number of properties are maintained to a high standard, it adds.

But the report warns: “The demolition of listed buildings; locally listed buildings and buildings which make a positive contribution to the special character of the Upper Norwood Triangle conservation area, will not be considered acceptable.

“Historic two-storey late Georgian buildings are particularly at risk from redevelopment. “Due to their historic significance and contribution they make towards the varied character of the Upper Norwood Triangle, demolition of these buildings will be resisted.

“While insensitive development can instantly harm the conservation area’s special character, negative change can often occur incrementally through alterations which do not require planning permission, or alterations which occurred prior to the area’s designation.

The report warns the conservation area is at risk from threats to its special character and appearance.

Existing and potential threats – categorised as to whether they impact directly on buildings or the wider streetscape – are:

THREATS TO BUILDINGS

Partial or total demolition of historic buildings
Poor maintenance of buildings
Poor quality new development
Loss of historic architectural features
Introduction of poor quality new features and materials
Poor quality design and materials of new shop fronts and signage
Poorly designed and / or oversized extensions
Mansard roof extensions or dormer windows to street-facing roofs
Replacement of timber windows with uPVC or aluminium alternatives
Application of render / pebbledash render to exposed brick elevations
Re-pointing of brick walls with cement mortar
Installation of satellite dishes to roofscapes or front elevations
Solid shutters installed to shopfronts
Plot amalgamation resulting in buildings not in line with the established urban grain of the area
Loss of chimneys
Installation of poorly-sited renewable energy technologies and other building services
Commercial signage, particularly estate agents boards, cluttering building elevations

THREATS TO STREETSCAPE

Poor highway works or paving
Excessive traffic road markings
Loss of historic cobbled streets
Poor siting and upkeep of street furniture
Street clutter from street furniture, including A-boards
Loss or unsympathetic alterations to boundary walls, fences or hedges
Graffiti
Fly-tipping

REPAIR, RESTORATION AND REINSTATEMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES:

The report says the conservation area would be enhanced through the repair, restoration or reinstatement of damaged or lost architectural features, including:

• The regular re-painting of timber features

• Decorative window and door surrounds

• Stucco / stone detailing and plasterwork mouldings

• Decorative motifs or string courses

• Ironwork railings

“All development proposals which include existing buildings should include the provision for the re-instatement of lost features and the removal of later additions that have harmed a building’s character.

“In principle the council supports and welcomes schemes for enhancement of the area proposed by property owners and / or the local community.

“Property owners are strongly encouraged to maintain their properties and undertake minor works that would improve the condition and appearance of their properties, which will have a wider positive impact on the conservation area as a whole. “Much enhancement of buildings and the wider area does not require planning permission; for advice on what works require planning permission please either see the planning portal or contact the council’s development management service.

MAINTENANCE

“In order to ensure the survival of important architectural features regular attention is need to stop them falling into a state of disrepair. “The council therefore recommends regular maintenance is undertaken to retain the collective value of the attractive features present in the area.

“The need for minor works, if left unattended, may result in unnecessary decay and damage, which could lead to the need to conduct more complex and expensive repair works at a later date.”

Basic maintenance recommendations include:

• regular clearing of debris in gutters and rainwater pipes

• pruning of vegetation in close proximity to buildings

• re-fixing of loose roof tiles or slates

Other points from the report include:

VACANT SITES: There are no vacant development sites of a significant size in the Triangle conservation area. Therefore opportunities for new development could only result from the redevelopment of sites containing buildings that either make a neutral contribution or detract from the area’s special character.

STATUTORY LISTED BUILDINGS: At present there is one statutorily listed building within the conservation area. Listed building consent is required for all building works, both external and internal, that affect the building’s character.

LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS: Many buildings in the conservation area are locally listed. Demolition of these buildings are considered to cause substantial harm to the conservation area. Careful consideration must be given towards protecting important features present.

PLANNING PERMISSION: Most work undertaken to buildings in the Upper Norwood Triangle requires planning permission.

Demolition of buildings will only be permitted where the building in question has been identified in the report as making a neutral contribution to, or detracting from, the conservation area’s special character and there are acceptable plans for the site following demolition.

AMENITY SPACE: Careful attention should be paid to introducing amenity space where possible. All development within the Triangle should include through-access and amenity space.

COMMERCIAL USE: .All properties facing onto commercial high streets should maintain a commercial use at ground floor level.

SHOPFRONTS: All shopfronts should be of timber construction. Shopfronts of a contemporary design will not be considered appropriate in historic buildings. All proposed new shopfronts should respond to the established local context of traditionally designed shopfronts and should respect the period and character of their host buildings.

Mansard roofs and large dormer windows to front roofscapes, as well as roof extensions to two-storey Georgian buildings, will generally not be permitted due to the detrimental impact on the design and character of the original building.

WINDOW REPLACEMENT: If, following advice from a professional joiner, windows are found to be beyond repair then replacements, which in most cases will require planning permission, should match the original window design and be of timber construction and should be double glazed.

The proposed use of uPVC or aluminium as a replacement material for original or traditional style timber windows will not be permitted as their proportions, opening methods, shiny plastic appearance, and light reflection are all at odds with the character of historic buildings. (The report highlights one example on Westow Hill where “unauthorised replacement uPVC windows have had a negative impact on the character of the host building, which would originally have had timber sash windows.”)

BRICK WALLS: Originally exposed brick walls should NOT be clad, rendered or painted as the colour and texture of existing brick walls contributes towards the conservation area’s special character.

All re-pointing of walls should be carried out with a lime based mortar to ensure historic buildings can extract any moisture that might build up in the walls so as to prevent the build up of damp. The use of cement mortar can harm the performance of historic buildings.

HISTORIC FEATURES: Historic architectural features make an important contribution to the conservation area’s special character. Special attention should be paid towards preserving important historic features present on these buildings. All development proposals should seek to retain and restore historic features if appropriate.

STREET FURNITURE: Some street furniture is in a poor condition and would benefit from repair, replacement or removal.

SIGNAGE: There is some unnecessary street furniture in the inner Triangle which could be removed to de-clutter the streets. Some street furniture in the inner Triangle, including road signs, pedestrian signs, bollards and fences, is in a poor condition, detracting from the quality of the public realm.

BUILDINGS WHICH DETRACT …..

The report also highlights some recent developments in the Triangle.

It says there are “several examples of new development of a varying quality” which have been constructed in the conservation area in recent years:

6 PADDOCK GARDENS

“This is an example of new development of a high quality design and materials, referencing the light industrial character of some buildings in the Upper Norwood Triangle Conservation Area.”

15-20 PADDOCK GARDENS

“This is a new development, built on land to the rear of 22-34 Westow Hill has not successfully integrated with its surrounding context. Unlike other developments in the inner Triangle it has no through access and its design does not respond to the character of the wider area.”

53-55 WESTOW STREET

“This is a development that in many ways respects the established character of the street. “However rather than interpreting the character of the area, the building its design is of a poor quality, lacking articulation and depth, being a pastiche imitation of adjacent buildings

(which begs the question…..)

….AND BUILDINGS WHICH DON’T

BLACKBIRD BAKERY on Westow Street is described as “A high quality new traditional style shopfront successfully integrated within a new development.”

THE TRIANGLE’S ONLY LISTED BUILDING is the GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, Westow Street: The tall spire of the Greek Orthodox Church of St Augustine and St Helen is a significant local landmark, and the church’s contrasting architectural style and materials contribute to its distinctive presence on the street.

The building is built in an early English style of Kentish ragstone to the street frontage and spire, with other elevations of London stock bricks with red brick arches. The church is in good external order following stonework repairs in c1999.

A PLANNING HISTORY – 69a WESTOW STREET

69a WESTOW STREET (The building encased in scaffolding which stands to the right of the Greek Orthodox church. It formed part of the White Hart pub and at one stage was the pub’s function room.)

69A Westow Street has been in a poor condition for many years. It is one of the conservation area’s oldest surviving buildings, dating from the early 19th century. It is now in a semi-derelict state.

Following an appeal hearing in 2010 over refused conservation area consent for demolition of the building, the Planning Inspectorate ruled that it is unrealistic to insist on the building’s retention. Subject to the submission of a planning application for a replacement building of an acceptable design, permission should be granted for its demolition.

AMENITY SPACE: Careful attention should be paid to introducing amenity space where possible. All development within the Triangle should include through-access and amenity space.

CONVERSION OF PROPERTIES: All proposed property conversions should not result in harm to the external character and appearance of buildings.All properties facing onto commercial high streets should maintain a commercial use at ground floor level.

EXTENSIONS: Roof extensions visible from a public highway will be unlikely to be permitted due to the disruption of the predominant rhythm and proportions of the existing roofscapes in the conservation area. Mansard roofs and large dormer windows to front roofscapes, as well as roof extensions to two-storey Georgian buildings, will generally not be permitted due to the detrimental impact on the design and character of the original building.

If it is considered possible to accommodate a roof extension to a property, it should be set back from the front building line so as to not be visible from the street and should be of a simple, unobtrusive and visually lightweight design so as to not dominate the host building.

Most proposed rear extensions will not be visible from the street and therefore not have a direct impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.However all rear extensions must be careful not to adversely impact on the visual amenity of adjacent occupiers and should be subservient in scale to the host building. Where a proposed rear extension is visible from the street, careful consideration must be given to its impact and design.

WINDOW REPLACEMENT: Many historic buildings in the Triangle conservation area have timber sliding sash or casement windows. Original or traditional style windows should be retained and repaired.

If, following advice from a professional joiner, windows are found to be beyond repair then replacements, which in most cases will require planning permission, should match the original window design and be of timber construction and should be double glazed. The proposed use of uPVC or aluminium as a replacement material for original or traditional style timber windows will not be permitted as their proportions, opening methods, shiny plastic appearance, and light reflection are all at odds with the character of historic buildings.

Windows of other traditional materials should also be retained and repaired if possible. If replacements are sought then they should also be on a like-for-like basis in terms of design and materials.

BRICK WALLS: Originally exposed brick walls should not be clad, rendered or painted as the colour and texture of existing brick walls contributes towards the conservation area’sspecial character. All re-pointing of walls should be carried out with a lime based mortar to ensure historic buildings can extract any moisture that might build up in the walls so as to prevent The build up of damp. The use of cement mortar can harm the performance of historic buildings.

