ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND TO HAVE A UPGRADE

The Aldridge Road Recreation Ground is to have new gates fitted to its Shady Lane entrance. Other improvements to the site will be an extra barriers at the Randwick Grove entrance (something I have campaigned for for some time to help stop motor bikes using this entrance which can be very dangerous) and the path between Shady Lane and Randwick Grove is to be upgraded. (re Tar maced) .
I am pleased to see the current Councils Leisure Services department have finally got around to funding improvements to some of the open spaces in the Oscott area as well as other areas in the city.
It is my understanding this funding is not new but part of their existing city wide strategic infrastructure allowance used to keep our open spaces in good condition.
I will be battling to get even more of the Cities Leisure Services resources spent in the area as there are many other things which need to be done and it is time we had our fair share of any funding available.

NO PROMISES NO PLEDGES

This is the time of year everyone starts thinking of making New Year resolutions or in the case of many politicians, pledges / promises to residents.
I may be making a few personal resolutions for myself but I will certainly not be making fanciful promises and pledges ( I leave that to others) to Oscott residents. Well perhaps the same one (and only one) I always make.
" I make no promises but I will do what I can to help Oscott residents and to make Oscott a better place". It will not be easy the way things are these days but I will do what I can.

If you have any views on what is happening in Oscott or any concerns you think I may be able to help you with please contact me by ringing 303 2039 (messages) or by e. mailing me on keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

SEASONS GREETINGS

MAY I WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP GRAND RAFFLE DRAW WENT WELL

I was very pleased to be asked along to the Oscott Elderly Group Coffee morning today to draw the raffle ticket for their Grand hamper prise.
This group have done tremendously well this year and its members are always very active a welcoming.
If you would like to know more about the year around activities this group undertake please ring 303 5502.

THE BANDYWOOD FAMILIES PROJECT

For a number of years now Oscott Councillors along with members of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (who help us decide what funding to give who?) have donated funds to the Bandywoodwood Famililies Project to help with their various projects. (They also recieve funding from a number of other sources.)
The project which is based on the Bandywood Estate give a lot of help to the local community there and also have had a member on Oscott WAB for many years.


Some of the things the project does are (and many of the projects are F.O.C)

At Saint Marks Church Bandywood Crescent

• Pre School Stay and Plays
• Baby Massage
• Cookery Skills - both adult and families cooking together
• Youth Activities - including fortnightly swimming, weekly judo and a weekly youth club for 10-1 4yrs.
• Arts, Crafts, Cookery & Sport Family Fun sessions in the school holidays (Thurs, Fri & Saturdays) plus other themed and special events
• Credit Union - Safe savings scheme. Wednesday mornings at Kingsland School
• Toy Library - Open Thursdays, Fridays and whenever we are operating family learning events on Saturdays & in the holidays

At Kingsland School Kingsland Road

• Pre-school stay and plays
• Bookstart Rhymetime (songs, rhymes & stories)
• Baby Group (for carers with babies 0-1 2mths)
• Pre-Nursery sessions for children preparing for nursery (from after Easter until the end of the Summer term) Places are limited and must be booked
• A wide range of adult courses with crèche facilities
• Fitness Classes
• ‘SHARE’ - parent craft activities which support children’s learning in school
• Community Advice and Signposting to other services such as benefits, jobs, housing, pregnancy advice (POWS), homestart etc.

For further information see below

Reg. Charity No: 1121184

Office Hours Mon to Fri 9am - 430pm

Telephone: 0121 360 1884

Email: bandywoodproject@aol.com

BOOTHS LANE FLY TIPPED RUBBISH HAS BEEN REMOVED

Its good to see most of the fly tipped rubbish has been moved from the unadopted section of Booths Lane at last after constant pressure on all concerned to get it done.
If you see any fly tipping please ring 303 1112.
Fly tipping is a blight on our environment. We all need to try and prevent it.

FATHER CHRISTMAS ATTENDED ELIM CHURCH SPECTACULAR EVENT

I popped into the Great spectacular Christmas event held at the Elim Church, Warren Road on Saturday.
I was really pleased to see how well organised it was and how many people were there enjoying themselves.
There were refreshments, Carole singers, face painting and my favourite a chance to meet father Christmas in he's Grotto..
During my chat with him and some of he's Elves, he assured me all those children (and some adults) who had been good this year will get a present for Christmas.

It was a splendid event and the work those from the Elim church volunteers do and not just at Christmas time must be admired.

ITS NOT TO EARLY TO PREPARE A BID FOR COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING FOR NEXT YEAR

Many people get mixed up when it comes to dealing with Councils and their time scales. They work in financual year time frames. April to April.

With This in mind Councillor Barbara Dring as Chair of the Oscott Ward Committee has asked me to let you know, it is not to early to start preparing a bid for the next round of Oscotts Community Chest funding. (unless the Council gets rid of it)

Application forms should be sent out from April in onwards and notices will go up in Libraries, in time for the summer dead line.
However now is the time whether you are a local organisation or an individual to consider how to put your bid together. The actual process of decision making can take some time so the sooner the bid goes in the better.

Bids are assessed by a Oscott Ward Support officer for suitability and then put to the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (which is made up from Community Group leaders, councillors, the Police and other organisations). who then, scrutinise the bids before prioritising them and recommending them to the Councillors on the Ward Committee. Sadly because of limited funding some bids have to be rejected although those making the bid make be advised to look at more suitable funding from other quarters.
Finally the Ward Councillors make a decision regarding the recommendations' in public at a Ward Committee meeting.

If you want to know more about how to make a bid and what can be funed please contact the Oscott Ward support Officer on 303 5502.

WATCH OUT FOR THE FLY TIPPERS OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

Probably because the festive season will soon be upon us I have been asked by a few people recently when the Holford Drive Household Recycling Centre is open over the next few weeks.
Please see below for the answer and also other sites in the City.

The Household Recycling Centres are located at:

Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich, B35 7AG
Tameside Drive location map

Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, B30 3JJ
Lifford Lane location map

Holford Drive, Perry Barr, B42 2TU
Holford Drive location map

Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB
Norris Way location map

James Road, Tyseley, B11 2BA
James Road location map

Maps kindly provided by MultiMap.co.uk.

Opening hours (every day except Christmas Day/Boxing Day):

Months	Weekdays	Weekends
1 March – 31 October	8am – 8pm	8am – 4.30pm
1 November – 28/29 February	8am – 6pm	8am – 4.30pm

ALL INFORMATION FROM THE BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL WEBSITE as displayed on 20 January 2009 – check there for more info and any changes. Phone 0121 303 1112 for information.

Given the above information there is no excuse for anyone to fly tip because its the holiday period. If you see anyone fly tipping make a note of their details and contact the above Telephone Number.

BIRDBROOK PHONE BOX NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

The battle to persuade BT to replace their enclosed style telephone box which is located in Birdbrook Road with an open canopy style one goes on. Since BT rejected a residents petition calling for this box to be removed because it attracts some drug taking youngsters, I have repeatedly been in touch with BT.
Only this week I have requested they revisit the subject and consider the more open type of phone box where youngsters are more easily observed when they use the phone.

I will keep you informed about the results of my latest discussions with BT.

