To help us give you the best experience possible, please accept all cookies resources and training to help parents ensure their child can reach full potential Dyslexia can have an impact on many aspects of everyday life resources and training to help teaching staff to identify and support neurodiversity in the classroom We support organisations to be dyslexia friendly and to recognise that neurodiversity can be a great asset in the workplace Diagnostic Assessments for Dyslexia are carried out by experienced specialist teachers and psychologists across the UK BDA accreditation recognises that professionals have met and are committed to maintaining a high standard of practice Our comprehensive training programme offers individuals and organisations flexible training packages for all skill levels BDA accreditation is a sign that a level 5 or 7 course in Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/SpLD has met the highest standards Our Dyslexia Friendly Quality Marks cultivate and promote best practice within education and the workplace for people with dyslexia We're on hand to give dyslexia related information and support Professional Membership of the British Dyslexia Association: for specialist Dyslexia and Dyscalculia teachers assessors and also affiliated professionals and students Together we can make a difference to the lives of dyslexic individuals and work towards a more inclusive future A local or regional dyslexia charity can be a great source of related information and support We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society Tell us how we can help your local community Find out the ways that you can support our work Find out the varied ways your business can support the BDA Get involved and help us raise awareness around dyslexia Take a look at all the ways you can show support and a raise money for the BDA Find out the many ways you can Volunteer with the BDA Welcomed warmly by Headteacher Sonia and SEN Co-ordinator George which prides itself on its inclusive and nurturing approach to education Sonia shared how her decision to pursue the DFQM was inspired by the progress of a dyslexic pupil attending specialist She is now determined to ensure all pupils benefit from the same tools and strategies Theo and the BDA team explored the school's impressive facilities and a speech and language hub supporting children with complex communication needs Theo shared his own experiences of school with pupils and emphasised that dyslexia does not limit potential capturing highlights from this inspiring day at Norbury Manor Primary The British Dyslexia Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (289243) Registered England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (1830587) Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also allows us to improve our site A cookie is a small file of letters and 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has completed its acquisition of James Alexander and is set to open two new offices over the coming weeks This expansion strengthens Dexters’ presence across South London Dexters is now opening its third office in the town to strengthen their existing sales The estate agency also continues to open offices in new locations across the capital and the latest office is about to open on Surrey Quays Road in Canada Water said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of James Alexander a highly respected estate agency in Norbury which marks an exciting step forward as we strengthen our presence in south London “By bringing James Alexander into our network we reinforce our commitment to local expertise and we look forward to working alongside the fantastic team.” He added: “Dexters now has more local offices and a greater presence than any other estate agency in London and the imminent opening of a third Surbiton office and a brand-new office in Canada Water further confirms Dexters’ reputation as the capital’s market leader offering an unrivalled personal service to buyers Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club needs to raise around £90,000 to secure a long term lease from Croydon Council News | London Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice One of the world’s oldest tennis clubs has launched an urgent appeal for funds to secure its future after it was put at risk amid its local authorities' financial crisis It comes after Croydon Council announced that it wanted to sell off Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club The club, established in 1889, has been a part of the local community for over a century and is also listed as an Asset of Community Value Croydon Council has said it is working with the club to “grant them a long term (999 years) lease which will provide them with greater security” the club needs to raise around £90,000 to secure the lease which will allow it to continue its operations Chairman Blaise Westmaas said: “The value to the community is just immense “It’s great for both the tennis community and the people here in Norbury as well “We have lots of children's parties and we rent it out to a nursery during the day and it’s used as a polling station “There isn’t another tennis club in the neighbourhood It keeps people out in the open air and it’s a positive contribution to people’s physical and mental wellbeing.” Mr Westmaas said the club had raised 50 per cent of its target so far, including £18,000 on the Gofundme page A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: "We are working with Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club