New Malden's James Young and Marissa North struck gold in the Surrey Championships on Sunday to help Kingston Royals Swimming Club top the individual gold medal table. The pair racked up 26 podium finishes between them, 17 of them first places, as Royals
A Brazilian cleaner from South Norwood is to find out next month whether she is to face court for blackmailing a judge and stealing two sex videos. Roselane Driza, 37, returned to court today to deny blackmailing one judge and stealing sex videos from
A man who shot a Coulsdon petrol station attendant in the face has been found guilty of intending to cause grievous bodily harm. Jamie Lane, an unemployed 34-year-old from Thamesmead in south-east London, was today found guilty at the Old Bailey of shooting
Centre-half Paul Lorraine is expected to be in contention for a place in AFC Wimbledon's starting line-up for tomorrow's big match at Hampton & Richmond. The top-of-the-table clash is vital to both sides' promotion aspirations. However, the Dons' hopes
Goalkeeper Chris Gibson's recall did not last long because he had to go off injured shortly before half-time as Leatherhead battled to gain a 0-0 draw at Whyteleafe in a game that finally got played after a number of postponements. It was following a
The Prince of Wales visited Whitely Village in Walton to mark the 100th year of the trust that set up the almshouse. Prince Charles met residents, including 105-year-old Hettie Hyndman, at the village as it celebrated the centenary of the formation of
Looking for something to do at the weekend - but don't know where to start? If you want to find out what's on in south-west London then try our free, searchable database. We have hundreds of listed events including gigs, comedy, art exhibitions
The Liberal Democrats have held on to Elmbridge's Claygate ward following last night's byelection. Jack Saltman was elected with 744 votes, beating the Conservative Party candidate Geoffrey Herbert, by 99 votes. The byelection was held following
A 23-year-old man has been found guilty of stealing Spongebob the squirrel monkey from Chessington World of Adventures after refusing to give the names of the other people involved. The jury took less than half an hour to return a guilty verdict on Marlon
Coulsdon residents vented their frustration at the slow progress of their town's regeneration to both Transport for London and Croydon Council. They were voicing their concerns at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Partnership where TfL fielded questions
Two threatened bus routes have been saved, good news for more than 280,000 passengers a year. Operator Metrobus will take over the 409 to Croydon from East Grimstead and the 411 from Tatsfield to Redhill from June. Surrey County Council transport portfolio
Seven people were evacuated from their homes yesterday afternoon after a fire at a garage in Mead Way, Coulsdon. The single-storey garage was destroyed in the blaze and firefighters evacuated people in nearby properties as they worked to stop the fire
SATURDAY, MARCH 24 National League Division Two: Nuneaton v Esher (2.15pm). National League Division Three South: Cinderford v Rosslyn Park. London One: Haywards Heath v Barnes. London Three South West: Old Wimbledonians v Tottonians. Surrey One:
Adam Winkler (March 8) moans after being fined £30 for pavement riding. His attitude would be different if he or his kids were hit by a cyclist. I agree that cycle lanes are a shambles in London, but cycling on the pavement is not a solution. Dominic
The ordeal suffered by a disabled woman and described by S. Nielsen were no doubt horrific. It is however extremely unfair to criticise Judge Mitchell's behaviour. Judges are not here to give their personal opinion of cases (facts speak for themselves
I am writing to invite your readers to pull on their trainers and take part in a new running event to hit the capital. People signing up to Beat The Baton will be able to leave the mp3 Player at home - live music will be provided by the Royal Philharmonic
The reason I have not been campaigning to save hospital services at Bolingbroke is because they are not in any real danger. The local NHS has said its preferred option is to move them to the new St John's health centre which opened just two weeks ago
England Sevens coach Ben Ryan has named arguably his strongest squad of the season as England prepare for next weekend's Hong Kong Sevens. England have won the tournament for a record four successive times, but Ryan knows the pressure will be on his
England RU U16s put the finishing touches to their preparations for their games at Millfield Festival and a Four Nations Tournament in the Midlands this weekend. The England and the England A squads are at Castlecroft, Wolverhampton for their final training
Simon Jordan says himself and Peter Taylor are already planning a summer shake-up in preparation for the Eagles' next promotion push. The Palace chairman said promotion was a neccessity at the start of this campaign, due to the club being in its final
Three pitbulls have been seized in a morning raid on a property in Roundshaw. Police took the dogs from a house in McIntosh Close after receiving complaints from residents. Police forced open the door and seized three dogs, who are being held awaiting
The recent documentary from Channel 4 brought a breath of fresh air' to the global warming debate. The programme was extremely well presented and convincingly argued by scientists of the highest calibre. It destroyed, once and for all, the myth that
I was bemused by the article in the Guardian about the bad-mouthing of British workers and their lack of skills by the Chamber of Commerce. If the truth was known, it is cheaper to get foreign workers off the peg than to train up indigenous workers.
