ONE OF THOSE WEEKS!

Last week started badly when my phone when down. As usual I had to give up time when I could have been doing something useful to Wait for the BT Engineer to come and do his stuff.
This was followed by my computer going down, which meant waiting for the engineer who looks at that, to do his stuff. The hatrick came when the Broad band line to my computer went down (I am still waiting for this to be done) this means I have not only no Internet, but more important no e.mail. It now makes me realise how dependant I an becoming on IT and those engineers who do the work to keep it going.

NEW HOMES FOR RESERVE WILDLIFE

Along with a small team of members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve I spent a pleasant few hours putting up Bird and Bat boxes yesterday. It is to be hoped that next year some of the wildlife on the reserve take possession of these boxes and make use of them.
It is hoped to purchase more of these boxes latter this year.

Also during this session Stefan Bodner, the Birmingham City biodiversity officer, brought along his Moth Trap contraption (see top picture) and spent a considerable time informing us to all the many varieties of moths you can find in domestic gardens. There were over 25 species of moth in the trap despite only being up for one night. Please be assured that the moths were freed into the reserve and hopefully they will mingle with the local moths to the benefit of the moth population of Oscott.

Don't forget if you want to get involved in the Freinds of Queslett Nature Reserve then please drop me a line on 0121 360 6486.

GREENHOLM POST OFFICE TO CLOSE

Sadly the Post office Counters Limited are to close the Greenholm Road Post Office, despite residents backing its retention. The Post Office seem to have just paid lip service to their claim to consult with residents.
It is also sad that all the Local Councillors in the area, could not have worked together as one to oppose the closure of this post Office.
Big business, Local Councils and local residents must learn from the current round of Post Office closures and start using Post office services more, otherwise more Post Offices could be at risk one day.
I have also asked the Post office Services limited to ensure the increase in trade, other Post Offices will have as a result of neighbouring Post Offices closing, is monitored and allowed for. We do not want to see even longer queues forming out side the remaining Post Offices.

NEW RULES NEEDED FOR AIR RIFLES

I was saddened to read recently that a small baby Rashid Rullah had been shot in the head by her sister, due to an air gun being left lying around in their House.
How many more incidents must we have to put up with regarding air rifles and pistols.?
Following an incident in Oscott a number of years ago, I called up Khalid Mahmood MP To bring the problems caused by air weapons up in Parliament, which he did. Nothing was done, however and since then there have been a number of incidents with air weapons as well as the deliberate missuse of them.
For example barely a week goes by when a vicious attack on a defenseless animal/bird, by a thug using an air rifle is reported to the RSPCA. I still believe a ban on air weapons is needed. Those who want to use air rifles etc, should use a registered weapon in a registered club, where the activity can be supervised. I just do not know why anyone, especially when living in a build up area should need to keep an air weapon in their home.

GCSE A TO C. SUCCESS LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY

It was good to see so many youngsters across the Country doing so well at their GCE's. Many more this year have gained GCSE's at the A to C level.
In this day and age where Children seem to get such bad press, this is a real ray of light.

Perry Beeches School where I visited today, are now officially the most improved school in the Country and their GCSE A to C rates have risen dramatically. For example. The amount of Children with GCSE level A to C Maths has gone up from last years 30% to this year 58%, English Lit has gone up from 25% to 70% and French has gone up from 29% to 83%.

I would like to congratulate all the Children and staff at the Perry Beeches School for their hard work.
I would also like to thank all the School children and staff in all the schools throughout the Oscott Ward, for their efforts also.

KING STANDING PENSIONERS CONVENTION MEETING

When attending yesterdays Kingstanding pensioners Convention meeting yesterday it was again pleasing to see so many people their.
A one minute silence was held in memory of Gib Mckay who had given such Stirling work to the KPC.
Khalid Mahmood MP was their guest speaking and he answered a number of Questions from the Floor.
Concerns were expressed about the escalation in the cost of fuel, food and other things. This is clearly a major concern especially for those on fixed incomes. Many of these will need help while this world down turn in economies lasts. A least the Government is in a stronger position then some others across the globe.
Many of those at the meeting welcomed the England wide pensioners bus pass but hoped Scotland and Wales would follow the English example and allow free travel for pensioners. Those at the meeting also welcome the news that there was to be a review of the 376 bus route later this month and hoped it would be a positive one.

All in all it was an interesting meeting and if you are interested in joining the KPC please contact 464 1869 for details.

CITY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FAIL TO ATTEND ANOTHER MEETING IN OSCOTT

It was noticed again at the Oscott Residents meeting (Sat) that despite the fact the Police, Khalid Mahmmod MP, Councillors Barbara Dring ,Graham Green and myself turned up, the Transportation department were unable to find a representative to attend. (they did not attend the July Ward Committee either) I think this sums up the Current Councils attitude to Oscott at the moment.
If the Transportation department had sent an officer, they would have heard a number of complaints regarding Transportation issues in the Oscott area. The state of the concrete roads in the area, the lack of any real road safety works being carried out and the problems with parking on the pavements, in the area were just some of these complaints.

