OSCOTT RESIDENTS HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHEELIE BINS

 Later this year I understand there will be a more formal opportunity for Birmingham residents to have their say regarding whether Birmingham should have Wheelie bins or not.

However I would like to thank all those who are contacting me either for or against Wheelie bins.

Please keep your views coming. its not to early to let me know what you think.

I can assure you I am passing on your views to those who will make the decision.

E.Mail me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham>gov.uk
or leave me a message on 303 2039

THE BATTLE AGAINST DOG MESS IN OSCOTT GOES ON.

The end of the School holidays is fast approaching and this will mean thousands of Oscott Children walking to school and having to avoid dog mess.
Although the vast majority of dog owner are extremely conscious of the problem and unfailingly clear their dog mess up there are still a problem minority who do not.
I am doing my best to get as many litter bins as possible on our streets and particularly on school runs, to help owners deposit their dogs mess in (Bagged) but even that does not wok in some cases.
I am now calling on our Dog Warden Service to be more vigilant around Oscott Schools and to give out the necessary warning (or fines) if necessary.
Once again I would ask dog owner to bag and bin their dogs mess or better still take your dog's mess home to dispose of it. Please think of the Children in Oscott.

BEWARE MOBILITY SCOOTER OF THEIVES

I have been informed that in some area's of the city Motorised scooters are being stolen. As a result I have been in touch with the Oscott Disabilities Group ( Chair George Hough) and the Local Oscott Neighbourhood Police Team asking them to be aware of this happening in Oscott.
I would advise anyone with a mobility scooter to park it in a safe place, always take out the key and if possible mark the scooter (Your post code and house No) for example)
I have asked the Police if there is any marking equipment available? but a little paint may do if care is taken.
If you know anyone who has a Motorised mobility Scooter please ask them to ensure they keep it safe.
Don't become a victim to any heartless thieves.

STREET LIGHTING THE NEED TO KEEP TO SCHEDULE

Along with the other Oscott Councillors I am keeping the pressure on Amey (the private Firm given the contract to up grade our roads by the previous Council administration) to keep to time with their street lighting program. In many cases they are but I am still receiving some complaints regarding delays and the way the work is being done.
If you have a problems with the way the new Street Lighting is being installed please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

DONT OBSTRUCT A DROPPED CURB

I get a lot of complaints regarding motorists parking across or partially across residents drop curbs.
The Council’s Traffic Wardens can assist with the problem of vehicles parking across dropped kerbs if they receive  a complaint from the householder with a problem of this sort.
 If this is a problem outside your house, the Council Traffic Wardens’ team can be contacted on 0121-303-7613 for advice.Alternatively you can contact the Police using 101 number.
Motorist should clearly not park across someones drive as it can be very distressing. Those residents living near schools are particularly effected by this. I would ask motorists to think before they park they could be liable to a fine. This also applies to disabled dropped curbing.
There is also a problem with some motorists using dropped curbs to mount the curb and drive along the pavement. Not only is this an offence but it can be very dangerous.

SCRAP METAL DEALERS SHOULD TONE DOWN A BIT

I have received a number of complaints recently regarding the amount of scrap dealers going around and in some cases the noise they make.
Over the last 12 months I have been asking the Police to monitor these scrap dealers and I have been informed a number have been spoken to.
The vast majority have the correct paperwork to allow them to deal with scrap metal and their vehicles have had the correct paper work as well. Those who have breached the rules have been warned.
While many mobile scrap metal collector do a good job those that do not must be kept off our streets.
I am also asking the Police to remind scrap dealers to tone down their megaphones or sound systems.
On the national front the Government are trying to introduce tighter controls generally when it comes to dealing with scrap metal.

BATTLE TO GET RIDGEWOOD GARDENS CARRIAGE WAY RESURFACED

Despite numerous request on behalf of local residents Amey the Highways contractor given the 25 year contract to upgrade our roads by the former Council Authority, have refused to add Ridgewood gardens to the list of roads to be done.
Like may resident I can not see why while the other roads on the small estate where Ridgewood Gardens is located have had their carriageways resurfaced Amey refuse to do the work on Ridgewood gardens.
I will continue to put the case for the residents of Ridgewood gardens.

