RESERVE SWAN IS BEING TREATED FOR AN INJURY.

Residents and members of the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve have contacted me again regarding a swan going missing of the lake.
It is now my understanding that the swan has been taken to a sanctuary to be treated for an injury.
However sadly there are further reports that ducks are being killed and taken from the reserve.
4 men, some dressed in waders have been seen in the reserve acting suspiciously. I would ask all users of the reserve to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Police.

APRIL THE 9TH WILL BE THE DEADLINE FOR OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST APPLICATIONS

THE BANDYWOOD COMMUNITY PROJECT IS JUST ON THAT RECIEVES FUNDING FROM THE OSCOTT CUMMUNITY CHEST

My fellow ward Councillors and Oscott Ward Advisory Board members have this week have agreed to my suggestions for a suitable time scale for advertising's Oscott Community Chest funding for 2012 /2013. This will include time scales for the receiving of applications for funding and the examination and agreement of those applications for funding by the Oscott WAB and Councillors.

Information about the funding process will be available from mid February and the dead line for sending in applications for funding will be April the 9th.
Organisations, groups and individuals can make an application for a wide range of things including: support for Community Groups, help for projects for the elderly or young people, schemes to help young families, people with disabilities and to help with community safety.
There are also many other things that funding can be bid for but the focus will be on helping those living in Oscott.
There is only a limited amount of money so any bids will be closely looked at.
For more information please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.

PLANNING APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CCTV POLE ON COLLEGE SITE ALDRIDGE ROAD

Please note there has been a Planning application made to errect a CCTV Pole on the site of the North Birmingham College site, Aldridge Road for further details see application below.

Planning Management,
PO Box 28, Birmingham B1 1TU
birmingham.gov.uk …check if you need planning permission….make planning applications…comment on
planning applications… search for planning applications and appeals
Consultation PA Letter
Date: Friday 27th January 2012
Cllr Keith Linnecor
Oscott Ward
Labour
PLANNING CONSULTATION
Site: North Birmingham College, Aldridge Road, Birmingham, B44 8NE
Proposal: Installation of CCTV pole
The above application was accepted by the Council on 24/01/2012. We are interested in your comments on
the application, preferably before 17 February 2012.
For MPs, Councillors or members of Resident Associations or Neighbourhood Forums
Click - www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline, this is the fastest and simplest way to view and scale
plans.
Call - Planning Direct on 0121 303 1115
Visit - Your nearest Birmingham City Council library. You will be able to view the plans electronically by
using their public internet access facilities. Please note that some Libraries require you to make an
appointment so please check before you visit. Staff within the libraries will be able to assist you during
your visit.
Note for Telecommunications Applications
When processing an application for either Planning Permission or Prior Approval, please note that the Local Authority
cannot take into consideration the following grounds for objection - Devaluation of property and the effects on health. It is
the Governments view that if a proposal meets the ICNIRP guidelines, it should not be necessary for a Local authority to
consider further the health aspects and concerns about them. For further information on this please see Central
Government Guidance PPG8 on Telecommunications at www.planningportal.gov.uk
For internal Birmingham City Council Consultees
Click - Please use the link you have been provided with for making comments through the internal online
consultations system.
For external Birmingham City Council Consultees
Click - www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline this is the fastest and simplest way to view and scale plans.
The Case Officer for this application is Bhupinder Thandi, you can email directly on:
bhupinder.thandi@birmingham.gov.uk or telephone us on the number shown above.
2012/00441/PA – Application Reference
Planning Management,

If you would like to let me have your views please ring 360 6486.

OSCOTT CAMPAIGN LEADER OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Labour Party Campaign Team Leader was out and about again today trying to resolve problems for local resident. Campaign Leader Tristan Chatfield said. " It is time there were 3 Councillors in this ward on the same side who could get even more done for the community.
I really want to get stuck in and by working with Councillor's Barbara Dring and Keith Linnecor I know I can really make a difference."
I for one have every confidence he can do a great job.