Sarah Clayton is misguided and missing the point when she criticises Channel 4's documentary on Global Warming. There are several points she needs to understand: The earth has cooled and warmed throughout its existence and will continue to do so, with
Sarah Clayton's letter, published last week, far from not having the space to counter all the arguments put forward by the Channel 4 programme, made not one point to support her view that global warming is irrefutably man made. Scientific evaluation
Re Sarah Clayton's letter on March 15, complaining about the Channel 4 global warming documentary - I found the arguments in it were no less plausible than any others I've heard. She said "most of the arguments in the programme were partial, distorted
I have just read the letter from Sarah Clayton in this week's Guardian (March 15). What breathtaking arrogance that letter betrayed. She may well have lapped up and been indoctrinated by the scaremongering peddled by this Government and a few scientists
I am horrified at this week's news that the area's new critical care hospital is not to be built and the scheme is to be replaced by a smaller and cheaper hospital at Sutton aimed at providing treatment to people living at the London end of the Epsom
What a thoroughly unpleasant and uncalled for letter from Julie Morris in your letters page last week. Her very personal attack on Residents' Association Councillor Natalie Rogers, who has clearly worked hard with our local MP, trade unionists and Labour
I read with interest the reference made in the Guardian dated March 15 to the earnings of the top executive of Surrey County Council, Dr Richard Shaw. This stated that he received £208,000 per year against that of the Prime Minister of £186,000. A spokesman
In his letter to the Guardian on March 15, Conservative MP, Chris Grayling, suggested he was "setting the record straight." In fact he has done exactly the opposite! All three Stoneleigh Ward Residents' Association councillors have been at the forefront
Scouting in the borough, the fascinating history behind Croydon Airport and the impact slavery had on New Addington are just a few subjects which will be examined at a local studies fair this month. Residents again have the chance to explore the borough's
A group of would-be international traders returned to Croydon with high hopes of new business following a three-day mission to Arnhem. The Dutch visit was organised by Croydon Business with financial support from Croydon Enterprise, the body created
I am trying to trace some school friends for a reunion this year. Our school was The Joseph Hood County Secondary School at Raynes Park. If you attended this school during 1957 to 1960 please contact me. MRS CHRISTINE CLODE Lake Cottage Lake Road
A former Crystal Palace player and a former soldier have teamed up to get a business in top shape. The new Get Sweaty Ultimate Fitness and Dynamo Boxing Club is run by Martin Dilworth - an ex Royal Navy, Parachute Regiment officer and ex-professional
I would like to thank our Parks Department for the play area opposite St Helier Hospital. A wonderful place for the kids to let off steam and get some exercise. I would also like to thank them for the lovely flower display in Wallington Green. A real
I was bemused by the article in the Guardian about the bad-mouthing of British workers and their lack of skills by the Chamber of Commerce. If the truth was known, it is cheaper to get foreign workers off the peg than to train up indigenous workers.