Apart from the non attendance by the Transportation department, it was not a bad meeting. A number of issues like, whether Wheelie Bins are a good idea and problems with the Police were discussed.

It us good to see the various Community Groups in Oscott working together and organising joint meeting and I was pleased to be asked along and to Chair the meeting for them.

A CHINK OF LIGHT IN THE 376 BUS ROUTE FIASCO

I have been in touch with Cento and various Private on numerous occasions over the last year along with Councillor Barbara Dring, trying to get them to re look at the detrimental changes they have made to the 376/ 375 bus routes.
Now in response to our petitions and letters, Centro have now told me "there are changes to both services from October 27. On bus service number 375 it will now operate on Sutton Road passed Queen Marys School.
Furthermore there will be additional afternoon journeys on Service 375, so that
the last journey from Kingstanding will be 1702, instead of the current 1502.
(This is the service that replaced the 376 in Old Oscott).
Centro are currently investigating the possibility of operating the 375 around
Old Oscott along the same line of route that the 376 used to".

Centro will have more information on this at the end of the month.

I would ask anyone concerned about this issue to write to the Centro Customer Relations Section at Centro House 16 Summer Lane to keep the pressure on.

ENTA STILL GOING WELL AFTER 30 YEARS

As part of a visit on behalf of the FOQNR I took up an invitation today to take a look at what ENTA the training people do.

Based at Princip Street ENTA have been in existence for 30 year (this year) and deal with nearly 2000 trainees every year.

ENTA provide a range of training skills for older people as well as youngsters. Various training opportunities exist for, Gardening, Landscaping , Carpentry, Office skills and IT for example.

They also operate a cafe which is run by the trainee's with the help of tutors, as part of their catering training.

Some of the craft work I saw was of a very good standard and it is hoped that a lot of the things made by ENTA Trainees will be up for sale later in the year.

If you want to know more about ENTA please ring 359 6776

NEW HOMES FOR WILD LIFE

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve took possession of a number of traditional Bird boxes, open fronted bird boxes and Bat Boxes today. These were made by ENTA the training company based in Princip Street.

The boxes paid for by donations given to the FOQNR, were made by trainees at ENTA and were very good value for money and well made.

Youngsters have really done a good job and have found making these boxes to order a real incentive.

The FOQNR will now be working with the Birmingham City Councils BIO Diversity Officer to ensure they are put in the best place to benefit wild life on the reserve.

The Queslett Nature Reserve is located between Old Horns Crescent (Near ASDA) and Ashworth Road (off Booths Lane) For More details about the FOQNR please ring 360 6486

ALLOTMENT WEEK

This week is allotment week and all over the Country, as well as Birmingham events have been taking place to promote the use of allotments.

Many people probably do no know Birmingham residents have had allotments for near 300 years.

Having an Allotments make as much sense as ever today, as the cost of fresh food and is going up and up. You can also grow flowers at much less for what you would pay for them. Allotments can provide plenty of opportunity for exercise and fresh air.

Oscott has a long tradition regarding allotments and residents growing their own food and if you would like to know more about having an allotment why not ring 303 3038

COUNCILLORS SURGERIES IN OSCOTT

Councillor Barbara Dring and I operate the following Councillors surgery time table.

Every Saturday morning 10.30 am at the 610 Community Centre.

The First Wednesday in the month at 7pm at the 610 Community Centre.

The first Thursday in the month at 3pm at the Kingstanding Libary.

*For those with genuine mobility problems home visits are available on request.

If you would like to contact us by phone please ring
Councillor Keith Linnecor 360 6486
Councillor Barbara Dring 360 7565

Alternatively you can email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
orBarbara.Dring@birmingham.gov.uk

To write to us it is C/o The Birmingham City Council Council House Birmingham B1 1BR

Don't forget you can leave a post on this blog for me.



Surgeries are operated on a rotor basis

A SAD ANNOUNCEMENT

Gib Mckay, a stalwart member of the Labour Party and a true champion of the rights of pensioners past away last night.
Gib (88) was known throughout the North of Birmingham but particularly in Oscott, for his activities on behalf of the Kingstanding Pensioner Convention. He was the KPC Secretary for many years and helped organise a number of visits to both Westminster and the Pensioner's annual conferences in Blackpool.
Gib was a Labour man through and through and his work for the Trade unions was recognised by a number of merit awards which he received.
Gib will be sadly missed by all who knew him and I am sure many, like myself would like to pass on their condolences to his wife Kath and his family.