HAWTHORN ROAD IS LOOKING FESTIVE

On my way home from an entertaining end of the year meeting of the Hawthorn Traders Association where many issues relating to the Hawthorn Road were discussed I noticed again how festive the Christmas lights are along the Hawthorn Road. some of the shops have also made a big effort with their shop fronts to make them look more attractive to customers at this time of year.

Traders and Residents are working together well to try and put the Hawthorn Road shopping area on the map. However there does need to be more variety of shops and the recent change in policy making it more difficult to gain planning permission to have a Take Aways where there is already a glut of them in a shopping area is a good move.
There are also a number of other issues that continue to need to be resolved in the Hawthorn Road area such as the need for tree pruning better pavements and road safety. Along with other Councillors who attended I will do what I can to help try and resolve some of these issues.

THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE SENIOR YOUTH CLUB.

I was in the 610 Community Centre on Friday evening and was really impressed when I saw how many youngsters were there.
Youngsters were playing table tennis , pool and just enjoying chilling out generally.
The staff were doing a great job helping out.
The 610 Community Centre hold Senior youth club meeting on Monday and Friday Evenings for youngsters from 13+ and if you or someone you know wants more information about the different activities that are on offer ring the 620 Community Centre on 464 2268.

THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE
610 KINGSTANDING ROAD
B44 9SH

ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

There has been yet another accident on Kettlehouse Road. A car allegedly been driven at speed as completely demolished a bus shelter at the junction of Norbury Road and Kettlehouse Road.

Luckily at the time no one was in the bus shelter and the driver, although taken away by the Police is not believed to be injured.

I have been in touch with Council chiefs and have again put forward some possible solutions to the problems this road in regard to road safety as the problem needs to be dealt with urgently. For example I think an island could be created at the junction of Norbury Road and kettle House Road which would help slow down the traffic

I have also passed on a suggestion from a local resident that land near the Bandywood Crescent be used to create an island to slow down the traffic.

The current vehicles activated sigh is due to be re sighted next year and other signage is to be introduced but I have pressed that the work is carried out as soon as possible.

HAWTHORN ROAD SHOP WATCH UP AND RUNNING

The Hawthorn Traders and the Police have now started a Hawthorn Road Shop Watch Scheme.
This is where shop keepers on the Hawthorn Road have agreed to contact each other at the first sign of any suspicious activities by shop lifters or people acting in an anti social way.
They can also call out the Police for assistance.
Signs are now in place on lampposts in the area warning potential trouble makers they are now in a Shop Watch area and may be under observation.
Well done to Nina, Heather and Jeanette, Sargeant Bebb and many others for getting this scheme underway and I am just pleased to have been of assistance.

OSCOTT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INVITED TO MEET ME ON SATRUDAY 17TH DECEMBER

I would like to invite any young people who live in the Oscott who have an issue or concern about the Oscott or anything else, to come along to see me when I hold YOUNG PERSONS COUNCILLORS SURGERY on Saturday surgery on the 17th of December. (10.30am at the 610 Community Centre.)
I would like to give you the opportunity to tell me what you think about the Oscott area and how I may be able to help improve the area for young people.

There will also be a chance to meet with Maureen Byrne the Chair of the Oscott Elderly Residents group who is always interested to listen to the views of young people in order to get a better understanding between the different age groups in the area and to have a free mince pie.

If you can not get to the surgery but still have a concern please send me an email
Keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk and I will try to help if I can.

ITS TIME TO HAVE A THINK ABOUT OUR LOST TREES

Its time this council really got to grips with the loss of trees due to new planning developments.
I sit on the Birmingham City Council Planning committee meeting, hearing planning applications where many trees are being destroyed to make way for houses or other buildings.
On occasion we will here that there will be some replacement of the lost trees on the development site but I for the most post there is a hefty net loss.
It is interesting that when a tree is removed from one of our streets there is a policy which states 2 others have to be planted somewhere in the area.
I am calling for Planning and Regeneration department to call for similar policies where developers are allowed to chop down tree on private land
There is a case in my view in saying if a private developer cuts down a tree they should pay to have 2 new trees planted. If there is no room on the actual development site itself they should be planted on open spaces owned by the Birmingham City Council either within or out side Birmingham

ABOUT THE MARY VALE YOUTH CLUB

Maryvale Youth Group is a catholic youth group located at Maryvale Community Centre in the Oscott ward.

All telephone enquiries can be made to:

Paul Chawner
07711-440831

They meet on Friday evening in school term time between 7pm and 9pm. Mary vale youth club began it's life in 2006 and quickly began to grow to a youth group which now caters for a large amount of children. Ages of the children range from 9 up and they have junior youth leaders who are 17 and 18.
They enjoy various activities including football, basketball, table tennis and other games and also go on outward trips
I was delighted to be part of the Oscott Ward Committee that awarded £2.000 pounds from the Oscott Ward Community Chest recently to help fund various activities

If you would like your children to be part of the Mary Male Youth Club youth group please go along on a Friday evening and they will give you the relevant forms for your child or children to join up.

PARKING AROUND SCHOOLS NEEDS TO BE SORTED OUT.

I went out today with members of the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Tasking Group (NTG)volunteer members to look at parking problems around the Perry Beeches and Great Barr Schools.
Along with the Police, we spoke to a number of residents and are trying to help with a number of parking issues.
Sandy Lane and Malthouse Lane are roads which are suffering a lot from cars being parked there while parent collect their children from the near by schools.
I have again called on the Birmingham City Council to look again a considering a residents parking scheme in the area as something more needs to be done to sort out these parking problems.
The Oscott NTG will certainly be looking at these parking issues as a priority to see what can be done. I would like to thank all those who took part today and the many residents who let us have their views and concerns.
Other schools in the area also face major parking problems and Councillor Barbara Dring and I will continue to ask the Transportation department to keeping trying to come up with some suitable solutions although we no there are no easy solutions.

30MPH SPEED SIGNS NEEDED FOR COLLEGE ROAD AND KINGSTANDING ROAD

As you may have noticed the campaign to get the speed limit on some of our roads in Oscott down from 40mph to 30mph is beginning to pay off.
Both the College Road and Kingstanding Road, from the Kingstanding circle to the College Road are now 30mph.
This has followed a lengthy period where I have handed in petitions and letters from local residents to the Council, amongst other things.
However what the Council has not done is put up enough signs letting resident know these roads are now 30mph.
You can be ensured I am urgently requesting 30mph signs are put up at least on a temporary basis. This should help motorists who used to the old speed limits, know what is going on.
I would also like to thank the Oscott Community Speed watch team for volunteering their time to monitor and deter speeding drivers in the Oscott area.

PERRY BARR CONSTITUENCY COMMITTEE THURSDAY 8TH

THERE WILL BE A MEETING OF THE
PERRY BARR CONSTITUENCY COMMITTEE

On Thursday, 8 December, 2011
At the Welford Primary School, Lozells, Birmingham, B20 2BL
7pm

TO BE CHAIRED BY COUNCILLOR BARABARA DRING
AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES PARTICIPATION
CONSTITUENCY COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE AND EVENTS
WILLMOTT DIXON REPAIRS
PERRY BARR/BIRCHFIELD/A34 CORRIDOR STRATEGIC REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
DRAFT SHOPPING AND LOCAL CENTRES SPD
TO APPOINT A “COUNCILLOR CHAMPION” for the Perry Barr Constituency.

