shebe

You can joke, but this stuff is a menace, especially to elderly/vulnerable people who can be scammed into parting with 0000s of ?s for 'prize draws', rubbish merchandise, guaranteed fortunes, etc. . See the link below if you need convincing. http://www.thinkjessica.com// The advice is to report it (details on the website) and never, ever, respond or send any money, unless you want to be put onto a so-called 'suckers list' which will be passed on to even more of these scammers (aka criminals). As most of it comes from overseas, it's hard to stop, but the authorities are on to it.

I have no personal interest in or view on this particular licence application. However, I'm querying why exactly James Barber is asking people to make representations to the licensing committee after the statutory consultation period has ended? The applicant has gone through the proper process, displayed the statutory notice and placed an advert in the local press. (The licensing team will have checked, so James or anyone else failing to spot it is irrelevant. Anyone who is interested - e.g. councillors - can also check the licensing register regularly to find all current licence applications). Licensing law isn't perfect, and it's an emotive topic, but the process is designed to make sure that interested parties have plenty of time to make representations within 28 days of the application being submitted. There has only been 1 representation from a local resident, which is why the application has to go to committee; representations from the police and trading standards (statutory authorities) appear to have been withdrawn following conciliation. The people have spoken (or not), so to try to whip up opposition (or support) now is unfair and unjustified.

Suggesting that street lights should be switched off at 1a.m. (i.e. overnight, when it's dark) kind of misses the point.... If you're being kept awake by the light, and a light-deflecting shield isn't an option, heavy curtains, a blackout blind (Ikea) or an eye mask should do the trick. (You may look like Dick Turpin, but won't have your beauty sleep disturbed by the light, artificial or otherwise).

Ignore the sarcasm - 6a.m. (sometimes even earlier) is far too early for a residential area. I suggest you call the Veolia depot in Croydon first and complain directly; this helped for a few weeks, but you may need to keep on the case with them and with the Council! Can't find the Croydon depot number, but got it by calling their main number: 020 7812 5000.