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They live more than 300 miles from the border — but the residents of a “rebel” south London district are to be given the chance to become part of an independent Scotland.

Voters in South Norwood will head to the ballot box a week before the official Scottish referendum.

The unorthodox poll, with echoes of Ealing comedy Passport to Pimlico, will offer three options for the SE25 postcode area — to join a breakaway Scotland, leave Croydon and become the independent People’s Republic of South Norwood or stay as they are.

The self-styled South Norwood Tourist Board (SNTB), which is organising the “Crexit” referendum, has written to Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond asking him to visit the area. SNTB member and “ageing anarchist” Ian Bone, 66, said: “At the elections last month only a third of people eligible to vote turned out. People thought it was boring . We want to inject a bit of fun into politics.”

Board member Jason Cooper said they had the support of “over a thousand” residents. The group has floated the idea of South Norwood getting its own stamps and currency, and has suggested the Harris Academy school could change to the “Haggis Academy”.

The idea is reminiscent of 1949’s Passport to Pimlico, in which the area becomes part of the French kingdom of Burgundy. Croydon North MP Steve Reed urged residents to stay in London, calling the idea “bonkers but brilliant”.

It is not thought Croydon council is prepared to sanction the group’s plans, although local polling stations will be used.