Do we still need libraries? With all the technology today… do we still require the access to a library? Computers were introduced to a library, which was the first the step back – fair enough but now since more or less everybody has access to Internet
While Wimbledon fans had no Easter treats to savour over the holiday period, they did witness a couple of hatching developments for what should still be life in League Two. The 50 points targeted for guaranteed safety continued to prove the
Epsom & Ewell will continue to look for a return home despite agreeing to ground-share with Chipstead from next season. The Salts have been tenants at Merstham’s Moatside ground for the past two years having not had their own ground for almost 19 years
Gino Rea endured a tough start to his maiden Moto2 campaign as he finished 26th in the opening round in Qatar, writes Alannah Fellows. The Epsom-based motorcyclist had a frustrating weekend as his Moriwaki machine struggled to cope with the circuit under
Leatherhead may be in a relegation dogfight but they are not feeling the heat according to manager Richard Brady. The Tanners are out of the bottom four and unbeaten in four after beating basement club Horsham 2-1 on Monday, thanks to goals
The Government has been asked to help address train overcrowding to boost the economy. Surrey County Council wants more money invested in larger trains and faster journeys to reduce the problem of overcrowded carriages. In a letter to the Secretary
Carshalton Athletic went unbeaten over the Easter weekend, picking up four points from six including a draw at current league leader Billericay Town, writes James Barrett. The Robins travelled to the table-toppers and went behind after four
Jazz singer Stacey Kent and her band are playing shows in the borough. The Grammy winning singer will be performing all of her top hits during a matinee and evening performance. It is taking place in St Luke's Church, Thurleigh Road,
The only serving member of the British Army to receive the Victoria Cross has marked the start of the building of a new youth club funded by Cambridge University. Lance Corporal Beharry VC, of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Folk group The Unthanks will be performing at the Harlequin Theatre on April 20. Fronted by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, the singers prefer to see folk music as an ongoing written history rather than a style of music. Shortlisted
Following his successful Beyond the Void talk in 2008, accomplished mountaineer Simon Yates will be returning to the Epsom Playhouse next month. Mr Yates is one of the world’s best known mountaineers of his generation. He is best known for being the
Memories and music of John Denver will be conjured up when the UK’s premier tribute show to the singer takes to the stage at the Epsom Playhouse. On October 12 1997, the world of country music was rocked by the death of one its greatest writers and
A 45-year-old Surbiton woman has been named by police as the victim of a flat fire last month. Edith Fuller, of Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, was found dead following a blaze at a flat in Bedford House, Onslow Street, Guildford, on March 19.
Pioneering dance night Eastern Electrics have announced the venue for their 2012 summer party. Festival organisers have earmarked Clapham Common for their celebrations, promising an all day, sunshine-fuelled party for 17,000 revellers. Main headliners
Carshalton bricklayer Tony Owen is back in the ring this month – after his manager agreed to hand him a tough comeback fight. Owen has been added to promoter Mickey Helliet’s championship bill at The Coronet in Elephant and Castle on Friday
London's premier female cabaret and comedy show is returning to the borough for one night only. The Femmes by the Thames has been running at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for the past two years, following rave reviews and spectacular performances. But it
London's premier female cabaret and comedy show is returning to the borough for one night only. The Femmes by the Thames has been running at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for the past two years, following rave reviews and spectacular performances. But it
Tickets are now on sale for an Arabian Nights themed charity event. The event has been organised to raise funds for the Mayor of Wandsworth's two chosen charities - St George's Hospital Charity and Age UK Wandsworth. It will see the town hall's civic
An exhibition next month will explore the relationship between the older and younger generation. Ken McCalla, an experienced artist with 25 years under his belt, and Kemi Murphy, a recent art graduate, have joined forces to create the Young Meets Old
Morden’s Craig Whyatt cannot wait for his second professional fight next week – even if it means his life is rather hectic right now. The 22-year-old lightweight, below, takes on Shaun Tibble at the Coronet Theatre in Elephant & Castle next Friday looking
A 75-year-old woman is in a critical condition after being hit by a van in Tooting. An ambulance crew were called to the incident, in Upper Tooting Road, just after 11am. Upper Tooting Road is closed both ways between Ansell Road and
AFC Wimbledon have never conformed to the expected - their rise from the lower echelons of non-league football to the Football League in nine years is testament to that. Now that rebellious streak has begun spreading to the teenagers on their books and
Wimbledon RFC prepare for the promotion play-offs by ending their regular season at home to Twickenham on Saturday. The Dons are guaranteed second in London Two South West and will play the runners-up in London Two South East – either Charlton Park,
