The Purley Village Blog

Posted 1st Mar 2010 by Neil Spellings

Is our council efficient?

Am I the only one who finds all dealings with the council slow and frustrating?
Imagine if the council was a business you purchased services from...
The business sends you a whopping bill every year whether you have made full use of their services or not. Complaints that do get responded to just result in apologies but there's absolutely no chance of a refund - not even credits against future services.
I like to think I'm a "good citizen" so frequently report issues I see out and about to the council via their "Report it" web service.
Whilst the web-based form for reporting issues like fly tipping, faulty streetlights etc is a step in the right direction that just generates an email to someone that then disappears into a black hole of council staff, contractors, sub-contractors etc.
Often you can contact the council for an update and they have no record of your original submission, so a new submission is made resulting in a duplicate somewhere else "in the system" someone needs to sort out. More wasted resources.
Here are just some more recent examples:
Blocked gully causing road to flood:Reported two months ago, still blocked.
Request for a blue recycling box: Four emails and eight months until one finally arrived.
Faulty Streelight: Two months later and still faulty..
Empty grit box: Two months later and still empty..
As someone who runs their own web hosting business, if I treated my customers like this they would immediately move to a competitor. Unfortunately the council have a monopoly over us!
If my customers have a problem, we open a support ticket for them that gets a unique tracking reference. This stays open until the customer confirms their problem has been resolved. My customers can view the status of this ticket at any time on our website, and so can our own support staff if the customer phones in for an update. Only when the problem is fixed does the ticket it get closed.
Why couldn't the council implement something similar for their "Report it" services? The software costs less then £200 and I'm sure it would pay for itself in weeks given the time saved by council staff not having to chase up the status of reported issues. Heck, I'll even host it for them for free! Sub-contractors could also use the same view to update the council and the end user on what's happening (or why its not happening, as it often the case!)
Given we're constantly being told by politicians that money is being slashed from public service budgets by "efficiency savings" when are we going to see some of these filter through to our beloved local council?
I'd love to hear peoples thoughts on the blog on whether such a ticket/tracking service would be of use.
Regards
Neil
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Posted 26th Feb 2010 by David Olivo

Purley Pigeon Infestation

As a Purley resident for 30 years, who has been is slow and gradual decline. I am very pleased to hear that the council is finally pumping some money into the area for improvements. I also think that the idea of a 'heart' to Purley around the High street/Brighton road junction is a good idea. However, this area (the benches in front of blockbuster) is currently infested by hundreds of pigeons. I've witnessed a number of people feeding them (which is illegal) and hence why they stay.
My question is, will anything be done to remove them from the area? As, having a nice new zone to the town, will be no good if it's blighted by flocks of pigeon and all the problems they bring with them.
I find this issue particularly frustrating, as I live in a top floor flat on the Brighton road, where the pigeons choose to make their home and defecate all over my roof terrace.
Can anyone please help!
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Posted 24th Feb 2010 by Karla Berry

Missing Kitten - Lansdowne Road, Purley

Our 1 year old silver tabby called Missy has been missing since Sunday 21st Feb. We've only just started letting her outside and she's never been out in the rain or at night. Can you please check your garden sheds or anywhere else she could have hidden if you live in the area? (Our house backs onto the large Tesco store)
Many thanks! :-)
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Posted 21st Feb 2010 by Stephen

Purley Swimathon

A big Well Done to all those who took part.... particularly the early birds raising over £3,500 well done! they have also been a credit in lobbying to keep Purley pool open... now that is also a great commitment to the community.
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Posted 18th Feb 2010 by Ron

HALF HOUR FREE PARKING NOT ENOUGH

Any info about Parking for Disabled ( those with badge of course.? ) There
are several very helpfulbays in the high st. Will anything be available? 30
minutes won't let an old codger ( Me ) get very far. Thanks for help.
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Posted 18th Feb 2010 by Eddie

HOSPITAL PLANS IN CONFUSION

The comments by the local NHS supremo suggesting that if I have a stoke in Purley I should be transported several miles away to St Georges, because they have better facilities than Mayday are skewed.
The latest NHS ads on television stress the need for urgent, urgent action if someone has signs of a stroke. But maybe NHS executives are too busy to watch television.
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Posted 12th Feb 2010 by Fred Wallis

Why does The Croydon Council continually ignore the Wishes of the people of Purley,Sanderstead and Kenley

