Norbury Library Open Access
Access to Norbury Library out of hours is now operational.
You can now register at the Library for its self-service opening which is called Open Access. This will operate on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-6pm and on Saturdays, 9am-5pm. To use this service, you will need to complete a form at the Library and will be given a PIN number which will give you access to the Library at the above times. It’s great that people will be able to use the Library more, but there are some downsides: there will be no librarians on site, only a security guard; no lavatory facilities; and no photocopying.
Inside Croydon discusses the new system within the wider context of the Library Service.
Library Consultation
The Council has been conducting a review of its Library Service across the borough. At the on-line meeting attended by one of NVRA’s committee members, the following main points were made from residents across the borough: Library opening hours were insufficient, officers were urged to find ways of extending opening hours, particularly on Saturdays and into the evenings; concern was expressed for school children and students whose home conditions made it difficult to study at home. Whilst it was understood that there was no more money for the Library Service, concern was expressed about the use of volunteers, particularly around checks re their suitability. Suggestions were made about bringing more services into the Library such as housing and police advice; councillors’ surgeries; groups such as the Norbury Knitters; and many more. There was a recognition that the librarians were under a lot of pressure and were providing a very good service.
Norbury Village Green’s petition to re-open the Library on Saturdays has gathered more than 1000 signatures and will be presented to Council soon.
Bus Shelter Petition And Scandal
Many of you will know that some of the bus shelters disappeared in March 2021 and have not yet been replaced. At the beginning of September when the Mayor held a question and answer session in Norbury, he said that because of contractual difficulties, it might be as much as another 18 months before the shelters reappear. The Norbury Village Committee are chasing hard on this issue and plan to ask a question at the next Council Meeting. The scandal is much bigger than NVRA thought as revealed by Inside Croydon (11 October) with a potential £0.5m loss to the Council. The Council explanation can be read at https://news.croydon.gov.uk/statement-on-bus-shelters-contract-with-valo-smart-city.
Car Parking Consultation
The Council is asking residents for their views on its draft parking policy. You can respond on line and there are a number of drop-in sessions at libraries – unfortunately, not at Norbury. There is a session at Thornton Heath on Tuesday 24 October, 4.30pm-7pm; 190 Brigstock Road CR7 7JB. The consultation closes on 31 October. The Norbury Village Committee has written to the Council requesting a drop-in session at Norbury Library.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Drop in Covid and Flu Jabs: Every Friday , 10am-4pm at Norbury Library for those eligible for free jabs – no appointment needed.
Digital Workshops: Every Thursday 2pm-4pm in the Community Room above Norbury Library. A very helpful team will answer your queries about how to use your smart phone and computer. It’s a very enjoyable, informal session for those of us with queries about digital activities. No appointment needed and there’s no need to stay the whole time.
Norbury Library, Beatrice Avenue, SW16 4LN
Coffee Mornings:
10am-12noon Every Tuesday & Thursday at the Baptist Church, Semley Road SW16 4PL
10.30am-12.30pm Every Wednesday at the Pop Inn, Norbury Methodist Church 2a Pollards Hill North SW16 4NL
Knitting Norbury Together – it’s a friendly group and everyone is welcome – members share skills and are happy to teach knitting and crochet. Next meetings – Fridays 20 October & 3 November, Norbury Library.
Autumn Fair 11am-3pm Saturday 11 November at Norbury Methodist Church.
Christmas Fair, opens 11am Saturday 9 December at St Philips Church.
Planning
Applications
22 Arnulls Road. Conversion of garage to home gym and associated internal alterations.
82 Dalmeny Avenue. Single storey rear extension.
64 Green Lane – Sosa Court. Discharge of Condition re-cycle storage).
7 Lloyd Avenue – loft conversion with rear dormer and fenestrations and a single storey rear extension (demolish of existing extension) with fenestrations.
131 Norbury Crescent. Conversion of loft to habitable space, erection of rear dormer, erection of hip to gable and installation of two rooflights to the front roof slope & erection of single storey outbuilding.
Approvals
71 The Chase. Loft conversion, erection of rear dormer installation of skylights to the front slope.
95 Kilmartin Avenue. Single storey rear extension & single storey rear extension
212 Norbury Avenue. Two storey rear extension.
Land Rear Of 55-55A Norbury Hill. Erection of detached two-storey house with associated off-street car parking space and private garden.
152 Tylecroft Road Retrospective application for retention of single storey rear extension.
Not Approved – Development Site Former Site Of 66 Pollards Hill North
Refusal – 79A Northwood Road
Conversion of loft to habitable space, erection of rear and outrigger dormers, installation of 2x roof lights to front roof slope
General (Croydon and History) Update
https://seancreighton1947.wordpress.com/2023/10/15/general-update-15-october
Norbury Watch 