This year’s Greyhound Derby begins at Wimbledon Stadium later this month. More than 200 dogs from across Europe are expected to enter what is widely regarded as the most prestigious race on the British greyhound racing calendar and arguably one of the
The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation will open its doors early for car enthusiasts to join for a Sunday morning breakfast club. The historic Brooklands Museum is home to the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. Famous for its
A new apprenticeship scheme is being launched to boost youth employment rates. A dozen applicants will be chosen to enrol on courses providing training in office skills, IT, and housing, as part of a joint venture between Lambeth College
I refer to the problem of Anna Sheridan and have to assume the Council are purely after money. When one parks a 30 minute free ticket is issued, the reg nu is printed on the ticket. A little notice is also displayed only one free park per day. In
Why is it necessary for these shops to have been open on Easter Sunday - is there no respect for Christians who wish to have a peaceful day? British Heart Foundation, Superdrug, Clarkes Shoes and Farah another charity. I was absolutely disgusted to
In response to the letter in this weeks guardian from Anna. I too have been a 'victim' and have appealed and fortunately had the parking fine of £60 revoked. I paid for three hours parking. On return to my car after two hours found a parking ticket
Dear Sirs, As a Liberal Democrat activist in Beddington North where John Keys is a Councillor, I consider that he owes us an apology. An elected Councillor has a right to defect if he can no longer subscribe to his party’s policies but he should
Andrew Pelling is right to criticise the police handling of the riots in Croydon last August. I’m sure that we all hope that lessons will be learned and that the police will never again allow such a situation to get as serious as it did before
I was very disappointed to read that Andrew Pelling criticised Gavin Barwell MP for his inaction during the Croydon riots last year. The day after the riots, I received an email update from Mr Barwell explaining what action he had taken and I understand
It may not seem obvious but there is a link between the letters in last weeks Guardian from Andrew Pelling (Riots and crime) and Luke Clancy (job creation). Home Office figures for January 2012 show that the large CR0 post code area had the highest
I am forwarding this letter to you, as a disgruntled member of the Croydon population and I am not the only one! I am fed-up with, Croydon Council paying, 'lip-service,' to what goes on around Croydon, by pretending to engaged the public, to, '
Gavin Barwell MP loves casting personal aspersions upon his critics rather than dealing with the criticisms themselves. What a defeatist, inconsistent and dissembling letter in last week’s paper as Barwell condemned himself through his own words
I write in response to Councillor Clarke’s letter of March 29 (Reject these blue badge proposals and hold review) which clearly shows how little he is in touch with what is happening on the council. To enlighten him I would explain that the
I would like to point out that the motorbikes do exceed the limit on Horton Lane and there have been unreported accidents where bikers have come off their bikes on the roundabouts due to going too fast. This happened in front of my daughter just
I thank Councillor James Clarke for his letter on the matter of parking in relation to business and the disabled (Letters, March 29). Over 10 years ago when I was a member of the council, there was a proposal to increase car parking charges.
Parents looking to secure a place for their child at one of the nation’s top primary state schools are willing to pay on average 42 per cent more to live close by, according to new analysis from prime property website PrimeLocation. The study, which
Dulwich College claimed their first ever U18 Daily Mail RBS Cup last Wednesday thanks to kicking king Dominic Fraser. Fraser, the brother of Saracens flanker Will Fraser, kicked all Dulwich’s points as they beat Old Swinford Hospital School 15-8 at Twickenham
A serial marathon runner is preparing to clock up 100 miles in one day to raise money for research into the genetic disorder which killed his brother. Jon Salmon, 39, a project manager from Valley Road, Streatham, will attempt the monumental
Streatham Redskins pulled off the great escape and avoided National Ice Hockey League One South relegation on Sunday. Having languished at the bottom of the league for most of the season, Redskins thumped rivals Slough Jets 11-2 in their final
Earlsfield Amateur Boxing Club will be after glory on three fronts at the national Amateur Boxing Association Elite finals this Friday. Louis Adolphe, Kirk Garvey and Joe Joyce have all made it through the regional rounds and will be fighting for victory
Four London Rowing Club members have been given the strongest indication yet they could be involved at this summer’s Olympics after being called up to the Great Britain squad for the forthcoming rowing World Cup in Belgrade. The quartet,
Tooting & Mitcham’s four-year stay in the Ryman Premier League finally came to its inevitable end on Easter Monday. A 3-0 defeat at Carshalton Athletic, where former Terrors hero Paul Vines scored a hat-trick, confirmed relegation to Ryman Division One
The general manager of Croydon Chamber of Commerce has stepped down to take up the position of Croydon BID chief executive. Matthew Sims, who has been with London Chamber of Commerce for seven years, has identified town centre policing and
The world of graphic novels and comics has a new team of superheroes with a twist, the all-gay Spandex. Made up of seven homosexual heroes, the Spandex brand was first launched in 2009 by Upper Norwood-based writer and artist Martin Eden.