Residents from the Perry Barr Constituency are welcome to come along to find out what is going on in the area.

OSCOTT'S CONTROVERSIAL PLANNING APPLICATION LIKELY TO BE REFUSED

I have now been informed (see below) by the Birmingham City Council that they are minded to refuse the proposed Planning application for a mast at the rear of 43 Bowman Road.
I am sure all those residents who have taken the time to sign the petitions against this planning application (which I have submitted on their behalf) will be delighted to hear this news.
However the finale decision has not been made yet and I would warn local residents about getting their hopes raised to early.
Local residents, Councillors and the Planning Department have done all they can however to stop this ugly mast blighting the properties of home owner if the local area.

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION

Your Ref: Application Number: 2011/07248/PA
Date: Monday 5th December 2011 Please quote this number whenever you contact us
about this application. For more information please
contact:
0121 303 1115
TO

Cllr Keith Linnecor
Oscott Ward
Labour
Email us at planning.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk
Dear Sir / Madam
Site: Bowman Road Yard, Rear of 43 Bowman Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 2RN
Proposal: Installation of a telecoms support pole supporting 6 antennas and 2 dishes (18.2m in
height in total) and ground based equipment. Secured by 2.1m high palisade fence.
I am writing to tell you that the Council has made a decision on the above application using powers delegated to it
from Planning Committee. The application has been accepted as needing prior approval and that permission be
refused. on 05 December 2011. Any related conditions or reasons for refusal can be viewed on the decision
document at www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline in the related documents section or by contacting us.
Please note that it may take up to 48 hours before the documents are available online.
If you had requested to speak at the Planning Committee, the guidance leaflet available on the web explained
that the application might be decided on behalf of the Council by myself and this has been the case on this
occasion.
In the case of a refusal by the Council, it should be borne in mind that the applicant has the right of appeal to
the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government against the decision of the Local Planning
Authority.
Please note there is NO third party right of appeal.
Plans and details of this and other applications are available to view at
www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline. Alternatively you could contact us as shown above or by email at
planning.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk
Yours faithfully
Waheed Nazir, Director of Planning and Regeneration

THE SAINT MARKS CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR TRYING TO RAISE THE ROOF

I attended the Saint Marks Church Christmas Fair today and was pleased to see so many there enjoying what was on offer. Khalid Mahmood the Member of Parliament for Perry Barr was also there helping to contribute to a good cause, raising funds for the church roof.
Sadly as usual although I had ago on a number of raffles my luck was out. never mind well done to all those who organised the event.

THANKS FOR CONTACTING ME

Many thanks again to all those who are emailing me with comments and concerns after reading my blog. keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

I would ask however to speed up my responses to you, that you include your details (name and address) when sending me a email. Unlike MP's and Councillors who have Cabinet responsibilities, I have to do all my own work (unlike some I do not want to overstretch the few officers who try and support Councillors) and your help with more of your details is appreciated.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you this blog is only one of the ways you can keep in touch with me.
I hold regular face to face surgeries with residents most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road, I carry out home visits for those with genuine mobility difficulties, attend as many residents meetings as possible and many of you will have had one of my cards through your door.

I never promise anything but I will always try and help you if I can if you contact me. I am also always interested in your views about the Oscott area.

My Tel no is 360 6486

OSCOTT'S HOUSING LIAISON BOARD MAY BE BACK NEXT YEAR

The prospect that Councillor Barbara Dring's campaign to have the Oscott Housing Liaison Board relaunched, looks to be a little closer to success.
Following a series of complaints I have now been informed that a newly appointed Housing department boss will be looking again at the issue of the axed Oscott HLB and hopefully as a result of this, a new HLB may be set up next year.
I just hope this time resident/ tenants will be allowed to have their say with less interference and control from the Housing department. The Housing department needs to allow residents to be on Housing Liaison Boards even if they do disagree with the Housing department and want to express their own views.

TAXI CAB BOOKING OFFICE PROPOSAL FOR THE OLD BOARS HEAD SITE

PLANNING APPLICATION 2011/07683/PA

There has been a Planning application submitted for the
Boars Head , 340 Aldridge Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 8BH

The proposal is for a Change of use from that of of ancillary office of public house (Class A4) to private hire taxi booking office
The above application was accepted by the Council on 25/11/2011 If you would like to make comment to the Planning department please ring 303 1115 preferably by the 21st of December or to let me know your views on this application please ring 303 2039 and leave me a message.

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER PETITION AGAINST THE PROPOSED MAST FOR BOWMAN ROAD

I have received another petition against the proposed Planning application for a mast to be erected near Bowman Road.
Given the residents in the area are so understandably upset regarding the issue I will be presenting this petition to the Councils Planning department today.

It will be interesting to see if the Governments much talked about "Big Society idea", much of which seems to be about listening and consulting more with residents, we be taken into consideration. In this case as it would appear Approx 99% of residents in the area are against this mast as are their 3 Local Councillors.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY GROUPS CHRISTMAS DINNER WENT DOWN WELL

I was very pleased to be able to attend the Oscott Elderly Residents Group Christmas Carvery Lunch at the Mult Shovel P.H today.
Maureen Byrne and her team have all year long been holding coffee mornings for Elderly residents who live in Oscott, where they can come along and have a chat ,free cups of Coffee and take part in activities.
I try to make as many of these meetings as I can because OERG members all seem to like to save up their Questions about the Council for me to try and answer.

Fund raising activities led to a Christmas bonus where the OERG members had made enough money to pay for a Christmas lunch for their members.
Everyone had a good time and it is always nice in these hard times to see some of the elderly residents in the area having smiles on their faces. Well done Maureen.

HOUSING DEPARTMENT WALK ABOUT IN OSCOTT

There will be a chance for residents to speak to the Local Housing Team next week as part of the Estate Assessment walk about. This will take place on Tuesday 6th December and will start of at 2.20pm from the junction of Norbury Road and Kingsland Road.
It will be an opportunity to discuss issues related to housing and the environment in the area.
Sadly as this meeting has been scheduled exactly,! to clash with a full meeting of the Birmingham City it will be highly unlikely that any of your Oscott Councillors will be available on this occasion.
I am sure the Housing department would not have managed to get the dates to clash so exactly on purpose.
However given the amount of complaints I received about the last Housing department walk about and the number of issues raised with me by local residents following it, I will have some one there to monitor it on this occasion.
So please try and attend this walk about if you can and let the housing department know of any complaints you have.
If you would like to contact me regarding any complaints please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE MEETING TO TAKE PLACE 7TH DECEMBER

A meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee will take place on Wednesday 7th December at 7pm. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre.
These meetings are Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring and are where the committee (the 3 Oscott Councillors) meet to hear reports from Council officers and the Police about issues relating to the Oscott Ward.
Members of the public are offered an opportunity to ask Questions and to ask for urgent matters to be considered.

