Photo:miskan
McDonald’s in Croydon seems to be taking a leaf out of Burger King’s book by flame grilling…
A fire broke out in the Collonades, Purley Way branch of McDonald’s yesterday afternoon at around 4:20pm, leaving up to 200 people out in the cold, as the fast food restaurant and surrounding buildings, including a gym, were evacuated. (more…)
Photo: Andy Pag with his trusty Biotruck The Biotruck Expedition
A Croydon environmental activist faces up to three years in jail in northern India, for using a satellite phone.
Andy Pag from Thornton Heath was forced to abort plans to travel the world in a vehicle run from vegetable oil, after spending all his money on legal fees.
The campaigner was arrested on January 13 in Rajasthan for violating local communication laws. He was given a bail of 40,000 rupees (£540) but is still awaiting trial after almost two months.
He was initially charged with terrorism offences, carrying a jail sentence of up to 10 years, but reported on his Twitter account that these had been dropped.
His plight contrasts with that of a Polish man arrested for a similar offence; Bronobis Robert was fined 1,000 rupees and released after only a day’s trial. Police said he was dealt with rapidly because he did not have any “ill intentions.”
Mr Pag, who has dual Italian and British nationality, has driven through France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Greece. He used more than 500 litres of fuel made from used cooking oil found thrown out by restaurants along the journey.
On his blog, Mr Pag describes The Biotruck Expedition as “a 12 month expedition to drive around the world to discover how people are using and generating energy, and their attitudes towards carbon emissions… I want to see if I can travel on a sustainable carbon budget.”
He is appealing for people to write to the Indian Minister of Home Affairs, the Indian High Commissioner in London and the Indian High Commissioner in Rome to put pressure on the investigating officer, Superintendent Tak of Ajmer police, Rajasthan, to speed up the trial.
To help, email Mr P Chidambaram, the Indian Minister of Home Affairs on hm@nic.in, Mr Nalin Surie, the Indian High Commissioner in London on administration@hcilondon.in and Mr Arif Shahid Khan, the Indian Ambassador in Rome on gen.email@indianembassy.it.
Central Croydon. Photo: Mark Grealish
Croydon has announced the lowest council tax increase in the authority’s history, along with their spending plans for the year. (more…)
Police have issued a new appeal for witnesses and information in the hunt for the killer of a man who was murdered in South Norwood on Valentine’s Day.
Mark Corcoran, 26, died at Subitha Food and Wine shop on Whitehorse Lane, near Crystal Palace FC ground, Selhurst Park.
It is believed Mr. Corcoran, from Croydon, was stabbed within 100 yards of the shop at about 8.20pm before staggering there for help. Emergency services were called but Mr. Corcoran was pronounced dead at the scene.
The murder investigation is headed by Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command in Lewisham.
DCI Lyons said: “We know that Mr. Corcoran attended a wedding on Valentine’s Day and we are appealing for anyone who has knowledge of his attendance at this wedding or his movements throughout the day to come forward.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area of the Crystal Palace football ground, particularly after 7.30pm, who may have seen or heard anything.”
At this stage the police are keeping an open mind regarding any motive for the assault.
Initial enquiries led to the arrest of a man in his forties two days after the killing. He has been released on police bail until mid-March.
Three potential witnesses who are visible in CCTV footage from the shop have also been traced after an appeal last week.
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 4961, or can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
MorgueFile
Croydon’s Children Library is organizing a young storytellers competition aimed at youngsters who are 7-10 years old. The challenge set for the young writers is to retell their favorite fairytale with a new creative and modern twist.
The theme of the competition is ‘familiar characters in unfamiliar situations’ and the organizers want traditional stories with new plots and unlikely fresh touches. Library Children’s Manager Sue Towley explains: “An example of a modern story could be Prince Charming using a mobile phone or trying to find Cinderella in a McDonald’s”.
This is a contest for youngsters to use their imagination and memory. By having the opportunity to take control of the stories, children will be encouraged to read more. Towley said: “This event will promote Library use and creative writing”.
Entries must be in before the 22nd of February and the judging will be completed before World Book Day on March 4th. Prizes of shopping vouchers for use in the Whitgift Centre will be awarded for the most creative and well-told tales.
Entry packs are available from children’s libraries, by phone 020 8726 6900, or via e-mail: children@croydon.gov.uk . They can also be found on the Internet at www.croydon.gov.uk/fairytales
St. Mary's ancient dress code has been updated. Photo: TheirHistory
A school in West Croydon has finally taken the decision to allow its female pupils to wear trousers rather than skirts, after “decades” of protest. (more…)
Kissing in Croydon can earn you a free swim. Photo: Purley Swimming Pool
Purley Swimming Pool in Croydon has abandoned the age-old swimming pool rule of “No heavy petting” in favour of (more…)
Scamnesty bin to collect scam mails. Photo: Xiaming
The Office of Fair Trading is joining forces with Croydon Council this month to help fight fraudsters.
‘Scamnesty 2010′ calls (more…)
Croydon has failed to meet 2010 pregnancy reduction target. Photo: Flickr
Teenage pregnancy rates remain high in Croydon despite a national drive, the council admitted.
The Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was launched 11 years ago, and was designed to cut the under-18 conception rate by half. However, Croydon, among London’s worst areas for teenage pregnancies, has failed to meet the target.
Hundreds have appealed against Croydon motoring fines. Photo: Flickr
Hundreds of motorists caught using a Croydon bus lane will appeal against fines running into thousands of pounds, claiming traffic queues left them no alternative.
Over £44,000 of fines were handed out by Croydon Council to drivers caught driving in the bus lane on Tamworth Road to avoid traffic near the town’s Centrale Shopping Centre.
