20 February 2009:
Multiplex fiasco costs to Bromley taxpayers 

Park sell out goes ahead as Secretary of State gives ok for luxury housing on Crystal Palace Park  Posted - August 2010

Following a 6 week local public inquiry last year, and despite concerted opposition, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (the S of S) has endorsed the Inspector's report and is 'minded' to grant permission to the planning application for the LDA Masterplan.

LDA Park master plan - a poison chalice?  Posted - July 2010

Together with the long awaited publication of the Report to the Secretary of State by the Inspector Alan Novitzky on the LDA Masterplan Application for Crystal Palace Park, London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced that under his Proposals for Devolution, the LDA will cease to exist.

Hundreds celebrate library 110-year anniversary  Posted - July 2010

The Upper Norwood Library, which opened on July 4th 1900, celebrated its 110-year anniversary on 4th and 5th of July 2010, with hundreds taking part in the celebrations.

The July 4th American Independence theme was reflected in the boots and stetsons sported by visitors enjoying Hillbilly musicians, a whip-cracker, jugglers, a stilt-walker, an escapologist, can-can dancers, a Punch and Judy show, and a flea-circus, all equally popular with parents and children.

What is the Upper Norwood Joint Library?  Posted - July 2010

The Upper Norwood Joint Library (UNJL) serves a well-defined and diverse local community; a catchment area that encompasses elements of no fewer than 5 local authorities. It is a unique 'bespoke' service, managed by its own Joint Committee, which is comprised of four councillors from each of the two boroughs (Croydon and Lambeth) that financially support the library, together with two community representatives. However, uncertainties of funding and governance have persistently plagued the library over many years.

Croydon Leader's letter threatens Library's future   Posted - July 2010

During acrimonious exchanges between Lambeth and Croydon Councillors at the Upper Norwood Joint Library Committee AGM on 30th June 2010, Croydon Cllr Sara Bashford (Selsdon and Ballards and Cabinet member for customer services, culture and sport), with impeccable timing, said Croydon is not trying to control the UNJL committee to implement cuts.

The Upper Norwood Library - Croydon's political football  Posted - July 2010

In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, campaigners fighting for the future of 110-year-old Upper Norwood Library packed the main chamber of the Salvation Army Hall, Westow Street, on Wednesday 30th June 2010 for the AGM of the Upper Norwood Library Joint Committee.

Duplicity, as Croydon Council flouts the Upper Norwood Joint Library partnership agreement  Posted - May 2010

Crystal Palace community groups are alarmed by yet another 'inappropriate manoeuvre' by Croydon Council, regarding the Upper Norwood Joint Library.

New Rail Service  Posted - May 2010

The East London Line opened on Sunday 23 May and Katriona Ogilvy-Webb was on the first train. She describes her journey and looks at the connections the new service opens up for us.

Town Centre manager replaced by the Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood Chamber of Commerce  Posted - April 2010

Croydon has closed the Triangle's Town Centre Managers office in Church Road and have moved responsibility for business development in the area to the Crystal Palace & Norwood Chamber of Commerce.

The CPCA is concerned that the Chamber Chair, architect Ray Hall, has used his position to promote his own scheme for development of a vast 5 star hotel and leisure complex on the hilltop of Crystal Palace Park. There has been considerable public objection resulting in the Chamber Vice Chair, Frank Lissimore, issuing a statement to "set the record straight".

Upper Norwood to stay independent?
Posted - February 2010

After years of political wrangling and uncertainty as to its future, the Upper Norwood Joint Library could be celebrating its 110th anniversary year in a new spirit of harmony and cooperation.

At last week’s well attended meeting (Wednesday 27 January 2010) of the Joint Library Committee, Lambeth Chair Councillor David Malone launched the new Charter, which “serves primarily as a re-affirmation of the principles and traditions that have guided and sustained the Upper Norwood Joint Library Authority (UNJLA) since its inception in 1898.”