If you can not make this meeting I hold a councillors surgery most Saturday mornings 10.30am at the 610 community Centre and would be pleased to listen to any concerns you may have.

AGE CONCERN'S PAT MATTROM TO RETIRE

Age Concern (now Age UK) stalwart Pat Motrom has sadly announced she will be retiring after 25 years. I know I can speak for my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring also.

Pat who has been a senior Age Concern executive member for Perry Barr, (including Oscott) Kingstanding and Weoley Castle has over the years done a terric job for the elderly in this area.
I have always found her to be an amazing caring and diligent person and her services will be badly missed by the Elderly in Oscott and myself.
Pat and I go back a long way and I remember well when we came up with the idea of committing Oscott Ward funds to starting a gardening scheme and Handy man Scheme for the elderly in Oscott. This idea then got taken up in other parts of the city.
One of her lasting legacies will be the newly refurbished Age UK Centre in Birdbrook Road and I have been proud to help her and Age Uk take over the old foundering Old Oscort Community Centre and put it to such good use.
I certainly wish her all the best for the future.

THE OSCOTT WAB MET TODAY.

I chaired a meeting of the Oscott ward Advisory Board today. This is where the Oscott Councillors meet with various Authorities, Voluntary Groups, Representatives from local schools, the Police and Local Community group leaders to discuss issues of local concern.

Amongst issues discussed at to days meeting were Anti Social behavior near schools, Parking near local schools, (I have called on schools to work more closely together to resolve these issues and to work closely with the Police) Planning application re Bowman and Caddick (all 3 Oscott Councillors indicated they opposed the mast application), Police issues and updates from Community groups and other agencies.
In regard to the Health authority there was a lot of apprehension expressed regarding the new policy to remove Primary Care Trusts and to introduce GP commissioning.

OSCOTT WINTER SOCIAL

I was pleased to see a good turn out for the Oscott Resident Groups Winter Social.
Everyone seemed to enjoy them selves and the organisers worked hard to make sure they did.

Well done Maureen, George, Nigel and Brian the ORG organisers for putting on a enjoyably event for Oscott residents. Residents certainly made short work of the free glasses of Sherry and the mince pies.

The Oscott Residents Group's are made up of 3 Local groups.

The Oscott Residents Association

The Oscott Disability group

The Oscott elderly residents group

The Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative is an associate member.*

For more details regarding any of these groups please ring 303 5502

FALTERING START TO HAWTHORN ROAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

It was a great shame that despite the VERY hard work of Jeante Hart MBE and other members of the Hawthorn Traders Association, the Christmas light switch on 12th Nov, has got off to a faltering start.
Despite assurances from the Council, the lights were not switched on until around 10pm on the 12th and when they were switched on many did not work.

No one can fault the Hawthorn Traders they found the funding to pay for the lights, they made the arrangements with the responsible Council department as they have done for some years now and they even put on a spread for the correct time of the switch on.

Now the Hawthorn Traders Assocaition, many residents and myself feel let down this year by the Council.
Residents and Traders alike donate their money to have a bit of Christmas cheer in the way of Christmas lighting along the Hawthorn Road for the Chritsmas period and look whay happens.

There are still 2 sets of lights which do not work. To say that this is not good enough is an understatement and I have contacted the Council and Councillor Timothy Huxable who is ultimately in charge to let them know.

PETITION TO STOP NEW MAST PLANNING APPLICATION IN BOWMAN ROAD

Many residents in the Bowman Road , Caddick Road area of Oscott are furious that another planning application has been put forward for the area.
Only a few months ago a similar application for just a few hundred yards away down the road was rejected following a concerted effort by Local residents, a number residents groups and Local Councillors including myself.

Now the new application is prosing to erect a similar mast on a privately owned section of land just yards from homes in Bowman Road. I suspect as the mast is proposed for sighting on privately owned land this time it will be more difficult to stop.

Some 300 local resident have however signed a petition gathered by members of the Oscott Residents Association, The Booths Farm Neighbourhood Forum and individual residents. I have now as requested handed in this petition on their behalf to the Council.

I have also called on the Council to look at other Council open spaces in the area which are further away from peoples homes and to use any of the rent paid for the mast being on Council land being used to help local residents. They should also be looking more carefully at mast sharing to reduce the need for so many masts to be errected.

FLY TIPPING IS STILL ON THE INCREASE IN OSCOTT

Anyone traveling down Booths Lane these days will not fail to see how fly tipping is on the increase. Despite warning about possible increases in the population of rats the Council seem reluctant to take action.

I am getting a number of residents who seem to be getting now where when they complain about fly tipping. You can be assured i will keep on at this council about the subject on behalf of residents.

ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN OSCOTT KEEP THEM SELVES FIT.

I found myself joining in a fitness session with member of the Oscott Elderly Residents Group today.
As part of their regular monthly Coffee mornings they have a fitness instructor come along and show them how to take gentle exercises and how to become less stressed.
These sessions are becoming more and more popular with elderly residents in Oscott and I was pleased to join in the fun.

PERRY COMMON LIBRARY FORCED TO REDUCED OPENING HOURS THIS WEEK.

The Perry common Library is due to a staff shortage due to ill health and holiday commitments, being forced to open less days this week. Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are trying to get the Library Service to look at the situation and provide better cover in the future.
Cuts in funding by the Council are not however helping the situation.

PARLIMENTARY REVIEW WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS

By this time most Oscott residents will be aware that the Government are reducing the number of elected MP;s and a boundary review is underway.

If there are any Oscott residents who are concerned about this I will be available on Saturday 19th Nov at the 610 Community Centre (10.30am). If you would like to discuss any concerns you have, on how this change may effect you, or the Oscott ward. I would like to hear your views on the subject.
Alternatively you can also email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

LEAD STOLEN FROM PERRY COMMON LIBRARY ROOF

I would like to join in with the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative and call for residents to keep an eye on Perry Common Library.
Metal thieves have targeted a historic city library for a second time leaving it with a leaky roof and at risk of damage again.
Thieves have taken lead flashing joining the roof and guttering at Perry Common Library causing rain water to leak into the building.
Staff spotted the leaks during the recent torrential downpours but have so far managed to the
library open
It was only in 2008 that lead flashing was stolen from around skylights and the resulting flooding led to the library being closed for two years. 66 thousand pounds had to be spent before it could reopen
The red brick library, designed by J P Osbourne and built in 1934 with an art-deco entrance hall, is an example of a 1930s public library which is a listed building.
I have been a supporter and user of this library for may years and my colleague councillor Dring even uses it for a Councillors surgery.
I will doing what I can to support the retention of this library despite this set back and I will also be calling for security measures to be stepped up to prevent this happening again. The Council should also consider urgently using a lead substitute material which thieves would not wish to steal.

The Oscott NPI along with the Police and myself are asking residents to report any suspitious activity you may see on or near this Library to the Police.

LETS REMEMBER THE FALLEN AT AT 11. O'CLOCK TODAY

MAY WE NEVER FORGET.

THERE ARE STILL PROBLEMS WITH MY ANSWER PHONE?

I am still having issues with my answer phone thanks to my line provider?. It is very hit and miss at the moment?
If I have not contacted you over the last few weeks following your leaving me a message on my answer service please try again. Alternatively you can you Tel 303 2039 ( messages) for Council business or my email Keith.Linnecor.@birmingham.gov.uk.

