Ottaway 'encouraged' by minister's response to NHS Croydon questions

January 22, 2014, 10:15 am

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RICHARD Ottaway says he was "encouraged" by a health minister's latest response to questions about the financial scandal at NHS Croydon. A week after raising the issue in the House of Commons, the Croydon South MP again grilled health minister Jane Ellison on why no one had been held responsible, this time during a debate at Westminster Hall on Tuesday. Ms Ellison acknowledged the case - which saw Croydon post a £28 million misstatement of its accounts in 2010/11 - was "extremely catastrophic" and promised to investigate further. She then noted measures which have been introduced to ensure it does not happen again. The investigation into the scandal was dogged by the refusal of key players, including former chief executive Caroline Taylor, to answer questions about what happened. Following the debate, Sir Richard said: "I am encouraged by Ms Ellison's feedback – she fully admitted this situation was a mess and is obviously taking it very seriously. "Positive changes that have been made to the running of finances across NHS London as a result of the Croydon catastrophe, but we are still no closer to holding anyone in charge at the time to account. "It is scandalous that people in charge of the PCT's accounting at the time have moved on to other jobs in the NHS and are immune from being questioned. "Clearly there is a statutory flaw if even a secretary of state can't force them to give evidence, and I strongly believe something should be done about it."

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Croydon gets nearly £500,000 for cycling improvements

January 22, 2014, 11:04 am

≫ Next: THE ADVERTISER SAYS: Forget the platitudes, Croydon must own up to its youth crime problem

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CROYDON has been awarded nearly £500,000 by the Mayor of London to make cycling improvements. The money will be available over three years and will go toward bike parking spaces, cycle and driver training as well as other initiatives to encourage people to take up cycling. In total the Mayor's office has awarded more than £17 million to fund schemes to make cycling safer and more accessible across London. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "We are engaging in a vast £1 billion programme of improvements to transform cycling in London. "Making some of this money available directly to the boroughs will help ensure that cycling developments reach communities in the capital. "These local schemes will add to the innovative measures we've already announced, including enhanced cycling superhighways, urban 'quietways' for more cautious cyclists, and turning some outer boroughs into mini-Hollands. "All 32 boroughs and the City of London bid for, and received funding through our Borough Cycling Programme to create more cycle parking, cycling training and driving training, all of which will help deliver significant cycle safety improvements." Croydon has been allocated £491,200, less than other boroughs such as Westminster (£938,000), Newham (£905,000) and Lambeth (£712,000), but more than neighbours Sutton (£398,640) and Merton (£387,000).

THE ADVERTISER SAYS: Forget the platitudes, Croydon must own up to its youth crime problem

January 22, 2014, 11:44 am

≫ Next: FANS VIEW: Should Crystal Palace stick with Joel Ward in midfield, or put him back in the defence?

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FOUR children have been stabbed in Croydon within the space of SIX days. There is no dressing this up, no underplaying it - this is an absolutely shocking and unacceptable statistic. Disappointingly, politicians and police chiefs reacted to these incidents with plenty of platitudes and fairly empty buzz-phrases surrounding "community reassurance". Beneath this bluster and behind closed doors, let's hope the issue is being taken seriously by our lawmakers. When kids - for that's what both the victims and perpetrators are -feel the need to carry knives, you know there is clearly an issue. The media is regularly and tediously blamed for whipping up a frenzy and the so-called fear of crime on these occasions, but this is utter nonsense - crime itself creates fear of crime, not journalists. Of course there is an onus on us to be responsible and set the right context. Crime in Croydon, as a whole, is falling and we're not yet anywhere near the sort of open gang warfare which poisoned our streets five or six years ago. But this doesn't mean we should bury our heads in the sand and, as we suggested on these pages last week, hide behind our shiny new Westfield shopping centre and bright, sparkly council HQ. Any town where four kids can be stabbed in the space of a week (one of them a 12-year-old, for goodness sake) has a problem. It just does, end of debate. Lots of great work is being done by charities, volunteers and youth workers, to engage with young people and steer them away from this sort of path. And, as we've said before, some great things are happening in our town (including that shiny shopping centre) which could lead us to an exciting and prosperous future. But this underlying spectre of youth violence must be addressed - before someone is killed. The real responsibility lies with the police, our politicians and other decision-makers, to tackle this problem. Actually admitting we have a problem would be a good start.This piece, written by editor Glenn Ebrey, is taken from Friday's Croydon Advertiser, which also includes a special report on the stabbings and views on what can be done to tackle youth crime in Croydon.