to grant them a long term (999 years) lease which will provide them with greater security “We signed a Heads of Terms agreement with them in October 2024 and we are currently in negotiations to finalise the lease We will continue to work with the club throughout the process to avoid any unnecessary concern Appeal after woman sexually assaulted on busy Jubilee line Tube Appeal after girl 'forced into car and raped' at nearby flats in east London Building from hit sitcom to help tackle Croydon housing crisis Brilliant ways to invigorate your life for the new year “It is our priority to make Croydon a safer healthier place to live and to give residents access to good leisure facilities in their local communities we partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to revive 32 courts in our borough’s parks is under financial strain from inflationary pressures as well as increasing demand for essential social care It bears a historic debt burden of £1.4billion which in 2025 to 2026 will cost the council £69million the council has achieved £137million in savings with a further £22million planned for 2025 to 2026 executive Mayor of Croydon said: “My top priority is to fix our council finances so that we can provide Croydon residents with the good services and value for money they rightly deserve through a relentless focus on robust financial management we have made more savings than any other council in London Our strong progress in improving our council has been recognised by our government-appointed independent panel “Yet as we develop our budget proposals for next year we are being impacted by a recent and severe escalation in the financial pressures facing all councils Croydon is servicing a £1.4bn historic debt burden That is neither sustainable nor fair on our taxpayers and I have written to the Secretary of State about the need for an urgent solution.” VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital BBC admits to ‘lapse’ in standards after Today coverage of Harry interview One of the world’s oldest tennis clubs is looking to secure its long-term future Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (Norbury Park LTC) has started a fundraising campaign to secure a 999-year lease from site owner Croydon council just 12 years after The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was formed in Wimbledon and celebrates its 136th anniversary this year Members and residents have rallied to raise funds to secure its future but fundraising manager Lisa Patient said: “Unlike some other tennis clubs Norbury Park LTC does not have a large membership and the backing of well-off members.” and corporate purchases of sponsorship packages are available Almost £14,000 of the £25,000 goal has been raised so far Widely regarded as an important local community resource it not only provides a recreational space but also a support network for children and families providing tailored tennis coaching and inclusive activities while at other times the space is available to hire for parties chairwoman of the club said: “We believe that Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club is much more than just a tennis club – it is a cornerstone of our community.” The club is situated on the edge of Norbury Hall Park chairman of Scots Estate Residents’ Association (SERA) said: “As well as the obvious health and well-being benefits of a green space and the opportunity to participate in sport the club is central to our local community “It has been particularly helpful to SERA and the Friends of Norbury Hall Park [the group that maintains the park] in hosting events and meetings in an area with a distinct lack of affordable community space.” MP Steve Reed said: “It’s such an amazing facility that provides a huge service here in Norbury and beyond “I’m encouraging people to support upcoming fundraising events to safeguard this club for the future.” Tennis lessons charged additionally are available as well as tennis training camps for children A council spokeswoman said: “We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site “We are working with the tennis club to grant them a long term (999 years) lease which will provide them with greater security “We signed a heads of terms agreement with them in October 2024 and we are currently in negotiations with them to finalise the lease To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/securing-the-future-of-norbury-park-lawn-tennis-club Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. London but now it faces pressure from the local council Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (NPLTC) has been a hub for community activity for well over a century NPLTC has survived two world wars and seen 27 Prime Ministers. During this time, the club has aimed to make tennis affordable and accessible for the surrounding communities, many of which fall into the Index of Multiple Deprivation’s ‘most deprived decile’ Back in 2023, however, Croydon Council decided to sell the land on which NPLTC stands, creating uncertainty around the club’s future. The decision was part of the council’s efforts to reduce its £1.4bn debt burden Croydon Council recognised the club as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in May 2024 and has sought to ‘avoid unnecessary concern’ as the land transitions from public to private ownership ACV status gives a community the right to bid for a site of local importance.  