MORE HOUSES PROPOSED FOR BOOTHS LANE

Although I have not been notified officially I am led to believe there will be an opportunity for residents in the Booths Lane/ Caddick and Bowman Road area to see plans for the next stage of the development of Booths Lane.
It would appears as predicted dozens of extra houses are under consideration for being built in Booths Lane next to the site where planning permission was already agreed this year.

This consultation will be held at the Queslett Golf Range (which looks as if it will be next on the list to go?) at 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday 16th November.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS THE AGREED PLANNING APPLICATION AND IS A PROPOSED FOLLOW ON DEVELOPMENT.

SAINT MARKS CHURCH TABLE TOP SALE SAT 12th

Table Top Sale

Saint Mark's Church Centre are holding a Table Top Sale on Saturday 12th November from

11.00 in Saint Mark's Church Centre, Bandywood Crescent, Kingstanding. "It looks as though

there will be lots of interesting items on sale and there are bargains to be had.." said Maureen

Burns, " We have a good number of tables already reserved."

For further details please contact Mrs Burns on 608 1460."
--- ------
Lets support our local community and pop into this table top sale.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUPS ARE HAVING A DO

The Oscott Residents Groups are holding a Winter Social on Wednesday 23rd November at 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road.

There will be a Quiz, raffles, a free glass of sherry, a mince pie and more.
Oscott residents are cordially invited to pop in and join in.

If you would like more details please contact 303 5502

The Oscott residents groups are made up of the Oscott Residents Association, The Oscott Disability Group, the Oscott Elderly Residents Group and in association the Neighbourhood Police Initiative. They are un paid community volunteers.

TAKE EXTRA CARE TONIGHT AND REMEMBER YOUR PETS

I know we have all been hearing fireworks going off for days now but tonight is the big one, Bonfire Night.
With that it mind i would just like to remind everyone too take extra care if setting off fireworks or attending a Bonfire Night event.
And please remember animals may be frightened by ANY explosions they hear so try and keep them indoors and out or harms way.
(Also before you light your bonfire check for hedge hogs)

IF ITS METAL ITS NO GOOD CHAINING IT DOWN ?

With the price of metals at an all time high theives are targeting the Council and individuals.
It appears anything that is metal and movable is fair game to metal thieves.

Thieves are targeting litter bins, drain covers ( which is highly dangerous) and even chains put on grit bins to stop them being overturned.
Its you and me who are paying for these to be replaced out of our taxes.

Scrap metal collectors are being urged to be responsible if they are going around in vans and to ask before taking metal household items left the street when bulk collections take place and also to tone down their speakers. (The Police have been checking up on these activities.)
Scrap yard dealers are also been reminded of their responsibilities when receiving metals.

Locally a number of issues related to metal thefts were discussed at this weeks Oscott Police Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Tasking meeting and I would ask Oscott residents if you see any thing suspicious take a note of what you see and contact the Police 0345 113 5000 111

POLICE MISSING PERSON APPEAL

THE POLICE HAVE ASKED ME TO PASS ON THEIR APPEAL TO HELP FIND A MISSING PERSON. CAN YOU HELP SEE BELOW

Missing from Perry Barr, Birmingham
Missing since October 2011
Birmingham Police are again appealing for help in tracing a 36-year-old man who has been missing from home for over three weeks.
Srinivas Kadium was last seen at his home on Wenlock Avenue, Perry Barr on the evening of Friday 8 October. He is known to have gone to bed that night but was found to be missing the following morning, and police were later informed of his disappearance.
The 36-year-old is known to have friends in the Wolverhampton area, as well as having links to Birmingham.
Police are now urging anyone who knows of his whereabouts to come forward as they are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Sergeant Andy Holder, from Central Birmingham police station, said: "We are aware that Mr Kadium had been a little down of late, and we are concerned that he had left home without taking his glasses and other personal items which he would usually carry with him.
"We urge anyone who recognises him, or knows of his whereabouts, to contact us so we can confirm that he is safe and well."
He is described as an Indian man, 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build, with a bald head and thinning black hair, he has a dark complexion, grey stubble and wears glasses. He was last seen wearing light grey Bench jogging bottoms, white T-shirt, a light green rain coat with a hood, and brown slippers. He sometimes walks with a limp after suffering a leg injury.
Anyone with information is urged to call Birmingham Central police station on 0345 113 5000.
Recent Missing Person Appeals

THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING ME

I would just like to thank those who have read my blog and emailed regarding an issue i have raised on it.
Those who have emailed me will be aware I do get back to them and respond even if at times they do not like the answer?
I do what I can to try and help those who send me emails, although unlike some I never make any promises as there are many things I can not achieve.

If you would like any help or assistance or just to comment on anything on my blog or about the local area please contact me at Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

PATH TO LINK RESERVES CUT BACK

Following complaints by a number of residents in the Bowman and Caddick area I have managed to get the Leisure Services department to cut back the path at the end of Caddick road.
This path at the edge of the carriage way helps maintain the link (by foot) between Turnbury park and the Perry Beeches at one end and the Queslett Road Nature Reserve and Booths Lane at the other.
I am still negotiating however to get a few bushes cut back.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD PROBLEM TREES TO BE REMOVED

Councillor Barabara Dring actively has led a campaign supported my myself and others? to have 4 trees on the Burford Road Playing Fields, Kingstanding Road Boundary removed.
These trees have on a number of occasions be used by burglars to climb into near by gardens.
After battling with various departments, the Education department who own the land have agreed to the removal of the trees and funding will be found from the Oscott Wards Community Chest, Community safety, funding.

I will be urging the Council to find other suitable locations to plant replacement trees.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

Sadly my warning to the Transportation department (see my post Sat 22nd Oct) has not been answered and I have been informed there has been another serious accident on the Aldridge Road between Perry Locks and the Boars Head today.
As you can see I have been working with local resident groups to keep this issue to the front with the Transportation department and the Police and I intend handing in a petition shortly on behalf of local residents to the Council again about this problem.
I have also requested that the Perry Locks Bridge is repaired as soon as possible and British Water ways ensure any damaged car parts or bridge sections are cleared from the canal under the bridge.

OSCOTT RESIDENT HAVE YOUR SAY ON COUNCIL BUDGET CUTS

HAVE YOUR SAY

Birmingham City Council needs to find new ways of saving
£65m next year.from its budget
This means that how we deliver our services to you may have to
change.
We want YOU to help us decide the best way of doing this
You are invited to joins us at one of our
meetings on
Birmingham’s Budget
2012+
The nearest one for Oscott residents is
Thursday 27th October
Alexander Stadium
Walsall Rd, Perry Barr
6pm to 8pm
For more details please ring 303 9789


It will be interesting to see if the Progressive? Lib/ Tory Council will listen to residents

I suspect you could substitute the word Cutting for the word saving and don't really expect your views to be taken into consideration. However I could be wrong and if you have the time to spare why not go along.

OSCOTTS FORGOTTEN CONCRETE ROADS

Unlike many it would appear I have not forgotten that many of the roads in Oscott with Concrete carriage ways are in urgent need of being resufacing or major repair.

