HELP PREVENT FLOODING AND HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT

I have been calling of the Council for some time to improve the drain cleaning and repair program to help prevent flooding. I have also requested rather that just Tar Mac grass verges more efforts be made to repair and protect them as they help soak away rain water.
 One way residents can help prevent flooding is to ensure their front gardens have a capacity to soak up the rain.
 Many gardens for example these days have been altered to allow cars to park on them. New Planning regulations means that if permission is given to have a dropped curb these days there must be a form of soak away or porous surface as part of altering the garden. (I am asking the Planning department to enforce this regulation more vigorously.)
However there are many homes where there has been alterations to front gardens already and this has meant there is no such soak away in many case.
.Gardens which are fully paved or covered in tarmac result in more water adding to the problem of flooding somewhere else.
One solution could be to add a small area to the front garden where either pebbles or small drainage channels can be added.
We should all think carefully before concreting over our gardens.

TREE PLANTED IN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IN MEMORY OF BERT COOKE

I would just like to thank all those involved in planting a tree in the Queslett Nature Reserve (Persimmons homes) in the memory of FQNR member Bert Cooke who passed away recently.
The FQNR will be planting bushes and plants paid for by the Cooke family and friends later in the new year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I would just like to wish every one a Merry Christmas and hope every one has an enjoyable and peaceful time,

EASIER PARKING ON HAWTHORN ROAD ON THE WAY

It looks like good news for those using Hawthorn Road next year, as Elim Church have agreed with the owner of the waste land situated at the corner of warren Road and Hawthorn Road,  to be allowed to us it for parking and other activities,
Negotiations have been going on since I manged to get the 2 parties together some months ago.
Keys will be handed to the organisers at Elim Church who will tidy the site and allow limited parking on it which will ease parking problems on the Hawthorn Road. They also intend to use the land for some out door events.

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING

Many people get mixed up when it comes to dealing with Councils and their time scales. They work in financial year time frames. April to April.

With This in mind I thought I would remind you it is not to early to start preparing a bid for the next round of Oscotts Community Chest funding. (There will be more competition than ever this year) AND THERE IS NOT OF MONEY AVAILABLE IN THE FIRST PLACE also sadly there will be an increase in the bureaucracy involved.

Application forms should be sent out from February onwards and notices will go up in Libraries, in time for the spring dead line.
However now is the time whether you are a local organisation or an individual to consider how to put your bid together. The actual process of decision making can take some time so the sooner the bid goes in the better.

Bids are assessed by a Oscott Ward Support officer for suitability and then put to the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (which is made up from Community Group leaders, councillors, the Police and other Voluntary organisations). who then, scrutinise the bids before prioritising them and recommending them to the Councillors on the Ward Committee. Sadly because of limited funding some bids have to be rejected although those making the bid make be advised to look at more suitable funding from other quarters.
Finally the Ward Councillors Which is made up of Councillor Barbara Dring, Councillor Tristan Chatfield and myself make a decision regarding the recommendations' in public at a Ward Committee meeting.


Those receiving funding are are asked to give a feed back at a later date on how the money was spent.

In the past we gave given small amounts of funding for example to Community groups of all sorts to help them engage the community.
Voluntary organisations have received funding.
 Funding has also been given for environmental improvements, Community safety, helping the elderly. helping the disabled, helping young people find things to do and struggling young families .

If you want to know more about how to make a bid and what can be funded please contact the Oscott Ward Support Officer on 675 2349

DONT FORGET TO KEEP AN EYE ON ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS OVER CHRISTMAS

Many elderly Oscott Residents are lucky enough to have relatives who pop in to see them over the Christmas, New Year Period. These relatives often help out with a bit of shopping and or give a bit of company.
Sadly there are a number of residents in Oscott who have no close relatives so with this in mind please help keep an eye on them.
Many of you already do but if there is an elderly resident you know where you live, why not ask them if they would like a bit of shopping done for example, or just say hello..
Also remind them not to let strangers in there homes without a proper ID.

If you know an elderly friend or neighbour who may need a bit of company why not suggest he or she contact Age UK 358 0309

 or if they are able too get out (in the new year) contact one of the local elderly residents clubs -ring 675 2349 for details

CHRISTMAS REFUSE COLLECTIONS

As a few residents have now asked me what the arrangements are for collecting refuse over the Christmas and New Year period I thought I would take this opportunity to let Oscott residents know

 There will be no collections on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day.  If your black bag collection falls on 25 December, the next collection will now take place on Tuesday 1 January.  Recycling collections due on Christmas Day will now take place on Tuesday 8 January.
Black bag collections due on Boxing Day will now be made on Wednesday 2 January and recycling collections set for that date will now take place on Wednesday 9 January.
The city’s five recycling centres will be open as usual each day, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day so if you live in Oscott why not pop down to Holford Drive to get rid of that unwanted Christmas present packaging and bottles for example from Jan 27th onwards.
Please remember to recycle what you can.

ELIM CHURCH ALONG WITH THE HAWTHORN TRADERS ASSOCIATION DISH UP AN XMAS TREAT

The Elim working along with the Hawthorn Traders Association dished up a Traditional Christmas dinner to Local families today as part of their Food Bank initiative.

