THE DURRELLS OF CORFU, CROYDON………
Residents of Croydon may have noticed a couple of local scenes in the opening episode of the new Sunday night ITV series ‘The Durrells’.
Hurst Way and the Royal Russell School – masquerading as locations in Bournemouth – both featured before the family took off for Corfu.
Securing these locations for ‘The Durrells’ was managed by FilmFixer, the company that runs Croydon Film Office on behalf of the council. They also negotiated donations to a local church and to residents, as well as helping two young people who are looking to work in film get a day’s work experience on the set.
Hurst Way resident Tim Stanack said: “The donation contributed to a Christmas party, bringing together 100 of our neighbours. “It was such a success that we’re planning a street party now for spring, to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.
“It was very pleasant to learn how much we had in common and how we enjoyed one another’s company. “But it took the donation to prompt so many of us to get together in this way.”
FilmFixer director Karen Everett said: “We were really pleased to hear residents telling us how considerate and accommodating the crew was. Providing some on-set experience was a marvellous opportunity for local young people, and we are always grateful to productions that make this possible.” (Source: Croydon council press release)
….AND UPPER NORWOOD!
The Durrells briefly lived in Dulwich and Upper Norwood in the late 1920s – early 1930s. They lived at 43 Alleyn Park circa 1928 before moving early in 1930 to a flat in the grounds of the Queen’s hotel, Church Road, Upper Norwood. The Queen’s hotel would form the basis of the Regent hotel in Lawrence Durrell’s ‘The Black Book’.
WARNING ON ‘COUNCIL TAX BANDING’ SCAM
Bromley council are warning residents to be vigilant regarding a council tax re-banding scam which is being operated around the borough.
The council say they have received a number of reports from residents who have been contacted by a company claiming to be working for Bromley council.
The company is offering to get a reduction in council tax banding for the householder which they say would trigger a refund in council tax. The company demands an upfront fee of £65.
Bromley’s head of trading standards Rob Vale said: “The company is unlikely to challenge your band and may also misrepresent your rights and obligations.
“Bromley are not working with any company in respect of council tax banding and you can, if you wish, have your tax band checked free by contacting your local valuation office on 0300 050 1501.
“Under no circumstances should anyone be giving out bank details to these callers.”
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of this scam should report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. (Source: Bromley council press release)
CROYDON NAMED IN TOP TEN ‘DIGITAL COUNCILS’
Croydon council have been listed among the top ten local authorities in the UK for the way it has used technology to improve access to services and relieve financial pressures on its front line operations.
Every year the Digital Leaders 100 list is published to recognise organisations and individuals that have embraced the digital revolution across the public, private and charity sectors.
The council has been working for several years to find the best ways of putting much of its work online. It provides over 300 different services to its 380,000 residents and 22,000 businesses.
Its MyAccount registration system now has well over 140,000 registered users who are able to make a wide range of payments or applications without the need for a phone call or a visit to council offices. The MyCroydon smartphone app is also used by thousands of people to report environmental problems in their neighbourhoods and to catch up on local news and information items.
The authority has worked recently to help residents and businesses take advantage of digital opportunities through its ‘Go ON Croydon’ initiative. This is a year-long programme led by the council to make sure that everyone in our borough has basic digital skills.
Croydon is the first London borough to partner with Go ON UK and alongside a number of partners including major private sector organisations, SME’s, housing associations, charities, and local residents groups some 300 volunteers give their time to help people make more use of technology in their everyday lives.
Following the announcement of this list each year a public vote is used to put the 100 names into a final order. These votes are combined with the views of a panel of 10 eminent judges who are all leading digital experts.
Voting is open until 27 May at www.digileaders100.com/vote.
A spokesperson for the awards said: “The DL100 Awards honour the highest achievements from the past year, celebrating teams and individuals who are blazing a trail within the digital space.”
(Source: Croydon council press release)