A spokesperson from Croydon Council said: ‘We are working with Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club to grant them a long term (999-year) lease which will provide them with greater security.’  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us The information on this page is intended for journalists If you click NO you will come back to Mynewsdesk.com Rail passengers travelling around the capital will benefit from even more Southern trains in the height of rush hour – meaning more convenient journeys and more seats Commuters across south London will notice the new and adjusted services in just two weeks' time when train operator Southern rolls out its new December timetable from 15 December It includes weekday services on some of its busiest routes through south London including from Sutton and Norwood Junction leading to more comfortable journeys into the city and connecting places with new direct trains There are several changes to services between East Croydon and London Victoria between Selhurst and Norbury during the morning peak – with some of these trains extended from eight to 10 carriages An additional East Croydon to London Victoria train will run calling at all stations via Norbury with two services running the reverse journey from Victoria at 6.57am and 7.57am The 7.50am Selhurst to London Victoria service will now start at East Croydon will also receive a morning and evening peak service to London Bridge This train currently starts at Streatham Hill but will now depart from Sutton and travel via Hackbridge calling at all stations between Sutton and Tulse Hill before arriving at London Bridge for 8.49am the 7.50am Streatham Hill to London Bridge service will be withdrawn – but the train before will run with eight carriages instead of six to give commuters more seats The benefits continue with three services from Norwood Junction to London Bridge via Sydenham in the morning rush hour This means passengers travelling from Anerley and Penge West will benefit from direct services to London Bridge These trains will depart Norwood Junction at 7.37am taking just half an hour to get into the central London station meaning a much higher train frequency for passengers living on this route two more services will run from London Bridge on the same route going all the way to Sutton via West Croydon worked with key stakeholders and local partners to ensure the timetable put trains where they are needed most said: “The south London rail network is one of the busiest in the country moving tens of thousands of commuters and leisure travellers between their homes and the city each day “We are committed to providing a reliable service to passengers - giving them more journey choices and longer It comes as part of a wider programme of timetable changes by train operator Govia Thameslink Railway which is responsible for one in every four journeys made by rail in the UK on its train companies Southern Norwood Junction / Sydenham to London Bridge – weekdays There will be three additional peak services in the morning which will run between Norwood Junction and London Bridge via Sydenham calling at all stations Two evening services will run from London Bridge on the same route to Norwood Junction These have been extended to Sutton via West Croydon East Croydon to London Victoria via Selhurst and Norbury – weekdays A set of changes is being made to increase passenger capacity and journey options in the morning on metro services between East Croydon and London Victoria on the Selhurst and Norbury route Some peak services will be extended from eight to ten carriages Sutton to London Bridge via Tulse Hill and Hackbridge – weekdays will have its start point changed to Sutton and will travel via Hackbridge an additional service will travel from London Bridge to Sutton To enable the direct services between the Hackbridge line and London Bridge and Norwood Junction and London Bridge to run Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows: www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com Commuters heading into the capital from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire are set to benefit from additional capacity in the rush hour thanks to a new timetable by train operator Great Northern Commuters in Sussex can benefit from more seats on rush hour train journeys – and have longer nights out in the capital – thanks to a new timetable by train operator Southern When you choose to create a user account and follow a newsroom your personal data will be used by us and the owner of the newsroom for you to receive news and updates according to your subscription settings To learn more about this, please read our Privacy Policy, which applies to our use of your personal data, and our Privacy Policy for Contacts which applies to the use of your personal data by the owner of the newsroom you follow Please note that our Terms of Use apply to all use of our services You can withdraw your consent at any time by unsubscribing or deleting your account A fundraising page has been set up to try and save one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world from a sell-off Croydon council intends to sell the lease of Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (NPLTC) which has been welcoming players for well over 100 years and the club wants to raise the cash to secure its future It is a move backed by many of the regulars at the club who has been a dedicated member for nearly 30 years I was just looking for a tennis club near me I go and suggest they should join the club Fellow member Anne-Marie Bowden has played with the club for an