OSCOTT RESIDENTS MAY HAVE THEIR BLACK BAG COLLECTION DAY CHANGED

There may be changes in stall for some residents in Oscott when it comes to when they have their blag bags collected.
The Salvage department will later this year introduce a system where the same salvage crew collect all the black bags through out the Oscott ward. It is meant as a stream linning of the service. However this may mean that some residents may find the day they have their blag bags collected will change.
I have been assured that black bags will still be collected on a weekly schedule and residents will be notified by leaflet when and if there is to be a change in the day their black bags are collected. (look out for leaflets explaining this.) Blue and green boxes will be collected on which ever day the black bags are going to be collected collected, as at present.
Finale plans for any changes have not yet been drawn up and when they are I will post any information I can on this blog.

THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR MANY OSCOTT RESIDENTS.

At today's Oscott Ward Committee Amey the contractor hired by the Birmingham City Council to maintain the streets in Birmingham informed the meeting all substandard street lights in Oscott will be replaced by the 31st of May 2015. In fact Oscott will be the first ward in the Perry Barr Constituency to have all its roads up to a modern standard street light wise.
Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I welcome this news and will be monitoring the progress of this initiative. WE WILL ALSO TRY AND GET AS MANY ROADS AS POSSIBLE DONE EVEN BEFORE THE DEAD LINE.

COLLEGE STUDENTS STILL CAUSING PARKING PROBLEMS

Sadly despite most of the new car parks on the Metropolitan college site being available there are still serious problems at the Aldridge Road to Burnham Road junction.
Following my concerns expressed to the Police (see my August 4th post re Police Tasking meeting) the Police are now putting out Police no waiting signs to help relieve the problems at this junction. Clearly however this can only be a short term measure.

I have asked the College to Finnish off their construction work and to free of more parking spaces ASAP and and to look at other ways to reduce the parking problems their students generate. I have also asked the Transportation department to look again at a more permanent solution. I will do what I can to keep this situation brought to the attention of the authorities.

MAKE A COMMENT

Any one who would like to make a comment regarding any of my posts and wish me to reply to please email
keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk. leaving your comments and your full details and I will do my best to respond.

CAT HOMING DAY

have been asked to advertise the following on my blog and I am only to happy to do so.

On behalf of Cats Protection.

Cat Homing Day

Saturday 2nd October 10.30am to 12.30am
Friends Meeting House
Kenelm Road Sutton Coldfield B73 6HD
(Behind the Cup Pub) Free entrance and free car park.

20 cats and Kittens will be on view who are all looking for caring homes (can you help?)

For further details ring the North Birmingham branch 0121 377 6302

THE PERRY COMMON LIBRARY FUN DAY

I was pleased to be asked to open the fun day session at the Perrycommon Library this morning. (Councillor Barbara Dring as Ward Chair will be officially opening the library at 3.30 today)

This is my local library and I have followed the progress of the building work with great interest over the past year or so. I think the library now looks great inside although I do miss the traditional entrance and exit. I must admit however the Community Chest Funding allotted for the modernising interior work in the Library, by the Oscott Ward has been well spent.

It is expected to be very busy today with a wide range of events for all of the family. The amazing Clive Chandler is performing a puppet show of Jack and the Beanstalk, Potsman Pat will be doing craft activities and there are pre-school stories and face painting throughout the day.

Local historian and genealogist Paul Wilkins we be show you how to trace your family tree and Steve Dyson is presenting a talk on the history of Perry Common. The magnificent Spencer’s will be showing a traditional Victorian magic lantern show later in the day and staff will be running introductory computer sessions for older people.

I have certainly enjoyed being at the library this morning and think the staff are in for a long day.

NOVA COURT JUNCTION ACTION AT LAST?

At long last it looks as if the Nova Court / Queslett Road junction is going to have some safety improvements carried out (see my post 26th August also). The central reservation gap at this junction will be closed while work is carried out between the 29th of September and the 6th of October 9.30 am till 3.30pm.
As you are aware I have been leading the campaign for action at this black spot for some time now, along with Local residents Maureen Byrne and Bob Wylde as well as Councillor Barbara Dring.
It was also pleasing to see that the Liberal Councillors from Perry Barr were prepared to work along side me to keep the the pressure on the Birmingham City Council and the Sandwell Council.
Lets all now hope we are not let down again and the wait has been worth while.

FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE AGM.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be holding their AGM on Saturday 2nd October at 11am. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
If you wish to be nominated for one of the Committee places please ring 464 1969 before 12 noon Monday 27th September.

SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

If like me you are a regular bus user you are bound to have seen low level antisocial behaviour during a bus journey from time to time, This can be very frustrating but now you can do something to ease that frustration. See something say something is an easy way to report low level anti social behaviour which you have seen a bus or the Metro.
Just text “bus” or “Metro” leave a space, and then write now what you have seen along with the details location, time and route number and add 83010.

Your concerns will be fed to the Safer Travel Police Team who are dedicated to work on Public Transport. They will collate your concerns, as part of their strategy

(If you see something more serious call the Police in the normal way.)

RIDING PUSH BIKES ON THE PAVEMENT IS DANGEROUS.

In areas like Oscott where there are a lot of elderly and disabled residents, riding a push bike on the pavement is dangerous. Many able bodied residents also tell me they feel intimidated when they are on the same pavement as a cyclist.
I would urge cyclist not to ride their bikes on our pavements and I am aware many responsible cyclist do not There is a fixed fine for riding a bike on the pavement and while not wanting to sound to draconian about it I feel perhaps the Police should consider issuing more of these fines.

The Council needs to do more. I have been asking for some time now for No cycling on pavement signs to be put up in strategic locations. There also need to be a program of education on the subject and yes many of our roads in Oscott need looking at to make them more safe for cyclist to use. For example they should be considering extend cycle lanes along some of our roads.

I am also working closely with the Oscott Disability Group to look at ways of getting the authorities to take more action on this issue.

THE PERRY BARR CONSITUENCY MEETING

There will be a meeting of the Perry Barr Constituency Committee tomorrow 23rd September at the Rookery Road Children’s Centre Rookery Road Handsworth.

Councillors in the Constituency attend these meeting to listen to reports from a number of Council Officer about issues relating to the area. Residents have an opportunity to ask questions.

On the agenda will be

The Perry Barr Revue Budget Monitoring Report 20/10/20/11 – Quarter one April to June 2010

The Constituency Community Arts, Culture and Events Plan 2010/11

The 2010-2011 Consultation Plan

Should you wish to attend? The meeting starts at 7pm/

FLY TIPPING ON THE INCREASE AS PREDICTED

Once again parts of the unadopted section of Booths Lane have been fly tipped. There are a number of mattresses and other items just dumped on the road side.
As I predicted earlier this year as some residents find they only have 3 free bulky collections these days, come this time of year many have used up their allotment and the temptation to fly tip is very real.
It is time the Council reintroduced more free bulky collections ( perhaps up to 6) and clamped down of fly tipping.

LITTER PICK SUCCESS.

Despite late notice there was yet another good turn out to the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve litter picking session.
It was good to see a number of new faces turn up as well.
Over 30 bags of rubbish and a number of larger items were removed from the reserve.
I would like to say thank you to all those who took part.

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING TO OPEN PERRY COMMON LIBRARY

Councillor Barbara Dring in her role as Oscott Ward Committee Chair will be officialy re opening the Perry Common Library on Saturday 25th at 3.30pm. She will then go on to present awards to youngster in appriaciation of all the hard work they have been doing designing libray cards and so on.
Barbara will also be paying tribute to the retiring Gudyal Gandham for all the hard work she has put into the Library service over the years.

I have always found Gudyal very helpful and knowledgeable in the years I have know her (and in the countless times I have met her when using the Perry Common library). I certainly wish her well for the future.

The Perry Common is already in use and I have to say the refurnishing (paid for out of Oscott Community Chest over the last couple of years,( and possible my fines for returning my books back late ?) looks really good. The modern Counter and the chairs in the youth Library are very good as is the new information Plasma screen.
The whole place looks so much brighter. Behind the scenes there have also been a number of worth while. improvements and so naturally are all the major roofing repairs.
I am sure users of the library will reap the benefits.
I will be helping out on the Saturday morning (10am) and have been glad to have been asked to. Perhaps I will see you there.