MASOT UNVEILED FOR FREINDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

MR BOOTH THE THE FOQNR

NEW MASCOT
It has just been announced that Mr Booth has been made the new official mascot of the FOQNR.

Mr Booth who was discovered abandoned just off Booths Lane whilst the Nature Reserve was being cleaned up by FOQNR volunteers, is said to be "glad to be just part of the team and is keen to get on with the work needed to improve the Nature reserve"

We hope his presence may encourage even more youngsters to become interested in the Queslett Nature Reserve.

WORK STARTS ON QUESLETT ROAD SPEED CAMERA'S

I was pleased to see that work has started on the installation of speed camera's on the Queslett Road. Lets hope that the work is completed quickly and pedestrians and motorists alike are made safer as a result.

Once again I would like to thank all those who over a number of years have worked so hard to get the Council to take action.

HELP WITH DEPRESSION AT HAND

Depression is one of the most common illnesses in our society today. Something like 1 in 5 may have some form of this illness in their life time.
The standard answer is either to see the Doctor and take pills, or to put up with it and hope it gets better.
Given the above I am pleased to see that Imagine' a self help group, for those suffering with depression, are still operating a Drop in Centre at the Dove Club, Birdbrook Road B44 8RB.
Sometimes being part of a group of people who have similar problems can help.

For further details tel 464 1869
(If you do think you are suffering from depression it is advisable to see your Doctor)

MEMBERS NEEDED FOR RECREATION GROUND WATCH

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve held a successful litter picking exercise on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground earlier this year. Now at the suggestion of the Police. we are now attempting to set up a Recreation Ground Watch. This will be done in Cooperation with the Neighbourhood Police Initiative.

Residents living near the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground are being asked to join our watch group and report anything suspicious they see to the Police.
The F.O.N.R and the N.P.I, would like to work with you and to keep you informed with regards to any problems related to the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground. Also to give you the opportunity in confidence, if necessary, to let them and the Police know of any criminal or anti social behaviour, you may be aware of taking place on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.

It is hoped at some later date will may set up community watch walks on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground with the Police.

If you would like to become a member of the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground Watch. please contact 360 6486 OR 464 1869 for details.

BEACON STARS FOOTBALL CLUB NEED NEW MEMBERS

The Beacon Stars (based at the Cooksey Lane Football Fields) are looking for children 4 to6 years old who would like football Coaching.
They are also looking for children age 7 to form a team.
Amongst other things Beacon Stars have
Fully FA Qualified Coaches.
First Aider's
and are CBR Checked.
For further information ring Carl on 075 9213 7798.

BOWMAN ROAD PLAY TRAIN INITATIVE TO GOAHEAD AGAIN THIS MONTH

The Perry Beeches Road Show was successfully ran summer 2007, this was organised by organised by 'Playtrain'. Following the first consultation with 'Playtrain' in 2006/7, they were asked to continue activities in the area, working with young people and children previously involved in cluster activities.
The aim of the project, was to continue engagement activities with the local community, working in partnership with Perry Beeches Extended Schools Cluster and Perry Barr Housing Department. The Tenant Empowerment Budget will fund this venture, however funds are being actively sort for this venture in the future.
As it was agreed previously this would be an ongoing venture, and am pleased to inform you the next date for the roadshow will be 18th August - 21st August 2008 between 10.00am and 3.00pm.
I hope as many youngsters as possible take the opportunity to enjoy this venture and I would like to thank all those involved in this project for all their efforts.
For further details please ring 464 1869

PERRY BARR YOUTH FORUM TAKES OFF

SARANDIP SINGH YOUTH PARLIAMENT MP AND PERRY BARR YOUTH GROUP REP


At a meeting of the Perry Barr Constituency Strategic Partnership today, which I chair, we had a number of youngsters come along, to represent the Perry Barr Youth peoples Forum.
The Perry Barr youth Forum, is for those youngsters from 11 to 18 living in the Perry Barr Constituency. They all gave up part of their holidays to attend this meeting.

They have been given 90K to spend on projects to help youth activities in the area and have had to wade through, a large number of applications from youth groups, to try and decide which projects were the most worth while.
Many youngsters on this forum are now taking the time to get involved with their local community.
They have representation not only on the Perry Barr Constituency Strategic partnership, but as in the Case of Sarandip Singh, who is the young Peoples Member of Parliament Representative for Perry Barr, Represent Young people on the National Parliament for young people.
It is really pleasing to see so many youngsters trying to do something for their community.