While thanks to pressure from local Councillors and Local residents, the Council have been using funding given to them by the last government, to repair and upgrade many of our roads.

However with the exceptions of Templeton Road which I had to fight tooth and nail for and Dunedin Road, many concrete roads in Oscott have just had minor repairs done on their carriage ways.

Along with Councillor Barbara Dring I will attempting to get these roads looked at again in the future and can assure you I will not just be trying to get things done before an election.
As far as I am concerned this is a year around on going problem and I will continue try to get the Higways department and the Contractor to take action.

You may not see the following in every leaflet put out with my name on it, but the following roads are some I am asking senior Councillor officers to take action on.


For example Meadthorpe Road, Glenmead Road, Eliston and Regina Avenues, Felstone Road, Southgate Road, Ammblecote Avennue, Fairborne Avenue and Thornclife Road amongst others.

Election time or not I will keep the flag flying for residents in these and other roads.

THE OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE INITIATIVE NEEDS YOUR SUPORT

The Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative are looking for new members.
The NPI operate on a rota basis from the Kingstanding Police Station every Wednesday, passing on local Policing news to their street coordinators and in return passing on information about anti socail behavior or crime picked up from Street Coordinators to the Police.

This localised personal system of operation has worked well for a number of years and has helped keep the Oscott Ward as one of the lowest in Birmingham when it comes to crime.
The NPI works in cooperation with Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area.

If you would like to be considered as a Sector Coordinator and work from the Kingstanding Police Station on a Wednesday (a CRB check is required) or would like to be a NPI Street Coordinator receiving information at home from the NPI please ring 303 5502 for details.
Some NPI members also put out crime prevention leaflets and attend Police meetings to help the Police liaise better with the Local community.

With reductions expected in the numberS of Police, working together to prevent crime, as a community is even more important than ever

RESIDENT STILL WANT ROAD SAFETY MEASURES ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

The Oscott Residents Association have collected yet another petition to be handed into the Birmingham City Council House. Their Chairman Nigel Quinn told me " how can we given in ?resident who live in this area know it is only a matter of time until a serious accidnt happens.
We are determined not to give in despite being rejected by the Transportation department over and over again."

Resident rightly want improved road safety measures on the Aldridge Road between the Boars Head and the Metropolitan College.
Over the years residents and I have called for better signage, a traffic light at the Greenholm Road, Thornbridge Avenue, Aldridge Road junction and vehicle activated signs.
There are 2 elderly residents complexes on the Aldridge road near the Perry Locks bridge and these resident should be able to, with the help of their careers to go out and cross the Aldridge Road safely.
A pelican crossing placed in the vicinity of the elderly residents complexes would help them do that, and also slow the traffic down generally?.
I am no engineer but there has to be ways of improving road safety along this stretch of the Aldridge road. I admire the residents tenacity in this matter and I will continue to help them all I can.

KETTLEHOUSE ROAD SITE VISIT WITH ENGINEERS

I attended a meeting with Transportation engineers yesterday to look at the issues raised by speeding traffic in Kettlehouse Road / Bandywood Road. I also spoke to a number of residents again regarding the matter.
Despite a number of accidents in the road over the years the Transportation Engineers are still resistant to having major changes introduced, but have agreed with Councillor Dring and my self that the vehicle Speed indicator sign should be relocated to a better position.
They have also agreed with me after looking at the site that there is a need for better signage and road markings. I have also asked them to consult with the other Oscott Councillors in order to get a consensus in order to get this work done.

NATURE RESERVE LOOKING TIDY

Following another litter pick session at the reserve on Saturday where over 20 black bags were filled with rubbish, I have to say the Queslett Nature Reserve is looking cleaner than ever.

It is however a great shame that because of the recent drought the lake has receded that much that you can see all sorts of rubbish in it. This sadly can not be dealt with due to the mud around the lake at the moment.
I would like to request that those who use the reserve please take your rubbish home and I would like to than all those who work so hard to keep the reserve tidy.

99 YEARS YOUNG

I was delighted to be asked by the Oscott Elderly Residents Group to present a bunch of flowers and a Birthday card to Doris Bellworth who is 99 yearS young.
Doris is a lovely lady who can keep you amused for hours with her memories especially about when she was a Clippie on the buses meeting many Americans based near the Pheasy Estate during the war.
The OERG meet Every month on a Wednesday at the 610 Community Centre where they have a Tea and coffee morning. They also have light keep fit sessions and a raffle.
For more details please ring 303 5502

FLY TIPPING ON THE INCREASE IN OSCOTT

Fly tipped rubbish blocking a foot path off Booths Lane







Fly tipping as I predicted earlier this year is on the increase in the Oscott Ward. For example Booths Lane has bee extensively dumped on recently and I have a number of complaints from residents about there rear access ways being fly tipped on.
This is only to be expected although it is totally unacceptable, given the Councils decisions recently.
They have got rid of Environmental Wardens and reduced the number of free Home Bulky waste removals to 3 a year and so have helped cause the problem.

In regards to Booths lane I have asked for more patrols to take place and new warning signs reminding Fly Tippers they can be prosecuted to be put up and the old ones have gone past their sell by dates.
IF YOU WISH TO REPORT FLY TIPPING PLEASE RING 303 1112

COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIREWORKS

I have had a number of complaints again this year about fire works being let off at all hours of the day in the Oscott area.

One of the things I am being asked is what are the rules in regards to Fireworks.
I hope this helps.

The law which was put in place by the last government
How the Laws effect You
It is an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.
It is an offence to use fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am.
There are, however, extensions for the following celebrations:
5th November - to 12.00 midnight
Diwali - to 1.00am
New Year - to 1.00am on 1st January
Chinese New Year - to 1.00am on the following day
This curfew applies to all places, including gardens and private land.
These requirements arise from the Firework Regulations 2004 and are enforced by the Police.
There is a penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison. On the spot fines can also be issued for breach of the regulations.
It remains an offence for anyone under 18 to purchase fireworks.

Apart from the normal Sunday Trading laws, there are no restrictions on the hours during which fireworks may be sold.

Retailers with a licence, may sell fireworks throughout the year.
The periods where selling without a licence is permitted are:
(a) November 5th (15th October to 10th November)
(b) New Year (26th December to 31st December)
(c) Chinese New Year (on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days
immediately preceding it)
(d) Diwali (on the day of Diwali (28/10/08) and the three days immediately preceding)

Retailers selling during these periods without a licence MUST have a registration to store fireworks. The licensing and registration of fireworks and explosives is a function of the West Midlands Fire Service, through Hay Mills Fire Safety Centre. (0121 7531313). Any breaches of these laws will also be dealt with by the Fire Service.
-----------------------
If you see anyone using fire works in a dangerous way, throwing them at other people or at animals please contact the Police.
If you ate buying and using Fireworks pl;ease take care and also ensure there are no animals about when you let them off.
If you are going to have a bonfire make sure there are no hedgehogs underneath your bonfire.

OSCOTT HOUSING LIAISON BOARD UPDATE

Sadly due to Council duties I had to miss the last Oscott Housing Liaison Board AGM meeting, which is something I very rarely do. (Note HLB :this is where tenants and other sections of the community get together to discuss issues in order to help the local area improve).