Later presents and food will be given out to ensure those in need in the area are not forgotten over Christmas.
The Oscott Ward Committee with the help of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board were pleased to help out with some much needed funding from the Oscott Community Chest.
I hope we will all remember the spirit of Christmas and remember those less fortunate than our selves and I would like to thank all those volunteers from the Elim Church and the Hawthorn Traders Association for their work today to make the event such a success for local families.

OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TASKING GROUP MEETING

I attended the Oscott Police Tasking Group meeting today.
There were a number of subjects discussed by those who attended.
 I raised issues concerning speeding, parking near Oscott Schools and the the James Watt College. I also raised the issue of cold calling (selling at the door)
Other issues raised was the work of the Community Speed watch, theft deterrents, local clean up works, dog fouling hot spots and local Policing initiatives
There was a good turn out despite the heavy rain.
I would like to thank all those who have attended the Oscott Police NTG meetings this year and the Police for supervising these meeting,

ANOTHER GREAT OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP EVENT

The finale meeting of the Oscott Elderly Residents Wednesday Social meetings took place today.
There was a real Christmas spite and I am not just talking about the wine.
Both Councillor Tristan Chatfield and  felt it was good  to see other local groups like the Oscott Disability Group and the Oscott Residents Association invited.
All had a good time with mince pies cakes, crackers and so on freely available. These get togethers really do make a difference to some of oscott pensioners and disabled residents.

I was given the duty of drawing the winning Raffle ticket with the top prize of a Christmas hamper.
This was yet another successful even organised by Maureen Byrne and her helpers.They have done a good job all year.
I was just pleased to be able to help out from time to time.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS SOME BUS SERVICES TO OPERATE BOXING DAY

There will be a better service for Oscott Bus users this boxing day.
many buses running through the Oscott will run on Boxing day  if only on a special time table.

The bus services over Christmas will be as follows.


Sat 22rd Sun 23rd normal Saturday or Sunday time tables will operate
Mon 24th Christmas Eve Some services will operate a limited Saturday service  limited service.*
Tue 25th Christmas day NO SERVICE
Wed 26th Boxing day a limited special service *
Thurs 27th A Saturday Service will operate.

 eg 28,33 AND 997 will be LIMITED SERVICE.*

I would advise residents plan ahead before they travel by bus during the Christmas period and check the Internet in advance.

DRIVERS WITH DISABILITY BADGES MAKE SURE YOU DISPLAY THEM CORRECTLY

While I am at it I would remind disabled drivers to ensure they put they disability (Orange) disks on show correctly as there are private firms in the area only to pleased to put a fine notice on cars of disabled drivers who  have not displayed their orange badges correctly.
Even if you are lucky enough to win appeal against a parking fine the time and effort involved can be considerable.
DOUBLE  CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR PARKED IN A DISABLED BAY

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR DISABLED DRIVERS THIS CHRISTMAS

I know from working closely with the Oscott Disability Group and other disabled residentS in the area that disabled car bays are often abused and used by those who are not disabled.
Like any other residents, disabled people want to do their Christmas shopping, but they badly need to get as close as possible to the shops they have to go to.
With this in mind I would ask those drivers with no physical disability to spare a thought for those who are not so lucky and do not park your cars in disability marked bays.

ELIM CHURCH XMAS SPECTACULAR EVENT A GREAT SUCCESS

I attended the Elim Church (working with the Hawthorn Traders Association) Great Christmas spectacular today. The even was very busy over 600 residents and children  had already been in and enjoyed Face painting food and Carol singing. As a real treat the real Father Christmas and a number of his Elf helpers were there to meet the children and help ensure they get their Christmas presents.

I spoke to father Christmas and his Elves myself and was assured after some tough negotiating, even some politicians would be receiving presents this year!!.

This is the sort of event this area needs to help lift spirits and to start the Christmas period on a right note. Hopefully it  also helped bring much needed trade to the local shops.

All those I met at this event were thoroughly enjoying it adults and children alike. As usual the helpers were doing a brilliant job controlling the crowds and serving food and so on. I would like to congratulate all those involved. The Oscott Community Chest with the assistance of the Hawthorn Traders helped to contribute to this event.

OSCOTT SOCIAL WENT WELL

The Oscott social took place last night and as usual was well attended. Well done Maureen and Bridget for their hard work supplying the buffet.
Khalid Mahmood MP attended as guest of honour and I know my colleagues Councillor Barbara Dring and Councillor Tristan Chatfield enjoyed the event like myself.
The heavy rain prevent a number of residents from coming along but althose there seemed to enjoy the party Sprite.

WHAT I DO AS A COUNCILLOR

I was asked the other day by some young people what I do as a Local Councillor so I thought I would put together a brief résumé.

First and foremost I am a representative of the people of Birmingham and Oscott.

I do my best to improve the Oscott Ward and help as many residents as possible and during these tough times this is no easy task.*

I attend full Council meeting where major issues relating to Birmingham are discussed and debated in public.