For further information about the Perry Barr Youth Forum please contact 464 0226

PLAY GROUP ALL SYSTEMS READY FOR GO THANKS TO COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING

LOCAL TRADER COMES TO PLAY GROUPS RESCUE

Councillor Barbara Dring my fellow Oscott Ward Councillor, has pulled of a marvelous achievement by finding a small local business to donate and fit new shelving for the Link Play Group. This was after they were turned down by a number of larger companies in the area.
This shelving was urgently needed for health and safety reasons, if the Link Play Group were to be set up and ready to open their doors, to local youngsters in September. Barbara was also instrumental in finding the Play Groups new premises.
Well done Barbara.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS IN OSCOTT

LEFT TO RIGHT

THE PERRY BEECHES LEISURE CENTRE

THE ALL WEATHER SPORTS PITCH AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

BOTTOM

THE MARY VALE PARISH HALL (WHERE THE MARY VALE YOUTH CLUB MEET.

One of the Questions I am being asked by parents and youngsters alike at the moment is “what is there for youngsters to do in Oscott”.

There are various leisure activities for youngsters in the Oscott area, including, Youth clubs, Football training, Karate training, Judo training, Gym work, Swimming, Poole tables and much more, that can be found in or around the Oscott area.

The Oscott Ward Committee, through its Community Chest funding, has also granted over 15k for various youth activities in the ward this year. If the Council had given us more funding there would have been a lot more.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE GROUPS OR CENTRE'S NAMED BELOW AND SEE WHAT IS ON OFFER.

The Great Barr Leisure Centre Tel. 464 0104
The 610 Community Centre Tel. 464 2268
The Perry Beeches Leisure Centre Tel. 360 3262
Beeches Swimming Baths and Leisure Centre Tel. 464 6296
Mary Vale Youth Club Tel. 077 1144 831
Base KS (Youth information) Tel. 464 5559
Football Futures (Based at Cardinal Wiseman) Tel. 079 4085702
Building Futures (Based at Burford Road Playing Fields) Tel. 464 169
Old Oscott Community Centre Tel. 464 1869

Beacon Stars Football Coaching for younger children (Based at Cooksey Lane Playing Fields) Tel 07592137798
Tree Hurst Youth Club Tel. 464 1869
Dulwich Road Swimming pool and Leisure Tel. 464 7890
College High Leisure Centre Tel. 373 8833
Alexander Stadium Tel. 464 8008


There should be something there for everyone and do not forget your local libary may have more information.

Also do not forget there is the passport to Leisure Card which caters for all ages. For details ring 464 5000

QUESLETT ROAD SPEED CAMERAS DUE FOR INSTALATION

THE GOOD NEWS SPEED CAMERA'S WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE QUESLETT ROAD SOON.
BAD NEWS STILL NO SIGN OF THE NOVA COURT JUNCTION BEING IMPROVED.

At long last speed cameras are to be installed (week starting 9th August) on the Queslett Road according to the Transportation department. These will be placed near Tyler Road and by the ASDA.
I would like to thank all those who genuinely worked so hard for this, for example Maureen Byrne. Betty Whitehouse, Nigel Quinn, Brian Brookes and many more.

That is the good news the bad news is that there is still not action regarding the Nova Court traffic lights and junction improvement which are badly needed. There is also much more road safety improvements needed along other stretches of the Queslett Road. You may be assured I will continue to press these issues with the Transportation department.

BAT WALK SUCESS

Despite rain at the end, to nights Bat Walk was a great success. Approx 50 people took part and encouragingly, nearly half of those were children. A number of bats were spotted and the wild life expert who attended the meeting, certainly had his hands full dealing with a wide range of questions about bats and other wild life issues relating to the Queslett Nature Reserve.

It is to be hoped that some of the youngsters who came along, will retain there interest in wild life and some of them when they are older, may be able to influence the way wild life is treated.
Who knows they may even reverse the current trend, which is to slowly but steadily destroy so much of our wild life habitat, in the name of progress.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve hope, to announce more wild life events in the reserve later in the year, so please keep logging onto this blog.

ARE THERE TOO MANY TAKE AWAYS?

At times as a member of the Planning Committee, it seems all we ever seem to receive is requests for more Hot Food Take ways. Nearly every week another shop disappears and Take Away establishment takes its place.
In many cases there is no problem with a shop converting to a Take Away, but with the amount there now are in some places, it does sometimes mean, some shopping parades are swamped with Take Aways to the detriment of the shopper.

The Birmingham Councils Planning Committee have asked its officers, to look into this issue, to see what exactly the situation is and to see if new policies are needed to address the ever increasing tide of new Take Away planning applications.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUPS TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING

I have been asked to chair a meeting of the Oscott Residents Groups on August 16th. The meeting will take place at the 610 Community Centre.@2.30pm
All the Oscott Councillors have been invited, along with Khalid Mahmood MP, Transportation Officers from the Council and the Police.

I think where residents groups have clubbed together like this, to hold meetings, it is only right we politician's and Council officers do our best to attend when we can. We should offer support and be prepared to answer Questions (even if at times they can be difficult) I am going to do my best to attend and Chair the meeting

For further details please ring the contact no 464 1869