ANTI DOG FOULING INITIATIVE TO TAKE PLACE IN OSCOTT IN OCTOBER

As I predicted some time ago the reduction in the Oscott Environmental Warden time in Oscott, Ward, due to the current Council administrations, miss guided policy changes last year, occurrences of dog fouling in the area has gone up a lot recently.
Now Following a large numbers of complaints by my self on behalf of residents about the issue, a team of Environmental Wardens will be in the Oscott area in October reminding dog owners of their responsibilities and if necessary issuing fines.
If you have any concerns about this issue please contact me either by email (see my profile) or by ringing 306 6486.

GREAT BARR AND PERRY BEECHES SCHOOL PARKING CONSULTATION A FARCE.

For over 2 year I have along with resident been trying to get the Transportation department to come up with solutions to parking problems near the Great Barr Junior and infant school and the Perry Beeches Schools (Sandy Lane and Beeches Road) The result so far apart from a Speed indicator sign of the Aldridge Road, has been a series of consultations and the odd public meeting. This is clearly not good enough and is a farce.
There have been a number of proposals put forward for the Aldridge Road and Sandy Lane which were all but agreed, but sadly just as just as they were getting some where it was realised there were problems in the design and problems would simply move up Sandy Lane.
Both the Sandy Land and the Aldridge Road need to be sorted out urgently and there needs to be a solution which takes into account both roads.
I have been in touch with one of the Directors in the Transportation department about this situation yet again and will continue to press his department to take action, for the safety of our school children and for the relief of local residents who are suffering from parking problems. I am in constant with the Police who are trying to sort out the problem while waiting for the Transportation department to come up with a solution.

OSCOTT WARD ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

Councillor Barbara Dring and I attended the Oscott Ward Advisory Board meeting tonight. These meetings are where Community representatives, 'Council Officers, the Police, Fire Brigade and other voluntary group Representatives, meet with Oscott Ward Councillors to discuss issues relating to the Oscott Ward.
Tonight's agenda was heavily taken up with community safety issues.
The Police reported that following up recent a Police Tasking meeting (which I attended) they are going to prioritise a number of community safety issues. These are:
Looking at speeding issues in the ward (and continuing with the Speed Watch Initiative.)
Preventing drinking and anti social behavior on the Kingstanding Circles pavements and shop fronts.(Looking further at the Alcohol restricted Zones initiative for example)
Persuading youngster not to play ball games on the street and thus trying to prevent accidents.
Carrying out more anti burglary patrols in the area.
Monitoring disabled parking bays. (this links in with the on going initiative I have been working on with the Transportation department and the Oscott Disability Group to introduce more enforceability, to the use of these bays.) I am particularly concerned about the Kingstanding Circle area but to other locations as well.

It will be interesting to see how the Police get on with these initiative's.

A number of other reports and issues were discussed regarding unemployment in the ward, help for young families, help for the elderly and so on. Residents can raise issues with their Oscott Ward Councillors in 2 weeks time at the Oscott Ward Committee.

JOB VACANCIES AT TESCO'S LADYWOOD

I am asked occasionally if I am aware of any job vacancies in the North Birmingham area and with this in mind I am passing on the following information. If this is of any use to you or anyone you know please give the phone number below a ring.
(I understand there are about 50 vacancies)

TESCO
Vacancies for numerous roles
are available within a new store at
Ladywood, Birmingham.
Due to open in November 2010.

Previous retail experience may be advantageous
but not essential as full training will be provided.

Applicants must be able to work
flexible shift patterns
(allocated shifts can change with 48 hour’s notice)

Group Interviews will take place week commencing 4th October
Individual interviews will take place week commencing 11th October

PLEASE CALL THE RECRUITMENT LINE
BETWEEN
9:30am and 4:30pm,
from Wednesday 15th September
FOR A SHORT TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

0121 255 8027

A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE AREA

If you are unhappy with the level of bus or train services in this area, there will be a chance on Tuesday 21st September to let the bus and rail companies know. Along with Birmingham Council members who are on the Regions Transport Authority, bus and rail representatives will be at a Transport Users Forum meeting. Member of the public are most welcome and will have the opportunity to raise questions at this meeting
The time of the meeting will be 7pm and the venue is Erdington Abbey-Parish of St John Thomas and Edmund of Canterbury, 32 Sutton Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6QL.