impressive 45 years She said: “I’m still enjoying playing tennis at 76 I feel so lucky to have a wonderful tennis club in my area I obtained my Lawn Tennis Association coaching award and coached mini tennis for four to seven-year-olds It was so popular we had queues of parents on a Friday night it’s enabled me to keep apace with a hugely changing society and watch thrilling matches on the court.” She added: “I’m not tearing all over the court now but I can use my experience to get a few points and get valuable exercise.” Croydon council revealed plans to put Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club’s lease up for sale in a bid to cut borrowing and debt Due to its Asset of Community Value status the club has first refusal to buy the lease on a 999-year deal from the council if it can secure £25,000 worth of funding Following extensive fundraising efforts from the club the total raised has almost reached £23,000 who paid his yearly membership in advance to help the fundraiser The club serves as a thriving social hub for people of all ages offering activities like yoga and barbecue events it hosts a day nursery well-loved by Norbury and Thornton Heath residents the thought of losing this community resource is devastating “It will be very sad if the club has to go,” Khamsay said a spokesman from the council said: “We are not selling the Norbury Tennis Club site; we are working with the tennis club to grant them a long-term (999-year) lease that will provide them with greater security and we are currently in negotiations with them to finalise the lease.” The club’s fundraising page can be found here Khamsay Phommavongsa has been a member of the club for almost 30 years (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga) REF 2029 will deliver an expanded definition of research excellence and people that are essential to the vitality of the UK’s vibrant research system A key part of this expanded definition is the development of the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element. Announced in January 2024, the PCE pilot exercise aims to use the findings from the PCE indicators project to explore the practicality of submission and assessment of various elements of PCE This assessment will be carried out by the PCE pilot panels a broad sample of 40 HEIs will produce submissions for assessment in a selection of REF Units of Assessment (UoAs) These submissions will be assessed by eight UoA-level pilot panels with institutional-level submissions examined by a separate panel This institutional-level panel will be comprised of the UoA co-chairs who chaired the REF 2021 Environment Panel The PCE pilot exercise will be overseen by the REF Steering Group and will run alongside the ongoing PCE indicators project The REF 2029 advisory panels will also be engaged to provide expert advice The experience and feedback of the panels will be included in the final pilot report which will inform the REF 2029 guidance on PCE Please see the PCE timetable for more information UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences and Faculty Vice Dean for Research said: “I am delighted to be on this panel which will help to articulate components of best practice in PCE and ensure fair assessment of the research environments that universities and research institutions create for their staff and students.”  The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 30 AUG 2024BookmarkAttend the school's open events this September to find out more (Image: Norbury High School for Girls)A local secondary school has created an environment where young girls can thrive academically Norbury High School for Girls aims to be more than just an educational institution but an environment where students can reach their full potential in every part of their lives the secondary school for girls ages 11-19 has curated a unique approach which ensures its students have the knowledge Four key values underpin the school's mission and help students become confident forward-thinking individuals ready for the challenges of the modern world: empowerment With these at the centre of their education students at Norbury High School for Girls learn more than just facts but also the attributes they need to become well-rounded adults students are encouraged to understand and appreciate not only the perspectives and abilities of others This self-confidence is only enhanced by the skills developed when learning how to embrace challenges in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities students can grow a sense of motivation and determination which can be used throughout their lives With every student at the school receiving the same equal opportunities and are valued for their own talents students can see that equality should be a part of daily life Combining this with a commitment to excellence and reaching their full potential Norbury High School students are on a path of learning to make the world a better place Headteacher Mrs Hayden said: "The opportunities that we offer encourage students to develop a strong sense of self-worth We want them to become articulate young women who consider themselves responsible global citizens "Our curriculum is forward-thinking and we have a reputation for offering a genuinely comprehensive education in an environment that is caring and we work hard to establish positive working partnerships with our students’ families." If you'd like to see your child become an empowered and empathetic individual who values equality and strives for excellence visit Norbury High School for Girls at its upcoming open events this September Attend the open evening on September 17 from 5pm to 8pm or by appointment at one of the open mornings from 9am to 11am on September 23 You can get in touch with the school by emailing admin@nhsg.org.uk or calling 020 8679 0062. Madelon Norbury McDonaldBirth date: Apr 6 Share a story where Madelon's kindness touched your heart Describe a day with Madelon you’ll never forget Photo/VideoCemetery DetailsUnited States Naval Academy CemeteryAnnapolis MD James Norbury took on the ultra-endurance challenge to entice people to Britain's lesser known peaks A British man has smashed the record for the fastest time to scale the nation's 30 tallest peaks.  