NEWS FLASH REGARDING SPEED INDICATORS

I have just found out why the new Speed indicator sign has not gone up in Kingstanding Road and why the Speed indicator sign has not been reallocated in Kettlehouse Road.
Believe it or not after months of waiting, the contractor can not find any poles to put them on.
There is not a lot you can say really.!!!!
I will keep the pressure on to get these signs sorted out but it is now expected that this work may not be done until May.

OSCOTT'S CONCRETE ROADS TO BE LEFT PATCHED

Despite urgent requests from residents passed on by myself to Council chief's they have decided not to resurface many of the Concrete Roads in Oscott and just leave them patched up.
Sadly this short term view ans much of this work may come apart if we have a couple of bad winters, seems to be what the Council and their long term street contractor Amey have agreed.

It is difficult to see how they justify there view that patching is all what is needed when they have resurfaced Dunedin and Templeton Roads.

My campaign for better work to be carried out with regards to resurfacing Oscott Concrete carriage ways goes on.

WHERE ARE THE INDICATOR SIGNS

where are all the promised Speed indicator signs.
The Council have been promising a number of things would be done by the end of the financial year yet we are still waiting. For example where are the speed indicator signs for Kingstanding Road and when is the sign in Kettlehouse Road to be repositioned and carriage way slow marking being introduced.
Rest assured I am in touch with the Councillor with Cabinet responsibility for our streets about these issues as I have not forgot them.

BOARS HEAD PUB

I have been asked by a number of residents over the last few weeks what is happening to the Boars Head Pub on the Aldridge Road.
The latest information I have is that it is on schedule to reopen as a restaurant serving food from around the world, later this year.
A side office has permission to become a private hire dispatch operator.
LETS HOPE BOTH VENTURES ARE SUCCESSFUL.

RUBBISH TO BE REMOVED FROM BRICK LANE CORNER

Following my campaign on behalf of residents to get the bushes on the corner of Brickiln Lane heavily pruned I have now managed to get the Council to agree to start removing the exposed bricks and rubble from there.
This will be done over a period of time, following weed spraying operations and I would call on residents to keep an eye on the land and report any fly tipping.

BOOTHS LANE FLY TIPPED AGAIN

Booths Lane has been extensively fly tipped yet again. This is to be expected given the difficulties some residents have using salvage departments in Birmingham and the cut back in the numbers of free bulky item collections. however there is no excuse for fly tipping and if you see anything suspicious please contact 303 1112
I have been in touch with the Council asking them to put pressure on those responsible for the Unadopted section of the lane to get it cleaned up and to try and catch those responsible for the fly tipping.

CHILDREN WITTH AUTISM AND THEIR PARENTS NEED MORE HELP.

It is a great shame more help is not given for those who have children with Autism.

The Council has I understand teams who are the trade arm of Behaviour Support, re Communication and Autism, Educational Psychology, Physical Difficulties Support, Pupil and School Support and Sensory Support.

As an integrated organisation their mission within Access to Education is to work in homes and educational settings, putting children, young people and their families at the front of what they do

However there does not appear to be much in the way of those who support these children and there needs to be more done all round. The Parent Support Network for Autism (P.S.N.A is a family support group who are trying to address the lack of help on offer and seem to be doing a good job highlighting the problem

THE GOODWAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN CENTRE FUN DAY WENT WELL

It was good to see so many supporters of the Goodway Nursery and Children Centre at their Fun Day.
The youngsters certainly seemed to be enjoying them selves with the Bouncy Castle, Balloon man and African drum players. It was also good to see the Police and other organisations taking part.

I was just sad I could not stay longer but well done to all those who organised it.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCE CONFUSION

A number of bemused residents have contacted myself recently regarding what is happening about the Burford Road playing fields fence.
Many residents have recieved a confusing document suggesting moving fencing from Tysoe Road and putting it on the Burford Road Boundary and painting it green.
Other residents have been informed shorter fencing is replacing larger fencing and so on.

To try and sort this confusion out I am trying to arrange a site visit with those responsible for the Burford Road Playing field and hopefully those who decide what fencing is appropriate on the field.

In my view and moving fencing from one side of a field to another is not cost effective. As I have been for some time, I am calling for new fencing (of a similar height) to replace the old chain mail fencing on the Burford Road Boundary and to look at replacing the old wall style fencing on the Melcote Grove boundary. (I would be against putting any fencing anywhere near the Hawthorn Road as suggested, as it is not part of the Burford Road playing field?)
I would also be against moving any fences from the back of residents homes.

If there is funding for fencing available residents must be consulted and sensible ideas to keep within budget must be considered.

If you would like me to know your views on this please contact me or fill if you live near the field fill in the form you have recieved from Tristan Chatfield recently.

ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE

The Queens Diamond Jubilee

If you are interested in arranging a street party for the Queens Jubilee you will need to apply for a road closer order. For more information contact your Local Constituency Office on 675 2349 If you live in Oscott, or city wide 303 6644 to discuss the potential requirements for a road closure.

It is best to ring as soon as you can to be sure arrangements can be made in time.

RE STARTING OSCOTT HLB A STEP CLOSER

Brian Steven a regular member of the disbanded Oscott HLB meeting a potential new member.




Following a meeting between Councillor Barbara Dring a senior Housing officer and myself the re forming of the Oscott Housing Liaison Board has moved a step closer. (HLB this is a group made up on residents many tenants to discuss housing and other issues).
Having listened to our concerns on behalf of resident the Housing department have agreed to encourage the community to take control of their HLB with officers only giving guidance. They have also agreed to use the the popular venue the Ashgrove Road Centre rather then to try venues many HLB members have felt unsuitable.
The meeting are now likely to start sometime in the next month or 2 however it is sad that Councillor Dring and I have had to be the ones to step in to sort the issues out.

A MEETING OF THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP

I managed to get to the Oscott Elderly Residents Group meeting today and as usual I was given a good grilling by its members. They are never slow at coming forward with questions they want answered.
The OERG are planning a number of events in the future for more details please ring Maureen on 681 1826

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS ON THE WAY FOR OSCOTT

After week of effort the Oscott Ward Advisory Board, Councillor Barbara Dring and myself have finally managed to get all the Oscott Councillors to agree to employ a voluntary Company called Jericho to get on and make some much needed Environmental improvements in Oscott . This should mean for example reducing the amount of unsightly fly tipped entries and rear Access ways in the area.

For further details please ring me on 360 6486

RESIDENTS IN BURNHAM ROAD SAY NO TO OFF LICENSE APPLICATION

Many residents in Burnham Road are very unhappy at the prospect of having a new off licence opened at the bottom of their road.
On their behalf I have objected to the Council Chief responsible for Licensing and my objection will be noted by the committee.
Councillor Barbara Dring who is now very experienced regarding licensing issues is leading a campaign against this application and hopes to be presenting a petition against this application to the Licensing department and it goes without saying she has my full support.


News flash this application has been with drawn

ESTATE AGENTS BOADS DAMAGE ROAD SIGNS BRICKILN LANE

The land near the corner of Brickiln Lane and Greenholm Road is becoming a forest of Estate Agent Notice Boards. Many residents find them unsightly to say the least. They also attracted litter and the land as a whole needs a good tidy up.
Some of these boards are also causing damage to road signs however thankfully some have been removed following my complaints to the Council on behalf of residents. Bushes at the Brickiln / Greenholm junction have also bee pruned but there is still to much litter there.

GOODWAY NURSERY FUN DAY SAT 24th MARCH

As a governor at the Goodway Nursery and Childrens Centre I am pleased to be able to promote their Funday.
This will take place on Saturday 24th March between 10am and 12am all are welcome.

There will be.
Cake stalls
Face painting
Flower stalls
A Samba workshop
Health promotion displays
Foodstalls
A clown
Light refreshments
Balloons
The Police will be there to have a chat with
and much more
Why not pop in and see whats going on at the Goodway Nursery and Childrens Centre Goodway Road.

OUT DOOR GYM EQUIPMENT THE REAL FACTS

I am aware that it is election time and articles in leaflets can get a little distorted, however I need to correct an article in a leaflet currently doing the rounds in Oscott,
In the leaflet it is inferred that Labour Councillors are “sabotaging” attempts to have Out Door Gym equipment put in suitable locations around Oscott for the use of our residents.
I have to point out this is incorrect as all the Councillors in Oscott Know, as I have included them in a number of my Emails sent to senior Council officers.
For example Labour Councillors have asked for a number of locations to be considered and that consultations with residents and safety issues be investigated.
Council officers are I understand still looking into this matter but many of the locations suggested by various people including me, have been found to have safety issues and there are also issues regarding the suitability of the equipment and its on going maintenance costs.
Finally the Leisure Services department suggested rather than lose the opportunity for funding why not do some upgrading works on the Aldridge Road recreation ground which is something I have been asking on behalf of residents for some time.

OSCOTT TUNNEL MURAL UPDATE

At a recent Oscott Ward Committee meeting Chaired by Barbara Dring Residents from the Bowman Road area handed in a petition strongly objecting to the proposal to have a mural painted in the near by Forgers Walk tunnel. They feel if would make the well lite and bright tunnel darker, attract anti social behavior and will mean even more litter in the tunnel. They would like any Mural/ Graffiti walls being located in near by Leisure Centres
They further believe the current measures which they have fought for re having the tunnel walls painted with bright anti graffiti paint on a regular bases helps keep the tunnel clean.