FANS VIEW: Should Crystal Palace stick with Joel Ward in midfield, or put him back in the defence?

January 23, 2014, 5:46 am

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IN HIS latest column, Robert Sutherland poses the question - is Joel Ward better off at right-back or in the heart of the midfield? HE'S our best right-back. Pacy, quick-witted, determined and yet incredibly fair. He also spent much of the early season rated as one of the league's most dependable defenders. Joel Ward really is a great full-back. Logic would have dictated that Ward would move back into his defensive position once the midfield got over its injury worries. Yet here we are, with O' Keefe, Bannan, Guedioura and co available and champing at the bit, only to see Ward continue in his midfield role. It's to Ward's credit that he continues to feature alongside Mile Jedinak. The same qualities that make him a great defender are also the ones which make him a highly capable midfielder. Take into account that he's also a very accomplished passer of the ball and that he's actually had a shot or two in recent weeks and you can see why Tony Pulis continues to select him in the position. Perhaps the question should be whether the midfielders that we have who aren't featuring as a result of Ward's repositioning into the centre should consider whether they're surplus to requirements. What we have learnt in the last month or so is that Pulis doesn't suffer fools and that he does have very specific requirements about what his players do. One player currently out of the side is Barry Bannan, who told this newspaper that he wasn't happy not to be involved in matches. Understandably, Bannan could be considered an unlucky victim of Pulis' arrival, especially given the way he performed while Keith Millen was in temporary charge. The problem for Bannan is one of not suiting Pulis' specific requirements for his midfield players. In essence, he's not Ward. He has a great eye for a pass, is a considerable attacking presence but lacks aggression and the kind of intensity the former Stoke boss is famed to like. He also doesn't have the pace to fit in as a winger, nor does he have the kind of instinct you need to be a regular goalscorer. In a more open and relaxed team, Bannan would be the ideal midfield choice. But this is a Pulis midfield. While Bannan is missing out, Ward's move to the middle has opened up an opportunity for Adrian Mariappa, who hasn't disappointed, and it could in turn give summer signing Jack Hunt a chance once he returns from injury. For every player that sees a door close, another player sees one open.

UPDATED: Delays after tram was 'dewired' outside East Croydon Station

January 23, 2014, 8:04 am

≫ Next: Exclusive: Police shoot dog dead in New Addington

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TRAM services were suspended for around three hours this afternoon (Thursday) after part of a tram snapped off near East Croydon Station. The pantograph of the tram snapped loose from the overhead cables, leaving the tram stationary and blocking the track. There was no service between Wellesley Road and Sandilands from 2pm until around 5pm, as the problem was fixed. Lizsheppardjourno (@LizSheppardJone) said on Twitter there had been a "cracking sound" before the pantograph sheered off. She also posted: "Tram by E #Croydon station has had its aerial detached. Happened 2 secs ago, tram stationary, gonna cause hold-ups. Never seen this!" Valid tickets were accepted on buses, while the trams were out of service.