SHOPFRONT DESIGN: All proposed new shopfronts should respond to the established local context of traditionally designed shopfronts and should respect the period and character of their host buildings. Shopfronts of a contemporary design will not be considered appropriate in historic buildings. All shopfronts should be of timber construction..

CONSERVATION AREA SIGNAGE: The council in principle support any community-led projects to introduce signage to identify the conservation area, provided that it is of a design that would enhance the area’s special character and that the cost of maintenance and management are fully considered.

STREET LIGHTING: All new street lighting will be implemented in the area according to the adopted street lighting PFI (private finance initiative) agreement. All new street furniture should be located so as to have the minimum amount of impact on the public realm.

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT: If you feel that unauthorised development has occurred in the area, including the replacement of windows or installation of satellite dishes, please report this to the council’s planning enforcement team.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY: As part of this assessment a full photographic survey of the conservation area as visible from the street has been made, which will be used as evidence when reviewing any reports of unauthorised development.

HISTORY: The report is also worth reading for a (very large) thumbnail history of the area.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LISTED BUILDINGS, LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS, AND POSITIVES

Listed buildings; locally listed buildings and buildings which the report says make a positive contribution to the area:

WESTOW STREET

Statutory listed buildings: Church of St Augustine and St Helen

Locally listed buildings: 1-4 Hollybush Terrace, 19, 25-27, 35, 47-49 (odd), 65, 67 and 73-74 Westow Street

Positive unlisted buildings: 1, 2-26 (even), 3, 17, 21, 23, 36-44 (even), 29-33 (odd), 41-45 (odd), 61, 63, 69, 69A, 73

Numbers 47-49 have particularly attractive decorative terracotta motifs incorporated into their facades. Other buildings that stand out as being of particular interest include the Old Post Office (number 35), an imposing building of Classical proportions and detailing, including architraves, cornices and timber boxing for Florentine blinds. Hollybush Terrace also stands out with its dark red brick, decorative brickwork mouldings and large corbels with moulded decoration above the pilaster dividing the shopfronts.

Forester’s Hall, once used as one of the Croydon crown courts, has an striking presence in the street. It is of a simple design with attractive gables and a decorative projecting clock that has intricate cast ironwork and a prominent entrance and pilasters.

The surviving two-storey Georgian properties are important historic buildings of a modest scale with Georgian proportions, simple detailing and features including sash windows and parapets. They include the terraces of 1-3 (odd) and 2-8 (even), 40-44 (even) and 41-45 (odd). Numbers 40-44 are a particularly well preserved terrace with attractive consoles and architraves.

The White Hart public house is an important landmark on the corner of Church Road and Westow Street when approaching from the south. The building is virtually unchanged from its construction in the 1890s and has an elaborate and varied roofline, with half hip gables to two elevations and a prominent tower with a pyramidal roof.

Much of Westow Street’s western side is dominated by the Norwood Heights Shopping Centre. Although the massing of the supermarket is well shielded from the street by mature trees, the street facing element is of a poor quality design that does not contribute to the character of the area. Greystoke House (numbers 80-86), located at the southern apex of the Triangle, also has a harmful impact on its surroundings due to its over-large scale. The modern development at numbers 55-59,although it follows established building lines, is of a poor quality design that mimics features found elsewhere in the area.

WESTOW HILL (INCLUDING PART OF CENTRAL HILL)

Locally listed buildings: Royal Albert and Sparrowhawk public houses, 20, 42-44 (even), 46-54 (even), 68 and 70-88 (even) Westow Hill

Positive unlisted buildings: 4-10 (even), 16, 18, 28-40 (even), 58-60 (even) Westow Hill; 1, 5-15 (odd), 19 Central Hill

Westow Hill contains the main concentration of shops and restaurants in the conservation area, with flats or offices in the upper floors of buildings.

Unfortunately the unity of the parades has been partly lost through a number of alterations to individual properties, including window replacements, the rendering of brickwork and the removal of original balconies and historic features. The buildings have attractive truncated corners where the building line breaks at St Aubyn’s Road.

The quality of shopfront design varies with some high quality timber framed shopfronts of a traditional design and some lesser quality aluminium framed example also present.

No. 20, the former Kennedy’s Sausage shop,has a striking 1930s facade with red brick and green tiling to the shopfront

Number 4forms part of the original design of the Sparrowhawk public house, which has an prominent corner presence with Classical proportions and detailing.

Numbers 12-24 and 34-40are examples of early 19thcentury historic buildings,although several have unsympathetic alterations to their elevations. 26-32 are a three-storey Victorian parade with projecting shopfronts that retain their original decorative pilasters.

The late parades of numbers62-68 and numbers 70-88(including The Cambridge public house) were completed in one

phase. These terraces and the public house have consistent window sizes, the remains of decorative mouldings running along both blocks, some cast iron balconies at first floor level accessed by French Windows, decorative pilasters and vermiculated quoins.

CHURCH ROAD

Locally listed buildings:Cambridge public house, 20, 52-64 (even), 70 84-88 (even), 94, 99, 104, 106 and 113 Church Road

Positive unlisted buildings: 10-18 (even), 22, 24, 66-82 (even) and 101-111 (odd) Church Road

Church Road contains a mix of buildings, some with commercial premises at ground floor level. Many buildings are of a high quality and contribute to the character of the conservation area. Numbers 26-48 are shop extensions to rear of the St Aubyns Terrace houses, occupying their former rear gardens.

St Aubyn’s Parade (numbers 52-64) dates from 1893 and is a red brick terrace of shops with a distinctive stone tourelle (part turret) with curved sash windows, and decorative gabled bays marking the centre and end. The roofline was formally surmounted by a series of terracotta urns, with just two remaining above 56. A variety of windows and shopfronts of varying standards have disrupted the unity of the terrace, as have a proliferation of satellite dishes that are visible from the street.

ST AUBYN’S ROAD

Locally listed buildings: 17-32

The terrace of four-storey houses on the east of St Aubyn’s Road are grand in appearance and have feature bay windows projecting to second floor level, which have been removed from two houses harming the unity of the terrace.

6.7 PADDOCK GARDENS

Positive unlisted buildings: 6

There are several modern developments located on Paddock Gardens, which vary in design quality. Of particular note is the block of flats at number 6.

6.8 HAYNES LANE

Locally listed buildings: 1-11

Positive unlisted buildings: 18

THE REPORT also refers to ”The early 20th century building in the grounds of Upper Norwood Children’s centre, which forms an important buffer between the rear of the Norwood Heights shopping centre (Sainsbury’s) and Westow Park, is a historic structure of some architectural significance.”

The building was the tuning house of the Royal Normal School for the Blind which occupied several buildings in the grounds of what is now Westow Park.

STREETS WITHIN THE CONSERVATION AREA

All or part of the following streets are located within the Upper Norwood Triangle Conservation Area:

• Westow Street (all)

• Westow Hill (south side)

• Central Hill (part)

• Church Road (part)

• St Aubyn’s Road (all)

• Carberry Road (all)

• Stoney Lane (all)

• Ovett, Telford and Brunel Closes (all)

• Paddock Gardens (all)

• Haynes Lane (all)

• Coxwell Road (all)

• Gatestone Road (all)

• Bedwardine Road (part)

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COUNCIL HQ’S FURNITURE COULD BE YOURS!

jerrygreen85 — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:11:30 +0000

FURNITURE from Croydon council’s offices is up for grabs – and free of charge – to schools and charities in the borough.

The move follows a controversial decision by Croydon to spend £3 million in new furniture moving into a new headquarters.*

In a press release Croydon council are asking:

“Are you a charity, school or not-for-profit organisation in need of office furniture?

“If so, there may be items suitable when the council moves out of Taberner House during September and October.

“To ensure as many pieces as possible can be re-used, the council is urging groups to come forward and make a claim for the type of items they are interested in.”

The furniture, which is provided free-of-charge, MUST be used within the borough and NOT be re-sold.

If your organisation is interested, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/furniture complete the online request form by Friday August 23rd. Any pieces that are not suitable for reuse will be recycled.

An inventory and a full list of terms and conditions can also be viewed online. Once the deadline has passed, the council will contact organisations to let them know if their request has been successful.

(Source: Croydon council press release)

*See: Croydon council to press ahead with £3million furniture spend for new HQ / Saturday, April 20, 2013 / Croydon Advertiser

FLYTIPPER GETS £6,000 COSTS DUMPED ON HIM

A REGISTERED WASTE CARRIER has been prosecuted by Bromley Council for 13 counts of fly tipping waste in and around Bromley and Kent.

A Bromley council statement said: “Mr Jason Newnham, aged 46 of Marvels Lane, Lewisham who is a registered waste carrier with Environment Agency and owner of the waste removal business JJ clearances, pleaded guilty to ten charges of fly tipping after an investigation by Bromley council’s public protection and environment departments. ”There were also three charges of fly tipping investigated by Kent county council in partnership with Bromley council that were taken into account when sentencing.

“Mr Newnham legitimately removed large quantities of waste from residents all over south east London, mostly building waste. “The waste was then deposited in the country lanes and secluded areas of private land including farm land within Bromley and Sevenoaks. ”Mr Newnham attended Bromley magistrates court on July 24th 2013 and pleaded guilty to all ten charges brought by the council stating in mitigation his son completed the tipping without his knowledge. ”But prosecutors told Bromley magistrates court that Mr Newnham was liable under law for the actions of his son even if he did not know the waste was being illegally tipped.

“On August 6th at Bromley magistrates court, district judge Fanning sentenced Mr Newnham for ten charges of fly tipping, taking into account the three charges brought by Kent County council, to a 12 month community order within which he has to complete 240 hours unpaid work. “He was ordered to pay a total for costs of £6,031. “This included compensation for clean-up costs totalling £2,148.

“In sentencing, district judge Fanning stated he was sceptical of Newnham’s excuses since it was he who had collected the waste and had taken the money from the customers. “He also said that as a registered waste carrier Newnham should have known that it was his responsibility to ensure that the waste was disposed of immediately and not left on the highway for someone else to dispose of. “He said in itself that was an unlawful deposit.

