MORE ACCIDENTS AT HALF ISLAND JUNCTION

There have been more accidents at the junction of Oscott School Lane/ Old Oscott Lane / Old Oscott Hill and Birdbrook Road.
Many local resident know the half island at this junction and treat it with respect, but it can confuse drivers from further afield. With this in mind I am continuing to try and get this Councils Transportation department to take action and at least consider better road markings and signage. It is certainly time they took action to deal with this junction in some way.
There is also a problem with the way parents are parking around the Mary Vale and Manor valley schools and this needs addressing. Finally speeding has been an issue for some time in the area but like the other issues the Transportation department have refused to take action.
You can be assured I will continue to ask the Transportation department to take action as I imagine others will when they read this blog?

BUSHES GO IN TO STOP GRAFFITI

I am now pleased to announce that sine my last post on the subject (see 18th December) that prickle bushes have now been planted near the wall of the Great Barr Leisure Centre (Aldridge Recreation Ground side). School Liaison officer PC Casson has manged to get the help of some young offenders and get these bushes planted. I was pleased to be able to give some help in the matter and now hope the bushes do their intended job which is to help stop youths gathering near the Great Barr Leisure Centre and putting graffiti on the wall.

LET ME HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT OSCOTT

Just to remind you I am interested in the views of local residents and if you want to let me know your views or concerns you can contact me in a number of ways.

1. You can leave a comment of this blog.
2. You can leave me a Phone message on 303 2039
3. You can E.Mail me at keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
4. You can write to me C/o the Council House
5. You can come along to one of my Saturday surgeries which I hold most Saturdays at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. (at 10.30am)

I do not always promise I can resolve your concerns or problem but I am always willing to give it a try.


Please note
My Colleague Councillor Barbara Dring holds surgeries on the first Wednesday of the month at the 610 Community Centre 7pm and the First Thursday in the month at the Kingstanding Library at 3pm

DISABLED BAY NEEDED OUTSIDE THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

Before all the scintillating speeches and the excitement which is a Council budget meeting in this day and age! , I managed to present a petition on behalf of local residents.This called for a disabled bay marking to be introduced to the carriage way out side the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
It will interesting to see the Councils reaction to this straight forward request?

Looking after the vulnerable

As your Local Councillors we are often expected to carry out duties which many residents are not aware of. For example today I carried out a Councillors visit (section 33) to 2 establishments the Council run for vulnerable people, in the Perry Barr constituency.
The first visit was to the Albert Road day centre where staff help members of the community with adult learning difficulties.
Having looked around the centre and spoken to the staff, I was able to meet some of the users and see some of the activities they carry out.
It is a great shame that because of various reviews in the Social Service department,some staff feel unsure of what the future holds.
This is also very much the same as at the Aldridge Road day centre where I visited in November.
The other Centre I visited was the Kings Lodge Centre in Oscott. This is where youngsters are helped and prepared to leave the care of the authority and live independent lives in the community. The facility and staff are very good and do a wonderful job without being noticed, in most cases.
In both these cases my report will indicated the hard work of the staff but the need for more resources.

AUBREY LONGE RE ELECTED AS CHAIR OF LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM

I was pleased to attend the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum AGM today and listen to the views of local residents.

Many of the issues raised are on going ones which this Council take to long if ever to deal with. The Greenholme Road/ Aldridge Road junction, the Booths Lane Carriage way*, the state of some of the Oscott shopping areas, the lack of public toilets in the area and the age old problem of dog fouling were amongst many issues raised.
I will continue to raise all these issues with the various Council departments
Aubrey Longe a long serving member of the forum was re elected as chair and I am sure he will continue to try and serve the community to the best of his ability.

* Along with a Representative of the Booths Farm Neighbourhood Forum, number of possible new approaches were discussed to try and remedy this long and complex situation. I may be able to reveal more at a later date if all goes well?

NEW STREET LIGHTS FOR TRESHAM ROAD.

I was pleased to see that the Birmingham City Councils Street lighting section are getting on with installing the new street lights in Tresham Road. A couple of them are already working.
It is going to take a number of years at the current rate of funding to get anywhere near re lighting much of the Oscott Ward. It is a difficult job prioritising where the small amount of money we get each year goes, but thankfully in Oscottt we have always had a lot of help from members of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board and we have a good record on prioritising roads logically when it come to street lighting. So far we have also managed to keep politics out of the decision making as well?

A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD HAS BEEN REJECTED AT LAST?