LOOKING FOR FUNDING TO IMPROVE SKATE BOARD CENTRE

Along with Councillor Barbara Dring who has battled so hard for the 610 Perry Barr Park Skate Board centre I spoke to youngsters using skate board facility yesterday.
As usual when we went there were a number of youngsters keeping out of trouble using the facility. They all expressed the view that it was a really good place to "hang out".
Both Barbara and I are working to try and find more funding to improve the facility and took the opportunity to get a feeling for what the youngster using the site thought was needed.
The site is located on the Aldridge Road end of perry Barr Park just yards from the Oscott Boars head Boundary. It is sited in such a way that the police can give it passing attention when going past and youngsters do not disturb local residents. It is also on the 33 and 997 bus route. it is also next to the well known BMX Centre. The facility was funded by the Oscott Ward Committee.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS HAVE A GREAT DAY OUT.

It was a great pleasure to be asked to go with the Oscott Elderly Residents group to kelp out on their trip to Llandudno.
It turned out to be a nice sunny day and every enjoyed themselves by the sea. These sort of events need to be encouraged as it helps the elderly get out of their homes and socialise as well as keep fit (walking along the prom).
 Both Councillor Dring who also went along and myself are fully behind these events as we know hard hard things can be for local pensioners who like every else need a break.
 Well done Maureen Byrne (Chair )ERG for organising the event and to other local groups for helping to fund the trip.

LOCAL POLICE CHANGES TO TAKE PLACE

I found out last night that the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Team meeting will now be working out of Perry Barr Police Station. However I am led to believe they will still retain a room in the Kingstanding Police station.
The station will remain open as other police units will still be using it.
I have been informed also officer from the Perry Barr team and the Oscott Ward Team as a result of these changes will be able to work together more effectively however each team will work in their own areas and response times should improve. RESIDENTS WILL STILL BE ABLE TO USE THE KINGSTANDING POLICE STATION
As with so many of the changes taking place within the WEst Midlands Police Force and the City Council I will wait with interest to see if it actually makes the slightest bit of difference and I will reserve my judgement for the moment.!

MORE ACTION IS NEEDED TO SORT OUT PARKING NEAR GREAT BARR SCHOOLS

At a Police residents meeting at the Great Barr Leisure Centre last night resident called for more action to sort out problem parking on the Aldridge Road near the Great Barr Schools.
The Police have agreed to do all they can to improve the situation and Councillor Barbara Dring and I will be continuing to put pressure on the Council Highways department to do more to help relieve the problem. Sadly it was agreed by all there is not easy solution and parents must make more efforts to have their children walk to school.

I AM NOW ON TWITTER

I am now on twitter if you would like to catch up with more about my activities.

JUST GO ONTO THE TWITTER FEED AND TYPE MY NAME

DON'T BE BITTEN BY A LOAN SHARK

We all know times are hard for many at the moment and as a result Loan sharks are becomg more common (A Loan Shark is someone who lends money without the appropriate licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading.)

These loan sharks rarely if ever, give any paperwork and if payments are missed they often use intimidation and violence to get money from their 'clients'. The Illegal Money Lending Team is here to help.

We do not want this sort of thing happening in Oscott or anywhere else.

 If you have any information, however small, on loan shark activities let the Birmingham City Council team that deals with this problem know.

For example!

• Have you been offered a cash loan?
• Have you been threatened when you couldn't pay?
• Has your bank card been taken from you as a security?
• Does what you owe keep growing even though you are making payments?

If you can answer yes to any of the above then you may have been bitten by a loan shark. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any of the above or has any knowledge of loan shark activities then contact the Birmingham Council team that deals with this sort of thing IN CONFIDENCE.

