Croydon Library Consultation – Proposed Closure of 4 Libraries

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Croydon Council is proposing to consult residents on changes to its library service that will make it easier for more people across the borough to enjoy books and activities. Proposals include longer opening hours including weekends, improved facilities in fewer library buildings, and more staff to provide a new outreach service.

A report to the council’s cabinet meeting next week details extensive research into the borough’s library service, following service reductions made since the council’s financial collapse in April 2020. The report can be found on the council website.

Since the changes were introduced, the council has been listening to residents and staff who have said that despite best efforts, the service model isn’t working – that it doesn’t provide the opening hours needed or enough of the services that residents want and need.

The cabinet report sets out the detailed research findings and proposed recommendations for a more sustainable library service. It proposes longer opening hours including weekends, with more events and services available to residents, by reducing the number of buildings and investing in well-used sites. No job losses are proposed, with the council intending to use the majority of the money saved from building costs to increase the number of library staff to provide the extended opening and outreach services. Cabinet will be asked for approval to start consultation on the proposals.

To make these improvements, four library buildings; Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley are proposed to be closed. This proposal is based on analysis of the buildings including visitor numbers, size and condition of the buildings, the size and needs of the communities they serve and running costs.

Six libraries (Central, Ashburton, Thornton Heath, Norbury, Selsdon and Coulsdon) are proposed to be open five to six days a week, including Saturdays, and will deliver an extensive offer of books, wifi, PCs, study spaces and events. These libraries have all proved to be well-used, accessible buildings that meet local needs. Future investment in these sites is recommended to improve the facilities and extend the opening times and services available.

Activist’s research found three areas — New Addington, Purley and South Norwood — need library services, but low visitor numbers suggest the current set-up isn’t working. The council is proposing to introduce community hubs in these areas, where a library would be available alongside other services such as family and adult education services and community partnerships.

Through the consultation, residents will be asked for their views and ideas for developing the offer in New Addington, Purley and South Norwood to help design how library services can be improved in these areas, to make them more accessible and better used by local people.

Other library services – such as the home library service and the extensive digital offer, including e-books and magazines, online learning and training resources – are set to continue and be improved as part of the future service.

A 10-week consultation is set to launch after cabinet and residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposals and share their ideas for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the library service. Details will be available from Croydon libraries and on the council’s Get Involved website.

The council is keen to hear the views of those affected by the proposed library closures, including any impacts and alternative options to closing buildings and improving the service for residents. The consultation will also ask for ideas for future library outreach services and community venues that could be used to reach more people. Feedback received will help the council develop further recommendations which will go back to cabinet in May 2024.

The Spring Park Shirley Bowling Club

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The Spring Park Shirley Bowling Club at Shirley Church Recreation Ground is planning for the 2024 season and the future!

If one of your goals for 2024 is to be more active here is something for you to seriously think about …. Signing up to try Lawn Bowls at Spring Park Shirley Bowling Club.

“But that’s for old people!!” I hear you cry. And I’d reply “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”

This humble game, played May – Sept, is very capable of having a positive effect on your co-ordination, core strength and flexibility as well as your mental wellbeing.

Bowls is a sport for everybody – it takes seconds to learn, but a lifetime to master – as shown in…

THE DIARY OF A NEW BOWLER
“Day 1 – Visited the Spring Park Shirley Bowls Club today with my husband for a taster session. We were welcomed, assigned a coach each and after some basic coaching my bowl was stopping relatively near the Jack (the small white target). We stopped for tea and the other members came to chat with us. Just when I thought it was over a challenge was issued – I was to play against my husband. My bowls were nearer the Jack than when I started, but nowhere near in comparison to my husbands! He seemed to step forward and release the bowl like a swan nudging it’s offspring ahead in the water, the bowl glided across the green and came to rest much nearer the Jack than mine. There was much banter over dinner. This game is not as easy as it first appears.”

“1 Month in – Visiting a couple of times a week over the last month and receiving more coaching, my husband and I are hooked. My husband is now settled into his bowling stride. He makes the delivery of his bowl look effortless whilst my bowls continue to visit all areas of the rink I am playing on as well as those I am not. Despite the challenges, my teammates laugh with me and continue to offer never ending support. This game is addictive and so enjoyable, why did I not take it up earlier? Oh yes, I remember now, I thought it was just for old people – how wrong I was!”

“April 2023 (1 year later) – We’ve decided to enter a number of club competitions this year and are excited to challenge ourselves against some of the club’s top players. We’re also looking forward to joining some of the away days, visiting some coastal bowls clubs (Herne Bay and Eastbourne) and pitching our wits against their teams.”

Visit http://www.springparkshirleybowlingclub.co.uk/ to find out more about us and our programme of taster sessions starting on Sunday 5th May 2024!

Croydon Trading Standards – An Ill Wind Blows Nobody Good

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Residents will be quite aware of the recent bad weather, of which Storm Henk was the latest in a series of weather events. Croydon may not have suffered the widespread flooding which has hit large parts of the country, but evidence of the wind was widespread with fallen branches, fence panels and some damage to houses.

Trading Standards are urging householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard for rogue traders who might try to take advantage of any damage to property actually, or allegedly, caused by recent storms

Sadly, it is a fact that some unscrupulous traders see an opportunity to take advantage of people when they are vulnerable – particularly the elderly and infirm – and this is particularly the case following incidents of bad weather.

Trading Standards always advise consumers never to deal with cold callers on your doorstep, whatever goods or services they are offering. This is particularly the case where householders may feel that work is required immediately to deal with an issue and persons describing themselves perhaps as tree surgeons or roofers seem the answer.

If damage is weather-related, always speak to your insurance company first before agreeing to have work done. The company is likely to have a list of approved traders and may well want to instruct them to undertake any necessary repairs. The fact is that it is better to wait for the work to be done properly, rather than it be done badly and have to be redone.

If you do not have insurance, or want to get the work done as soon as possible, then we would always advise –

  • Do not agree to have work done by anyone who cold calls.
  • Ask friends and family for recommendations.
  • Try to get at least three quotes for work.
  • Make sure you know the trader’s name and address. If things go wrong, it is usually easier to arrange a repair or refund with a local trader.

If you feel you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Further advice can be obtained by emailing
trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk

 

Online Safety Bill – Scam Adverts

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The Online Safety Act 2023 is an act of the Parliament of the United
Kingdom to control online speech and media. It passed on 26 October
2023 with a view to being able to deal more effectively with harmful
online content including scams and scam adverts.

Speaking on The Martin Lewis Podcast, the money-saving expert
himself said he was ‘heavily involved’ in the campaign to get scam
advert regulation included in the Online Safety Bill.

He said: “Always be vigilant when you’re approached by a person or
company selling you something you have not requested, cold calling is a
warning. Never click links or call numbers, emails or texts, if you don’t
know who it’s from.”

For further information and advice on financial issues
and saving money please visit the Money Saving Expert
website: www.moneysavingexpert.com

Please pay extra attention to adverts or ‘sales’ that
are too good to be true! The Christmas and New Year
sales are tempting but if you never receive the item
you have not saved any money!

If you have been scammed or misled into contracting with a business or a
trader and parted with money, please report to Citizens Advice Consumer
Advice Line on 0808 223 1133 or go to the following website to report online:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/