Exclusive: Police shoot dog dead in New Addington

January 23, 2014, 8:32 am

≫ Next: Crimewatch features Warlingham well victim Damian Chlywka

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POLICE have shot and killed a dog while making an arrest in New Addington. The dog, called Blaze, was shot after officers forced their way into a house in Windham Avenue at around 3pm yesterday (Wednesday). According to a Met spokesman officers called a dog unit to the scene after the one-year-old French mastiff/pit bull terrier cross became aggressive. The specialist officers were unable to calm the animal down so armed police were called and the dog was the shot. Blaze's owner, Shannon-Marie Henery, 17, said the dog was her "world". "I can't believe the police have shot my puppy," she told the Advertiser. "The only time he showed aggression was if someone knocks at the door or he hears a loud noise and he barks because he protects his home. "He was a playful loving puppy. As you can tell from the pictures he was my world. "I treated him like a baby. Our bond together was mad, it really was." In a statement released today, police say they had attended the address to arrest a 17-year-old boy wanted in connection with aggravated burglary and robbery offences. Officers forced entry to the house and the teenager was arrested. A spokesman added: "A dog was acting aggressively toward officers. "A specialist police dog unit attended, but were unable to restrain the dog. "Armed officers were subsequently called and the dog was shot and killed." The spokesman confirmed that no officers had been injured during the incident. Shannon-Marie, who is not connected in any way with the criminal investigation, confirmed that Blaze had been shot on New Addington Pathfinders Facebook page earlier today (Thursday). She wrote: "Just got a phone call. Yes it's true, my puppy did get shot and for no reason. "He backed away from the police but was still barking at them, as they shot him my cousin saw it all happen. This is wrong, I'm taking things further. "There was no dead bodies, weapons, drugs, etc in my house. "If people wanna lie and stir things up then do so but I've been told the truth." She added: "Hopefully can get his ashes and find out why this was done so he can rest in doggy heaven. There was no need for this." Blaze was at the address because he had been staying there while Shannon lived at her uncle's house in Caterham. The 17-year-old arrested during the incident remains in custody at a south London police station.

Crimewatch features Warlingham well victim Damian Chlywka

January 23, 2014, 8:40 am

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THE death of a man whose decomposed body was found hidden in a well in Warlingham has featured on BBC's Crimewatch. Damian Chlywka, 32, was discovered wrapped in tarpaulin in a well at a house in Audley Drive by a gardener from New Addington on November 15. Police launched a murder investigation, identifying his body a fortnight later. They determined that Mr Chlywka had come to the UK in 2008 and had lived in at least two Croydon addresses, and that his body had been in the well for around two years. They issued a fresh appeal for information via the BBC One programme on Wednesday. While it was already known he had suffered injuries consistent with an assault, the appeal said he had been "severely beaten, and had many broken bones". Mr Chlywka was wrapped in a blue plastic sheet and appeared to have been bound around the wrists. An unregistered Oyster Card, found in his clothing, had last been used on April 27 2011 - which corresponds with his last known sighting. The programme revealed more details about Mr Chlywka's background. He was born in Glogow in south west Poland. Police believe he came to the UK in response to a job advert. He worked consistently until the time of his disappearance in March 2011, for a number of businesses in Croydon and Surrey, including car valeting and as a builder. The house where he was discovered had been used as accommodation for Polish workers since 2006. As a result, over 80 Polish men have lived there. A large number of other Polish men have used the house as a drinking venue. Any of these could be a witness to, or suspect involved in the murder, the police said. Nine people arrested in connection with the murder are currently on bail as the investigation continues.

Passenger attacks rail worker after Oyster card rejected

January 23, 2014, 9:41 am

≫ Next: TRANSFER TALK: Crystal Palace linked with move for Brighton star Will Buckley

≪ Previous: Crimewatch features Warlingham well victim Damian Chlywka

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POLICE are hunting for a man who assaulted a railway station worker after being told his Oyster card was not working. The man, who is believed to have started his journey in Thornton Heath, also stole a cash bag from his victim. British Transport Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident at Clapham Junction on Saturday, December 28 at 8.50am. Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, the investigating officer, said: "A man got into a dispute with a member of rail staff after he was told that his Oyster card was not working. "The man put his hand into the victim's pocket and took out a mobile phone, a set of keys and a cash bag. "He then pushed the member of staff and went through the gates before throwing the mobile phone and keys at the victim." "The man ran out of the station with the cash bag and we believe he started his journey at Thornton Heath station. "I'd urge anyone who recognises the man, or has information that could help officers with the investigation, to please contact us." Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting background LSA/B9 of 23/01/14. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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TRANSFER TALK: Crystal Palace linked with move for Brighton star Will Buckley

January 23, 2014, 10:30 am

≫ Next: No Crystal Palace return for Wilfried Zaha, as Cardiff loan move nears for Manchester United winger

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NOT content with condemning Brighton to another season in the Championship, Crystal Palace could be about to pinch one of their best players. Tricky winger Will Buckley has been linked with a move to SE25 in this month's transfer window, with boss Tony Pulis keen to boost his attacking options. The 24-year-old is also reportedly a target for Sunderland, who are managed by former Brighton manager Gus Poyet. A bid of £2 million could be enough to persuade Brighton to sell Buckley, who has scored just one goal in a season interrupted by injury so far. Buckley was particularly impressive in Brighton's 3-0 win over Palace in March, with a hand in creating the first two goals.