The latest situation regarding the HLB is as far as I can understand it, is that Housing officers decided to close down the HLB, despite the meeting was quorate.
All sorts of figures regarding the attendance of the meeting are being thrown about but it is clear that there were enough tenants and so on for the HLB to be formed.

What is to happen is that the Council officers are going to work with what appears to be their own choice of small groups of tenants and through them decide how to spend any funding which the HLB may have received to distribute in the community.?

What comes across time and time again is the Housing departments dislike of HLB members who have independent thoughts and idea's which do not match up with the Housing departments. It appears in the face of it to be a case of if your face does not fit?
Councillor Barbara Dring and I are looking into this issue which does seem very strange on the face of it.

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR CAFE 16 KINGSTANDING ROAD

There is a new planning application for a change of use of 16 Kingstanding Road which is going to the Planning committee on Thursday 9 Application No 2011/02815/PA.

This application unlike a recent previous application which was for a Take Away (Class A5), is for a Class A3 which is an eat in cafe. The current location is a vacant shop on the Corning of Kingstanding Road and Elmbridge Road.

Any one wishing to comment, still can by contacting the Planning department. You can see more about this on the Birmingham City Council Webb site, Planning.

Any wishing to go along to the meeting on Thursday which starts at 11am and who wants to speak on this application should contact the Planning department for details.

RESIDENTS URGE RE THINK ON 28 BUS ROUTE

I will be handing in a petition from local bus users, too the Birmingham City Council on their behalf.

As one of a comparatively few in number of Councillors who regularly use a bus and as a member of the ITA I am only too happy to present this petition, as it calls on the Birmingham City Council to "use its influence to urge the privatised bus companies who operate the 28 bus service, to get this service to go to the One Stop Shopping Centre".

Since this this route was changed, many bus users have had to use 2 buses to get to the one stop Shopping Centre and for elderly bus users or young mother in particular, when they are loaded up with shopping this is a real nuisance.

NEW ROAD SAFETY SIGNS FOR KETTLEHOUSE ROAD.

After many months it would appear the Birmingham City Council's Highways department have moved a step further in moving the Visibility Activated Speed sign located on the Kettlehouse Road to a better location on the same stretch of road.
The department have also finally agreed to find funding to put more road safety signs on the road. This is a small step but at least it is the right direction.
I would hope all the Oscott Councillors will be pressing the Highways department to get on with this action as soon as possible.

SPEED INDICATOR SIGN PROPOSED FOR KINGSTANDING ROAD

The Birmingham City Council has now agreed to install a speed activated speed indicator sign on the Kingstanding Road between the Hawthorn Road and College Road (City bound carriageway).

This follows many months of campaigning by Oscott Councillors with the help of local residents.

I have also in the past requested a number of Oscott Community Sped Watch operations on this stretch of road. The last such event found that approximately 10% of driver were speeding when driving along this stretch off road. There have been a number of accidnts there over the years.

The Oscott Community Speed watch is where volunteer residents work with the Police using a speed indicator device to check the speed of vehicles. Drivers spotted speeding in the first instance are sent a warning letting but if spotted again the Police are liable to take action against the motorist.
If you would like to volunteer or to know more about the Oscott Community speed watch please contact the Kingstanding Police Station.

BT STILL HAVE NOT REPAIRED MY ANSWER PHONE FALTY LINE

I am afraid due to BT not being able to repair my Answer phone line (despite Tx messages saying other wise,) I still have no working Answer machine. This has followed a number of calls made to them to get something done.

See below

Due to a fault on my answer phone (line 360 6486) I am unable to access messages. If you wish to contact me and leave a message (Council business) please ring 303 2039 or Email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.I have been told by B.T the problem may take some days to resolve.
Posted by Keith Linnecor at 20:55 0 comments

COUNCILLOR'S AUTUMN SURGERY TIMES

Councillor Barbara Dring and I will always endeavour to attend our Advice Bureaux,
however there may be occasions, due to unforeseen circumstances, when an Advice Bureau has to be cancelled at short notice or another Councillor is sent to cover the Advice Bureaux.

If you wish to ensure a councillor is attending a surgery please contact us either on 360 6486 or 360 7565


THESE ARE OUR CURRENT COUNCILLOR SURGERY DETAILS.
Every Saturday of the month, 10.30am
610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 (Induction Loop Available)
1st Thursday of the month, 3.00pm
Perry Common Library, College Road, Birmingham, B44 OHH.
1st Wednesday of the month, 7.00pm
610 Community Centre, Kngstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 (Induction Loop Available)

*We also offer home visits for those with genuine mobilty difficulties.

RESIDENTS DO NOT WANT A SPLASHING TIME ON HAWTHORN ROAD

Ever since Amey the private contractor hired by the Birmingham City Council and paid from funding aranged by the prvevious government, re surfaced the carrige way in hawthrorn road there has been a flooding problem.

Many may know that following rain, crossing over the hawthorn Road via the pelican crossing which is situated near the Heron Supermarket can be a dodgy experience at the best of times. I have called on the City engineers to look at the lighting sequences for the junctions traffic lights and crossing.

Now however there is a good chance you can recieve a good soaking due to car, buses and so on driving past through large stretches of standing water laying accross the carriage way.

This is a real nuisance at times for those shopping and using the Hawthorn Road and I have asked Amey to look again at this part of the carriage way.

Amey have done some good work in the area such as Templeton Road but there is a number of other areas where they need to do better.

TO CLOSE OR NOT TO CLOSE THE TEMPLETON ROAD TO OLD OSCOTT HILL RIGHT OF WAY

A few years ago along with Councillor Barbara Dring on behalf of concerned local residents requested the Council's Safer Communities Team and the Police to consider on option for closing the Templeton Road to Old Oscott Hill Right of way.
This was either, on a permanent basis or on a dawn to dusk basis.
This is now possible following the previous Governments changing the complex right of way regarding right of way closures in cities legislation.
However we were not successful on that occasion following a lot of hard work by the Council residents the Police.

There have been numberous complaints recently from residents suffering from burglaries and anti social behaviour in this right of way. With this in mind and given the Police have a new senior local officer and the Council has a new Safer Community Team leader, I again asked the Council and the Police to look again at the issue during the summer.
They have as a result put together a letter to residents including a survey. This is being put out at the moment.
This letter will go to residents in the surrounding area as the Council are obliged legally to consult widely with local residents regarding the closure of a right of way.

There are now 3 options with regards to the gating off the route:
Permanently gate the route (24 hours a day 365 days per year).
Gate the route for certain times of the day (i.e. dusk till dawn)
Do not gate the route (leave the route as it is)

This issue is a difficult one to resolve as parents taking young children to the Mary vale School for example use this right of way.
I have insisted all views be considered before any decision is made.
The Police and the Safer Community team will be looking very closely at the results of the survey.

If you have a view on the issue please send me an Email at Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD THE COUNCIL MUST TAKE ACTION

Sadly there has been yet another traffic accident in Kettlehouse Road where the emergency services have had to be called out.

