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.