No Crystal Palace return for Wilfried Zaha, as Cardiff loan move nears for Manchester United winger

January 23, 2014, 10:38 am

≫ Next: Croydon Tories' ill-judged tweet proclaims 'Crime is down again!' (in week FIVE youths have been stabbed)

≪ Previous: TRANSFER TALK: Crystal Palace linked with move for Brighton star Will Buckley

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WILFRIED Zaha looks almost certain to join Cardiff City on loan from Manchester United. The two clubs have reached agreement on the deal, with Zaha reportedly undergoing a medical in the Welsh capital today (Thursday). This appears to end any chance of Zaha making a fairytale return to Selhurst Park in this campaign. Boss Tony Pulis and chairman Steve Parish had both admitted an interest in bringing the winger back to Palace, but United manager David Moyes told Pulis he wasn't keen on Zaha coming back to London. He joins Cardiff with the Welsh side currently rock bottom of the Premier League. Since his £15m move to Old Trafford, Zaha has been limited to cameo appearances from the bench, mostly in cup competitions - despite United's struggles this campaign. He has yet to start a league game for United.

Croydon Tories' ill-judged tweet proclaims 'Crime is down again!' (in week FIVE youths have been stabbed)

January 23, 2014, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Thornton Heath stabbing SIXTH in ten days in Croydon

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CROYDON'S Conservative Party have been accused of insensitivity - for bragging about improved crime stats in the same week five young people have been stabbed in four separate attacks. The attacks on victims aged 12 to 18, including last week's double stabbing at the Whitgift Centre, have shocked Croydon and led to a fresh wave of concern from parents and youth workers about violent crime among young people. So this would seem an odd time for Croydon Conservatives, @CroydonTories, to post the following tweet: "Crime is down again!... Overall fell by 10%. It is the lowest since survey began in 1981." The tweet, posted on Thursday afternoon, also included a link to a BBC article, on the national crime survey published today, along with a Conservative Party graphic showing some of the key statistics, including a 22 per cent drop in knife crime nationwide. But not everyone was impressed with the timing of the tweet. @DavidWhite wrote in response: "@CroydonTories out of touch again, tweeting that knife crime is down in a week when 5 young people have been stabbed in Croydon." @ArfurZTowcrate added: "Crime is down say @CroydonTories overlooking 5 kids stabbed in 8 days."

Thornton Heath stabbing SIXTH in ten days in Croydon

January 25, 2014, 2:35 am

≫ Next: Son of Malcolm Wicks: 'Being Croydon MP was dad's dream job'

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A 21 year old man was rushed to hospital last night after he was stabbed in Thornton Heath. Police were called to Woodville Road at 7.12pm yesterday (Friday) to reports of a stabbing. London Ambulance also attended the scene and took the man to a south London hospital as a priority with stab wounds to his back. They are not thought to be life threatening or life changing.

Son of Malcolm Wicks: 'Being Croydon MP was dad's dream job'