This has happened despite the location of a vehicle speed indicator in the road. This followed an active campaign by local residents, Councilor Barbara During and myself which included a petition which I handed in to the Council on behalf of residents.
The request was also supported by the Oscott Ward Committee following a meeting regarding the issue of road safety in Kettlehouse Road.

I have throughout the summer, following my election been actively working to get the sign relocated slightly to a better petition in the road.
For example I have been requesting Councillor Timothy Huxtable who is the councillor with Cabinet member for Street services on a number of ocasions to do what he can get the Speed idicator sign relocated and to improve road safety in the area. In fairness to him as I know from recent conversations with him, he has been trying to get his officers to resolve the problem

However something further must be done to improve road safety in Kettlehouse Road and Banywood Road and I will continue to press the Transportation department to take action as I understand the residents frustion.

I do not pretend like some! To be a Traffic engineer, but some measures they could consider and which I have suggested in the past are, things like, better street markings,warning signs, improvements to the junction at Norbury Road, Kettlehouse Road, either changing traffic priorities or possibly even introducing a small traffic island.
I have also recently asked the Transportation department to introduce a 20mph zone on the Bandywood Road near the Kingsland School.
There must be some form of improved road safety measures that the Councils Transportation department can carry out and they need to come up with some of action.

At my request the Police and their Speed Community Safety volunteers have been in action in Kettlehouse Road which may have helped but they can not be there all the time.
By coincidence as recently as the day before the accident I brought up the subject of road safety, including Kettlehouse Road at the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking Meeting and I will also continue to ask the Police to keep Kettlehouse Road as on of their priorities.

ANSWER PHONE MESSAGE PROBLEMS

Due to a fault on my answer phone (line 360 6486) I am unable to access messages. If you wish to contact me and leave a message (Council business) please ring 303 2039 or Email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
I have been told by B.T the problem may take some days to resolve.

MORE DISABLED DROP CURBS ARE NEEDED IN OSCOTT

With the help of George Hough the Chair of the Oscott Disabilities Group and Councillor Barbara Dring, I have identified a number of roads in the Oscott area which are difficult for residents with mobile scooters / wheel chairs (and mother with push chairs) to navigate to to their having no disabled drop curbs. This makes it difficult to cross these roads safely in many cases.

Some of the road I have identified are.
Cooksey Lane and road off
Dormington Road and groves off.
Cooksey Lane and groves and roads off
Wandsworth Road and groves off
Amblecote Avenue/ Southgate Road.
Greenholm Road and Roads off
Elmbridge / Blakeland junction.
Birdbrook Road/ Aldridge Road slip road.
I have passed these details to the Transportation department who have agreed to look into the details.

MUD IN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE COULD BE DANGEROUS?

As many of those who use the Queslett Nature Reserve may know, the water lake in the reserve is very low. This has meant there is now mud bans surrounding the lake. On Saturday a member of the public while trying to retrieve something from the lake sank past he's knees in the lake and only managed to get out with the help of people passing by.

Much of the land where the Queslett Nature Reserve now is was a sand quarry and has been refilled with all sorts of soil and ruble. Following the recent drought conditions land which was below the water line is now exposed but is saturated.

I have called on the Parks department to have signs warning people about the mud put up, but in the mean time children and owners with pets should ensure they are not tempted onto the mud near the lake as it may not be safe.

STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS IN OSCOTT FALLING BEHIND SCHEDULE?

Both Councillor Councillor Dring and Myself are still recieving complaints about street lighting in the Oscott Ward. many residents are puzzled why they have been told their street is going to have new street lighting but it has not been done.
Following the previous governments giving the Council funding for streets to be upgraded, the current council administration finally awarded Amey the contract to upgrade our streets with a 5 year program of works.
Street lighting improvement was one of the priorities. Sadly it appears in some cases Amey are falling behind with this program and some roads whose residents were told they were to have new street lighting are sometimes having to wait longer than expected.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I are trying to get Amey to get back on schedule and also to add more roads to the list for works to be carried out. You can see where your road is on the list by going the the Birmingham Web site and looking at their Highways maintenance program.

If you have any concerns regarding work that is in the pipe line or about how work has been done please contact me. em keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

SUPPORT OUR HEDGE HOGS

As you may know Hedge Hogs are being less and less common.
They need our support.

For example if you happen to see a hedgehog roaming around during the day it is likely it is having a problem and you may need to call the RSPCA or Hogfields Hedgehog Rescue 78 Morland Road Birmingham West Midlands B43 7JH Tel:0121 360 8035 who are based locally for advice. You can also check out Hedge Hogs on the Web.

You can help hedgehogs survive by leaving out cat food for them to eat and during drier periods put out water. If you have a suitable wood box where they can hibernate leave that out too in some quiet section of your garden.
Finally if you are going to have a bonfire check out the stacked wood before you light it.

POSSIBLE CHAOS IN DELHURST ROAD MUST BE AVOIDED

Delhurst Road Great Barr may face days of disruption due to it being resurfaced. The resurfacing work which is part of the previous governments road upgrade program now being carried out by Amey for the current Council administration.
Work is expected to start week beginning October 7th and may take 9 days. Those parents with children attending the Great Barr School or the Great Barr Junior and infants school are well advised to make other arrangements if they drop off or pick up their children from these schools by using Delhurst Road.

I was somewhat surprised to learn neither school had been warned by Amey about the closure of Delhurst Road, and the possible chaos there could be during pick up and drop of times.
I have now been in touch with the schools myself about this and I have requested Amey get in touch with both schools to give them more details. I have also requested that all work is carried out as soon as possible with the minimum of delay to residents, Parents and staff.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE DATE CHANGE

The FOQNR for reasons out side of their control have had to alter the date of their litter picking session. This will now take place on the Saturday 15th October. The other details are the same as on my previous post.

CONKER TREES IN OSCOTT NEED TO BE REPLACED

Its that time of year when i receive plenty of complaints about the menace of Conker (Horse Chess Nut trees.)
Most of use when we were youngsters enjoyed a game of "conkers" but sadly today conkers and their shells are regarded by many as a real nuisance.
For example the Horse Chess Nut Trees in Hawthorn Road and Kingstanding Road are large and shed many thousands of conkers and their shells, onto the pavement causing trip hazards and a mess. Sadly a few youngsters also think it funny to throw these conkers at elderly residents homes.
I have requested the Highways department to consider removing in a phased way, some of these Horse Chess Nut trees and replacing newer more sensible trees suitable for the highways.
I would however like to see replacement conkers trees being planted on open land sites where they would be more suitable.
Given I am constantly asking the Street Cleaning department on behalf of residents to clean up the mess left by these conker trees I am sure in the long run this would be a money saver.

PERRY BARR CONSTITUENCY MEETING 22nd SEPT

There will be a meeting of the Perry Barr Constituency Committee . It will be held at the Tower Hill Library at 7pm. On the 22nd Sept
To be chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring.

These are meetings where all the Councillors from the Perry Barr Constituency meet together to discus Constituency wide issues and listen to Council officers reports.
Member of the public are welcome to attend and there is an opportunity for them to ask questions.


Some of the things on today's agenda are.

Children's and young peoples participation.
Perry Barr budget review
Ageing well. Adults and Communities.