HIGHWAY CHIEFS IGNORE OSCOTT RESIDENTS AGAIN

Sadly Birmingham's High way chiefs have ignored yet another call for road safety work to be introduced on the Aldridge Road. In a letter I have received it states despite Local residents and myself calling for safety measures there is no justification for it.
Like other local residents I will NOT be letting the matter drop and will continue to request action be taken on this road.

FLY TIPPING ON THE INCREASE IN OSCOTT

Sadly despite there still being a free Bulky item collection service Fly tipping appears to be on the increase.
The best way to prevent this are to report any anything you see especially on our open spaces and ensure rear access way gates are kept locked at all times as it only takes seconds to dump all sorts of rubbish.
I am urging the authorities to prosecute offenders.

GOOD WAY ROAD ISLAND REPAINTED AT LAST

At long last the Good way Road spot island and the carriage way road junctions off it (Courtenay Road and Harbeck Avenue) have been repainted.
Like also the Spot island on Shady Lane these islands and other junction marking need repainting regularly which is why I am often putting in requests for road markings. I am pleased to see in this case they have done it because the weather and light is starting to really deteriorate and the visibility of these road markings are even more important.

If you know of any other carriage way markings which need re painting please let me know. Ring 303 2039 (messages)

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE PRUNING SESSION DEC 8th

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve are to hold an activity day on Saturday 8th December

Friends and helpers are asked to meet at the Ashworth Road entrance at 11.30am but please do not park to close to the entrance and respect the neighbours parking places.

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.

For details
http://queslettnaturereserve.blogspot.co.uk/

RIDGEWOOD GARDENS UPDATE

A clear up has begun to the rear access ways for parts of Ridgewood Garden Crestwood Drive, Goodway Road and Frenshaw Grove. A JCB is on site and strimming  will be undertaken as well as some fly tipped rubbish being removed.
There is a difficulty in that some resident have asked that their rear access way space not be cleared.
It is hoped that when finished this rear access way area will look much more presentable and along with the pad locks and other security measures the area will be much better.
The funding has come from the Oscott Community Chest.

PERRY BARR DISTRICT CONVENTION UPDATE

Attendended the Perry Barr District Convention today.
The highlites were,

When I checked at the end of the meeting there were not many resident present so with that in mind I have asked  that feed back should be sent to the Oscott Ward Advisory Board and the Oscott Ward Committee in order for Oscott residents to find out more about this meeting.

PERRY BARR DISTRICT CONVENTION

I have been asked to attend the Perry Barr Convention "your day your say" on Tuesday 27th November.
This meeting has been organised by the Perry Barr District.

A number of organisations and selected Community group leaders from across the Perry Barr District area have been invited to this meeting as a form of consultation.

There will be a run down of the District who lives here, the economy, housing, community safety, health and residents perceptions.
There will also be Ward Workshops and feed back. All this will be fed into a "District Plan"

As someone lucky enough to represent Oscott as a Local Councillor I have had the opportunity to speak to many Oscott residents over the years and will be giving the organisers of this committee my feed back on residents behalf.
However I would be more than happy as usual to hear of any Oscott Residents views on what Oscotts "priorities should be and would certainly be happy to pass them on as I think the views of residents matter.

To let me have your views please Email me on Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com or leave me a message on 303 2039

FLOODING ON ALDRIDGE ROAD

Due to the very bad recent weather there is flooding on the Aldridge road near the Metropolitan James Watt Campus. I have called out the Councils emergency services as cars are being forced to drive on the wrong side of the road.
In the mean time vehicles need to slow down.
I have also yet again called on the Highways department to inspect drains in the area as much as possible as blocked drains can make flooding even worse and I have also called on the Street Cleaning department to clear leaves from our streets as these are starting to block drains in some cases.

TREE BLOWS OVER AT ENTRANCE TO ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND.

A large tree at the Shady Lane entrance to the Aldridge Road Recreation ground has blown down in the wind. Luckily it has not effected houses or the road side.It looks fairly safe at the moment.
It is however blocking the Entrance to the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.
I have notified the authorities and asked them to deal with this asap.