“The district judge went on to say that Newnham caused 13 offences that desecrated the countryside and that he took a very dim view of the offences, which he regarded as very serious. ”He told Newnham he had had a lucky break, since the decision of the previous bench on July 24th delivering a community penalty tied his hands in sentencing. “If left to him, district judge Fanning stated he would have sent Newnham to prison for 18 weeks. .

“In ordering costs and compensation the district judge Fanning said it should not be left to the council tax payers of Bromley and Kent to bear the costs of his crimes. “The £6,031 should come from Newnham, even if it took him several years to pay.

Bromley Cllr Tim Stevens, portfolio holder for public protection said: “It is unacceptable that our borough is used as dumping ground for this criminal behaviour. “Officers across the environmental services division work tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and we will continue to prosecute anyone we find committing these despicable acts.

“This case demonstrates the ability of neighbouring councils to work together, to share intelligence and bring to justice a prolific offender who thought he could use Bromley and Kent as a dumping ground.”

S33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides it’s an offence to deposit controlled waste, or knowingly cause or knowingly permit controlled waste to be deposited in or any land unless authorising the deposit is in force and the deposit is in accordance with the licence

Section 33(5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 “A person who controls or is in a position to control a vehicle from which waste is deposited is regarded as knowingly permitting even if he did not give instructions for the tipping” (Source: Bromley council press release)

NOISY NEIGHBOUR HAS HER MUSIC EQUIPMENT SEIZED BY COURT

A BROMLEY woman has been left with a bill of more than £2,300 after complaints of noise at her home.

In a statement Bromley council say they have “gained a successful prosecution against Ms Emma Vale of Rangefield Road, Bromley, who continued to blight her neighbours with loud music.

“Complaints started to be received in November 2011 with reports of regular late night parties, but it was not until December 27th 2012 that the council was able to serve a noise abatement notice based on evidence gathered by working with nearby residents who were affected significantly by the noise.

“Within two days of the notice being served the terms of the notice were breached and Vale was issued with a £100 fixed penalty fine, which was paid. “This did not deter the resident who continued to cause a nuisance, of which further breaches were witnessed once in December 2012, and twice in May 2013.

“On May 20th 2013, acting under court warrant, the council entered the property in Ms Vale’s absence and seized the equipment, which was capable of causing the nuisance. ”Bromley council then prosecuted Vale as the only viable option left to resolve the matter. “After failing to attend court on two separate occasions, Ms Vale was found guilty in her absence of three breaches of a noise abatement notice served by Bromley council.

“The deputy district judge issued fines of £900, a victim surcharge of £20 and awarded the council £1464 for their costs, totalling £2384 which he ordered to be paid within 28 days. “In addition to the financial penalties, the judge also ordered that the seized equipment was forfeited to Bromley council for disposal.”

Cllr Tim Stevens, portfolio holder for public protection and community safety welcomed the conviction: “Noise nuisance is anti-social and causes tremendous anxiety and stress to those affected. “It is our duty to do all we can to stop this activity and protect our residents, and if mediation and persuasion fails we will seize equipment and prosecute. “There is no excuse for this type of behaviour”. (Source: Bromley council press release)

TALKING ABOUT A BETTER BROMLEY

BROMLEY COUNCIL is again holding public meetings asking for residents opinions on where budget cuts should fall.

A council statement says: “The much publicised cuts in government funding mean the council has to make further budget savings of £55 million over the next four years. ”This is in addition to substantial savings made in the last three years.

“Council leader Cllr Stephen Carr invites those who live and work in the borough to join him, the council cabinet and senior officers to one of the public meetings being held across the borough in September and October. He wants to talk about how the council is managing the impact of these financial pressures while remaining committed to the vision of ‘Building a Better Bromley.’

“As in past years, the views and discussions at these meetings will help inform the difficult choices the Council has to make about the future of the Council as it sets the budget for 2014-15.

The meetings are as follows:

Evening meetings – 7 – 8.30pm

Thursday, 26 September Biggin Hill New Life Church, TN16 3BB

Monday, 30 September Citygate Church, Rectory Road, Beckenham, BR3 1AA

Thursday, 3 October Orpington Methodist Church, BR6 9JH

Monday, 7 October Civic Centre, BR1 3UH

Day time meeting – 11 – 12.30pm

Monday, 14 October Civic Centre. Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH

All venues provide disabled access and a hearing loop.

(Source: Bromley council press release)

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COUNCILS RAISE MILLIONS IN ON-STREET FINES AND PARKING INCOME

jerrygreen85 — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:32:05 +0000

LAMBETH, CROYDON AND SOUTHWARK councils raised a combined total of £28.6 million in on-street parking fines – and a collective £47.9 million in parking income – for the 2011-12 financial year, figures issued by the RAC Foundation reveal.

Lambeth finished in the top ten earners for both on-street paring fines (£16.7 million) and in parking income (£25.1 million) despite a 43 per cent fall in parking income.

The RAC Foundation released their figures after supporting Barnet residents in a High Court case where a judge ruled Barnet council had acted unlawfully when it hiked residents’ parking fees to “defray other road transport expenditure and reduce the need to raise income from other sources, such as… council tax.”

In a stinging comment the Foundation’s Philip Gomm said: “So councils are cash strapped? “Not when it comes to parking income it would seem.

“Between them the 359 authorities that run parking operations made an eye-watering £565 million between them in the financial year 2011-12, as our latest report shows. “Before all the councils start leaving comments, yes we realise this figure is before capital charges – that is building and replacing stuff associated with parking – are deducted

“But even after you allow for these the total surplus is still a massive £412 million. “In a way the point is not that a surplus is made – but why it is made.

“Few drivers will have a complaint with a coherent transport policy which manages traffic and congestion through the use of parking fees. “If there were no restrictions or charges then in many towns and cities there would be a free-for all on the roads which would be in no-one’s interests, drivers included.

“And if a ‘profit’, sorry surplus, is generated then this is allowed for in law as long as it is spent on a strict and limited number of things, all of which are essentially transport related.

“What is not allowed for in law are parking charges that are set to generate revenue for hard-up councils facing cuts in central government grants and restrictions on the level of council tax they can set. “We know it is against the law not just because it is there in black and white on the statue book but because a High Court a judge said so just last week.

“According to Mrs Justice Lang, Barnet council in north London acted unlawfully when it hiked residents’ parking fees to “defray other road transport expenditure and reduce the need to raise income from other sources, such as… council tax.”

“One nil to the residents of Barnet who brought the case, supported by the RAC Foundation.

“It is true that there are several councils which do not make money from parking, but they are in the minority. “That they made a loss might actually be a sign of a good parking policy where charges are kept low to actually encourage cars into a town or city centre to support the business of traders in the High Street.

“But as for the rest there will be the suspicion amongst drivers that they are increasingly coming to rely on parking surpluses as a way of protecting other services.

“This might be a laudable aim, but it is not a lawful aim. Why should councillors decide that the best way to break even is to arbitrarily tax one section of society?

“The RAC Foundation would encourage all councils to publish an annual parking report containing their traffic management strategy and detailing what they are charging and why. if a set of charges has risen dramatically, why have they gone up? “What is the traffic problem the council is trying to solve?

“The irony is that these huge profits come against a backdrop of a decline in traffic volume because of the recession. “Arguably parking charges should be generally coming down, not going up.

“And of course pigs might fly.”

(Tables below courtesy RAC Foundation. Remaining figures for Lewisham and Bromley awaited.)

Table 4 On-street penalty income On-street penalty income									On-street penalties as % of on-street income
£ million		2011/12		2010/11		2009/10		Change 2011 on 2009			2011/12		2010/11		2009/10
1	Westminster		25.3		22.1		20.5			24%		32%		31%		29%
2	Camden		18.5		18.7		20.3			-9%		50%		51%		53%
3	Hammersmith & Fulham		18.2		11.0		8.5			114%		59%		39%		34%
4	Lambeth		16.7		16.8		34.0			-51%		67%		69%		82%
5	Islington		11.2		9.5		14.9			-25%		43%		39%		51%
6	Newham		10.8		7.7		7.8			39%		73%		70%		76%
7	Ealing		10.0		10.1		8.7			15%		55%		77%		72%
8	Brent		9.6*		7.2		11.4			-16%		60%		56%		81%
9	Kensington & Chelsea		9.4		10.2		12.2			-23%		23%		29%		34%
10	Haringey		8.0		7.2		7.2			11%		55%		58%		62%
11	Waltham Forest		7.7		6.1		6.3			22%		79%		70%		67%
12	Barnet		7.2		5.1		5.9			21%		55%		60%		62%
13	Wandsworth		7.1		6.0		6.1			16%		26%		24%		25%
14	Croydon		6.4		6.0		5.5			16%		63%		63%		60%
15	Hounslow		5.7		4.9		4.5			25%		57%		53%		54%
16	Manchester		5.6		3.6		3.8			45%		53%		47%		48%
17	Harrow		5.6		5.6		5.1			10%		79%		80%		78%
18	Hackney		5.5		9.3		5.3			3%		36%		57%		41%
19	Southwark		5.5		4.6		5.4			1%		93%		53%		61%
20	Tower Hamlets		5.4		5.2		5.1			7%		31%		31%		31%
ENGLAND				45%				45%					48%

(The Foundation says there is certainly evidence of a decline in the number of penalty charges as motorists become more aware of the rules and are more careful to park legally.)