If you have a concern about public Transport you can Email me keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or ring 360 6486 and I will try and help.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE TO GET CLEAN UP

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be holding a litter picking session on Saturday.
This will be an opportunity for member to work as a team to help clean up the reserve.
If you are a member of the FOQNR or would like to join and help why not come along to the Ahworth Road entrance to the Queslett Nature Reserve. (11am)
Don't forget to come prepared for the weather and children must be under the guidance of an adult.
I would also like to thank those member who have been out helping to clean up the reserve over the summer.

ROADS IN OSCOTT WITH CONCRETE CARRIAGE WAYS ARE STILL AN ISSUE

Oscott has a number of roads with concrete carriage ways many of which are deteriorating badly and are in need of repair/ resurfacing.
This year following years of campaigning by various residents and Councillors Dunedin Road was resurfaced.
This was great news but for me this has only been the start. I have no intention of forgetting roads like
Templeton Road, Southgate Road, Felstone Road, Eliston Avenue,Weybourne Road, Thornbridge Road, Regine Avenue, Glenmead Road, Meadthorpe Road and so on.
I have been in touch with the Highways department about the state of the carriage way in all these roads and will continue to put the pressure on until they are done. (I hope others may do the same.)

Birmingham Mail - Your communities

I am glad to see that the Birmingham Mail is doing some work to promote bloggers that are busy in the Birmingham area, you can see for yourself here.
Many thanks to the reporters at the Mail for this excellent idea.

POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD TASKING MEETING IN OSCOTT

JUST SOME OF THE NTG MEMBER ABOUT TO GO OUT TO MEET RESIDENTS

I was pleased to be able to attend the latest Neighbourhood Police Tasking Group meeting. These meetings are where the Police meet with community representatives, Councillors and Council officers to discuss crime priorities and issues in the Oscott Ward.

It was decided today that trying to persuade youngster to play ball games on local open spaces rather than on busy roads should become one of the priorities. Others include parking and speeding problems. (Community Speed Watch is doing well in the area)

Following the meeting the team went off to meet local residents and to look at areas of concern.

NEED A GRIT BIN?

Like I am sure a number of other Councillors I am already receiving complaints and requests about grit bins.
I have been compiling list of requests for new grit bins to be located in different locations throughout the Oscott Ward and if you have an idea as where a grit bin may be needed this winter please let me know. I will ensure you request is passed on to the Transportation department and although this does not guarantee one will be put in place, I will make sure there is a good reason if it is not.

If you would like a grit bin located in a particular road please ring 360 6486 and I will do what I can to help.

JEAN BAKER R.I.P.

It was with great sadness that I heard of the death (last week) of Mrs Jean Baker.
Jean worked tirelessly for the local community as a member of the Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum and before its axing by the Councils,Housing department for the Oscott Housing Liaison Board.
Jean was one of those rarities today a wonderful caring person who worked with no personal agenda for the local community.
Jean was also a member of the Friends Queslett Nature Reserve which she cared very much about.
My thoughts are with Jean,s family. She will be sadly missed.

BUSY KINGSTANDING ROADS TO BE RESURFACED SOON.

Following complaints from Councillor Dring and my self Amey the contractor in charge of repairing our roads are now resurfacing the carriage way on Kings Road and at the Kingstading island.

This work will be started 13th September (Kings Road for 5 days) and the 17th of September (Kingstanding island for 3 nights).

There will be some delays as you may expect but I have asked Amey to ensure delays are kept to a minimum on these very busy roads.

CABINET MEMBERS RESPONSE TO KETTLEHOUSE ROAD SPEEDING PROBLEMS

I have now received a letter from Councillor Timothy Huxtable (con) the Cabinet member for Transportation and Regeneration. He has confirmed that although his department does not recognise the need for any traffic calming measures in Kettlehouse Road, a Speed indicator sign is to be installed. This sign will be in place by the end of September.

I have informed Councillor Huxtable whilst I do not think this measure goes far enough it is at least a start. I am calling for more and better signage to be considered for the whole Bandywood Estate and for the prosed indicator signs, effect to be monitored.
I am also asking the Police to monitor the problem and that of speeding motor bikes on the estate.