NEIGHBOURHOOD BURGLARY CRIME ALERT

I have been asked by the Neighbourhood Police Initiative and Neighbourhood watch to pass on this Crime alert.

There has been an increase in burglary. Please check the front and rear of
neighbouring houses regularly. If you see ANYTHING suspicious call 999
immediately. Please pass this message onto friends and family.


Some simple tips to avoid being a victim.

Lock all doors and windows when you go out
Lock garages, side, back gates and repair fences.
Lock communal Access way gates
Leave a light on at night
Keep and eye on your neighbours home and ask them to do the same for you.

IPADS FOR COUNCILLORS

You may have heard about Birmingham City Councillors being given Ipads to use as part of their council duties recently.

It is my understanding that those Councillors like myself on the Planning Committee which is acknowledged by most as one of the main committees of the Council have received IPads to trial them on behalf of the whole council. We are also as part of the compulsory training we have to have on the Planning Committee receiving some training on how to use these Ipads.
The Planning Committee Councillors probably receives more paper work than any of the other Council Committees and to try a cut down on the amount and cost of this paperwork (as well as to be more environmentally friendly) it has been felt for a few years now that better IT measures are needed.
I have resisted this idea for some time but have now been assured as have Councillors from all the political parties that should IPads become more available after extensive trials money will be saved by the Council in the long run. 2 years.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCE UPDATE NOV

After months of trying to sort out funding to pay for more new fencing for the Burford Road Playing Fields and following my proposing a request at the last Oscott Ward Committee it has been agreed some funding will be made available.
You may recall funding had been promised before the last Local election but on coming into power Councillor Barbara Dring discovered there was no funding put aside by the previous Council administration at all..

Now following months of wrangling your Oscott Councillors Councillor Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself have got agreement to fund this fencing. or at least part of it.
The fencing is needed to help secure parts of the field and to help prevent further damage to other sections of what is now old fencing which needs replacement.

Councillor officers will be visiting the site again to prioritise the work needed. There will be a small gap left in the fence as was agreed as part of the consultation I set up with local residents earlier this year.
We would expect work on replacing some sections of fencing take part next year and will keep the presuure on to get the work done ASAP. (we will not be having any palisade fencing removed or changed around as was indicated by others.)
I am also continuing to request the site be monitored by the Police regularly especially now we have the dark nights to help prevent anti social behavior occurring.

For further information please email  me on keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

THANK YOU IF YOU VOTED YESTERDAY IN OSCOTT

I would like to thank you to all those who took the trouble to vote in the Police Commissioner Election yesterday who ever you voted for.
Sadly if not unreasonably many Oscott residents decided not to vote as they thought there was no need to change the system that was already in place especially given the cost and the tough times the country is in. However the new system was put in place by the Government and it was their  rules that had to be  played by.
It Looks like the Labour Candidate Bob Jones came out well ahead at  the Count in the Oscott Ward.

RIDGEWOOD GARDENS REAR ACCESS WAY TO RECIEVE CLEAN UP

After months of waiting Jericho the Company the Oscott ward has contracted to do a wide range of environmental works have agreed to clear the rear Access way behind FrenShaw Grove and Ridgewood Gardens. This area has had major problems with security and fly tipping. It has also become very overgrown.
A JCB will have to be used just to dent the problem and work is hoped to start at the end of the month.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE OSCOTT WARD ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

The Oscott Ward Advisory Board which I am pleased to be allowed to chair met  for the last time this year, last week.
As many of you know the Board has been a main player in Oscotts working with both local Community Group leaders and other agencies, such as the Police, Fire Service, Education, Bandywood Famulies project, Age Concern and so on.

Together they have looked at numerous applications for Oscott Limited Community Chest funding and their advice and contributions  has been invaluable.
Already this year 75% of the funding available has been used and the other 25% is allocated. In this Oscott as usual leads the field.
Sports Groups, Children, Older people the Young Families the Environments and Anti Crime initaives are just some of  the many things to benifit, from the Oscott Community Chest. We could have done with 10 times as much as we were given


Last week the Oscott WAB heard about a number of the successful projects and had feed back from them. This information will now go before the Oscott Ward Committee (the 3 Oscott Councillors and members of the Local Community and  chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring,) on December 6th.