The achievements of almost 50 students was recognised at Croydon College's fourth further education awards. About 150 guests watched students collect their awards in the presence of the guest of honour, Richard Taylor - father of murdered schoolboy
Firstly, a big thank you to the Guardian for highlighting the Surrey County Council's proposal to "dispose of" the Nonsuch Mansion. It is good news, as far as it goes. Still no funding from SCC and no resolution in the near future. We have been here
Pupils from three schools ditched lessons to become super sleuths last week. Children from Thomas More Catholic School in Purley were joined by 60 other kids to try their hands at being detectives. As part of National Science and Engineering week, they
I was dismayed but hardly surprised to note this week that Carshalton High Street is soon to be blessed with another estate agent, which I think makes seven in our small local shopping parade which also boasts several fast food joints. Now, I cannot
The bicentenary of the abolition of slavery will be marked by school-children in the borough next week when they go to an anti-racsim event. Pupils from Croydon's secondary schools are due to go to Selhurst Park for the launch of this year's Show Racism
Your readers will be aware that smoking is to be banned in pubs in England from July, in line with other parts of Britain and Ireland. What they may not know is that pubs are attempting to circumvent this ruling, in advance of the ban in July, by means
May I ask, to which Nonsuch Mr Horry (Letters, March 1) is referring, since I can only assume it is not the park where I walk my dog every day, along with hundreds of others doing the same thing, not to mention cyclists, walkers, strollers, etc? I also
I am writing to invite veterans who served in the armed forces to contact my office for help collecting the Armed Forces Veterans badge. Anyone who served in the forces before 1969 may be entitled to claim this survivor's badge, which is to be worn on
I was really interested to read the letter in last weeks paper on the problems with counselling service in Sutton. I had similar experience in 2005 when my mum passed away, and because of my experience as a personal development trainer, I decided to
Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched a public consultation on plans to change how health care is delivered for older people who attend the day hospitals at Nelson and Sutton Hospitals. The PCT plans to improve patient care by helping
There was a bit of a stink in Queen's Gardens on Saturday as bin bags full of disposable nappies were piled together to highlight just how much waste they generate. A staggering 52 bags made up the pile, which equates to the amount used by just one baby
The new skateboard equipment built opposite St Helier's hospital will provide entertainment for youngsters during their school holidays and weekends. While youngsters are skateboarding they can't be vandalising or becoming a nuisance to neighbours. It
As a resident of Wrayfield Road I have experienced weekend police chases, teenage violence, teenage abuse and drunkeness and damage to both my car and property for years and years. But there comes a time when enough is enough. I am now aware that Fairlands
Regarding the proposed sites for Stanley Park School, I don't think that it's up to those against the allotment site to nominate Orchard Hill as the ideal choice, or to try to pick holes in the arguments of those who don't want the school there either
The environment has hit the airwaves and Britain's first radio station to focus on green issues is broadcasting out of a studio in south London. Passion for the Planet, based in South Wimbledon, has been sending out its mix of world music and features
This week we begin our search to find the greenest schools in Croydon - and we want your help. If you know a school that does a lot for the environment, in or out of the classroom, then why not nominate it for best green school at this year's Green Guardian
Howard has bagfuls of personality - charm, charisma, intelligence, a great sense of humour and a degree in computing. He also has Wilson's Disease which has devastated his life. At just 23 he was struck down with the rare genetic disorder that left him
Adam Winkler (March 8) moans after being fined £30 for pavement riding. I suspect his attitude would be different if he or his kids were hit by a cyclist tearing the down the pavement. I agree that cycle lanes are a shambles in London and the UK, but
The ordeal suffered by a disabled women and described by S Nielsen were no doubt horrific. However, it is extremely unfair to criticise Judge Mitchell's behaviour. Judges are not here to give their personal opinion of cases (facts speak for themselves
I am writing to invite your readers to pull on their trainers and take part in a new running event to hit the capital. People signing up to Beat The Baton will be able to leave their MP3 players at home - live music will be provided by the Royal Philharmonic
The reason I have not been campaigning to save hospital services at Bolingbroke is because they are not in any real danger. The local NHS has said its preferred option is to move them to the new St John's health centre which opened just two weeks ago