An independent candidate has been named third favourite to become Mayor of London after a betting "frenzy" forced bookies to slash her odds. Siobhan Benita, 40, who lives in New Malden but grew up in Motspur Park, has edged her way to third most
A Croydon builder who claims he was pushed head-first down the stairs in his home by police is now suing for £50,000 compensation. John Charles Roberts said he was "rushed by at least two police" after they investigated allegations of domestic
Frontrunners in the race for London Mayor have promised to increase the number of police officers on the streets after cuts during Boris Johnson’s reign. Labour candidate Ken Livingstone claimed Kingston has lost 36 frontline officers since
From having only five teams two years ago, a rejuvenated Carshalton Athletic youth team now boasts an impressive 35 teams. And to show quality can accompany quality, four of the teams are looking to get their hands on silverware in the coming
Sutton Town has a number of charity shops, and when working in one last Summer it had struck me that a number of shops suffer from many of their items being stolen during open hours. Having investigated this further, it is clear to see that there has
The beautiful and historic city of York is one of the few reasons we have to give thanks to Richard the Lionheart’s villainous little brother King John of England. He’s portrayed in most books and films as a shady, unscrupulous character. But in the
Stephen Bridle, a member of Crystal Palace fanzine Five Year Plan, would like a taste of the future in the Eagles' final four games. Dougie Freedman used his post-match press conference after the Southampton game to thank the fans for getting behind
A Total Diet Food service is to be launched this week with the promise of upcoming free tasters and special offers. Total Diet Food, based in Battersea, is a food delivery service which provides personally prepared, restaurant quality, gourmet
Steve Orford has promised to make a big impression when he returns to competitive action later this month. The amateur boxer from New Addington is making his ring comeback against giant Polish fighter Wojtek Wieczorek at the Effingham Park Hotel in West
The date of a meeting to discuss the future of Upper Norwood library has changed. The public consultation was to be held on April 18, but will now be on May 16 between 7.30 and 9pm, at the Salvation Army hall in Westow Street. Croydon
A korfball extravaganza is taking place this Sunday as Whitgift School host the final round of matches of the Korfball season. The countries top 10 teams will be battling it to see who will make the play-offs and who will get relegated from the England
A free course to help local cancer patients and their loved ones deal with the impact of the disease will begin at Epsom Hospital on April 18. Managing the Cancer Experience', a seven-week course, aims to offer practical advice and emotional
Ben’s Canteen sits between Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Common on St John’s Hill. It is very cool, with wooden floors, a bookshelf with a free book exchange and music being played at the perfect level. We arrived at the end of brunch
A six-month sting against subletting and fraud has freed up homes and revealed council properties being used illegally. Croydon Council spent the past six months calling at every council home in Waddon after residents concerns, carrying out
A family fear their dog was stolen when their home was burgled. The seven-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, called Harley, disappeared after a burglary at a house in East Avenue, Wallington, on Tuesday, April 10. Burglars forced entry
Charlie Robertson heads into second weekend of the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship aiming for nothing less than two race victories at Donington Park. The 15-year-old from Whyteleafe confirmed his title credentials during the season-opener
You can win two tickets to the Crystal Palace player of the year awards simply by voting for your man of the match against Southampton. Each week, we will be asking you to vote for which Palace player starred in the Eagles' most recent match and from
Croydon go into the final game of their Surrey One season this Saturday still in danger of relegation. Last weekend’s 27-13 defeat at Kingston left them third bottom, trailing Old Wimbledonians on points difference. Their saving grace could be the
Croydon weightlifter Joanna Calvino smashed the record books and achieved the Olympic B qualifying standard at the European Weightlifting Championships on Monday. Calvino lifted a record breaking 66kg in the snatch and 84kg in the clean and
A singing sensation from Ewell whose nickname is The Voice will appear on BBC talent show The Voice on Saturday. Ben Lake, 33, who trained as an opera singer but has also played God in Jerry Springer: The Opera, has already filmed the audition