CONTACT
They can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0300 555 2222
Or by e-mail at: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.ukOr by text to: loan(space)shark(space) + your message to 60003

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HAVE SAY ON WHEELIE BINS

It is always nice to attend the Oscott Eldery Residents Group meetings.
Chair Maureen Byrne and her team of volunteer helpers alsways do a good job and there is tea and refreshments available.
The group are arranging a Coch trip next Tuesday to the sea side for their regulars and helpers.
The main theme for debate todayday was wheelie bins.


A quick summary of the views I heard today would would be.

There is a lot of concerns that Wheelie bins would not be suitable in the Oscott area.
No one should be forced to have a wheelie bin against their will and there should be a choice for everyone.
Wheelie bins are unsightly and hard to store
There is concern about the amount of wheelie bins and or boxes that may be issued.
Black bags are too thin and if they were made of a better type wheelie bins would not be needed.
Wheelie bins are just a gimmick.
Bring back the old dust bin to keep black bags in.
Black bags/ boxes are easier for the elderly and disabled to manage.
Arrangements will be needed for those in flats and so on.

Wheelie bins may be better for the environment.
Wheelie bins would help keep spillage off our streets.
You can put more rubbish in wheelie bins
Wheelie bins are easier to handle.
If you have a flat front garden wheelie bins are a good idea.
Those who want a wheelie bin should have one.
The crews are not doing their jobs properly collecting the black bags and boxes.


Following a show of hands
17 of those present did not want wheelie bins
14 were in favour of wheelie bins
1 did not care one way or another.

I will ensure these views will be passed on to the Councillor with cabinet responsibility for this issue.

If you would like me to know what your views are on the wheelie bin subject email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2039

OSCOTT CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM MEETING SATURDAY

The Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum will be holding its next meeting at the 610 Community Centre Kingstaning Road at 10.30am on Saturday 18th August.
Councillors Barbara Dring, TRistan Chatfield and my self have been invited as have the Police.
For debate are Wheelie bins a good idea.
Why not come along and let us know your concerns about the area and find out more about the OCNF.

For details about the OCNF ring its Chairman Aubrey Long on 360 0766

PAUL UPPAL R.I.P

It was with great sadness and shock I heard of the passing of Paul Uppal yesterday (Sunday 12th August).
Paul was one of those unsung hero's who helped behind the scenes organisations like the Oscott Elderly Residents Group.
He had also for some time been working to try and help the Oscott Housing Liaison Board re form.
He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.
I send my deepest Sympathy to all his family.

A GOOD SESSION AT THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

The Friends of Queslsett Nature Reserve held another successful activity day today. A number of new member helped out and litter picking and pruning was cattied out in the reserve.
 There were also new signs erected by the volunteers.

WE NEED BETTER SMOOTHER PAVEMENTS IN OSCOTT

I work very closely with the Oscott Disability Group and from discussions with them I fully understand how important having good pavements is to them.
I have in the past myself experienced how rough a ride you can have when using a wheel chair or motorised scoot on our pavements in Oscott.
My fellow Oscott Councillors and I have worked hard to get our pavements improved in Oscott and in fact a number have been. Sadly however no where near enough. Despite promises from the last administration and from their contractor Amey, pavements in many Oscott Roads are still poor and may remain so due to the inflexibility of the contract awarded to Amey.
The criteria,s which are being worked to to get a pavement replaced or repaired are simply not good enough. Today in areas like Oscott where so many people use wheel chairs and scooters (also push chairs) better smoother pavements are needed.
I am attempting to put pressure on the Highways department all the time to improve our pavements and will continue to do so.

WHEELIE BINS FOR OSCOTT WHAT DO YOU THINK

By now many Oscott residents will have heard that the Council is bidding from a Government pot of money for funding to introduce wheelie bins to Birmingham.