January 25, 2014, 3:00 am

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HAVING represented Croydon North as MP for 20 years and served in two Prime Ministers' cabinets, Malcolm Wicks enjoyed a rich and rewarding political career. But as his autobiography, published this week, reveals, perhaps his most important contribution was made while working as a junior civil servant in 1976. Then, Mr Wicks disclosed plans by the Callaghan Labour government to drop a pledge to introduce child benefit, leading to a U-turn. It is a fascinating new insight into the character of a man who went on to be regarded as a politician of deep integrity. Mr Wicks, who died of cancer in September 2012 aged 65, wrote his autobiography in the last year of his life. His son, Roger Wicks, who edited the book, said it had enabled his family to reflect on his father's achievements. He said: "He decided to write an autobiography after being told he had a year to live. He didn't know how many people would be interested or what reaction it would get, but he thought it would be nice for family and friends as a memento. "There was shock and grief when he died because it wasn't his time, but the book has helped a lot. "It's not just that people have the chance to learn about his life, but I've found reading his stories wonderful. I've read it four or five times and it keeps making me laugh and smile." The book – called My Life – covers Malcolm's childhood, including his time at a boarding school in Guernsey before studying for a degree in social science at the London School of Economics. He went on to work at the University of York, the Centre for Environmental Science and then to lecture in social administration at Brunel. It was while working as an analyst at the Home Office in 1976 that he leaked Labour's plans to can the introduction of child benefit to the now Labour MP Frank Field. The memoirs also details how he met his wife Maggie, and how he discovered the other love of his life, politics, including tentative attempts to become an MP in Derby before beating the odds in 1987 to win Labour's selection in what was then Croydon North West. The book focuses on his career following election in 1992 including serving in the cabinets of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, where he served variously as minister of state for pensions, energy and science and innovation. The memoirs also outline the genesis of the Carers (Recognition and Services Act), his 1995 private member's bill. It was his indelible mark on the statute book but, typically for a man who kept his cabinet leak between a very small group of friends, he describes the legislation as only a "modest first step" in recognising the importance of carers. "He was very driven and convinced it was the responsibility of an MP to bring about change," said Roger. "Because he loved his job he carried on right to the end. He had friends advising him to stand down and relax, but he was determined to carry on. "Being an MP was his dream job. He loved every aspect of it, from Parliament and his ministerial career, to representing people in Croydon. If anything he worked harder than ever after his diagnosis, because he started writing the book. "At one point we had a chat because he realised his time was running out. He had this great line about being 'up against a bit of a deadline'. So he was reflective while writing, but very positive as well." Mr Wicks eventually became too ill to write in the same depth about his later life as he did of growing up and his route into politics. Certain topics are left relatively uncovered, such as his election victory in 1992, and the second half of the book is completed with a selection of his essays. Alison Butler, a Labour councillor and Mr Wicks' office manager for 20 years, said: "This is Malcolm's story and his voice really comes across when you read it. His passing away after such a quick illness was incredibly painful, but now is the time to look back and see what he achieved."

Red tape meant Sanderstead woman could not give birth at hospital

January 25, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Two teenage brothers charged over double Whitgift Centre stabbing

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A MOTHER was forced to give birth at home – because a midwife was not allowed to cross the borough boundary to take her to hospital.

Emma Clark gave birth to Oscar on December 28 at her house in Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead.

She was booked in to have the baby at the Princess Royal University Hospital, in Farnborough, but went into labour very quickly and called an ambulance.

"It was very unexpected to have my first baby at home," she said. "I called the hospital when my labour started and they said give it another hour.

"Then we rang again 40 minutes later when my labour was getting stronger and they told me to call an ambulance.

"They arrived pretty quickly but were told by Princess Royal not to move me without a midwife there."

However, as much as they waited, the midwife never arrived.

Mrs Clark, 26, said: "There was some sort of mix-up in the communication. The paramedics kept calling and being told the midwife was only ten minutes away.

"But this happened for two hours and eventually the paramedics had to help deliver the baby at home."

A midwife – from Croydon University Hospital rather than Princess Royal – eventually came half an hour after Oscar was born.

"I was so shocked at the time that everything happened so fast and I didn't understand why I couldn't go to hospital. I chose Princess Royal because my husband was born there and we'd had all our appointments there.

"But actually it was quite nice as nothing went wrong and it turned out to be OK.

"It's not something you think would happen though."

Mrs Clark and her husband James have tried to find out what went wrong and were told later that one of the paramedics filed a complaint about the mix-up.

A spokesman from Princess Royal said: "We welcome women from across Bromley and neighbouring boroughs to give birth at the Princess Royal University Hospital.

"As is the case across the country, our midwives can only travel to women within the borough or boroughs where the hospital is responsible for providing services.

"This helps to ensure there are enough midwives in each geographical area to safely care for patients.

"Most women make it to hospital in time, but sometimes the birth can be quicker than anticipated.

"If a woman requires immediate midwifery care, it is the responsibility of a hospital within the home borough to provide that service."