22 hours and 49 minutes between September 16 and September 18 ascending more than 39,300ft / 12,000m of elevation and trekking some 93 miles / 150km the Gloucestershire native expanded it to 30 peaks in a bid to widen people’s horizons past the big three which he found to be busy and overcrowded.  “On top of Scafell Pike and Snowdon in particular there were so many people,” he continued “But I don’t think I saw a single person on any of the other mountains It just feels like such a shame because these areas are so incredible and beautiful.” with similar numbers summiting Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa This popularity boom comes with its pitfalls as inexperienced trekkers occasionally leave trash and damage the natural surroundings.  tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture Norbury spent the two months prior scrambling up and down mountains fine tuning his physical and mental endurance.  Alongside encouraging awareness for Britain’s best peaks Norbury raised almost $2,000 (US) / £1,500 (UK) for Mountain Rescue teams who dedicate their time to keeping climbers and hikers safe Ellen and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family and I know she left this earth proud of you and her entire family May her memory remain in the kingdom of heaven forever Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed I do believe there is a Book God who sends the book I need the Book God sent a special delivery of not one For years, Billy Collins has been both blessed and burdened with the tag line that identifies him as "one of America's favorite poets." I say "burdened" because if a poet is popular the suspicion arises that they're a mere rhymester a step or two up from a Hallmark assembly line troubadour Even at this late stage in Collins' career — he's in his early 80s now and has published 12 earlier collections of poetry — his simplicity of language invites cynics to regard him as simplistic Those of us who've long read his work know better Water, Water, Collins' collection of 60 new poems, takes its title from the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge's ballad The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and its often misquoted lines: "Water Coleridge is also the guy who talked about making the familiar strange and the strange familiar which is an apt description of what Collins has always done in his own work If anything has shifted in Collins' poems over the years it's that the theme of aging is more prevalent; specifically the way aging makes a person estranged from their former selves and others when I lived in Florida,We had a plumberWhose name was Lynn Hammer.I like to introduce people to one another,But Lynn Hammer saidhe had never heard of Percy Sledgeand put his head back under the sink.So many miscues like that these days Collins imagines there's a planet called "the Past," and he's on it In a poem bearing the stripped down title of "Your Poem," he suggests that one of the go-to emotions in his work is: "buoyant ease in the shadow of mortality" This whole collection is filled with poems that strike that rare attitude like "Emily Dickinson in Space," are among the best poems that Collins has ever written I usually hesitate to review graphic novels and illustrated books for Fresh Air because it's hard to do justice to their visual power James Norbury's illustrated "adult fable" called The Dog Who Followed the Moon fell into my hands a few weeks ago and I've been under its spell ever since who's the bestselling author and illustrator of the philosophical Big Panda and Tiny Dragon books His books are not meant to comfort as much as they're meant to accompany readers on their own hard journeys The Dog Who Followed the Moon opens on a winter dawn in the mountains white and brown watercolors on the opening pages are influenced by Zen art; they make readers feel the stillness of this imaginary world Amaya mistakes a wolf pack for friendly dogs they set off through a fantastic landscape of ancient ruins and despair and loss and struggling to keep the faith when it disappears behind clouds Norbury says in his "Afterword" that his moon was his art and that he "spent twenty-five years with very little money .. "Inspirational" is a word that's become cheapened but it's a fitting word for The Dog Who Followed the Moon — an inspirational and gorgeous book about not giving up Become an NPR sponsor 30 OCT 2024BookmarkStudents receive the opportunity to stretch themselves academically and reach their full potential (Image: Norbury High School for Girls)Croydon's educational landscape is buzzing with anticipation as Norbury High School for Girls prepares for its sixth form open evening The upcoming event will be held on Wednesday between 6pm and 8pm - giving families a valuable taste of life at the school