Table 2 Parking income (on and off street) £ million		2011/12		2010/11		2009/10		Change 2011 on 2009
1	Westminster		80.0		84.3		83.4		-4%
2	Kensington & Chelsea		42.8		36.5		37.6		14%
3	Camden		39.3		39.2		41.0		-4%
4	Hammersmith & Fulham		31.1		28.3		24.9		25%
5	Wandsworth		27.0		25.2		24.2		12%
6	Islington		26.1		24.2		29.0		-10%
7	Lambeth		25.1		24.3		44.0		-43%
8	Brighton & Hove UA		23.6		23.1		21.6		9%
9	Ealing		20.0		14.5		14.0		42%
10	Birmingham		18.7		17.7		19.2		-2%
11	Tower Hamlets		17.5		16.8		16.5		6%
12	Newham		17.2		13.1		12.1		42%
13	Brent		16.9		13.7		14.8		14%
14	Hackney		15.3		16.5		13.2		16%
15	Haringey		14.8		13.0		12.0		24%
16	Cornwall UA		14.0		13.9		13.9		1%
17	Barnet		14.0		9.2		10.3		35%
18	Newcastle upon Tyne		13.9		12.5		13.5		3%
19	Manchester		13.7		12.5		11.1		24%
20	Leeds		13.0		11.7		12.0		8%
21	Hounslow		12.2		11.2		10.6		15%
22	Croydon		11.9		14.6		16.0		-25%
23	City of London		11.1		10.0		9.3		20%
24	Southwark		10.9		11.9		11.2		-3%
25	Bristol UA		10.8		9.9		9.7		11%
26	Enfield		10.8		10.9		13.0		-17%
27	Bath & North East Somerset UA		10.7		12.3		11.4		-6%
28	Guildford		10.7		10.1		9.4		13%
29	Waltham Forest		10.4		9.3		9.9		4%
30	Bromley		10.3		10.0		9.5		9%

Note: Local authorities are required to submit details of their finances to the Department of Communities and Local Government, following a detailed set of rules prepared by the Department each year. They are normally published in November.

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TRIANGLE BAR’S DECKING NEEDS PLANNING PERMISSION SAYS CROYDON

jerrygreen85 — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:23:03 +0000

THE OWNERS of a bar on the Crystal Palace Triangle could be set for a planning battle after putting down decking on the area adjoining it.

Owen Kennedy and Debbie Ballard took over the running of the SE19 bar in the former post office on Westow Street about a year ago.

The landlord (Ivan Bateman of St Aidan’s Developments) included the tarmacadam area to the right-hand side of the premises in their lease.

On this area they’ve put out a few tables and chairs on decking and have built a small wooden bar which they say is not used to serve drinks from but has been put there as a safety barrier to stop kids burning themselves on the drum used for cooking jerk chicken and to stop people potentially meddling with food.

“We just cut down the weeds and put a couple of tables and chairs out” says Debbie. “Then we decided to make it a bit more attractive.

“The licensing officer came up and said that as long as we weren’t serving drinks outside that was absolutely fine. “He didn’t see any problems and we weren’t contravening any licensing activities because we’re covered for off sales.

“We also checked with planning and they said as long as you’re not building any items above three metres we didn’t need planning permission. “So on that basis we put decking down as the ground underneath wasn’t in a fit state to tidy up. “It would have been easier to turf it but it was a combination of earth and broken concrete.”

Then someone complained. Croydon enforcement team emailed the landlord, who sent the email on to Debbie and Owen. Owen says that on the day the email arrived he phoned Croydon and was told as long as the decking wasn’t over a certain height there wasn’t an issue. Between these two events an enforcement officer came up.

“We’d just finished the decking” recalls Debbie. “We were so proud of it. “I had a hissy fit!. “Technically speaking, because the whole of the Palace is a conservation area, decking is not allowed and we have to apply for planning permission”

Croydon council say the land in question is actually in Victory Place and is outside the curtilage of the bar. This, plus a potential issue with the height of the decking, is why the bar owners have been asked to apply for retrospective planning permission.

“If there is ever any any doubt as to whether planning permission is required people should submit a certificate of lawfulness so that officers can make a formal and informed decision and the owners will then have the council’s responses in writing” said a spokesman.

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ZERO TOLERANCE TO DRINKING AND BEGGING – and there’s ANOTHER bank phone scam warning

jerrygreen85 — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:46:59 +0000

A HARD-HITTING campaign to tackle street drinking and begging is to be launched in Croydon town centre.

The one-month campaign, which runs until Wednesday 7 August, is taking action against offenders who harass the public for money, or act antisocially, by making a drunken disturbance.

During the month of action, a number of issues will be addressed, including improved information-sharing regarding certain individuals.

This information will be used to develop a top-10 offenders list of beggars and street drinkers. anti-social behaviour (ASB) enforcement action will then be taken against them through enforcement of the dispersal zone in the town centre and applications for asbos (anti-social behaviour orders) for any persistent ASB offenders.

Acting chief inspector Pete McGarry, leading the policing side of the operation, said: “Our officers will target those who are begging, drinking in no-alcohol zones or causing antisocial behaviour.

“We will either arrest those breaking the law, or confiscate their alcohol. “We will also be collecting information and intelligence on persistent offenders and will apply for antisocial behaviour orders where appropriate.

“Those in genuine need have the opportunity to get support, food and shelter from various agencies, so there is no need for them to beg on the streets and cause a real nuisance to other people – we will not tolerate this.”

The scheme has been launched by The Safer Croydon Partnership and Croydon Business Improvement District Bid).

Cllr Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Street begging and drinking has to stop. “It increases the fear of crime for residents, visitors and commuters, and puts off potential investors.

“We will work together to tackle these problems and to help these people to get off the streets.”

Croydon Bid chief executive Matthew Sims said: “The safety and well-being of all those who work, live, visit and do business here is paramount and Croydon Bid is pleased to be supporting this important initiative.

“It’s vital that our town centre is regarded as a safe, pleasant and comfortable environment by all who use it if we’re to ensure that Croydon continues to attract and retain the level of investment required from both consumers and businesses to enable the local economy to thrive.”

Outreach agencies, including Thames Outreach and Westminster Drugs Project are working alongside the partners to help offenders and to deter them from returning to the town centre.

This work will continue beyond the campaign with day provision, access to treatment and support services planned. Work will also be done with licensees selling high-strength lagers/ciders to encourage responsible retail sales.

The Safer Croydon Partnership works to cut crime, help neighbourhoods fight disorder and reduce reoffending.

www.croydon.gov.uk/community/safercroydon/safer-croydon‎ Croydon Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is focused on improving Croydon’s competitive position, making it more welcoming to businesses, employees, residents, visitors and shoppers alike. www.croydonbid.com (Source: Croydon council press release)

POLICE RE-ISSUE SCAM WARNING AFTER SPATE OF FURTHER FRAUDS

BROMLEY POLICE are reissuing their warning regarding “Courier Scams” – a fraud that is mainly targeting the elderly and vulnerable – after a spate of such frauds across the borough in the last week.

Detective Inspector Louise Knipe from Bromley Police’s CID said: “These courier fraudsters put a huge amount of time and effort into being convincing because for them the pay-off is immense. “We want people to question even truly genuine sounding calls and, most importantly, remember police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card, so you should never give these away. “They will also never ask for money or send a courier to collect a card.

“Police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card, so you should never give these away”.

These fraudsters often ask victims to ring their bank or the police, however, the fraudster keeps the telephone line open so even though the person has called the number for their bank or the police, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster.

If you do receive such a call, hang the phone up immediately”.

Scam method:

■ Elderly/vulnerable members of the public have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from fraudsters purporting to be from the police or their bank.

■ A fraudster will ring a member of the public, claiming to be from their bank (or in some cases claiming to be the police), stating that their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on their card or that their card is due to expire and needs to be replaced.

■ The person may be asked to ring the bank back using the phone number printed on the back of their bank card. This helps to convince the person that the call is genuine.

■ However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though the person has called the bank, the call does not go through. Instead they are unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster.

■ The fraudster then gains the person’s trust by pretending to be from the bank and seeming to offer assistance. In many cases the person is asked to provide their full bank card details and key in their PIN so that their existing card can be “cancelled” and their new one “activated” or “authorised.” The fraudster will then explain that the bank will need to collect the card.

■ The fraudster will then attend the person’s address or send an innocent courier company driver to collect the card and sometimes provide them with a “replacement” card which is subsequently found to be fake.

■ Therefore, the fraudster has obtained the person’s name, address, full bank details, the card itself and the PIN. The bank cards are then used fraudulently without the victim’s knowledge.

Variations:

■ Fraudsters pretending to be from the police cold calling members of the public claiming to be from the Economic Crime Department and that the person’s bank account has been compromised by criminals. The fraudster suggests that the person should transfer their bank balance into a “safe” police account.

■ Fraudsters pretending to be from the police attending people’s addresses and retrieving the person’s card and PIN.

■ Members of the public receiving letters on bank headed paper informing them that their account has been the subject of a fraud. The letter advises them to transfer their funds to a “safe” account and that an official will be in contact to provide them with a new card and PIN.

■ Fraudsters contacting members of the public requesting them to cut their cards in half because their account has been compromised. They are then asked to post the cut card to an address where fraudsters simply tape the card together again and can use the details to commit fraud.

Prevention Advice: If you receive such a call end it immediately.

Please be aware of the following:

■ Your bank will never attend your home

■ Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card

■ Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN

Reporting Advice: In an emergency dial 999. Please ensure that the line is clear and has a dialling tone before ringing.

(Sources: Metropolitan Police Service; Bromley Cllr Tom Papworth (Lib Dem Crystal Place ward) on Virtual Norwood)

POOREST AREAS HAVE HIGHEST POLLUTION LEVELS

“London’s silent killer causes over 4,000 premature deaths each year”

Official emissions figures show the poorest parts of London suffer with the highest levels of pollution. Now London Assembly Labour group environment spokesperson Murad Qureshi has called on Mayor of London Boris Johnson to take urgent action to tackle poor air quality in London’s poorest areas.

“London has failed to meet the legal requirements for lowering emissions along with Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham” said a Labour group statement. “The Supreme Court ruled last month that Britain was in breach of EU law on NO2 emissions from exhausts. “London continues to have the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of any capital in Europe and the government could be subject to fines if it does not act” he said.

“When it comes to air pollution Boris has his head stuck firmly in the sand. “Poor air quality is London’s silent killer, causing over 4,000 premature deaths each year, with as much as eight per cent of deaths in some London boroughs due to poor air quality. “In the face of this crisis, the Mayor has consistently dithered and kicked action into the future for the next Mayor to deliver.

“Earlier this year he announced a policy for introducing an ultra low emissions zone in central London in 2020. “Not only would this be too little too late, in reality he has been unable to provide any details of this policy because he had not undertaken a feasibility study of his own announcement. “This is grandiose – yet hollow – rhetoric.