The work done by the Oscott WAB members is excellent and free of the bickering and self interest sometimes associated with attempts to engage the local community in some areas of the city.

Here in Oscott we intend to keep our WAB and the excellent members who are on it. Other areas may decide to look for other ways to encourage genuine communication for what ever reason and we wish them well but I think if a system a'int broken dont change it.

DO NOT FEED THE PIGEONS ON THE HAWTHORN ROAD

I have had complaints that feral pigeons are being fed on the Hawthorn Road. This is despite there being notices asking residents to refrain from doing so.
Wild pigeons can cause health issues with their dropping and it is for the best if they are not encouraged by feeding, especially in shopping areas.
I have asked the Public health department to look into the matter despite their ever reducing budgets.
Should you see anyone feeding wild pigeons on our pavements it can be reported to the Public health department.

OSCOTT COMES OUT JOINT TOP WHEN IT COMES TO COMPLAINING ABOUT DOG FOULING

Over the last 2 years Oscott have come joint top out of all the Wards in Birmingham when it comes putting in complaints about dog fouling.

This does not mean we have a great problem then other areas but here in Oscott we are not only concerned about the problem but are also willing to complain about it. We do not want our streets full of dog mess in Oscott.
I know from the various Anti Dog Fouling initiatives I have requested over the last couple of years if you complain you can get something done. I am also trying to get more litter bins for the area despite all the cut backs.
I will continue helping residents to try and get this unpleasant issue dealt with and will call for more initiatives to try and get dog owners to take more responsibility for their dog. Most Dog owner make an effort but those who do not need reminding regularly.
If you have a concern about dog fouling please contact me Em Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com or tel 303 2039 (Message service)


See also posts Nov3,July 27, June,26,May 10th,March 10th and Feb 1st plus use search facility for many others on the same subject

POLICE AND CRIME COMMIONER ELECTIONS NOV15th

The government has decided we need to have Police and crime Commissioner's in this country and they will be elected on November 15th.
Here in the West midlands the Labour Party are putting up Bob Jones and for the role as his deputy Yvonne Mosquito who I am sure are not only the best candidates but also will be the ones most able to cut the cuts in our Police Force.
They are both fully committed to keeping Police on the beat where they are needed and to stop the privatisation of the core of Policing services.

KING STANDING CIRCLE RAILING UPDATE

Following their erecting this railing to prevent some motorist parking on the out carriage way of the island  despite the prescents of double yellow lines, to collect their shopping, the Council left gaps for shop deliveries.
Now at my suggestion the Transportation department  have finally contacted the shop keepers at this location who need deliveries and most have agreed to having gates fitted in the gapes, to stricty monitor their deliveries and to only have these locked gates open when receiving deliveries.
Hopefully this may help dissuade the drivers who are parking dangerously and who are also causing delays for other drivers trying to get past especially at peak times.These drivers can use free car parks which are only a few minutes away.
These measures should also aid the already stretched local Police recscoures and allow them to get on with more important crime fighting duties rather than having to deal with what were dangerous parking issues..
It is pleasing to see this cooperation with the traders and I will be asking the Police and Transportation department to monitor the situation when it comes into operation.

SATURDAY COUNCILLORS SURGERY CHECK ON AVAILABILTY BEFORE ATTENDING AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

Due to my having to attend a series of urgent meetings to discuss the urgent lack of funding the Council now has, I will have to cancel a number of Saturday Oscott Councillors Surgeries.
November 10th is one such cancellation.

To be advised of any further cancellations please ring the 610 Community Centre before setting out to a surgery. Their No is 464 2268. Or check my blog!

I am still available by phone 360 6486 or Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk should you want to inform me of your concerns.

MOOR LANE PLAYING FIELD FACILITY NOT TO CLOSE

I have spoken to Khalid Mahmood MP who has assured me following his discussions with the Birmingham City University authorities that the rumours around the Moor Lane Sporting facilities closing are unfounded.

The BCU as many are aware are sadly reallocating to East side, but they are leaving behind the continued use of their sports facilities and student accommodation.