GROT SPOT VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

I have been out with the local Grot Spot litter picking team today along with local Campaigner and volunteer Tristan Chatfield.
Today we were trying to do the work the Highways Agency are failing so miserably to do and that is clean up under the M6 motor near the fences off Thornbridge Road.
Although we hardly touch the service because we had to get the rubbish and litter through a fence we did take away a number of black bags of rubbish.
I am continuing to call on the Highways department to take action themselves.

LITTER BINS IN OSCOTT ARE STILL BEING STOLEN

Litter bins are still disappearing (being stolen) from Oscott streets at an alarming rate.
As I see it the main problem is thieves steeling them for the metal linings.
I am continually trying to get bins replaced in Oscott and have asked Council Chiefs to consider using none metal (plastic bins.) where it is appropriate. Using other heavier bins like the one in the picture above is another alternative that can be used in some locations.
However I would urge residents to keep a look out for thieves who are steeling "our litter bins" and to report anything suspicion to the Police. If you see a thieves van registration no for example take a note of it.

ARE PART TIME 20MPH SCHOOL ZONES THE ANSWER?

One of the things I am asking the Transportation department to consider is piloting "part time" 20mph zones around some of the schools in Oscott.
Introducing these would mean establishing Zones near schools where the speed limit would be 20 mph for the times when children and coming and going to school.
These times would allow the busy evening rush hour and none school days to remain free of the proposed 20mph restrictions.
Old Oscott Hill, Greenholm Road and part of the Bandywood Road near Kingsland school are just 3 roads I think could be considered as pilots.
What do you think.
Please let me have your thoughts Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

FREINDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION

Litter pick and light pruning session February 4th on the reserve

There will be a light prunning /litter picking session on the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday February 4th at 11.30am. The meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance.
Please do not park near the entrance.

For futher details please ring 360 6486

ALL CHANGE FOR OSCOTT BUS USERS GOING TO THE CITY CENTRE

Over the coming months there will be a lot of changes for Oscott bus users wanting to go to town. Corp0ration Street for example will no longer be a dropping off point. To find out about these changes which will take place as a result of the Metro extension to New street Centro will be having a number of displays (see below to keep you informed.)

Find out more about City Centre Interchange project and changes to bus stopping points by visiting the Network West Midlands Exhibition bus on the following dates:

Birmingham Markets Saturday 21 January 09:00 – 15:00

Victoria Square Tuesday 24 January 09:00 – 15:00

Birmingham Markets Saturday 28 January 09:00 – 15:00

Victoria Square Thursday 2^nd February 09:00- 15:00

Birmingham Markets Saturday 25 February 09:00- 15:00

OR TRY www.contactedcity.org.uk

SNARES BEING USED ON THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE?

The Local Parks manager has had a report from a member of public that he saw men in a blue Renault van parked on Booths Lane. They were also seen on the Queslett Nature Reserve with 4 fighting dogs setting snares? Sadly No reg number was quoted.
If you are in the vicinity of the reserve and see anything suspicious please inform the Police.

EMPTY PRIVATE HOMES IN OSCOTT NEED TO BE USED.

I have recently been in touch with the Councils Empty homes team asking them to look at properties in the area which have been left empty for months.

Houses left empty for long periods, often deteriate and lose value as a result. They can also become an eye saw.
This team can investigate these properties with an aim of helping and encouraging owners of empty homes to upgrade them for their own use or to rent or sell their properties.

There are far to many of these empty houses all over the city not just in Oscott and I am now pleased to see this team are contacting other Councillors to explain what the Empty homes team can do.

WHEN ARE THE ROLLS OF BLACK BAGS GOING TO BE DELIVERED IN OSCOTT

I have received a number of complaints regarding the none delivery of rolls of black bags to residents in Oscott.
These bags were due to be delivered between the 9th of December and the 19th of January 2012.
Many roads in the area have not seen hide nor hair of these black bags. I have also asked if extra black bags will be given to residentgiven the delay in residents recieving their bags.
I am chasing up the matter on behalf of local residents with senior Council Managers as this is clearly not good enough.