Two teenage brothers charged over double Whitgift Centre stabbing

January 25, 2014, 5:22 am

≫ Next: Boys arrested in connection with 12-year-old's stabbing bailed

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TWO teenage brothers from New Addington have been charged over the double stabbing in the Whitgift Centre last week. The brothers, aged 14 and 15, have both been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm and are set to appear at Croydon Magistrates Court today. They were arrested on Thursday by police investigating the incident. Police were called shortly after 6pm last Tuesday (January 14) to reports of a group of youths fighting in the shopping centre. They arrived to find two boys, aged 16 and 17, suffering from stab wounds. The 16-year-old was stabbed in the upper arm and slashed across the face. He has since been released from hospital. The 17-year-old suffered a stab wound to the lower back which punctured his kidney but has also since been released from hospital.

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Boys arrested in connection with 12-year-old's stabbing bailed

January 25, 2014, 6:08 am

≫ Next: FA CUP - Wigan Athletic 2–1 Crystal Palace: Aaron Wilbraham strike not enough for Eagles

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TWO teenage boys arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 12-year-old boy on Monday have been bailed until March. The boys, both 15, were arrested in Croydon on Thursday on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. They have not yet been charged. The victim was stabbed while being robbed outside Tesco Express on Whitehorse Road on Monday afternoon. Police were called to the scene at approximately 4.50pm. They believe the victim was approached by three boys who went through his pockets before an altercation led to the young boy being stabbed. He is one of six to be stabbed in the last 11 days in Croydon.

FA CUP - Wigan Athletic 2–1 Crystal Palace: Aaron Wilbraham strike not enough for Eagles

January 25, 2014, 9:04 am

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CRYSTAL Palace are out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat at Wigan Athletic this afternoon. The home side took the lead thanks to former Eagle Ben Watson in the first half, but Palace equalised through substitute Aaron Wilbraham shortly after his introduction. But Uwe Rosler's side regained their lead soon after when James McClean sent a low shot beyond Julian Speroni from the edge of the box. Dwight Gayle thought he had won a penalty in added-on time for a shirt tug but referee Mike Jones wasn't interested, leaving Tony Pulis and his squad furious. Wigan carved out the first opening early on when Nicky Maynard headed back across goal from a deep delivery but Julian Speroni launched himself to claim well. But it wasn't long until the Eagles responded as Jason Puncheon played a good ball through to Marouane Chamakh, who cut the ball back to Cameron Jerome to curl towards the top corner but Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi threw himself across to turn away for a corner. Palace upped the ante as returning skipper Paddy McCarthy attacked the set-piece, but when the ball went back out wide, Jerome looked to have been brought down but instead was booked for diving. Tony Pulis' side created the next chance when Stuart O'Keefe arrived on the edge of the box but his low effort was easily gathered by Al-Habsi. Speroni then had to brave to deny Maynard, who looked to latch on to a ball back into the box after Jonathan Parr had failed to clear Roger Espinoza's cross. Wigan looked threatening through McManaman in particular, and Jerome was close to playing in Puncheon at the other end after collecting a fantastic pass from O'Keefe. However, it was the Latics who took the lead on 35 minutes through former Eagle Ben Watson. A left-wing delivery found the Palace Academy graduate arriving eight yards out to give the FA Cup holders the lead. And Pulis' side suffered further woe as Parr was stretchered off after what appeared to be an innocuous challenge on the left. It was certainly a sad sight to see the Norwegian taken off covered with a blanket in a head brace and oxygen supply. No further changes were made at the break, and O'Keefe had the first effort of the second period but saw his left-foot shot easily held. On the hour, Palace should have been level through three chances back-to-back. Following a free-kick, shots were blocked from Jerome and O'Keefe. The ball then fell to Marouane Chamakh but it wouldn't sit up nicely for the striker and it eventually came to a corner. The inswinging set-piece was cleared off the line by Al-Habsi, before Puncheon lashed a shot towards goal only for the custodian to pull off a superb tip-over. And it didn't stop there as Puncheon played the ball back to O'Keefe, who sent a deep cross towards the far post but McCarthy couldn't keep his header down. Pulis threw on Aaron Wilbraham and Dwight Gayle for Jerome and Chamakh midway through the half – and it served up a treat for the travelling Palace fans. From Bannan's whipped-in corner, Wilbraham got in front of his marker superbly to prod home an equaliser. It was a goal thoroughly deserved for the striker after a hip operation in October. And then Gayle nearly put the Eagles into the lead. Running down the left wing, the striker cut inside, dropped his shoulder to deceive the Wigan defence and forced Al-Habsi into a stunning save. However, Wigan stunned Palace by restoring their lead on 77 minutes when McClean had too much space to run at the Eagles' defence and he let fly with a low left-foot drive to beat Speroni. Wilbraham sent a dipping volley way over the bar before the striker was yellow-carded for a high arm while challenging for an aerial ball. Gayle thought he had won Palace a penalty on 90 minutes when his shirt appeared to be tugged back, but the striker did go down very easily. Pulis and his backroom staff were furious with referee Mike Jones, who hadn't had the best of matches anyway and his decision not to award them a spot-kick topped it off. Palace huffed and puffed for a late equaliser but it wasn't to be and they go out of this year's competition. Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, McCarthy (c), Delaney, Parr (Moxey 45), Puncheon, O'Keefe, Guedioura, Bannan, Chamakh (Gayle 66), Jerome (Wilbraham 66). Subs Not Used: Price, Campana, Boateng, Williams. Attendance: 9,542 (1,627 Palace fans). Referee: Michael Jones Report by Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Crane 'struck by lightning' snaps at 'IYLO' building site