Once again the Council has stated that it wants to go ahead with a pool in Coulsdon.
Nothing is said about what the public want and that is a well kept Pool in Purley. The success of the swimming facilities for youths is terrific, over 2000 have joined. That is because the pool is easy to get to and is the centre of Sanderstead, Kenley,Purley and Coulsdon.
Why will the Council not come out and say that they intend to keep Purley pool open long term. Is it because they feel safe in their Purley,Sanderstead and Kenley seats and can just go on ignoring the wishes of the public.
They also want to demolish the car park and build a cinema and library. Why when we have so many cinemas that are empty most of the time and we have a perfectly satisfactory library in Purley with room to enlarge.
Have the Council got more money than sense because to demolish a building worth over £20million to provide facilities that we already have seems an action of people with no thought of how they are going to get the money. They certainly are people who should not be making decisions when the people who have to pay will be the Croydon council tax payer.
What is needed is for the head of the Council to come to Purley and tell us all why he wants to go against the wishes of the people. Maybe he wants to hide in the Council offices and just release statement to the press so that he does not have to face the people he is affecting.
I hope the rise in the number of Independent Councillors will make him think again as we really do want Councillors who represent the views of those people that elect them. Our local councillors understand what the public want but the head man just takes no notice of them or us.Is it time for a change??
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Posted 5th Feb 2010 by Peter Morgan Coulsdon Roads & Traffic Consultant, Member of Coulsdon NP and of ECRA

FREE ONSTREET PARKING COMES BACK TO PURLEY AT LAST

All last year, people in Coulsdon fought hard to keep our cherished one hour free parking.
Sadly the council insisted on imposing Pay & Display meters.
However we did manage to keep no charge for an hour along the Brighton Road, with just half an hour in some side roads.
I argued strongly last year that all local shopping centres should have a simple one hour free parking scheme, as there is in Banstead.
It seems that the council has listened to a degree, as now Purley High Street and OLd Lodge Lane are to have charges cut to zero for the first half hour.
That will give a boost to local shoppers.
It has been a 15 year wait to get a chance to park in the town centre without having to pay.
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Posted 22nd Jan 2010 by George Sutherland

Pretty streets

As a borderline Purley/Coulsdon dweller, I have revelled in Coulsdon's gorgeous new paving and wide open spaces. To think that we are soon to enjoy an equally luxurious feeling beneath our feet in Purley is almost to much to bear.
But before someone gets killed, will our busy planners please put up some kind of prominent instruction board, in both new precincts, telling drivers and passengers alike when a roundabout is not a roundabout? Bets are already being placed, I'm sure, on which zone will claim the first mangled victim.
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Posted 22nd Jan 2010 by Peter Morgan Coulsdon Roads & Traffic Consultant, Member of Coulsdon NP and of ECRA

NEW IDEA for Purley Square - High Street and Brighton Road outside URC Church

I note with interest the Purley Mail report that Purley is to get the same treatment that has disfigured Coulsdon.
I put forward an alternative layout for that key area.
My layout provides improved and safer traffic flow, with less traffic dominance.
It provides much more onstreet parking.
It improved opportunities for pedestrians to cross the road and move around the area.
It also relocates the unsightly recycling centre and bus stand.
There would be opportunity for enhanced trees and greenery.
Fancy paving could be included if wanted, but that puts the cost up greatly.
Overall cost should be less than with the council's consultants' misguided Vision for Purley.
Sketch plans illustrating the concept may be seen at:
http://tinyurl.com/ydz3fhr
http://66.7.221.56/~abdlondo/TRAFFIC-070924/PY_PX_09-PJM%20Options%20-%20PJM%20Traffic%20Layout%20-%20Purley%20Square%20-%20Brighton%20Road%20-%20High%20Street%20-%20SCAN0091_IMGE3662-080708.pdf


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Posted 21st Jan 2010 by Victor

POUND-A-SECOND FOR PARKING IN PURLEY

The new parking charges imposed by Croydon Council of up-to-one-hundred pounds penalty and a two-hundred pound removal charge will put further stress on local motorists and increase anger at the parking regime imposed on the town.
I was charged one-hundred-and-ninety pounds after parking on a yellow line in Purley for two minutes, now punative punishment seems to be awaiting users of parking meters.
My story was that I stopped outside a Purley block of flats and walked to the first floor to see if a friend was in. I rang his bell and waited a short while. He was not there. I walked downstairs and found my car was being prepared to be lifted to be taken to the central Croydon car pound.
I protested to no avail and followed the car to the car pound by taxi.
After paying the penalty I asked the girl on the counter how long I had been timed as being on the yellow line. She told me two minutes !!
Am I being cynical in thinking that a degree of entrapment is operating. It appears the parking car-loading lorries are cruising close to towns like Purley. They can then be rapidly called in by telephone for a kill by our friendly (not really) local Traffic Enforcement Officers.
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Posted 21st Dec 2009 by Anton Joseph

Have a Happy WATERLESS Christmas!!!