On the other hand a number of residents in Perry Barr are actively in favour of having a mural in the tunnel which would be drawn by local youngsters and helping to involve these youngsters in doing something useful. Funding has been found by some of these residents to do this work and they are being advised by project workers.

The owners of the tunnel, the Highways Agency were at first against the idea because of issues like the anti graffiti paint they use from time to time but have now changed their mind.

There are a number of residents from both the Perry Barr and Oscott side of tunnel who have no feelings about the matter

The Council now have the petition and will be considering it.


Also see my blog dated Sat 10th March

COUNCILLORS SURGERIES OSCOTT

Just a reminder, I hold Councillors surgeries most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre. Kingstanding Road @10.30am.
To confirm my attending please ring 360 6486 or 464 2268.

I am more than happy to meet with residents on a one to one situation to hear about your concerns or complaints even though I can not always promise to resolve everything I hear about.

Councillor Barbara Dring holds her surgeries on

1st Wednesday of the month 7pm 610 Community Centre
1st Thursday of the month Perry Common Library 7pm.

We are happy to visit at home those with genuine mobility problems and you can also ring or email us.

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO STEAL COPPER FROM THE MARYVALE CHURCH

It is a great shame that yet again thieves have stolen lead from the MaryVale Church roof.
This time they were disturbed however and left the copper behind.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I have been concerned about Lead / copper thefts in the area Perry Common Library for example and are asking our MP to put pressure on the Government to tighten up the rules around how scrap merchants deal with the purchase of metals.

I would also like to ask residents to be observant and should you see anything suspicious especially near churches in the Oscott area, call the Police.

FUNDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS AGREED AT LAST FOR OSCOTT

After months of delays the Oscott Ward Committee the 3 Oscott Councils have agreed to fund a voluntary Group to come into the Oscott Ward and carry out much needed Environmental clean ups.
The group called Jericho will help clean up land, public right of ways, clean up gardens of the disabled, and remove graffiti, amongst many other things.
They have also agreed to try and help some long term unemployed with particular needs find work if they can.

Jericho offer a whole range of services in the environment with fully trained staff and apprentices and will work from Councillors referrals.
This is Oscott Wards attempts to replace our Environmental Warden who we lost due to Council front line cuts.

BUSES STOP USING CORPORATION STREET ON JULY 22nd

Corparation Street will no longer have buses using it from July 22nd.
Most of the buses which run to town through Oscott will as present still use either Dale End or Albert Street as their terminus but clearly there will be no drop off stop in Corporation Strret.

When all the work is finished most buses going into the City from this area will end up at a terminus in Bull Street.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE MEETING WED 14th

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee tomorrow at 7pm.
The meeting (where the 3 Oscott Ward Councillors meet to receive reports from various Council department and the Police) will take place at the 610 Community Centre and will be Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring.

On the agenda will be

Policing matters in the Oscott Ward

Improving local stroke and ischaemic transientattack (TIA) services

A report from the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (this is made up of local Councillors, Community Representatives, the Police and other voluntary services and is where ward Issie's and the Community Chest is discussed in depth. It is Chaired by myself)

Community Chest Funds. (The Oscott Ward sadly only received 100k in CC funding which is given to various groups and organisation in the ward for things like youth activities, helping young families with problems,helping the unemployed, help for the elderly, community safety, helping Community groups help the community, to improve the environment and much more.)

Matters of local urgent Concern (They must relate to Oscott)

RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND WARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS

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WEED SPRAYING IN OSCOTT TO START SOON

Although it is a little early in the year for weeds to start coming through our pavements I am already requesting the Councils Highways department to gear up and get out there to start spraying. Given the weather is already very spring like in my view spraying should star as soon as possible especially given the time the weed killer takes to work.

REMEMBER APRIL 9TH IS THE DEAD LINE FOR OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST APPLICATIONS

Oscott residents and community Groups don't forget the deadline to send in you application for Oscott Community Chest funding is April 9th. IT MUST BE IN BY THEN.
See Oscott Libraries or ring 675 2349 for more details

COMMUNITY SPLIT ON TUNNEL MURAL

The Birmingham City Council Council are considering having a mural in the foot way tunnel under the M6 motor way at the end of Bowman Road (where it leads to Turnbury Park in the Perry Barr Ward)
Residents are split over whether this is a good idea.

I have been made aware a number of resident living in Perry Barr are in favour of having this tunnel lined with murals drawn by local youngsters. Against this there are a number of resident living in close by in Bowman Road who are opposed to this given the problems there have been with vandalism and graffiti in the tunnel in the past. The Transportation are also unhappy given they have used special paint in the tunnel to deter graffiti.
I am as usual interested in hearing the views of local residents and I am already working with the Oscott Residents Association to identify views on this issue. However if you would like to give me you opinion please give me a ring on 360 6486 and let me know.