Top 20 worst roads for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 can be found here: http://cleanairinlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/CAL-242-Top-20-worst-NO2-tonnes-per-km-in-2012_Final-draft-230613.pdf

Top 20 worst roads for dangerous airborne particles (PM2.5) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 can be found here: http://cleanairinlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/CAL-242-Top-20-worst-PM2.5-tonnes-per-km-in-2012_Final-draft-230613.pdf (Source: London Assembly Labour group press release)

SCOUTS HELP ELDERLY RESIDENT TARGETED BY ROGUE TRADERS FEEL SAFE

A SCOUT GROUP joined forces with the Safer Bromley Partnership to help an elderly man fleeced of more than £10,000 by rogue traders.

Members of the 2nd Orpington Scout Group and their parents helped to clear a very overgrown garden for the 86-year-old after he was burgled, his windows broken and he was targeted by rogue traders.

Bromley council’s community safety team and local police Safer Neighbourhood Team stepped in to ensure that he had new windows fitted. Neighbours and the scout team got involved in cleaning, painting the outside of the house and clearing the forest of a garden.

A Bromley council spokeswoman said: “The work of the partnership with the kind attention of neighbours and the children has given the man a new lease of life. “Criminals are always on the lookout for unkempt properties as they can signify that the occupant could be vulnerable.

“These unscrupulous people think nothing of targeting such people by delivering overpriced shoddy work or breaking in.”

The man, who cannot be named for fear of becoming a further target for criminals, lost a significant amount of money – more than £10,000 – and had almost lost the will to live.
Trading standards are now investigating and hope that they will be able to track down the perpetrators, added the spokeswoman.

Cllr Tim Stevens, executive member for public protection and safety said “It‘s marvellous to see young people getting involved in helping people in their community to lead a better, safer life. “I want to thank everyone involved for doing such a fantastic job for this gentleman.

“This is a fine example of exactly the kind of project I envisaged when I launched my priority around helping vulnerable residents to feel safer in the borough. “But it is outrageous that despicable people took advantage of this elderly gentleman. “I know that the council’s trading standards department will do all they can to bring to justice those involved.”

Heart-warming footnote: “At the end of the mammoth garden clearing session, one of the eight year old scouts gave the elderly gentleman his very last biscuit as a sign of his affection for someone who can now count many among his new friends” said the spokeswoman. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!”

“If you want to get involved in your local community, why not think about volunteering? It doesn’t matter how much free time you can spare or what skills you have, there will be something on offer. “You too can make a real difference in your neighbourhood.” For some ideas visit www.bromley.gov.uk/volunteering

BROMLEY’S EDUCATION COVENANT OUTLINES RESPONSIBILITIES – AND EXPECTATIONS

Bromley council have launched an education covenant to further clarify its role in a rapidly changing education landscape.

The covenant outlines the responsibilities of the council along with its expectations of parents, pupils, governors and school leaders as well as residents and businesses in relation to ensuring our young people get the best possible start in life through their education.

The covenant complements the 17 education commitments approved by a full meeting of Bromley council in January. In the new covenant, the Council states its policies such as supporting schools to become academies and the creation of new ‘free schools’, while outlining its major responsibilities regarding education.

The council retains some 200 statutory duties including ensuring sufficient schools places; that the quality of the education provided is of the highest standard; that our children leave school prepared for a successful and fulfilled adult life and are able to play their part as citizens in a democratic, economically prosperous Britain.

The covenant also states that the council believes that everyone has an obligation to our children and young people. In addition to the expected high standards of teaching, an active involvement from governors and a commitment from pupils themselves to attend regularly and work hard, there is an understanding that parents should take responsibility for the conduct of their children.

In addition, the covenant outlines wider expectations for communities to support their local schools and for businesses to provide input into education and training by offering work experience placements to students.

Cllr Stephen Wells, executive member for education said: “The community has a right to expect that their children are taught by well qualified and highly able teachers guided by outstanding leaders. “We want our schools to be among the best in London and in the country as a whole. In order to fulfil this aspiration, as community leaders, we need to be clear about the responsibilities and expectations of everyone involved in the process of educating our young people and turning them into good citizens for the future.”

Cllr Nicholas Bennett JP, chairman of the education policy development and scrutiny committee said: “We have developed these education commitments to define a clear set of principles for the future direction of education in Bromley. “Our covenant with the people of Bromley is that the council, together with the local community, will work to ensure the highest possible standards of education and achievement for our children and young people.’’

Education commitments agreed at full council on January 21st 2013: http://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=115&MId=4388&Ver=4
Education covenant agreed at full council on July 1st 2013: http://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=115&MId=4462&Ver=4

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TRAVELLERS ‘COULD FACE TOUGHER SANCTIONS’

jerrygreen85 — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 16:23:50 +0000

A GROUP OF TRAVELLERS thrown out of the borough could face tougher sanctions if they return to the same site, say Croydon council.

A total of 15 caravans were moved on by council officers from Lloyd Park, Croydon, on Thursday July 4th.

“As well as being abusive and threatening to council staff, they had been causing damage to the sites they occupied and leaving behind heaps of rubbish” said a council spokesman..

“The extent of this was revealed by the £25,000 clean-up costs required after they stayed at Croydon Athletic Football Ground near Mayfield Road.

“After last week’s eviction, which was also attended by police, they left the borough.”

A new ‘memorandum of understanding’ is now being drawn up between police and the council which could see travellers face arrest if they return to the same location, under powers known as a section 61 notice.

In April the council announced it would apply to the courts to take out an injunction against groups responsible for repeated illegal encampments.

But whereas seeking an injunction would require evidence to be collated and presented to a court, the section 61 powers offer a ‘quick fix’ solution that can take immediate effect, say Croydon.

Cllr Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: “These travellers were a particularly nasty group, who were threatening and abusive. “Thursday’s operation sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in Croydon.

“The pictures illustrate only too well the amount of mess and destruction they unleashed on one of the borough’s green spaces. “In partnership with police, we are taking a hard-line approach to illegal encampments such as these, and these additional powers will enable us to take tough action where necessary.”

Superintendent Rob Atkin, Deputy Croydon police borough commander, said: “We will be working closely with local partners and the council to ensure we’re using the full range of powers available to us all to tackle any illegal encampments on the borough. “Any groups that continue with this behaviour can expect to be dealt with robustly.”

Last year council officers had to deal with 83 unauthorised encampments, which in some cases required bailiffs being brought in to assist, at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £128,000.

Already this year there have been 37 encampments with the majority in parks and on the public highway or council-owned land.

If your batch code is different to 130309, then your kettle is not affected and you can continue to use it safely.

SKUNKWORKS UK

A CRYSTAL PALACE ward councillor has asked what Bromley council’s powers are over a Skunkworks UK shop which has opened on Anerley Road.

Cllr Tom Papworth (Lib Dem) asked what powers council committees have to regulate the activities of shops selling drug paraphernalia and/or legal highs in the borough.

Cllr Tim Stevens, portfolio holder for public protection and safety said: “Current drugs laws do not provide an effective means to effectively tackle the supply of new psychoactive substances (NPS). “Whilst the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 gives powers to police to take action this will only be the case where the NPS contains a controlled substance.

“There are a range of consumer protection laws that might be considered in an effort to tackle NPS. “For example there are a number of offences under the Consumer Protection Regulations 2006 which could be considered, one of which is the omission of important information which the average consumer needs to make a transactional decision.

“An example of an omission which could breach the CPRs could be a failure to state that a product could be damaging to human health. “But in order to circumvent this potential offence, suppliers have provided a clear statement that a product is “plant feeder-not for human consumption”.

“You could also argue that the average consumer in this case, namely a substance abuser, would not normally need that information to make the transactional decision. “In reality, the CPRs and the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSRs) are not going to solve this problem.

“Investigations into the supply of NPS indicate retailers and suppliers are going to extreme lengths to provide test certificates to show products are “legal” or that adequate labelling is used to circumvent legislation in the event they become the subject of interest by trading standards.

“At present there are no licensing laws which would allow the local authority to apply restrictions on the activities of these shops and neither are there any planning laws.”

In a supplementary question Cllr Papworth stated that this was what he had expected to hear, that the Council’s powers were nigh on zero. He asked, in view of the fact that Skunkworks had recently opened a shop in Anerley, what action the portfolio holder and his colleagues had taken to liaise with other organisations active in the borough that might be able to have some impact on whether this shop could trade and to make sure that it did not encourage anti-social behaviour in the area.

Cllr Stevens responded that trading standards were monitoring these shops in Anerley and in High Street, Orpington. Cllr Tony Owen, chairman of the council’s general purposes and licensing committee had been making representations to Jo Johnson, Conservative MP for Orpington, and had asked him to raise this in Parliament. Cllr Stevens hoped that a change in the law could be made so that it was easier to control what these shops were selling and to stop them selling what the Council considered to be harmful drugs.

Cllr Papworth, in a post on Virtual Norwood, says: “As I thought, Bromley council has very little power in respect of this business. “However, I have spoken with the local police and they are monitoring it to make sure that there is no criminality or anti-social behaviour resulting from its operation.”

SKUNKWORKS UK’S WEBSITE, which is accessible to over 18′s only says:

Welcome to the UK’s premier one-stop shop for lifestyle accessories, smoking paraphernalia and adult fun!

Dive in and choose from our amazing selection of products including Pipes, Bongs, Skins, Scales, Books, Tins, Grinders, Vapourisers, Stash, Ashtrays, Rolling Machines, Rolling Accessories, Lighters, Books, Incense, Candles, Clothing, Aromas & much much more…

‘CRIME PREVENTION MAGAZINE’ “RIPPING OFF SMALL TRADERS”

A MANCHESTER firm ripping off traders to the tune of hundreds of pounds has come to the attention of Croydon council’s trading standards department.

Officers are warning local businesses to treat with extreme caution any advances from a company called MJP Design, based at 24 St Margaret’s Road, New Moston, Manchester.

“The trading standards team has learned that callers from MJP contact small businesses and offer advertising in what they refer to as a crime-prevention magazine” say Croydon council. “Enquiries by the team have revealed that the magazine does not exist and is, in fact, a scam.

