The Crystal Palace triangle has struck the lottery jackpot.

Almost £1.2m is to be invested in improving properties and landscaping after it was confirmed last week that the area has won £312,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Added to that, matched contributions from the private sector and local councils (Croydon, Bromley and Lambeth) means the total planned programme going through to 2001 exceeds £1m.

The fund has allocated the cash to achieve a "cohesive townscape" in the Upper Norwood Triangle, which is typified by mid-19th century three-storey houses.

In particular, the council aims to replace inappropriate windows and wrought-iron balconies in Westow Hill, and the Victorian decorative ridge tiles and dormer window barge boards in Anerley Road, which have been damaged by the introduction of concrete tiles.

Also being considered is a public square or open space as a natural focal point within the area.

Croydon's planning director Phillip Goodwin said: "The three-year programme to give this unique and historic patch of London the lift it deserves gets under way next month. It has well-established historic connections and an enormous 3sense of community pride."

An Upper Norwood playgroup is one of 12 organisations in the Crystal Palace area to receive funding from the Community Grant Award scheme. St John's playgroup, in Hamlet Road, received more than £800. The next round of grants will be considered in April and forms are available. Call 0181 313 4552.

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