Two schoolgirls have sparked a media storm after writing the first-ever parenting manual compiled by teenagers. 17-year-olds Megan Lovegrove, from Nork in Banstead, and Louise Bedwell, from Cheam, who attend Nonsuch School for Girls in Cheam
The food will be fabulous, but the area's incredible talent will also be on show on stage at the South End Food Festival. Music and dancing will be showcased on the main stage throughout the day. 11am Covers band Doodlebug will play
A highlight for any foodie set on heading to the South End Food Festival will be seeing how the professionals do it. Your favourite restaurant’s chefs will step out from their kitchens to show you how the magic happens. The men and women
If you see The South End Food Festival as a chance to get the kids away from their TV screens, a dedicated Children’s Tent offers activities to keep them occupied. Actor Matt Barksby will hold two sessions of Food Fun, Handprint Theatre, currently
Believe it or not, Sutton has the best-looking women in the country... According to new online research, the borough's honeys top the hot list. The study by mobile dating site FlirtFinder.mobi looked at the opinions of its 230,000 members
Hot stuff will be on the menu at an event this month. The Craft Beer Co, in Leather lane, EC1N, will host an IPA and Chili night on April 30 for spicy food fans who like a drop of ale. A spokesman for the event said: "We've got six amazing single-variety
Fire crews were called to a blaze at a Purley gym this morning. The crew, from Purley fire station, was called to Fitness First on Brighton Road at 5.35am. It is not yet known where in the gym the fire started, or how much of the building
Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has insisted a London Senior Cup triumph would make the club’s season. Ks host Cray Wanderers in the semi-final at Kingsmeadow tonight, having drifted out of contention for a Ryman Premier League top five finish
A charitable animal lover completed a London to Brighton bike ride in a monkey suit. East Molesey resident Nancy Priston hopped on her saddle to raise money for education and primate conservation projects she is involved with in Indonesia.
Labour's candidate for Sutton and Croydon the forthcoming London Assembly elections was left red-faced this week, after sending out letters to Sutton residents stating their council was run by the Conservatives, not the Liberal Democrats.
An Olympic judo champion - who has taught Guy Ritchie and William Hague how to grapple - fears his club could be forced out of Wimbledon. Ray Stevens, 48, won a silver medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and has been running a judo
A Croydon congregation has taken an extraordinary leap of faith by switching their beliefs to follow a popular preacher. Parishioners at a Church of England parish church have converted to Catholicism after their vicar left to join a neighbouring
Police are appealing for witnesses after a £2,000 family heirloom was stolen during a burglary. The burglary happened over the weekend of the March 31 and April 1 at Northwood Road, Carshalton, while the home owners were away on a weekend break
Campaign group Wandsworth Against Cuts (WAC) has launched a petition calling for the council to retain its play staff. Members of the group are concerned about council plans to make play staff redundant who work in the borough's three adventure
How many firefighters does it take to save a drowning seagull from a 3ft deep pond? Onlookers in Carshalton pondered this question after health and safety rules prevented 25 firefighters from saving a stricken bird, which had become tangled
A catalogue of food hygiene violations has seen a Norbury restaurant closed and its owners forced to pay out more than £5,000. Grease-covered work surfaces, filthy cleaning cloths and poor food stock control were discovered by food safety inspectors
Support is growing for a campaign aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation. Sutton Council has signed up to children’s charity Barnardo’s Cut Them Free campaign as part of an on-going commitment to protecting the borough’s most
See if a year of coalition government has affected local votes at the Elmbridge Council elections. This year there are 20 contested wards or seats, all except Walton Ambleside and Hinchley Wood. The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
By Don Anderson; Graham Road, Wimbledon I write in response to your story (‘Council union row’, April 5) that Merton Council has defeated a Conservative motion not to continue spending £100,000 a year to employ union officials and subsidise
Waterloo Road in Epsom town centre will be closed from Sunday April 15 for two weeks. The road will shut to allow essential work installing drainage and services for the new Epsom station development. Waterloo Road, from its junction