“To date, officers are aware of one Croydon firm that has been contacted by MJP, though firms from other parts of the country are known to have been conned.

“In the Croydon case, MJP invoiced the firm for £299, which the firm refused to pay. “Since refusal, the firm has received phoned demands from callers claiming to be solicitors acting on behalf of MJP, and pressuring the firm for full payment. “No contact details of the alleged law firm are given.

“Letters written by the council’s team to MJP have been returned, marked “Not at this address”; emails have bounced back; and numerous phone calls have resulted in a male offering assurance of a return call from the manager. “No such return call has been received, though the council’s team remains keen to speak to a representative of the company.

Cllr Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety, said: “This is a scam that crops up every so often, and, sadly, there are always companies that are taken in by the offer of cheap advertising in what they’re told is a magazine with a guaranteed distribution to a targeted, and potentially lucrative, audience.

“It’s known that some companies have been conned on this occasion, although we’re not aware that any Croydon firms have been.

“I’d urge any local business approached by this company to contact our trading standards team. “Also, anybody approached by a firm purporting to sell advertising in a magazine that the customer hasn’t heard of, should proceed with the utmost care, and not part with any money until they’re certain the approach is bona fide.”

To report any suspicious offers of advertising, call Croydon trading standards on 020 8407 1311 or email [email protected].uk (Source: Croydon council press release)

BOARDING RAMPS AT 19 MORE UNDERGROUND STATIONS

BOARDING RAMPS to improve accessibility at 19 stations will be installed by the end of this summer, the Transport for London commissioner has announced.

London Assembly Labour group transport spokeswoman Val Shawcross (London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark said: “Inaccessible transport stops disabled and elderly people getting around London so the installation of ramps at more London Underground stations is very welcome. “The ramps proved to be a great success during the Paralympic Games and I have long campaigned to have them extended across the entire underground network. “That needs to be a priority for the Mayor and Transport for London.

“It’s deplorable that one in 10 Londoners are excluded from public transport in London because of accessibility issues. “Ultimately, accessibility should be a priority across the entire transport network so the elderly, disabled and parents with buggies have the same travel opportunities that other Londoners have.”

Boarding ramps were installed at 16 London Underground stations last summer for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and were retained long-term after proving to be successful.

Step-free platforms with level access on to the train now make up 76 per cent (149 out of 195) of all platforms.

Boarding ramps are currently in use at 16 stations: Hammersmith (H&C), King’s Cross St. Pancras, West Ham, Westminster, Southfields, Wimbledon, Earl’s Court, Fulham Broadway, Stratford, Woodford, Oxford Circus, Queen’s Park, Edgware, Morden, Finchley Central and Stockwell
Over the summer, they will be introduced at the following stations: Caledonian Road, East Ham, Elm Park, Epping, Farringdon, Hainault, Hillingdon, Hounslow East, Kew Gardens, Mile End, Richmond, Rickmansworth, Roding Valley, South Woodford, Theydon Bois, Upney, Uxbridge, West Finchley and Wood Lane
At some stations factors such as the historic design of the platforms and track – particularly where there is a step down from the platform to the train – mean that boarding ramps are not an appropriate solution. TfL is continuing to investigate solutions in these cases
Your Accessible Transport Network is published at tfl.gov.uk/mobility (Sources: London Assembly Labour group press release, Transport for London press release)

NEW HOUSING FORUMS FOR TENANTS TO HAVE THEIR SAY

COUNCIL TENANTS AND LEASEHOLDERS are being invited to meet their housing officers at a series of quarterly open meetings where they can share ideas or discuss any concerns.

The housing services forums will take place quarterly with separate events for residents in the north and south of the borough. Meetings will be informal and mainly consist of open discussions and question and answer sessions.

The first meeting for the north area housing services forum took place on Wednesday July 10th and for the south area on Wednesday July 24th.

A drop in surgery will take place before the meetings, where residents can discuss any personal issues related to housing, such as repairs to their own property, or issues with their rent.

Both meetings will be held at the town hall from 7pm to 9pm, with the surgery at 6pm.

Cllr Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our new housing forums will be a great chance for tenants and leaseholders to come together and tell the council about any housing issues they are having.

“The two meetings this month are the first in a series of quarterly events, and we hope to see as many people come along as possible.”

If you are not sure which forum to attend, or would like further details, call 020 8726 6100 and ask to speak to the resident involvement team or visit www.croydon.gov.uk (Source: Croydon council press release)

LANDLORD FINED FOR FAILING TO CARRY OUT NECESSARY REPAIRS

Landlords who failed to carry out necessary repair work to a house they rented to a mother and her children were fined £1000 and ordered to pay £922 plus £100 victim surcharge in costs at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 19 June 2013.

Afzal Ahmed and Rashma Ahmed did not carry out the required work to their property in Mosul Way, Bromley which resulted in Bromley council having to issue an improvement notice detailing several defects and deficiencies which needed addressing. Mr and Mrs Ahmed were fined for failure to comply with the council’s notice after submitting a guilty plea.

Executive member for public protection and safety Cllr. Tim Stevens said: “We want to make absolutely sure that tenants are safe in homes they rent from private landlords and so we will take firm action to make sure the landlords meet their statutory duty to ensure their properties are in a reasonable condition. “In this case, the landlords did not comply with our improvement notice and so we had no choice but to take them to court. “I hope this will serve as a warning to others who attempt to flout the law in this way.” (Source: Bromley council press release)

HELPING HAND FOR GROWING BUSINESSES

A NEW SCHEME aimed at encouraging expanding companies to relocate to retail or office premises in the centre of Croydon, South End and London Road has been launched by Croydon council.

Firms with up to 250 members of staff are invited to apply for business rates discounts of up to 65 pc in the first year with eligible businesses moving into premises with an annual rateable value of £12,000 or above standing to save tens of thousands of pounds until March 2015, said a Croydon council spokesman.

“Worth a total of £1.14m, the scheme is being funded by the Mayor of London’s £23m regeneration funding for Croydon, and will allow eligible businesses to offset one of the big fixed costs of running a shop or office – and the sooner they join the scheme, the more they can save.

“The initiative aims to encourage businesses that are expanding, but struggling to find affordable commercial space. Central Croydon offers good-quality offices and retail premises.

“The town’s attractions to young businesses include fast transport connections to London and the south-east, good-value homes and a mix of retail outlets and cultural activities.

Among the early successful applicants are financial software specialist Inalytics, and financial stock plan administrator Solium, both of which, coincidentally have moved to Lansdowne Road – though to separate premises. Solium relocated to Corinthian House from Bromley with a staff of 10. That figure has increased to 15, many of them local people, and the company is looking to grow it further.”

Office manager Rand Tomter said: “The company’s been in the UK for a year and was looking for a permanent home to allow it to expand. “Croydon seemed to be an interesting, up-and-coming area with lots of construction and regeneration work going on. “It also has terrific transport links, which is important as we do a lot of business in the City.”

“Inalytics moved across the town centre from its previous location in High Street. Chief operating officer Pete Doyle said the offer of a rates reduction came at just the right time as the company was in the middle of an expansion programme.

“Over the past 15 months we’ve taken on an extra seven people; there are now 20 of us working here, and most are either from Croydon or a little further out,” Pete said “We heard about the business rates relief scheme at about the time we were thinking of looking for larger offices. “We applied, our business plan was approved and we were found to be eligible – I believe we were one of the first.”

Cllr Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for economic development, said: “It’s gratifying to see that businesses are realising the benefits of setting up shop in central Croydon.

“The town centre has so much to offer in terms of trading opportunities, staff recruitment, great transport links, shopping and much more. “Now, with the incentive of business rates relief on top of all that, Croydon is proving very attractive for companies that are beginning to see the first shoots of economic recovery and are confident they can grow their business.”

Businesses wanting to find out more should contact [email protected] (Source: Croydon council press release)

BUSINESSMAN PROSECUTED FOR REFUSING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

A Bromley businessman received a heavy fine at Bromley magistrates court on for his failure to assist council investigators.

The businessman was found guilty of failing to respond to a section 16 notice under the Local Government (miscellaneous provisions) Act and was fined £1,000, £120 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £853 in costs to the Council.

The notice was served in order to trace everyone with financial interests in a business property, so that the council could investigate a noise nuisance associated with the property. Despite many opportunities and reminders, the businessman failed to provide the requested information.

Bromley council’s public protection division brought the prosecution for the failure of the business to comply with the notice and the case was held in the man’s absence following multiple previous court hearings which he had not attended.

Cllr Tim Stevens, executive member for public protection and safety said: “Where businesses fail to respond to statutory notices and therefore obstruct necessary investigations, the council will use the full range of powers available to ensure that a satisfactory conclusion can be achieved.” (Source: Bromley council press release)

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COUNCILLOR LODGES FORMAL COMPLAINT OVER LAMPPOSTS REMOVAL “Croydon council is not here to be served by residents – but to serve residents”

jerrygreen85 — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:15:20 +0000

A NORWOOD councillor has lodged a formal complaint over the removal of lampposts in Mowbray Road where ‘huggers’ found themselves face to face with police after spurious claims of ‘harassment’ by workmen.

Cllr Wayne Lawlor, in a scathing response to an email from Croydon’s head of highways and parking services Mr Steve Iles, says: “Residents and local councillors views do not count for anything at all. “Croydon council needs to get back to the basics and start serving this area and residents, not imposing unwanted change just because a contractor has tied this council up in financial knots.

“Croydon council is not here to be served by residents but to serve residents” says Cllr Lawlor, (Lab. South Norwood). “That ethos seems to be missing in this policy. “That this work has just gone ahead without a response to my query is deeply concerning.

His comments come in the wake of the ‘lamppost huggers’ incident in Mowbray Road (see our story: WORKMEN BLOW A FUSE OVER LAMPPOST HUGGERS – Police called to Mowbray Road amid ‘harassment’ claims dated July 4th) dubbed ”Send in the Light Brigade” by the London Evening Standard.

“Local residents have chained themselves to lampposts to stop these historic features being removed from their area. “This shows the strength of feeling.

