GREEN BAG MESS IN OSCOTT

Councillors Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself have all over the weekend and yesterday been battling to get the Council's refuge and recycling department to sort out the green bags which have not been collected. Numerous email and phone calls have taken place. The Senior Salvage department managers have continued to inform us they are progressing with the problem and have had staff out dealing with it.
Clearly the excuse that there has been an unprecedented amount of green wast put out over the last week is not good enough and we Councillors will be pushing for an improved service.

OSCOTT CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM MEETING 18TH AUGUST

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum on Saturday 18th of August at 10.30 am. The venue will be the the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road.
All residents living in the central Oscott area are welcome.

Local Councillors, the Police and other Community Group leaders have been invited.

For more details about the OCNF please ring Chair Aubrey Longe 360 0766

OSCOTT TO KEEP WARD ADVISORY BOARD

Despite some rumours to the contrary the Oscott Ward Committee is to keep its long time Ward Advisory Board as part of its consultation process with the Oscott community.
WAB in Oscott Case have been made up from Oscott Community Leaders,and organisations like Age Concern, the Police and Health service.
They give advice on a number of local issues to the Oscott Committee and also play a part in advising which are the best and most appropriate bids for Community Chest Funds.
As the Chair Of the Oscott WAB I have always found the advice given to be non political, independent and very sound and like the other Councillors in Oscott I welcome the fact it will remain in place.
 I know both Councillor Dring and Councillor Chatfield the other Oscott Ward Councillors fully support the retention of our WAB.
I HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY THE COUNCIL'S DEPUTY LEADER IAN WARD THAT THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH A WARD RETAINING  WAB'S IF THEY SO WISH.
I would also like to put on record my thanks to all of those who have given up their time over the years to serve on this Board.
Sadly through no fault of the Oscott Ward Committee there will be no funding for the Oscott WAB, however as the cost have all been small in nature in the past we do not see this a concern.

COUNCIL CHIEFS PROMISE MORE ACTION TO SORT OUT RUBBISH COLLECTION PROBLEMS

Following a stream of complaints regarding the new rubbish collection service in parts of Oscott, Council chiefs have promised to take action.
They have pointed out that for the first few weeks teething problems are to be expected but they are now adding additional resources to the problems faced by residents to help correct many of the missed collections and to get things back on track
I will certainly be monitoring their progress in  solving their teething problems in the Oscott area and will be pressing for more action to be taken until things are sorted out. The situation at the moment is certainly not good enough.

THE BATTLE AGAINST DOG FOULING GOES ON

A recent high profile patrol by dog wardens in the Oscott area recently has meant a number of dog owner in the area have been spoken to regarding the use of poop scoops.
I am now in the process of arranging another of these visits. The vast majority of dog owners in the area are considerate and clear up their dogs mess, however those who are not need to be reminded of their responsibilities.

If you know a particular area in Oscott where there is a persistent problem please contact me

Tel 303 2019 (messages)

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING LEADS CAMPAIGN AGIANST SHADY LANE MAST

Councillor Barbara Dring is working with Local residents to fight against a proposed mast to be located off Shady Lane.
Barbara has informed me she is very concerned this proposal for a new G4 type mast may even effect TV free view reception for up to a mile and a half. Barbara is being supported by colleagues Tristan Chatfield and myself.
I have called for this application to go before the Planning Committee to be looked at in greater depth.

NORTH BIRMINGHAM BUS VISION REVIEW DUE IN 2013

There will be a Bus strategy review being undertaken in the North Birmingham area in 2013. Included in this review will be the Oscott area.
A number of bus routes will come under inspection for possible changes. With this in mind I would urge those who use buses in this area to ensure they do so a much as possible.
In particular  I would expect bus routes like the 75 and 76 to come under scrutiny. Its time now to use or lose many bus routes.

BARRIERS AND CONES NEED TO BE TAKEN AWAY WHEN FINISHED WITH

Sadly despite being asked to look into the matter road barriers and cones are still being left lying around in various roads and access ways in the Oscott area by Amey and other contractors.
If you are are aware of any barriers, cones or signs which have been left lying used somewhere in Oscott please contact me.
Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or ring 303 2039 (messages)

CITY CENTRE BUS STOP CHANGES FROM SUNDAY

As readers of my blog will know I posted City Centre bus stop changes were to be made, way back on the 24 of January and on July 6th, but I think it is worth a reminder.
BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS AND TEETHING PROBLEMS ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Buses are now to be moved out of Corporation Street on July 22 as part of the transformation of the city centre and its transport system.

Corporation Street is being pedestrianised and its ten bus stops relocated to new points, each no more than a few minutes walk away.  The changes will also pave the way for a new Metro extension.
Centro, along with Birmingham City Council and Local bus operator National Express West Midlands, will be operating an information campaign about the changes.
All of the city centre bus stops will be located at six new passenger interchanges and these will be at Snow Hill/Colmore Row; Paradise Circus/Broad Street; New Street Gateway; Markets; Moor Street/Carrs Lane and Bull Street/Priory Queensway WHICH WILL BE THE MAIN ONE FOR THE Oscott buses.
I have been assured there will be a number of “Marshalls on duty to help give assistance and advice during the changes.