There has also been a special task force to help with the issues of the BCU move put in place. Unfortunately I was not given the opportunity to be nominated onto this task force but I will be asking for updates.
The purpose of the task force is.-

.         To ensure a free flow of information between BCU and the Perry
Barr community as to the ongoing progress of its relocation project

.         To identify impacts, dependencies and opportunities on other
development issues in the area.

.         To ensure the BCU plans are reflected on the Area Action Plan as
well as wider city development strategies.

.         To help answer the concerns and questions of local people and
their representatives

It is my understanding that their next meeting (which is not open to the Public) is to be held on December 6th.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS ON BONFIRE NIGHT

Its that time of year again. Bonfire night means loads of loud bangs and bright lights.
Don't forget to look after your pets and keep them out of harms way and indoors.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SURGERIES NOVEMBER

 
The Oscott Councillors hold surgeries at the following days and times.

Most Saturday mornings --- at the 610 Community Centre  at                 10.30am     Subject to change -  610 CC Tel no  464 2268
The 1st Thursday on the month at the Perry Common Library at              3pm
The 1st Wednesday of the month at the 610 Community Centre at           7pm
The 1st Tuesday of the month at the Old Oscott Community Centre at     9.30am

Oscott Councillor Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself all carry out home visits by arrangements for those with genuine mobility issues and we can be contacted by phone, email or letter.

Note 
Should for any reason a Councillor not be available to carry out a surgery for any reason we will endeavour to inform the venue and ensure they have our phone numbers at hand for your assistance.

If you wish to confirm our attendance our numbers are.

Tristan Chatfield 0777 910 2292
Barbara Dring    360 7565
Keith Linnecor  360 6486            Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

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Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr holds his local surgery at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road on the 1st Saturday of each month at 10.30 am. For further details ring 356 8268

NEW BUS CHAMPIONS ARE ON THE WAY

As part of a genuine desire for more consultation with those who use public Transport a new Bus Champions scheme has been set up.
Centro are attempting to use Public Transport Users who have an interest in the subject as champions to get much better knowledge of what people think about using buses.
Bus Champions attend briefing sessions and are asked to fill out questionnaires when using the bus. These are uncultivated in major fact finding exercises and quality controls. Champions are given numbers to ring if they something of urgent concern during a bus journey.
Champions can also be asked to attend Centro Public Transportation's events to help out.
At the moment Centro have a full qoatar of Bus Champions but hope to extend the scheme next year. Oscott already has some willing volunteers but will be looking for more.
If you would like more information please Email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

DOG MESS IN OSCOTT ON THE INCREASE

Dog fouling sadly seems to be on the increase again in the Oscott, I am receiving a number of complaints about the problem again.
The main area's of concern are again the roads leading up to green spaces like the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground, Burford Road Playing Field, Glenmead Road Playing Field and the King George Playing Field.
I will be asking the Dog Warden Service to keep these areas under observation. DOG MESS ON OUR STREETS SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED
I would ask all dog owners to ensure you remove any dog mess.
If you have concerns about this matter please Em me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

MAJOR BUS SERVICE REVIEW UNDERWAY FOR OSCOTT AND OTHER LOCAL AREAS

The North Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield Bus Network Review covers all bus services that go to and between Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Roughley, Mere Green, Castle Vale, Ladywood, Kingstanding, Pheasey, Great Barr, Perry Barr, Handsworth and Aston.

Centro is about to start the process with the local authorities, bus operators and other key stakeholders to review the bus network in this area.

This is in line with the objectives set out in the Transforming Bus Travel vision.  A clear objective of TBT is to design and implement easy to use and easy to understand network that delivers patronage growth.

Residents in the

Residents in the Oscott area will be able to find out more about it by going along either to the mecca Bingo Hall Car Park off Kettlehouse Road Kingstanding on the 21st November 11am to 3pm or to Perry Barr One Stop 22nd November 1pm to 5pm. Go along and have your say its your chance.

There may be major changes ahead, to let me have your veiws about the bus service in this area please email on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

For further details then please go to the following page at www.centro.org.uk/bus/transformingbustravel.aspx