“I am quite stunned that Croydon council feels that any dialogue would be pointless because the PFI (private finance initiative) doesn’t permit any flexibility over the contract. “These contracts and projects are tax-payer funded by the same residents whom this council now seeks to disenfranchise.

“It has taken nine weeks for a response, and in the meantime works have gone ahead. “I would like this to be investigated as part of a formal complaint. “Communication on this issue has been appalling both with councillors and residents. “I know that local residents will also be making complaints on the matter.” (Mr Iles’ responses can be found later in this article).

EMAIL FROM NORWOOD SOCIETY’S PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Lawlor’s comments come in the wake of a letter from Philip Goddard, chairman of the Norwood Society’s planning committee, to Mark Richardson,Mowbray Road resident and lamppost hugger.

Mr Goddard tells Mr Richardson: “There is no such entity as a ‘street light conservation area’. “What has happened is that Croydon council have decided to replace all the street lights, with some exceptions, partly to improve the lighting and partly because they can make a lot of money out of selling the old ones for scrap, given the current prices of scrap metal.

“Naturally, they have gone to town on the former motive and kept very quiet over the latter. “It seems that all lighting outside conservation areas is to be replaced,regardless of the harmony and elegance which the older columns may contribute to the street in which they stand, with new columns which may or may not be appropriate to the particular street. “It is clear from

correspondence that they will brook absolutely no exceptions whatever to this.

“The present administration is not conservation minded; one councillor from the majority group recently expressed his opposition to the whole concept of conservation areas, on the grounds that they were a hindrance to large scale redevelopment (which of course is exactly what they are designed to be).

“Conservation areas have been divided up street by street, with the old lighting to be retained in some streets and replaced in others (hence the totally inappropriate term “street light conservation area”, referring to those streets in the conservation area where the older columns are to be retained). “You have asked by reference to what criteria the council has

divided the conservation areas up but I doubt whether you will be told, given the attitude of the present administration.

“So far as Skanska is concerned their function is to make money for their shareholders, not preserve Croydon’s heritage, which is the job of Croydon council. “In short, they will do whatever the latter requires as long as they get paid for it. “A contract between Croydon and Skanska will already have been signed and neither side will be prepared to renegotiate its terms merely because those of us who live in Croydon don’t like them.

“What a bizarre notion; anybody would think we were living in a democracy! “Personally I think this is already a lost cause, but if you feel there is anything more that can be done do share your thoughts.”

EXCHANGE OF EMAILS BETWEEN CLLR LAWLOR AND MR ILES

Mr Iles’ email dated July 5th reads as follows:

Firstly my apologies for the delay in responding to you I thought this response had been sent, for ease I have responded to your questions at the end of each question.

I do understand the points that you have raised in your e-mail. I suggest that comments in the body of your own e-mail reflect the situation at Mowbray Road, “accommodate local character where it has been identified as either an historic asset or an area where an increased specification is required.”

Answer:- As previously stated the financing of the PFI contract does provide limited opportunity to vary the specification in certain specific circumstances accommodate local character where it has been identified as either an historic asset or an area where an increased specification is justified. Mowbray Rd is not a designated conservation area and for the purposes of the PFI it is not identified as an area that justifies or requires an increased lighting specification. It is I unlikely that the existing street lighting stock in Mowbray Rd pre-dates the 1940’s and is therefore not representative of the wider Victorian character of the area.

Given the strength of feeling on what is a major project, I would be grateful if you would consider public meeting of Mowbray Road residents to listen to their views. I would also be grateful if you could outline what consultation has taken place with residents of Mowbray Road.

Answer:- Further additional dialogue via a public meeting to listen to the views of Mowbray Road residents would not be able to exert any influence or alteration of the contractual arrangements and financial limitations of the Street Lighting PFI, and therefore I believe would serve little purpose and may inadvertently raise expectations.

The Councils Street Lighting PFI was agreed by cabinet at its meeting of December 2010. With regard to local character and historic assets, the council carried out a Conservation Area review in 2007-8 which underwent an extensive consultation process involving local residents associations leading to the designation of nine new conservation areas.

Whilst the Church Road Conservation Area was extended as a part of this review it did not extend into the adjacent Mowbray Rd (other than to include No’ 2 Mowbray Rd at its eastern edge). The 16 Places of Croydon were developed as a part of the Core Strategy (Croydon Local Plan) and based on a detailed analysis of local and residential character of the borough, this underwent extensive statutory public consultation during the period 2009-2012.

I would point out that ‘standard solutions’ do not necessarily enhance the character of an area, indeed I have seen many planning applications refused on those grounds.

Answer:- The primary objective of the street lighting PFI project is to provide improvement to lighting within the borough from a technical performance (lighting level & distribution) and energy efficiency perspectives. When the scope and extent of opportunity contained within the PFI was investigated and developed in 2008?, it was agreed that the boroughs statutory designated conservation areas, district centres and the metropolitan centre would be the only areas where a variation to the specification would be accommodated. It was not possible to accommodate additional areas due to the financial limitations contained within the PFI contract. Street lighting does not require planning permission to be installed as its provision is covered under the Highways Act. For ease I have copied the link to the council’s website which provides a copy of the “street lighting project document” which was agreed by the Department of Transport http://www.croydon.gov.uk/transportandstreets/rhps/street-lighting/

In relation to your comments, and I quote “It is important to understand that the street lighting stock is old and in the majority of case is approaching the end of its life“. I can understand that argument, but would question why we are not looking at replacing the Victorian style poles in Mowbray Road, like for like? I wonder what maintenance would be required on the existing lights? I would be grateful for further information, please.

Answer:- the standardisation of the street lighting stock delivers greater efficiencies for future maintenance costs as the suppliers only need to keep a limited stock, this combined with the standard column and lantern being cheaper per unit item than an enhanced street light. In terms of whether we could retain the existing street lighting and maintain them, unfortunately as I mentioned the vast majority of columns around the borough are approaching the end of their life, these means the columns are weakening in structural integrity and therefore are at greater risk of falling over and this is a risk we are unable to take.

I hope this addresses your questions and again my apologies for the delay in responding to you. Regards Steve Iles

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WORKMEN BLOW A FUSE OVER LAMPPOST HUGGERS – Police called to Mowbray Road amid ‘harassment’ claims

jerrygreen85 — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 14:16:50 +0000

RESIDENTS hugged Victorian-style lampposts in Mowbray Road to stop workmen replacing them with unwanted modern ones.

The workmen who had come to change the lampposts responded by calling in police and claiming harassment – sparking the London Evening Standard headline: “Send in the light brigade”.

Mowbray Road resident Mark Richardson, who raised the issue of the lampposts with News From Crystal Palace earlier this year, said: “The police officers were very confused at being told we were being aggressive to the builders.

“There were women and children, it was a spontaneous thing. “We were hugging the lamp posts and saying how nice they are. “But the builders said they were following orders and to speak to the council, who have failed to give us any proper answers.” Police left after finding no offences had been committed.
“I’m livid because we look after our neighbourhood, but the council are vandalising our street. “They have failed to reply to our emails. “The green option must be to upgrade the luminaries i.e. what they say they are going to do in the conservation zone.

“We pay council leader Cllr Mike Fisher’s £65,000 salary.”

One resident, Phil Kendall of Mowbray Road, recently wrote to Croydon council cabinet members Simon Hoar and Phil Thomas branding the changes ‘ tantamount to vandalism. He told them: .”I am writing with concern regarding the removal of the current Victorian style street lights in Mowbray Road

“Your contractors are currently in the process of replacing the existing lights with the new ones. “My view, and the view of many others, is that the works are completely unnecessary, and is tantamount to vandalism. “All that the existing street lights needed was a coat of paint and energy efficient heads/lanterns/bulbs.

“The existing street lights are in keeping with the Victorian nature of the street.

“Last night our old street light outside our property was not working (disconnected perhaps). “This part of the street in now dangerously dark. “The new street lights are too few, too high, and too spread out. They are very bright in one part of the street, whilst other parts of the street are in near darkness.”

And Fox Hill gardens resident Alexis Bleadsdale resident told News From Crystal Palace: “I have recently had some correspondence with Skanska (see below) as I have been informed that my road, Fox Hill Gardens, SE19 2XB, despite being in a conservation area, is not eligible for a street lighting upgrade that is sympathetic to its surroundings – we are being issued with the standard kit.

“Apparently this is because my road does not fall within the ‘street lighting conservation area.’

“If anyone can shed any light on what this area is, and what criteria were used to assess the roads that fall within the area, then I would be most grateful for the information.

“Skanska have not replied to my email queries requesting further information (of which the email below is just the most recent example.)

“We are within the heart of the actual conservation area, and I believe that we should be issued with Windsor lanterns, just like the roads that fall within this mythical ‘street lighting conservation area.’

In another letter Alexis adds: The residents of Fox Hill Gardens are only this weekend (June 29th / 30th) clubbing together to get new gravel delivered and gardening to keep the appearance of the Gardens at its best, and would appreciate the best efforts of the council to maintain the lighting in keeping with its architectural surroundings.
Skanska’s reply reads:

Dear Mr Bleasdale
I am sorry if there is any confusion surrounding conservation areas. The authority have agreed a list of “street lighting” conservation roads of which unfortunately Fox Hill Gardens has not been selected to have enhanced columns installed of which the same applies for Mowbray Road.
Sorry I cannot be of more help in this matter.
Regards
John Algar
PFI (Private Finance Initiative) Contract Manager
Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting PFI Alexis told News From Crystal Palace: “By the way contrary to Skanska’s assumption I’m Miss not Mr.”

Alexis has since written to Croydon council and had a reply from a representative of Cllr Thomas. She sent several questions to Croydon – and got answers back.

What criteria were used to determine eligibility for this zone?

“The financing of the PFI contract does provide limited opportunity to vary the specification in certain specific circumstances (to) accommodate local character where it has been identified as either an historic asset or an area where an increased specification is justified.
“Fox Hill Gardens is not a designated conservation area and for the purposes of the PFI it is not identified as an area that justifies or requires an increased lighting specification.

“It is unlikely that the existing street lighting stock in Fox Hill Gardens pre-dates the 1940’s and is therefore not representative of the wider Victorian character of the area.”