With reference to your news item (Driven to help charity, Croydon Guardian, March 14), what a caring heart this 44-year-old bus driver David Greenslade has to give up his spare time in the interest of others. What a noble and worthy cause to raise money
It is clear that Councillor Phil Thomas (Letters, March 14) is as out of touch with local democracy as the rest of the gang in Taberner House responsible for the current parking terror. His assertion that if you follow the rules you will be fine is to
Keen model aircraft flyer Anthony Morris has found a way to turn his hobby into a potential nice little earner - by having a camera fly through the air with the greatest of ease. RICHARD LYONS reports. Beddington resident Anthony Morris has been fascinated
May I suggest to Jane Toil that she waits by the bus stop outside All Bar One, the stop before Centre Court, that way she can board her bus and find a seat before the rabble get on. May I also suggest that her views on "sociopathic teenagers" be reflected
Christopher Elliott's complaint about British stamp design in your last edition should really be addressed to Royal Mail. If you can pass on the following address to him I think both he and I would be grateful. Send the letter to Julietta Edgar or
Teddington's Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medallist Jo Pavey has withdrawn from the British squad for the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya, this weekend. Pavey, the second finisher for the women's team who won silver at this winter's
As the chair of the Merton Community Police Consultative Group and a member of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, I was very pleased to hear the Safer Merton partnership was recently nominated for an award for its problem-solving techniques
I write to express my disappointment at the closing of the creche in the Centre Court shopping mall. I cannot help but feel the centre as a whole will lose quite a lot of business, as the mothers who left their children in the creche will now not shop
During the last 12 months, many local businesses have suffered from soaring energy bills. With increases of 70 per cent and even 100 per cent in this area not uncommon, I thought local firms may find the following simple energy efficiency tips helpful
Many congratulations on the launch of the Green Guardian website (greenguardian.co.uk) . It looks set to be a really invaluable tool for mobilising environmental action in our area. Put this alongside the inspiring launch of the Sustainable Merton initiative
I have just returned from a short break. I was feeling rather nervous as I arrived, but I received such a genuinely warm and friendly welcome from the excellent staff that I soon settled in. My accommodation was spotlessly clean, I had an extremely
During the 2006 Council Election campaign, the Kingston Conservative leader said that "It is clear we do need to tackle the problem of council tax and stop blaming the Government when some spending is clearly within the council's power." He was referring
The Government's announcement this week that the GLA will have to pay a further £300M to fund the 2012 Olympics will come as a further blow to Kingston residents. This is yet another Olympic mugging. On top of the £200 average Olympic tax, Londoners
The letters page of your paper has recently been full of politicians blaming everyone but themselves for the high level of council tax. This is, I suppose, natural, but we are this year faced with the highest council tax in London, an increase twice
Last week's letter from Councillor Fraser accuses the Liberal Democrats of ignoring the elderly. He is quite wrong. Kingston provides the best social care in the whole of London and has continued to provide for all levels of care while every other borough
I think it is an utter disgrace that Wetherspoon's has been approved to have a pub at the ex New Malden Police Station site when more than 600 people complained. It took only 36 people to complain about the Kenwood House music spillage, for those events
This weekend the nation commemorates the momentous event that took place 200 years ago on March 25 when Parliament abolished the slave trade in the British colonies. This was largely due to the dedicated campaigning work by William Wilberforce over decades
A Croydon woman is fuming after pest controllers left the skeleton of a mouse in her kitchen. Mum-of-two Michelle Wilson, who lives in a council flat in Prestwood Gardens, found the grisly remains underneath her microwave last week after pest controllers
Last October the Croydon Hearing Resource Centre lost its Big Lottery Fund funding, which they had been relying on for the past four years. The team, which serves more than 4,500 people across the borough, refused to give in and its determination to
Slavery's end: The council is due to host a reception this Friday to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act. On Friday it will be 200 years since a parliamentary Bill was passed to abolish the slave trade in the British empire.