STOP METAL STREET FURNITURE BEING STOLEN IN OSCOTT

Scrap metal thefts are a real problem in the Oscott area. Most of us are aware that led is being stolen of our library and church roofs but I am still having reports of things like the metal no parking on the grass verge signs being stolen.
Alarmingly witnesses have informed me in roads like Birkenshaw and Brush Field official looking street workers wearing Amey like yellow vasts are taking these signs.
Amey have informed me their real worker wear yellow vests and leggings and all have ID badges with the Company phone number on it.
If you suspect that a theft of a street furniture item may be taking place you can contact Amey on 212 72000 to check if the workman moving an item of  metal street furniture are doing it legitimately or if you are shure they are not legitimately doing a job of work call the Police.
These thefts are costing council tax payers money lets try and stop it.
The government are at last doing something about scrap metal thefts by the way
NEW laws to prevent metal theft have moved closer after the House of Commons completed a second reading of Richard Ottaway MP’s Scrap Metal Dealers Bill.recently.

BLUE BOXES NEED EMPTYING IN OSCOTT AREA.

Paper recycling boxes all over Oscott have been missed again.
I am calling on the Salvage department management to get this issue sorted out urgently. Blue boxes are all over our streets and they may be accidents as a result.
I have complained on behalf of residents living in streets all over Oscott and I will continue to do so.

FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

Fly tipping is still on the increase in Oscott. Now that Booths lane has been sealed of while contractors are carrying out works on the new carriage way, more and more fly tipped rubbish is finding its way into rear access ways and so on in the Oscott area.
Residents can help prevent this by keeping their rear access ways locked (or arrange to have gates fitted) and report any fly tipping you see.
The Oscott Ward is through its new Environmental scheme trying to help out in some cases where fly tipping has taken place but clearly there is only so much funding available. Residents can still use the free bulky item collection service but as we no the last Council administration has ensured this service has had to be reduced as a result of all the cuts they made. There is still however no excuse for fly tipping.

BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATION TRUST

I have volunteered to become a member of the BCT on behalf of the City's Planning Committee.
 The Chair of this committee is Councillor Bob (Biggles) Beauchamp, who is already going out of his way to help me understand how the committee and trusties work.
At the moment high on the agenda for the trust is
The Moseley Road Baths
Land behind Station Road Cottages) Erdington
Rookery  House
Highbury Hall

For your information

Birmingham Conservation Trust works to find imaginative and sustainable solutions for historic buildings in the City that are threatened with dereliction and decay. With its charitable status, the Trust can draw in funds from Lottery and other charitable trusts to tackle buildings no one else will touch and in the process create attractive places to work, live and play.

The Trust also has an educational remit to promote an understanding and awareness of Birmingham's architectural heritage. It does this through talks, lectures and running open days at relevant properties. In this way it remains close to the local communities, who have an interest in the buildings being restored.

The group is run by a board of trustees with a wide range of skills, who represent interest groups in the City and the City Council Planning Department. Once projects are completed any proceeds are ploughed back into future projects.
If you would like more information about the trust please use one of the links above.



To see what other roles I undertake for the Council or the ITA please see post dated 29th June.
NB my Council allowances are posted on the BCC or ITA Webb sites.

NEW RUBBISH COLLECTION DAYS ARE STILL CAUSING CONCERN

The new rubbish collection service which means in some cases residents are having their black bags collected on a different day to what they were in the past, is causing a number of concerns across Oscott.

This system which was put in place recently after the previous Council Administration had made arrangements for the change to take place, is still causing some confusion.
There are some residents who presumably have not read the information leaflet which was put out earlier this year who are still putting out on the day they were used to be, which means the Salvage crews are having to go back and pick up the rubbish.
Luckily most residents are getting the hang of the new system, however there are problems especially with those who have rubbish picked up on a Friday.
For example Ashworth Road which is a small narrow road which needs a smaller vehicle to collect the rubbish. On Friday evening I was informed that this road had not had its rubbish collected and mourners attending a funeral would be gathering in the road early Monday Morning. A number of resident had tried and failed to get the salvage department to take notice. Luckily I managed to get through with an urgent request and the rubbish was collected early on the Monday morning.
There will be continued problems while residents and crews get used to the changes and I will do what I can to help.

LORD MAYOR ATTENDS OSCOTT COMMUNITY GAMES

I was very pleasing to see that Birmingham's Lord Mayor, despite having a hectic schedule, could find the time to pop in and see those attending the Oscott Community games. Lord Mayor Councillor John Lines told me he was delighted to be at the games and to see people enjoying themselves.

Despite the ever present threat of rain a number of residents young and old turned up and had a go at sack races and other games.
I was pleased to help out as a "race official"  for the sack race and had to be a bit tough when it came to judging a number of close finishes.
I must also say well done to all those who helped organise the event.