Finally after allowing a number of potentially problematic planning application for sites on or near the Aldridge Road to go ahead, the Planning committee have rejected one.
The planning application asking for permission to build general industry industrial units on a site just off the Aldridge Road near the canal at Perry Locks has been turned down. Strangely not because of the potential hazards lorries could course on a busy road with a bend on it,but because the developers have reneged financially apparently, on an agreement to improve the local canal tow path .
While I am all for improving the tow paths on our canals and would welcome money from a developer to do that, I do think the potential danger presented by unknown amounts of lorries, trying to get on and off the proposed site, is far more of concern.It is a strange world!
A word of warning however there is a right of appeal for the developer.

THE COUNCILS NEW BUDGET DRAWS NEAR.

The Birmingham City Council Budget proposals will be upon us very soon. Here a a few of my thoughts on what is needed this year.

1. The lowest Council tax possible given the current economic conditions.

2. No cuts in front line services.

3. Finding any cuts that are needed by reducing the horrific bureaucracy that has been built up over the years within the Council.

4. Reducing the amount of so called consultants the Council pay for.

5. Promote ways for Wards and their Councillors to take responsibility for grass root spending to ensure it gets to those who need it at a local level.

I appreciate it is much more complex than this but those 5 issues would be my building blocks of a good budget in my view.

By the way the Government has increased the amount of money it has provided the Council within the "Rate Support Grant", 3.3% or around £46 million. This includes Schools delegated budget increases.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR THE QUESLETT ROAD / NOVA COURT JUNCTION AT LAST

At a meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee tonight 18 th Feb a senior Birmingham City Engineer informed the meeting that Traffic lights were to be installed at the Nova court / Queslett Road junction in May and the work would take 20 weeks to complete.
Following questions by Councillor Dring and myself he agreed that the junction would not be closed when the work was being carried out, partly due to the poor condition of the Booths Lane Unadopted road which is not in good enough condition to be used as another exit.
It has taken 3 year of Transportation inaction to get to this point, but those present welcomed this announcement. Sandwell Council are now expected to sign their agreement to the work being carried out shortly.The money was given by the developers of the land at the Saint Margarets site near by as part of their planning agreement.
"I welcome this and would like to thank all those residents and various Councillors for all their hard work in putting pressure of the Birmingham City Council to finally make this announcement. It has been a long time coming but we must look forward to its completion in a positive way."

CABLE BOX CLEAN UP ON THE WAY

Following my successful campaign to get nearly all the cable boxes in Osctt cleaned last year, I am pleased to announce there is to be another Graffiti crack down on them this year, following my representations on the issue.
If you know of any cable boxes in the Oscott area please give me a ring on 360 6486

PROPOSALS TO BUILD NEW NURSING HOME ON THE ALDRIGDE ROAD

There is a planning application for a new nursing home to be build between the Valley Nursing home and the motorway on Aldridge Road.
I have concerns about this because the proposed new home will be very close to the motorway and the Aldridge Road, Boars Head junction. This will mean polluted air for the elderly to breath in, more congestion at the junction and the fact it will be next to an existing nursing home.
If you have any concerns about this proposed development please ring me on 360 6486

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE NOVA COURT JUNCTION UPDATE

On Wednesday 13th February there will be a Ward Committee meeting (to be chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring)This meeting will take place at the 610 Community centre at 7pm.
This is an opportunity to hear what is happening in the Oscott Ward and to speak to your Councillors.
At this meeting the Councils dithering Transportation department will give us an update on the Nova Court Queslett Road junction. As you may recall in the now distant past, the Transportation department promised to improve the Nova Court junction and introduce traffic lights there. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.

THE BATTLE FOR THE ALDRIDGE DAY CENTRE MUST GO ON

There is a very real threat that the Aldridge Road Day Centre may be closed. The Current Council Administration are carrying out a number of consultations with careers and users of the centre however, many careers feel this is not up to much.?

I would urge all those with an interest in this centre to make your representations and I would urge this Council not to close the centre.
I have said on other posts on my blog, how much this facility is needed and how hard the staff work to help its users have a better quality of life. I can accept that there has been a run down of this centre by various Council administrations for years but this does not justify it being closed now.
The Council should consider using the site in a multi purpose way. It could be used by other groups in the evening for example. It is now the time to fight to keep this centre open and indeed up grade it so let us hope the Council listen.I really do think if the Council close this centre it would be a mistake.

FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY ANNOUNCED.

There will be an opportunity for the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and any one interested in doing a spot of work to improve the reserve to roll up their sleeves and have a go on Saturday March 7th.
The FOQNR will be meeting at 11am at the Ashworth Road entrance to the reserve (Please park in Booths Lane or Lindsey Road.)
Pruning work, a clean and a litter pick will be taking place.
All are welcome but children must be supervised by an adult. Please come in stout foot ware and be prepared for the weather.Litter pickers, plastic bags and any tools needed will be provided.
If you would like any further details please ring 360 6486 0r 464 1869.