LITTER IS NOW A REAL PROBLEM IN OSCOTT

I am having constant complaints at the moment about the amount of litter in the area.
This is going to prove that the Council cutting back on services like Environmental Wardens has had a bad effect on the cleanliness of our streets.
Having said that the continued theft of litter bins for their metal scrap value has not helped neither have delays in rubbish and step recycling collections over the holiday period come to that.
I am regularly in touch with the Street Cleaning team trying to get litter problems resolved.

DELAYS IN MY RESPONSE AT THE MOMENT

I am afraid those of you who have sent me Emails/ letter's and so on over the last day or 2 will have to Wait a little longer than usual at the moment due to a back log of cases caused by my computer playing up.

DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR OLDER PERSONS CONCESSIONARY BUS PASS.

Centro are concerned that a number of pensioners who have older person’s concessionary bus passes which are up for renewal by 31st March have not yet renewed them.
Now is the time to have them renewed if you or some you know are unsure or need any help please ring 0845 56 755 888.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING TODAY

The Oscott Elderly Residents group are holding their Tea and coffee session at 11.15am today at the 610 Community Centre. Kingstanding Road.
If you are Oscott resident over 55 why not pop in.
Have a cup of tea and socialise with other people from Oscott.
I will be popping in to answer any questions members may have.

GRAFFITI AND FLY POSTING ON THE INCREASE AGAIN IN

Graffiti and fly posting is definitely increasing in Oscott as a result of the Councils decision last year to with draw funding for Environmental Wardens.
The Oscott Ward Committee is looking at ways to deal with this by using its Community Chest but in the mean time to report any fly tipping or graffiti please ring 3031112

KEEP USING THE 75 AND 76 BUSES

Local bus services in Oscott like the 75 and 76 need to be used if we want to keep them.
Bus companies review their routes from time to see how many people are using them and what their profit margins are, so do not give them an excuse , use these buses or risk loosing them.

THE HIGH WAY AGENCY SHOULD CLEAN UP THEIR ACT IN OSCOTT

The state of the land underneath the M6 motor way where it goes over the Hassap Road and the Thornbridge Avenue is disgusting. Behind the metal fences is the accumulation of years of rubbish. The area which is easily vi sable to those walking past needs an urgent clean up.
The near by brook off Hassap road and its banks is becoming infested with rats which feed of rubbish under the motor way.
I have been calling on the Highways agency for some time to get their act together and tidy up the land they are responsible for under the motor way and it is about time they did.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS WANT A CROSSING ON DYAS ROAD.

I handed the Birmingham City Council a petition containing dozens of Oscott residents names, to the Council yesterday. These residents backed by the Oscott Neighbourhood Police initiative are demanding some form of crossing be installed on the Dyas Road between the Old Oscott Lane junction and Meadthorp Road.
Living near by I am only to aware how difficult this road can be to cross at times and I am happy to support those residents calling for this crossing. HOWEVER IT WILL NOT BE AN EASY THING TO ACHIEVE.

DOG FOULING ON THE INCREASE IN OSCOTT

It may well be some dog owner are taking their dogs on extra walks to burn off the calories put on over the holidays but for what ever reason there does seem to be an increase in dog fouling in the Oscott area. Some areas surrounding playing fields like Burford Road and the Aldridge Recreation ground seem to be places where this is happening a lot.
If you are a dog owner please take home your dogs mess.
I have asked the Councils Public Health team to look into the problem and if you know of any particular hot spot please email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

ELIM CHURCH TRYING TO PREVENT HUNGER LOCALLY

Hunger is not just a Third World problem. In Kingstanding many people are living on the edge of poverty. National statistics show that 34% of households in Kingstanding with dependent children have no adult in employment – this is more than double the national average. 31% of adults are claimants of main benefits and 50% have no qualifications. The problem is also increasing accross other parts of the area.

All it takes is a sudden, unexpected event – a bereavement, illness, redundancy – to throw people into a genuine crisis.

You can help through the food bank which is operated locally through the Elim Church Warren Hill Road Kingstanding, who are doing their bit for needy local residents.