Croydon residents whose TV licences expire this month are being urged to renew them before fees go up on April 1. Records show that 7,000 addresses in the borough could save themselves £4 if they pay their bill before the end of the month, when the fee
Police are still looking for information after a teenager was stabbed in the head outside Dorothy Perkins in North End on Friday, March 9. Witnesses saw a 30-strong group chasing a boy through Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres wielding a machete
Alan Donovan, from Park Hill in Croydon, grew up in the borough but moved to Cheltenham in the early 1970s before returning a few years ago. He said: "The Croydon I left was totally different to the Croydon I came back to. It's a lot busier, noisier
Coulsdon College is holding a meeting with nearby residents next Wednesday, March 28, to discuss proposed development plans. The sports hall is already being enlarged to include a theatre, dance studio, fitness gym and four classrooms, and now the college
Croydonians looking to get on the first rung of the housing ladder may be able to get a grant to help them buy and renovate properties that have been empty for six months or more. The council's plans could also see landlords receive a renovation grant
A man has been charged with money laundering after police found more than half a million pounds at an address in South Croydon at the weekend. Police said they found £500,000 in used notes after searching a home in Brighton Road on Sunday. Officers
I read with interest the recent article (Back the long arm of the claw, February 22) concerning the crushing of scooters by police from Chertsey and agree totally with the comments of JV Cheshire. It is only a pity the police in my area of Staines do
Stanwell New Start. After a somewhat shaky beginning, the Stanwell New Start programme is now in full swing. A lot of good ideas are coming forward, not least from local residents. It really looks as though we are going to have state-of-the-art community
I have been contacted by many residents regarding the fact the second lamppost in Oak's Road is not working. I have contacted Surrey County Council as a member of the Surrey County Council Local Committee Partnership for Spelthorne and they tell me the
I was moved by recent television coverage of the coffins of four of our brave service people being carried onto a plane after having been killed in action in Afghanistan. The assembled parade of armed service personnel was dignified, professional and
Croydon Council is offering some of its tenants a whopping £10,000 for every spare room they give up - because not enough were tempted by its initial offer of £2,000. The huge incentive increase for people to give up large council homes came to light
Police are still calling for information after a teenager was stabbed in the head outside Dorothy Perkins in North End on Friday, March 9. Witnesses saw a 30-strong group chase a boy through Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres shortly before the assault
The Government has backed plans for an 18-mile tunnel costing £2billion to be built preventing raw sewage from polluting the Thames. Environment Minister Ian Pearson yesterday said the Government supported Thames Water's plan to build the tunnel from
A rogue groper who struck twice in two days is still at large, and police are worried he may carry out more assaults. Detectives are treating the incidents as assault and have warned women to be vigilant and report any suspicious looking characters.
A critical shortage of primary school places has seen a scramble to find seats for Richmond children in classrooms this September. Many parents now face a wait of up to four months to find out where their child will attend as the demand for reception
Well the places are out now for Primary and Nursery school and it seems there are a lot of very disappointed and anxious people about! What is going on?! The publication of league tables make a very few schools more popular than others. Competition,
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 Nationwide Conference South: Yeading v Sutton United. SATURDAY, MARCH 24 Ryman League Premier Division: Hampton & Richmond Borough v AFC Wimbledon, Walton & Hersham v Folkestone Invicta, Worthing v Carshalton Athletic. Ryman League
NEC Harlequins winger Simon Keogh fears his international ambitions have suffered because he plays in the Guinness Premiership. The 27-year-old Irishman featured in Ireland A's three Churchill Cup matches last summer but has not received a call-up since