Why were residents not consulted?
“Further additional dialogue via a public meeting to listen to the views of Fox Hill Gardens residents would not be able to exert any influence or alteration of the contractual arrangements and financial limitations of the street lighting PFI, would serve little purpose and may inadvertently raise expectations.
“The council’s street lighting PFI was agreed by cabinet members. “With regard to local character and historic assets, the council carried out a conservation area review in 2007-8 which underwent an extensive consultation process involving local residents associations leading to the designation of nine new conservation areas.

“Whilst the Church Road conservation area was extended as a part of this review it did not extend into the adjacent Fox Hill Gardens. “The 16 places of Croydon were developed as a part of the core strategy (Croydon Local Plan) and based on a detailed analysis of local and residential character of the borough. “This underwent extensive statutory public consultation during the period 2009-2012.”

What steps can be taken now to change or open up the decision to further consultation?

“The primary objective of the street lighting PFI project is to provide improvement to lighting within the borough from a technical performance (lighting level and distribution) and energy efficiency perspectives.
“When the scope and extent of opportunity contained within the PFI was investigated and developed in 2008, it was agreed that the borough’s statutory designated conservation areas, district centres and the metropolitan centre would be the only areas where a variation to the specification would be accommodated. “It was not possible to accommodate additional areas due to the financial limitations contained within the PFI contract. “Street Lighting does not require planning permission as its provision is covered under the Highways act

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‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ DOG OWNERS BEING KEPT ON A TIGHT LEASH

jerrygreen85 — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 13:07:50 +0000

In the first prosecution of its kind by Croydon council, a dog owner has been fined £100 for not keeping his animal on a lead.

The fine comes after the council created dog control orders on all council housing land and any other areas it is responsible for maintaining. The orders are designed to clamp down on animal nuisance and other offences including not cleaning up dog fouling and taking more than four dogs onto land.

Under section 55 of the clean neighbourhoods and environment act 2005, the council has created dog control orders on all council housing land and other land for which the council is responsible and intends to carry out enforcement to ensure that people comply with the orders.

Consequently, the neighbourhood wardens (NWs) have been given delegated authority to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for the following offences:

(a) failing to remove dog faeces;

(b) not keeping a dog on a lead;

(d) permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded;

(e) taking more than four dogs onto land.

In addition the NWs have delegated authority to issue to issue FPNs for litter offences under section 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

Cllr Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said: “This case shows that the council will not hesitate to take action against irresponsible dog owners. “Other residents should not have to suffer when certain individuals refuse to keep their dogs under control.”

The owner was caught letting his dog run loose on the green area behind 1-2B Sunny Bank in South Norwood on 11 July last year. Having previously been warned to keep his animal on a lead, he was told that if he did not pay the £75 fixed penalty notice, which is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, he would face court proceedings. He was also ordered to pay £100 in court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The owner, from Croydon, was found guilty in his absence of the offence at Croydon magistrates’ court, after he failed to respond to a fixed penalty notice issued by council wardens. He also gave a false address when he received the notice. (Source: Croydon council press release)

BROMLEY YOUTH COUNCIL’S ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN IS A SUCCESS

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES have been highlighted as the number one concern for young people in the borough to be tackled by the Bromley Youth Council in their 2013/14 Manifesto.

Members of the youth council presented the key topics on the minds of young people locally at the youth manifesto launch event held in Bromley’s council chamber. Other topics chosen were staying and feeling safe, particularly while travelling around the borough; the availability and knowledge of affordable leisure activities for young people; understanding how tuition fees work and lobbying central government.

The youth council committee had previously canvassed opinions from other elected youth members about their priorities and the manifesto event was an opportunity for any young person in the borough to get involved and have their say.

As well as news about plans for future campaigns, those attending the event also heard about the youth council’s recent high profile anti-bullying campaign. The young councillors succeeded in getting every secondary school in the borough to sign up to an anti-bullying pledge, while raising awareness of the issues, how to combat bullying and where to get help through talks in schools, at youth hubs, and an outreach day held in the Glades Shopping Centre.

Councillors were also engaged in the campaign lending their support by spearheading the development of guidance for students and parents on cyber-bullying in particular which was made available both in the local media and on the Council’s website. This advice can be found at: www.bromley.gov.uk/bullying

(Source: Bromley council press release)

HELP TEENAGERS STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER

The Safer Croydon Partnership (SCP) is seeking 100 volunteers to work alongside council staff and police to help stop young people becoming victims of crime.
The two-week safety campaign runs from Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July, and will focus on the town centre and London Road, between 3 and 5pm, which is when most street crime happens.
The volunteers will work alongside area enforcement officers, parking and housing attendants, youth services, the drug and alcohol outreach team and the police.
They will give young people personal safety tips, tell them how they can report crime and antisocial behaviour and help with litter picking.
Volunteers will also have information on what is going on during the summer months for teenagers.
Cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Simon Hoar said: “Most victim and offenders involved in street crime are young men aged 15 to 19. “The campaign aims to help raise safety awareness, increase the number of arrests, and to decrease the fear of crime.”
The volunteers will also be teaming up with students from Croydon College’s public services course. The students have devised a community safety questionnaire to find out how safe people feel, and what could be done to make them feel safer.
The feedback from this will be given to the SCP to help influence future plans.
Croydon Neighbourhood Watch, Croydon Voluntary Action, faith groups, South London Citizens, South London Traders, street pastors and West Croydon Community Forum are already involved in these plans.
If you would like to volunteer contact Tariq Gad on 020 8604 7032, or email [email protected]. (Source: Croydon council press release)

IMPROVED FIGURES MEAN IMPROVED FIGURES

Residents in Croydon are living more active lifestyles according to new figures released this week.

A national league table shows that more local people are taking up sport and exercise in their bid to get fit and healthy and cut down on excess weight.

Just-released Sport England figures measuring participation in sport and physical activity show that Croydon is 12th in the table of most-improved local areas in London. It has also gone up 77 places nationally in the past four years.

The council’s role in boosting people’s participation in sports and activity has included the creation of a new national league basketball club, installation of several free-to-use outdoor gyms in parks and the opening of the new £15m Waddon Leisure Centre. The popularity of the council’s volunteer-led health walks, which are some of the most active in London, is another pointer to the team’s successes. Over the summer the team from the Central Library ‘healthy living hub’ will be going out to several Croydon parks with a healthy living roadshow.

The achievements of young people in competitive sport are also pointing to the widespread adoption of increasingly healthy lifestyles, say the council. Last year, Croydon lifted the Jubilee Trophy when it came top in the London Youth Games, and the borough’s disabled athletes were also victorious in the disability games competition.

A new campaign, MI Change, sees the council offering a free 12-week support programme designed to help get people more active. This programme will be tailored to individual needs and will use simple, achievable goals to motivate participants and encourage them to continue after the initial sessions. Six months of further back-up and support will help people stay on track.
Cllr Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “These results are really very encouraging. “We know Croydon will always find it hard to match the results of smaller and more generally affluent parts of the UK. “But the improvements our residents have achieved in comparison to the rest of the country in some part reflect the huge amount of effort that the council’s sports development team puts in.

“I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of the activities on offer in Croydon. “Walking is also a great way to boost fitness levels and Croydon has some fantastic parks and open spaces for people to enjoy for a few hours or a whole day out.”

The latest participation figures are drawn from the National Active People survey, which is used to measure adult participation in sport and physical activity.

Croydon now stands at 18th in the London league table and at 231st in the national table. This is an improvement of 77 places on four years ago when the borough sat at number 308.
21.9 per cent of Croydon residents currently do 3 x 30minutes moderate intensity exercise each week, up nearly two per cent since last year when the figure was 20.1pc.
MI (Motivational Interview) Change is a recognised method that engages people’s intrinsic motivational instincts in order to encourage them to change their behaviour for their personal benefit. To sign up for MI Change call 020 8667 8414 or email [email protected]. (Source: Croydon council press release)

PENGE RESIDENT FAILED TO DECLARE STUDENT GRANTS AND LOANS

A Penge resident who was caught defrauding Bromley council through a data matching exercise will have to pay back £11,000 in housing and council tax benefit.

A National Fraud data match exercise led to an investigation that showed he had failed to notify the council he had received student grants and loans. Cllr Neil Reddin chairman of Bromley’s audit committee said: “We will use techniques such as data matching to bring these cheats to justice and protect our public funds for those in genuine need.”

The resident, of Anerley Road, Penge, pleaded guilty at Bromley magistrates court to defrauding Bromley Council out of £11,000 in housing and council tax benefit for the period October 2011 to February 2013. He was sentenced to a 12 month community order requiring 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. As well as having a criminal record he will be required to pay back the overpayment.

This case brings the total of Bromley benefit claimants prosecuted to 329 since the Bromley and Greenwich councils started working in partnership to track, trace and prosecute benefit fraudsters. Anyone with information about a suspected benefit fraud should contact (in strict confidence) the Fraud Hotline on 0800 169 6975 or email [email protected]

CROYDON WINS ‘INNOVATION IN SOCIAL CARE’ AWARD

Croydon has scooped a prestigious local government prize for finding innovative ways of providing adult social care.

The council came top in the category for innovation in social care at the MJ magazine awards, attended by almost 1,000 people from local authorities across the UK.

Croydon impressed the judges with its innovative work to provide high-quality services despite contending with increasing demand for adult health care and reducing budgets.

The triumph follows the successful delivery of a five-year efficiency programme in adult social care services, which has included redesigning services and coming up with new ways of providing cares; saving the council more than £27m.

Key innovations have included developing Croydon Care Solutions, the council’s local authority trading company and redesigning care packages to help and support people to live as independently as possible by making their own choices and having control over their own support.

Cllr Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “We are delighted to win this award and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the council’s adult social care staff, led by executive director Hannah Miller, for their contribution in achieving this success.

“This has been a radical change programme that has made significant savings while ensuring the care we provide to each individual remains at an excellent standard.

“The main aim of our approach has been to help people live as independently as possible, and allow them to be able to make their own choices and choose the support they want.”

The awards, which this year mark their 10th anniversary, were presented by BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Justin Webb. (Source: Croydon council press release)

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