I have very mixed reactions from Oscott residents on this issue and I would like yo know what you think.

if you have a view please email me  Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com

TRANSPORTATION CHIEFS REJECT ROAD SAFETY CALL FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD AGAIN

The Birmingham City Council have again rejected calls from residents and myself to introduce sensible road safety measure to the Aldridge Road.
Calls for a traffic light system at the Greenholm Road Aldridge Road Junction, Speed indicator signs between the Boars Head and the Dyas Road and even calls to introduce better signage have all been yet again turned down
The Council have ignored evidence from the Community Speed Watch and the fact the Casualty reduction team (Fire brigade and Police) have held a number of evens on the Aldridge Road.
This situation is clearly not good enough however the Police have agreed to continue to do what they can to help the situation.

THERE ARE TOO MANY MOBILE SCRAP MERCHANTS

A number of residents have complained over the last few months about the amount of vans and trucks going around our streets looking for scrap metal.
I have raised this issue with the Police who have been stopping and checking the licenses of these scrap dealers. most have been found to have the correct licenses to operate as scrap metal dealers. I have been informed those who do not have the correct paper work will be reported.
I have also through Khalid Mahmood MP being trying to draw this matter to the attention of the Government as more legislation is needed.

MORE LITTER BINS FOR OSCOTT

Over the last few weeks I have managed to get a number of new litter bins placed on various Roads in Oscott. Although this has helped the litter on our streets in Oscott is still not good enough and I am trying to get even more bins for the area.
It would be good to see one on most street corners but given the amount being stolen and the cost that ideal is going to be difficult to achieve.

SHADY LANE MAST GIVEN GO AHEAD

Sadly despite receiving a petition from local residentsand the Councillor Barbara Dring lead campaign against the erection of a mast to the rear of Shady Lane, teh Councils Planning Committee agreed to allow the mast application to go ahead.
At Thursday the 2nd August Planning Committee meeting despite some reservations the all party Planning Committee voted in favour of erecting this mast.
Senior Council officer explained there were no medical reasons to oppose the mast, it was sighted on Industrial land, the mast company would be sharing the facility which would mean the need for fewer  masts and if it was turned down the Governments own inspectors would almost certainly agree with any appeal against the decision.
I was unable to be on the Planning committee as I had already spoken out against the mast application.

MORE CASUALTY REDUCTION EVENTS TO TAKE PLACE IN OSCOTT

The Police and other agencies will be operating yet more casualty reduction events in Oscott during September and Ocotober.
These are events where speeding motorist are pulled over and shown the possible effects of speeding. This includes graphic pictures of accidents and being spoken to regarding their speeding.
Successful events have already taken place on the Aldridge Road and the Kingstanding Road and now more are to take place.
This joint event is another way of battling the problem of speeding in the Oscott area.

POLICE WARN DO NOT PARK ON THE KINGSTANDING CIRCLE ISLAND

At a recent meeting with the Police they have expressed concern that some motorists are parking on the out side of the Kingstanding Circle island to use the take aways there. (Near the Kentucky fried Chicken Shop)
There are double yellow lines there which motorists are ignoring. This parking is restricting the flow of traffic using the island and can be dangerous.
This has been an issue for some time but neither the Council (traffic attendants or the Police can be there all the time.
With this in mind I am requesting on behalf of the Police some form of railing be located on the pavement on the Oscott side of the island junction, to try and prevent car users getting close to the take aways by parking on the islands out side edge.
I do understand the temptations motorists have when it comes to parking as close to take ways as possible but I would ask  that they park sensibly and not on the island even for what they hope will be only for a few minutes. .

COUNCIL OWNED GARAGES NEED TO BE MONITORED

Council owned garages need to be monitored more. Garages are being let by the Council with very little supervision as to what is being done with them.
It a time when parking space on most roads is hard to find I am coming across garages been used to dump rubbish in for example.
Those who rent garages from the Council should be asked to use them for parking their car.
Also the state of some of these garages leaves much to be desired.

FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY

The Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve are to hold an activity day on Saturday 11th August.

Friends and helpers are asked to meet at the Ashworth Road entrance at 11am.

It will be a roll up your sleeves and have ago session. Litter picking and light pruning work will take place.

Please come along dressed for the weather.

Children are welcome if strictly under the control of an accompanying adult.