The Food Bank provides people with the essentials at a time when they need them most, filling the gap of days – or sometimes weeks – before other parts of our social infrastructure can come into play.

The Food Bank collects dried and tinned food through supermarkets, churches, schools and individuals. Food parcels are made available to local families and individuals sent on referral. The Food Bank is also able to provide emergency “homeless” packs which include soap, blanket, toothpaste, toilet roll etc as well as nappies and baby food.

Referrals come from registered professionals including doctors, health visitors, church pastoral workers and social workers.

What can you do?

Become a Food Bank depositor

Add an item from The Food Bank shopping list – eg a tin of tuna, a packet of pasta, cup-a-soups, jam etc – when you go shopping. Then deposit it in the local Food Bank collection point at:

Elim Church Kingstanding, Warren Road, B44 8QD

Tuesdays & Thursdays 12noon – 2.00pm

(Any other day by appointment)

BANDWOOD ROAD CAR ACCIDENT.

There has been another car accident on the busy stretch of road through the Bandywood Estate. This time it was near the Wandsworth Road, Bandywood Road junction. Sadly an ambulance had had to be called to the scene.
I have been calling on the Transportation department for some time to look at this stretch of Roads (Lambeth Road, Bandywood Road and Kettlehouse Road) as one and introduce safety measures to them.)

There are some improvements going to be made later this year to the Bandy Wood Road near Kettlehouse which is a well known black spot but I will continue to press the Council to do more in the area as a whole.

TRISTAN CHATFIELD TO FIGHT FOR OSCOTT SEAT

The Oscott Labour Party has now selected its candidate to fight for the Oscott seat in May.
Hoping to join Councillor Barbara Dring and myself as Councillors for the Oscott Ward, is Tristan Chatfield.
Tristan has worked for many years in the Oscott area and is already well known in the area as a result. He is also an active school Govenor at Glenmead School.
Amongst Tristans concerns for the area are, the increase in fly tipping and graffiti which the this Councils excessive cutting of front line services, is creating.
Tristan is also keen to ensure that by having 3 Labour Councillors, Oscott's voice will be better heard by the powers that be.
Tristan is also well aware the damage been done to the City's and Oscott's services by the current Council's actions and it is going to take a long time to turn things around, but the sooner the work starts the better.

I fully support Tristan and believe he will make a first rate Councillor for Oscott.
If you want to know more about Tristan or would like he's help please email him on tristan4oscott@yahoo.co.uk

4 DAY DELAY IN OSCOTT RECYLING COLLECTIONS

I have been informed today following a number of complaints that their may be up to a 4 day delay in the Birmingham City Council collecting recycled materials from doors steps in some parts of Oscott.
The Salvage department due to holidays creating more demand and poor weather conditions are concentrating on black bag removals before catching up on recycling collections. (blue and green boxes.)
I have been assured Saturday and Sunday collections will be operated in the Oscott area in an attempt to reduce the delays in collections in Oscott.
Both Councillor Dring and I will continue to put pressure on the salvage department until they catch up with their collection schedules.

COUNCIL PULLS PLUG OF ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND UPGRADE

I have just been informed that the proposed upgrade to the Aldridge Road recreation Ground is not to go ahead after all..
Forgive me for being sceptical but it does seem strange that within 2 weeks this funding which was going to be spent on the recreation ground as agreed by leisure Services officers themselves is no longer to go ahead.
According to A Council Chief the situation is now
"The funding was agreed by me specifically for outdoor gym equipment, and was not capable of being vired to other projects, in accordance with the Cabinet decision setting up the Local Improvement Fund in October."

I am sure this has nothing to do with the Local elections in May mind you?




I will however despite this set back continue to battle to improve the Aldridge Road recreation ground particularly the potentially dangerous Randwick Grove entrance (see photo above) and the path across the recreation ground which is in such a poor state of repair on behalf of the users of the site there may not be a lot of glory in safe guarding our open spaces but some one has to do it.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I will also try and insure any funding Oscott is allowed however it may be targetted (and the various conditions put forward by the powers that be) goes where it is most needed for Oscott residents.