Thames Water Board has finally done it. In November 2008, the first problems surfaced regarding the water supply to West Purley, but Thames Water insisted that their pumps and everything else were in order. Throughout 2009 we have experienced, from time to time, loss of supply and a permanent loss of pressure.
Last Thursday(17/12), one week before Christmas and with snow on the horizon, their pump finally gave up. We are now without water at certain times of the day with no immediate prospect of a solution in sight.
It is high time that Ultility Companies such as Thames Water and their foreign owners consider their customers interests and expend money to renew the infrastructure without constantly trying to find ways and means of increasing their profits and inflating the salaries of their top Executives. Privatisation has not done the ordinary man any favours. I would define "privatisation" as "a way for a few to make as much money as possible to the detriment of the many".
It is high time that we the consumers take a stand. I would suggest that all householders affected by this breakdown withhold their Water Rates for year 2010/11. This is the only way we can have an impact and ensure our rights are respected.
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Posted 17th Dec 2009 by Ian Harris

FUNDS for PURLEY DEVELOPMENT

Following the report in last weeks Purley Mail that over £2 million pounds has been allocated for improvements to the town in 2010, the committee of the Purley Business Association ( PBA) welcomes recommendations for the use of these funds. Such recommendations will be assessed by the committee of the PBA and included in further discussions and representations if appropriate. Representatives from the PBA have been , and will be in contact with the appropriate authorities to discuss the use of these funds, hence the request for recommendations . Ian Harris, Chairman PBA. email: ian@5012.net tel: 07870 568189

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Posted 17th Dec 2009 by ian harris

TAXIS over the CHRISTMAS PERIOD

CONTACT PLANET CARS of PURLEY.
24 hour, affordable, reliable service
Tel: 0208 668 6888
22 High Street , Purley
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Posted 15th Dec 2009 by David Lewis

Purley development

TfL money will be spent developing Purley along the lines recommended by the people who put forward the Coulsdon development.
OH NO, STOP THEM.
The work in Coulsdon has blighted it for nine months whilst the group of workmen watched the one man who was working slowly. Traffic lights and mess have seen even more shops in Coulsdon close, never to re-open. And for what benefit? Visually it may look a little more pleasing but there is no improvement to any traffic flow, parking, access or shoppers facility. Nothing to attract people back and nothing which compensates for the massive disruption.
What we want is something which attracts people to Purley by giving them good leisure facilities, free, easy parking, no traffic and attractive and thriving proper shops (not Charity, coffee and craft shops).
Please don't waste this money as they have done in Coulsdon, lets do some proper planning and make the infrastructure work.
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Posted 8th Dec 2009 by Paul

Car Parking

I am looking for a garage/driveway to rent for the next 12 months. I currently live on the Brighton Road in Purley near the Dairy Crest/Milk depot and would like to find a safe place to park my car over night.
Please feel free to contact me on 07887 556 225 if you either have a spare garage or know of someone who would be willing to hire one out.
many thanks
Paul.
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Posted 4th Dec 2009 by anne gasnola

Cycle parking

A big thank you to Croydon council for the three extra cycle parking racks outside Purley swimming pool. I can now always leave my bike outside the pool when I swim before work and know my bike can be seen by staff on the desk. There is now space for at least 8 bikes.
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Posted 27th Nov 2009 by Jill Finch

Any Mummies out there trying to be a bit greener?

Have you ever wondered about going 'greener', but didn’t exactly know how to go about it? Do you tend to bury your head in the sand when it comes to talking about the plastic bag problems, greenhouse gas effects, or the chemicals in personal care products that might actually be harming you and your children?

Personally, these worries have often ended up in "the too hard box" for me - I'm busy and tired and I could never work out where to start...

At the end of the day, it is our responsibility to help protect the world we live in – each and every one of us. Whilst you may think that you alone can't (or won't) make a difference, behind the scenes there is a gentle revolution going on...

People all over the country are discovering that going greener not only protects the environment for everyone, they can actually save money on their household and shopping bills too: contrary to the belief that 'green' means expensive!

So if you would like to make the world a better place, and you would like to discover ways to reduce your monthly spending - often dramatically - try an interesting company that helps you to unravel the mysteries of 'greenery' and at the same time gives you brilliant free tips and ideas for reducing spending, wastage, and the effect on the planet.

This company is called Wikaniko. It stands for 'We Can Eco' and already it is proving to be an outstanding success. The products are supplied through local distributors via word of mouth, leaflets, our fascinating home shopping catalogue and a stunning cosmetics and toiletries catalogue.