(This tunnel is also know as Forgers Walk)

HIGH PROFILE VISIT BY DOG WARDENS IN OSCOTT SOON

After making a number of complaints about dog fouling in the Oscott Ward I am pleased that the Dog Warden Service have agreed to do another high profile visit to the area in the late spring. This will be in addition to their normal work.
There are many roads in Oscott where dog fouling is a problem especially near our open spaces like, The Burford Playing Fields, Glenmead Playing field, The Aldridge Recreation Ground and the King George Playing Field.
I am also requesting more attention be given to roads where there are schools.
The Dog Wards high profile visit will be unannounced and should be a warning to careless dog owners. I know there are many sensible dog owners out there but I would ask all dog owners to take home their dogs mess or bag it and bin it. In this regard I am also still trying to get as many of the stolen litter bins replaced as i can by the council

MORE DROP CURBING FOR THE DISABLED IS BEING INSTALLED.

It is good to see despite reluctance in some quarters disabled drop curbs are being put in at the end of Marshall Grove, and At the junction Of Blakeland road Greenholm Road and Blakeland Elmbridge Road. I know from my discussions and campaigning with George Hough the Chair of the Oscott Disability Group this means a lot to those who have to use mobility scooters or wheel chairs.
I also know from speaking to a number of mother with children in wheel chairs they to welcome the lowering of these curbs.
The Council have decided to do a number of these disabled drop curbs as a job lot to save money this year.

BATTLE TO KEEP KINGSTANDING AND PERRY COMMON LIBRARy'S OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK

At a meeting of OF Perry Barr Constituency Councillors yesterday those Councillors who attended vowed to ignore the Councils policy of only having one library open 5 day a week in a constituency.
Labour and Liberals in this constituency are united in our aim to keep all of our library's open 5 days a week.

Residents in Oscott can help us in our endeavours by using the Kingstanding and Perry Common Libraries as much as possible. Lets keep our libraries open.

GOODWAY NURSERY AND CHILDRENS CENTRE EXPLORING PAINTS AND MATERIALS SESSIONS

The Goodway Nursery and Children's Centre do excellent work with younger children in the Oscott and Kingstanding area. They will be for example holding " exploring paint and materials" sessions at the Kingstanding Library on the following dates.
Friday 16th March
Friday 27th April
Friday 8th June
Friday 20th July

Between 10 and 11am.

It is a chance for children aged between 0 and 5 to learn and explore with paints and materials.

For further details contact Christine 464 3078

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP TO MEET 21st MARCH

The Oscott Elderly Residents group will be meeting for their coffee morning on Wednesday 21st March at 11.15am. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. There will be tea/Coffee and light refreshments available for only 30p.
Its a chance for those over 55 to get together for a chat and a laugh.
There is also a chance to meet up for tea and biscuits every Saturday morning 10.30am at the 610 Community Centre.
For more details please ring Maureen on 6811 826

RANDWICK GROVE ALDRIDGE RECREATION GROUND ENTRANCE TO BE MADE SAFE

Current Council Authorities are still dithering about whether or not to improve the gates and pathway in the Aldridge Road Recreation ground, but after speaking to local resident I have put in a bid for a new barrier and a gate. (Councillor Barbara Dring is also supporting this bid as are the Police.)

The gate on the Sandy Lane entrance is needed and a staggered barrier at the Randwick Grove entrance is urgently needed to prevent motor bikes racing through the passage way at high speed.


The money should now be made available from a Community Chest safety fund which has been set up. It is just a shame this current Council can not get its act together.

CARING FOR THE NEW TREES PLANTED IN OSCOTT

The Council have been planting a number of new trees in our streets recently which is something I have been calling for and welcome.
I would however like to see many more older large trees replaced in a phased way over the coming years.
I have been been out checking on a number of these new trees new trees planted in number of streets in Oscott and the majority seem to have been planted reasonable well. Staked out correctly and not interfering with drive ways and so on.

Given the drought conditions we are likely to face in the summer I would ask those who have had a new tree out side their homes to, once in a while during the summer if we have had dry weather put a bucket of waste water on the earth at the bottom of the tree to help it to survive.

If you have a problem with a new tree that has been planted near your home please let me know.
See my details opposite

RECYCLING FROM THE DOOR STEP MUST IMPROVE

Paper and recycling collections in Oscott are of great concern to a number of Oscott residents.
Sadly on a number of occasion the correct day for collection is being missed.
Clearly this is not good enough and I can assure you when we get to know of a problem both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are doing what we can to Get the senior officers in the department to do something about it.
The Council can not expect residents to be motivated when it comes to recycling from the door step when there are so many missed collections.
It is also a cost to the department AND THE RATE PAYER in that often, paper, cans and bottles get strewn across the pavements where roads are missed and than have to be cleaned up.