TIME TO GET YOUR BIDS IN FOR COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING NOW

Oscott Community Groups should now be thinking about applying for funding from the Oscott Community Chest. Unless the current Council Administration decide to cut this funding (and it is not guaranteed until it is sign sealed and delivered?)it is to be hoped that the Oscott Ward will receive 100K to spend on useful community projects.
Lat year projects such as the Bandywood Families Project, Base KS, Age Concern all successfully applied for funding. Small grants were also give to other groups for a number of projects on behalf of young people and the elderly as well as for community involvement.If you had a grant last year and need another this year or if you think you have a community project which needs support now is the time to ask for an application form. This funding is soon snapped up.
For further details please contact the Oscott Ward Support Officer Mike Trevor on 464 1869

CONCRETE ROADS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN

I just wanted to assure those residents who do not live in Dunedin Road but have roads with damaged concrete carriage ways, you have not been forgotten.
I have left other to get on with making claims about getting the Council to commit to sorting out the carriage way in Dunedin Road, while I am continuing to put pressure on the Council to sort out many more roads with concrete carriage ways.
I have been in touch with the Council about the carriage ways in the following roads
(this may also be of help to other who may not have done yet?)requesting action be taken by the Council to rectify damaged concrete carriage ways.

Southgate Road, Rockmeade Avenue, Beechdale Avenue, Templeton Road, Thornbrigde Road,Felstone Road, Glenmead Road, Elistone Avenue, Rockmeade Avenue and Meadthorpe Road.I will continue to press the Transportation for anwsers to when they will be dealing with theses Road along with my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring.

COLEMAN AND COMPANY PLANNING APPLICATION

Along with a number of local residents I attended a meeting at Coleman and Company Shady Lane to discuss their new planning application. Part of this new application caters for the temporary storing and treatment of "hazardous waste. Following an hour long discussion about the proposals which include the temporary storage of Asbestos on the site, we all came away reassured that the application should not cause any problems for the local community.
The storage will take place in metal containers and the site will continue to be secured. The treatment of hydro carbonate waste will be fully monitored and with the processes already on the site should not any problem.No extra vehicles are expected to be used as a result of this planning application.
If you are unable to attend any meetings re this Planning application but would like to discuss any of the issues raised by this planning application please give me a ring on 360 6486.

DUNEDIN ROAD CONCRETE ROAD ANNOUNCEMENT A VICTORY FOR ALL

“I am sure with an announcement like this all sorts of claims will be made by all sorts of people but I hope residents will remember the efforts put in by all concerned.”

Sadly as can be seen from the Great Barr Observer readers letter over the last couple of weeks it looks as if the words above which I wrote as part of my January 19th post about concrete roads in Dunedin Road have come true.

I wish people could except that Councilors form all political parties over the years put a lot of effort into getting the Council to do something about the concrete carriage way in Dunedin Road. It should also not be forgotten how much effort many residents also put in, gathering names for petition, sending letter to council departments and so on. I think all concerned should give each other a pat on the back rather than back biting.

It is important also that we keep the Transportation department to their word and make sure the necessary work is carried out.

COUNCIL SAY NO TO PEDESTION CROSSING AFTER A 11 MONTH WAIT

It has taken the Transportation department from the 26th February 2008 when I presented a a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on the bandy wood Road near the new Kingsland school entrance until the 4th of February this year to reject the request.
If that is bad enough they have even admitted they did not carry out any traffic speed monitoring tests during that time.
As you may guess I have asked them to reconsider their decision but on their current record I do not expect and answer for about six months.

EAT AND COOK PROJECT UNITES THE AGES

At yesterdays Oscott Ward Advisory Board meeting we had a presentation from the Hands on residents Association who are based in the Privet Close area.
Sherie Sutherland and other adult volunteers brought along a number of youngsters to explain how they had spent a grant given to them by the Oscott Ward.
Their project a Eat and Cook exercise, involved learning to cook using the facilities at the 610 Community Centre and meeting with groups of elderly residents in the area.During these meetings there was an opportunity to help break down age barriers and for different age groups to get to know each other. Many cookery tips were passed down form older residents from off the Ashgrove elderly resident complex (off Shady Lane) for example.
This sort of project is just what is needed to help bring the local community together.