Don't worry - I'm not an eco warrior - I'm just a Mummy taking one step at a time to become a bit greener, learning as I go - you can find out more about my ups and downs on this journey on my blog: http://ecofriendlygreenproducts.co.uk/

Here’s just a taster of Wikaniko's products: a whole range of totally degradable black bags, bin liners, food freezer bags and nappy sacks that do not damage the planet at all (degrading to just CO2 and H2O in 18 months). Try out the Bio Wash Ball that allows you to do your washing without the need to buy any more washing detergent - ever.

Then, there are gardening, electrical, and water saving products, along with easy-to-do tips and ideas. Plus there is an excellent range of Blue Frog greeting cards from sustainable forests, at very reasonable prices.

Moving on, the cosmetics and toiletries are simply stunning. Starting with the NVEY Eco range of cosmetics – so good you can actually eat them – through to organic cotton wool, soaps from around the world, natural body deodorants, luxury spa products from the Dead Sea, through to some superbly priced body care accessories for yourself, or for using as gift ideas.

All in all, there are over 600 products, with more being added on a regular basis...

The company goes much further than that: there are great incentives for all their customers and a friendly customer service team to make the shopping experience extremely pleasant and hassle free, including delivery to your door.

The best thing to do is to have a chat with me - Jill - your local distributor. I will be pleased to drop a catalogue off to you, and show you some samples of the products, plus answer any questions you may have about becoming 'greener'.

Wikaniko are also looking for other part time distributors to help spread the word, with the advantage being that not only can you buy your own products (that you use every day) at wholesale prices, you can also make some extra money by showing others how to reduce the damaging effects on the environment.

It is an extremely pleasant and worthwhile way of gaining an extra income in these trying times!

For further information on the products, or how to become a Wikaniko distributor, contact me at jilly@wikaniko.co.uk or take a look here: http://ecolike.me


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Posted 27th Nov 2009 by Carla

Can anyone recommend a cleaner?

Hi, can anyone recommend a reliable, trustworthy cleaner? Must be English, have previous experience and verifiable references. No cleaning companies. Thanks
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Posted 27th Nov 2009 by Eleanor Walls

Mini Bazaar

We are holding a mini bazaar at Purley Cattery, 110 Riddlesdown Road, on Saturday 12th December between 11 am and 3 pm.

We are raising money so that a team of us can go to Turkey in January to trap and neuter some of the many cats in the Gocek area who are in desperate need.

There will be a gift stall, home made cake stall, nearly new, raffle, and a stationery stall with Cats Protection Christmas cards, calendars, etc.

Do come along and support us.

Eleanor


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Posted 26th Nov 2009 by Peter

Street Light at Rear of Purley Station

I have been trying to get either network rail or southern to repair this street light 1st reported October 2008.southernHelpline ref no 2564128 Network rail ref 2515496. Peter Collins

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Posted 26th Nov 2009 by Neighbourhood Watch

Parcel Delivery Scam

Parcel Delivery Scam
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).
DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the Premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

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Posted 9th Nov 2009 by Fiona

Purley artists!

I am an artist (painter) hoping to be able to organise an open studio event next year, and would be very interested to hear from any local artists/ceramicists/sculptors/potters/jewellers who may be interested to join in this venture. At present Purley is not covered by the Surrey Open Studios organisation, but if we could get a few people interested then we may be able to get them to push out their boundaries to include Purley - we are in Surrey, after all! If anyone is interested, please email me on fiona@fionahooper.com
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Posted 21st Oct 2009 by Karla

TESCO CARPARK SCAM

Hi all,

On my way back from work walking through the Tesco carpark a man approached me asking for spare change. He claimed that his car was in the petrol station and had run out of petrol, and he'd left his wallet at work. I gave him £1 as he seemed genuine, but when I told my boyfriend the story he said he'd seen a man doing the same thing a week earlier. He matched the same description - approx 6ft-6ft4, slim, dark shortish hair, approx age 30 - so I wonder if it's a regular scam that is being carried out. Has anyone else been approached in this way?
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Posted 1st Oct 2009 by Gerry Fletcher

Christmas Fair Stall Holders Invited

Relate Purley is organising a Credit Crunch Christmas Crafts Fair on 28th November, 1-5pm, at Purley United Reformed Church on Brighton Road, in aid of the Bursary Fund. Our fund assists couples, individuals and young people to access counselling services at a reduced rate at Purley Hospital. Our Fair will be part of the day's events leading up to the switching on of the town's Christmas lights. We will have 30 stalls, children's activities and refreshments on offer, including a visit from Father Christmas. WE are inviting local artists, and practitioners to take part in this event. Stalls can be hired for £25 for an eight foot table. Entrance fee £1 for adults, free for children. If you would like to participate, please contact gerryfletcher@yahoo.co.uk for further details.
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