and the chance to speak with teachers and current students about the exciting curriculum NHSG has become a popular choice due to its exceptional academic performance and holistic approach to student development The school's Alps calculation highlighted that an impressive 51% of students achieved A-B grades in the summer of 2024 positioning this sixth form above the national average This statistic alone speaks volumes about the quality of education and support provided to pupils ensuring they not only meet but exceed expectations NHSG's commitment to student success extends beyond traditional academics Its pupils are equipped with essential life skills making them well-rounded individuals ready to tackle real-world challenges those enrolled in post-16 studies have learned about financial literacy These types of topics are crucial in today’s fast-paced digital economy providing students with a headstart in financial independence and responsibility NHSG offers sixth form students a vibrant curriculum to help them prepare for their future careers and pursue their passions Students can either follow an A-Level or vocational pathway and choose from a diverse range of subjects to study NHSG's sixth form also prides itself on offering pupils guidance during the transition between Year 12 and 13 along with work experience opportunities so they can gain hands-on experience and their own personal tutor to help them during their post-16 journey But that's not all; students receive support with their UCAS application and advice from the dedicated careers team too ensuring they're well-informed and prepared for life after they leave school Choosing a sixth form is a pivotal decision for any student aiming for academic success and personal growth NHSG stands out not only for its academic success but also for its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals prepared for both university life and their future careers With a dedicated sixth form team that goes above and beyond to support each student’s journey it’s clear why this school is considered one of Croydon's best-kept secrets is a perfect opportunity to explore the sixth form's offerings first-hand Retail staff in a Croydon high street say shoplifting is worse than it’s ever been and they no longer bother calling police because they feel like nothing will be done Workers in a number of shops along Norbury High Street have expressed their concerns that shoplifting is becoming commonplace a family-run hardware shop that has been on the high street for the past 34 years He said: “Thieves know that they can’t be done for anything under £200 What hurts the most is that staff members get told off by their bosses for trying to stop them “You’ve got security but they can’t do anything and because of that you’re just inviting them to come in and take what they want.” While Mr Patel said he has been fortunate to avoid the shoplifting spike the same cannot be said for Norbury’s Co-op across the road said shoplifting was up 70 per cent in the store from last year He added that the store had four separate incidents of shoplifting just last week He said: “They mainly go for wine as that’s the most expensive thing they can get that’s not behind the counter “It’s so frustrating because we have security and staff in the shops at all times but they can’t do anything about it as they’re told they’re not allowed to apprehend the shoplifter One time one of our staff members got hit over the head with an ice cream tub when a shoplifter came in.” He believes the cost-of-living crisis has driven some people toward shoplifting as a way to make ends meet But he also said that current sentencing does not act as an effective deterrent ‘low-value shoplifting’ of goods under the value of £200 can only attract a maximum sentence of six months in custody According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) the effect of this legislation has been to ‘deprioritise it in the eyes of police’ This legislation has been called the ‘shoplifter’s charter’ by Labour and it is expected that they will reverse the 2014 act and replace it with harsher penalties for those who steal goods under the value of £200 has experienced the absence of policing first-hand He said: “It’s a waste of time to call the police Even when they do come they can’t do anything “Then they say ‘do you want to take them to court’ and I don’t think it’s worth it for 10 or 15 pounds.” Mr Miakheil believes Norbury is not alone when facing this trend He said: “We have a shop in Sydenham as well Some of the shop workers also suggested this spike in crime was symptomatic of a general sense of the decline on the high street including the imminent closure of Norbury’s last bank branch as another reason for concern A spokesperson for the Met said: “Our New Met for London Plan is involving Londoners to give them a say in how their areas are policed we are collaborating with business and retail leads right across London to identify what matters to them including the safety of shop-based workers and shoplifting “While it is not realistic for the Met to respond to every case of shoplifting in London due to demand and the situation has or is likely to become heated or violent our call handlers will assess this and seek to despatch officers where appropriate “A London-wide roll-out of Op Retail is now in place This provides consistency and confidence for retailers to report crimes Pictured top: Rafiullah Miakheil of A One Household shop in Norbury (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)