NO PLANNING APPLICATION FOR BOOTHS LANE MAST

A number of residents from the Booths Lane area have contacted me recently regarding rumours about a new planning application for a mast in the area.
I am pleased to say following my taking up the issue with the Planning department i can report no such Planning applications have been lodged with them at the moment.

OSCOTT COMMUNITY GAMES 14TH JULY

Tomorrow Saturday the 14th of July 2012 sees the Oscott Community Games take place.
  The venue will be the George Fredrick Playing Fields  (Off Kingstanding Road)  between 11am and 3pm.
There will be a number of activities for various age groups.
For Example Football sack race,relay race, skittles and many more. There will also be  Food, drink and entertainment as well.
 A great way to get into the Olympics spirit for all the family.
Councillors and other dignitaries have been invited and I have been delighted to present one of the prizes

If you would like further information please contact Zetilda A Ricketts on tildaatr@aol.com 

OSCOTT BEST (only?) REPAIRED ROAD SAVED FROM BEING DUG UP

Following my expressing concerns to  Birmingham's Street Contractors Amey that even though they had not long finished upgrading the pavements and carriage ways in Templeton Road, the National Grid had informed residents they want to "dig it up". Amey have have request the National Grid stop any such work.
The National Grid have now accepted that and will only do any essential work but there is no work planned at the moment for Templeton Road and should any work be needed Amey will be consulted fully.

This should be common sense and I hope all parties learn and abide from this experience.
 It would be a great shame if proberly the only Concrete Road in the area which has been upgraded to a  good standard was ruined by being dug up.

OSCOTT NEW RUBBISH COLLECTION DAY PROBLEMS

As may have been expected (see my June 22nd blog) there have been a number of missed rubbish collections last week..
This follows the changes made in some parts of Oscott to the rubbish collection days.
A number of residents for some reason do not appear to have read the information leaflet put out by the Council informing them of changes in some areas of Oscott to the day rubbish is collected.
These residents have put out their rubbish on the wrong day. This has lead to these bags having to be picked up separately which has effected the collections of bags put out by many residents on the right day.
I have been in touch with the salvage department asking for these problems to be addressed and for any additional street cleaning needed as a result to be carried out.
I now hope residents will remind each other which is the correct day to put out rubbish.
If you are still having a problem with this issue please contact me.

THERE WILL BE MAJOR BUS STOP CHANGES IN THE CITY CENTRE FROM LATER THIS MONTH

As readers of my blog will know I posted City Centre bus stop changes were to be made, way back on the 24 of January
Buses are now to be moved out of Corporation Street on July 22 as part of the transformation of the city centre and its transport system.

Corporation Street is being pedestrianised and its ten bus stops relocated to new points, each no more than a few minutes walk away.  The changes will also pave the way for a new Metro extension.
Centro, along with Birmingham City Council and Local bus operator National Express West Midlands, will be operating an information campaign about the changes.
All of the city centre bus stops will be located at six new passenger interchanges and these will be at Snow Hill/Colmore Row; Paradise Circus/Broad Street; New Street Gateway; Markets; Moor Street/Carrs Lane and Bull Street/Priory Queensway WHICH WILL BE THE MAIN ONE FOR THE Oscott buses.
I have been assured there will be a number of “Marshalls on duty to help give assistance and advice during the changes.


Full details  can be found at www.networkwestmidlands.com

OSCOTT'S BEST REPAIRED ROAD TO BE DUG UP

Templeton Road in Oscott is arguably the best (some may say the only) upgraded road in Oscott.
Amey have done a better than average job resurfacing the carriageway and part Tarmacing and re paving the pavement.
Now we are told 12 months later the National Grid want to dig it up.
 To make things worse I had to inform Amey (the contractors) of this. I have insisted Amey consult with any utility companies in the future and make arrangements that any work done is finished to the highest standards.
In the past  Amey who maintain our roads have had to find out about intended repairers by utility companies, just before pavement repairs were to take place in Oscott School Lane for example I had to warn Amey a utility company had notified residents they were digging up the road just before Amey started work on the pavements.
Do these firms really think this is good enough if the 21st century,  when computer, emails and telephones exist.?

REPAIRS TO CONCRETE ROAD UPDATE

Amey (the Highways contractor) have informed me following my requests that they think again how they deal with concrete roads, are to suspended their  forthcoming concrete road schemes whilst they re-assess the options for their treatment in consultation with the city council's Street Services Managers.
I have insisted this does not seriously delay work being carried out to improve concrete roads in the area.
Amey also need as a matter of urgency to reassess how they consult with utility companies to avoid road which have new pavement and improved carriage ways being re dug up by these companies.

SEE MY PREVIOUS POSTS INCLUDING JUNE 23RD.

MANY TREES IN OSCOTT NEED PRUNING

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are recieving many complaints from residents about trees in Oscott roads which need pruning.
We are both ensuring all complaints are going to Senior offers at Amey (the contractor given te long term street upgrade by the last Council Administration) and are asking the re look at many trees in the Oscott ward with the view to pruning them
We will continue this battle on our  residents behalf