January 25, 2014, 9:19 am

≫ Next: Storm brings chaos to Croydon ahead of weather warning

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A CRANE has snapped after it was reportedly struck by lightning at the site of the notorious unfinished tower block formerly known as the IYLO building. Police were called to reports of the broken crane at approximately 4.48pm this afternoon. A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said they had been called to reports of a crane snapping after it was struck by lightning. Fire crews are still at the site, which is now known as the Island development, but a police spokesman said it is not thought anyone was hurt. Despite this, there are currently 15 fire engines at the site and a police helicopter at the site. Ambulances are also at the site on stand-by but have confirmed there are currently no patients to treat. Spokesmen for the police and the London Fire Brigade both said this was an automatic response to an incident of this nature. Construction on the site, on the corner of Wellesley Road and St James' Road, began in 2007 but has been plagued by setbacks and has often been labelled an 'eyesore'. Construction on the Island development is expected to be finished by 2015.

Storm brings chaos to Croydon ahead of weather warning

January 25, 2014, 10:48 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace boss: Sissoko deal is off

≪ Previous: Crane 'struck by lightning' snaps at 'IYLO' building site

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A SUDDEN burst of stormy weather has brought chaos to Croydon this evening. A crane has snapped at the site of the development formerly known as the IYLO building, reportedly because lightning struck it. This is causing serious congestion in the roads around it as Whitehorse Road is currently blocked both ways as a result. There are several reports of trees down in the borough, including in St James' Road, Purley , Gravel Hill, South Croydon, and in between Purley and Caterham train stations. There are currently no trains running between these stations as a result. There are also delays on trams because of a fallen tree near Mitcham Junction. This is all happening before the Met Office's weather warning for tomorrow. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected across Croydon, with further flooding and disruption anticipated.

Crystal Palace boss: Sissoko deal is off

January 25, 2014, 11:28 am

≫ Next: Tony Pulis laments refereeing decisions as Crystal Palace exit the FA Cup at Wigan

≪ Previous: Storm brings chaos to Croydon ahead of weather warning

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CRYSTAL Palace have missed out on signing free agent Mohamed Sissoko, manager Tony Pulis confirmed to the media following the Eagles' 2-1 defeat at Wigan Athletic. The former Liverpool star and his representatives held talks with Palace on Friday but it seems a deal for the 30-year-old is off. Pulis has been frustrated with the lack of new arrivals at the club in the current transfer window and a scramble for signatures is looking likely yet again, with the deadline looming next Friday. Meanwhile, left-back Jonathan Parr was stretchered off with a blanket, head brace and an oxygen supply in the first half at the DW Stadium. He went straight to hospital, where it is believed he has damage to his neck and jaw. Dean Moxey came on to take the Norwegian's place and looks likely to continue for Tuesday's game against Hull City at Selhurst Park.