MORE PRESURE ON BUSY JUNCTION AND ROAD

The Planning committee have allowed a number of planning applications recently which in my view will help snarl up traffic using the Aldridge Road Bores head junction.
The latest application to be allowed is for industrial units on land next to the Perry Barr Locks bridge. What has amazed me is that although informed juggernauts will be using the site (a new entrance will be located on the Aldridge Road) no one knows how many of these lorries will be using the site and at what times.
I welcome the jobs many of these new developments will bring.How ever the Transportation department needs to be aware of the potential problems, large lorries using this new entrance may have on an already, at time dangerous stretch of road,to say nothing of the holdups they will be joining when they get to the Bores Head Junction at busy times of the day.

DOES THE COUNCIL KNOW WHERE OSCOTT IS?

A little bird tells me when asked a question about the possible closure of the Aldridge Road Day Centre (Perry Barr Ward) and about the the poor state of Hawthorn Road shopping area (Oscott /Kingstanding Wards) the Birmingham City Councils Press department informed the questioner,it was not for them to comment on issues in Walsall. While I some time suspected the Birmingham City Councils Transportation department has no idea where Oscott was it is surprising the Press section does not know either.Perhaps an A to Z should be purchased.?

FEED WILD BIRDS NOW

Many bird lovers start feeding wild birds in the late spring a summer when it is really this time of year birds need feeding urgently.
Wild birds need food this time of year to help keep their body temperature up. They can not get at there normal food because of the snow and ice and so now is the time to feed them.
Try clearing a patch of snow from the ground or off your bird table if you have one and put some food out for the birds. Birds eat all sorts of things and there are plenty of books about to tell you whet is best for the birds. You can also by wild bird food from local pet shops and so on.
However only put bird food out in the day light and remove anything left over before it gets dark. This will stop rats from feeding on any left overs. Birds also need water and in icy conditions you can help them by putting out some water.

DONT FORGET THE ELDERLY IN THIS BAD WEATHER

 Visiting Oscott Resident Bert Cooke



This is the weather that really can have a bad effect on many of our elderly neighbours. Snow and ice can make it very difficult for those who are a bit dodge on their feet.
With this in mind please offer a helping hand to an elderly person you know. Do they need a bit of shopping or medicine from the chemist for example? They may just be lonely because they can not get out of their homes and a chat may cheer them up.?
Why not knock on a neighbours door or ring someone you know who may be struggling with the weather conditions?
If you are concerned about some one who is elderly and may need more help than you can give, try Age Concern and let them know, their Perry Barr Tel no is 358 0309

DANGEROUS PALLETS TO BE REMOVED

Dangerously stacked pallets left on the side of Old Horns Crescent near ASDA are finally to me removed.
These pallets many well above head height have been allowed to be used by local youths as fire wood in the near by Queslett Nature Reserve and have been left piled in such a way as to be a danger to road users.
Having been in touch with the Police and the Transportation department I have now been assured they will be moved shortly by their owner.

There has been yet another accident today at the well know Oscott accident black spot, the junction of Aldridge Road,Greenholme Road and Thornbridge Road.It would appear from witnesses that yet again the poor lay out of this junction has much to answer for.
In answer to a number of requests from my self and local resident the Transportation department have refused to introduce safety measures of any Worth to this junction.
The best solution would appear to be a new traffic light system. The campaign goes on.

MORE GRIT BINS NEEDED IN OSCOTT

Yet again after a bit of snow Oscott gets caught out because of a lack of grit bins. It does not matter how many times you try to explain to the powers that be that the Oscott Ward has a lot of roads on hills and therefore slopes. they will not give us any extra grit bins. If it comes to that they are often slow to top up the ones we have?
If we had more grit bins near schools for example it would be a great help to both those walking to school and those who must drop of their children!
It is also time all grit bins were secured in order that they can not Be tipped over.
On a possitive note well done to the grit lorry drivers they did a good job again keeping most of the main roads free of snow and ice.

610 COMMUNITY CENTRE GETTING A RE VAMP

The 610 Community Centre is currently undergoing something of a revamp.New windows are being put in and a new scrolling screen giving notice of the groups using the Centre and the various activities available at the centre is being introduced shortly.Internally it is also being modernised all the time.
Many people also do not realise there is a all weather sports pitch on the site as well as a gym.
I have noticed This centre is certainly becoming more and more popular with youngsters.
Also thanks in no small way to my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring the "abandoned" house next door to the centre is also having a lot of work done to it and no longer looks an eye saw.

KINGSTANDING ROAD NEEDS ACTION TO REDUCE THE SPEED ON IT.

I am still trying to get the dithering Transportation department to take action and introduce some road safety measures on the Kingstanding Road.
One of the problems they need to address is the way some motorists seem to ignore the pedestrian crossing on the Kingstanding Road near Halfords. There needs to be a comprehensive review of the Kingstanding road and things like speed camera.s speed indicators or better signage need to be considered and soon.