I am a senior member of the Planning Committee (I stand in for the Chair on occasions) which many regard as one of the busiest and important committees.

 For example we have been looking at the Central Fire Station development, the BCU Planning proposals and dealing more locally with the Booths Lane development. As part of the duties of a Planning Committee member we have to carry out site meetings and undertake training sessions

As part of the above committee I am a member of the Birmingham Conservation Trust which looks at many aspects of conserving building in Birmingham for the future.

I am a member of the Integrated Transport Authority West Midlands.

 This is a very hard working joint authority which looks into aspects of Public Transport across the West Midland Region

I attend their full Authority meetings where major West Midland Transportation matters are discussed and reports received. (We are not in charge of bus companies)

On this authority I have the following responsibilities.

I am the Vice Chair of the Putting Passenger first committee

I Chair the Passenger Engagement Sub Committee as part of this I attend Your Public Transport matters events to meet the public across the West Midlands.

I also Chair the Ethics Committee

 I am the bus Champions Lead member (this is a scheme for volunteers trying to improve our Public transport)

I also use buses as often as possible to act as a mystery bus users especially if I have had a complaint about a service.

To link in with the Bus Champion scheme I am also the Birmingham City Councils Considerate Contractor Scheme Chairman. (Volunteers help keep an eye on how road works are being carried out.)

I a member of the Oscott Ward Committee (with Councillors Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield) which is where the public can come along and hear what is happening in the Oscott ward. This committee also makes the final decision on how to allocate Community chest funding. I regard this as one of the key meeting I attend.

I also Chair the informal Oscott Ward Advisory Board where Local Community group leaders, strategic partners like voluntary groups, the Police and Fire Brigade meet.

 It is at these meeting where the initial Community Chest fund applications are looked at in depth and recommendations are forwarded to the Oscott Ward Committee. It is also an important arena for various groups to discuss issues with each other. This is where lot of the work is done behind the scenes.

I hold Councillors surgeries on most Saturday mornings where I listen to the concerns of local residents.I like to do as many street walk about to meet and listen to local residents as possible.
 I also deal with a large amount of case work for local resident* (99% of which is done entirely by myself)

I am a School Governor at both Great Barr Junior and Infant school and the Goodway Nursery and do what I can to help these schools in the excellent work they do. I attend as many of their various meetings as possible

I am a regular attender at the Oscott Police neighbourhood tasking meetings. Where the Police, Local Community Reps with an interest in reducing crime and other agencies meet to discuss policing issues.

I regularly pop into elderly residents establishments in the Oscott area to see if I can be of any assistance.

As the Perry Barr Social Services visits champion I make sure each of the homes/ Centres in the area receive a surprise visit from me and I help write a report of my finding for the department.

I am a regular attendee at a number of local group meetings where I try to inform resident about what is happening in the area and listen to their concerns.

Not particularly as a Councillor I Chair the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve who believe in cutting out the talk and rolling up sleeves, working to improve the reserve. I am also a member of the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative who are local residents trying to help the Police to deter crime.

I am a member of the Perry Barr District Committee and attend meetings as required!

This is just a very brief out line of some of the work I do, the committees I am on and some of  the things they do.


If you want to know more about what I do or if you have an issue I can help you with please Email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

DYAS ROAD/ DELHURST ROAD LITTER BINS NEED TO BE EMPTIED

Sadly with the help of resident I have identified a number of over flowing litter bins recently. I have had to report the bins in Dyas Road and Delhurst Road for example to the department.
I have been assured these and other will be sorted out ASAP.

If you have a similar problem please Email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT THE ALDRIDGE ROAD BLACK SPOT

I have received a number of complaints about the lack of action by Transportation Chiefs regarding the Aldridge Road, Greenholm Road., Thornbridge Road junction.
Yesterday there was yet anther accident there yesterday morning which meant bus users and some drivers having a 40 minute wait to get past.
Transportation chiefs believe that 2 warning signs put up a couple of years ago warning there has been 13 accidents in 3 years is enough action, I  will continue to insist the Transportation department put in road safety measures along this road. Working with my colleagues Councillor Barbara Dring and Trisitan Chatfield we are keeping up a string of requests for action.

 With this in mind and to keep the pressure up I will be meeting with senior Council Transportation Chiefs on site in the new year the current situation is clearly not good enough.
Along with concerned local residents like Nigel Quinn Chair ORA ( who are working had collecting names for a petition) and other Councillors this issue will be kept at the door of senior Transportation chiefs and the battle will continue.

If you would like me to pass on your concerns please Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov;uk



Other posts relating to road safety on the Aldridge Road.
Dec 7th
Nov 30th, Oct 17,13,9,and 2nd Oct
Sept 18th
Aug 10th
June 30th
There are many others plese use search function    the battle continues

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE MEETING TONIGHT 12TH DEC

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee tonight (chaired by Councillor Barabara Dring( at 7pm at the 610 Community Centre.

On the agenda will be-
Reports on.
Constituency Sport Play and leisure
Policing Issues
Jericho the environmental project
The Bandywood project
Update on Oscotts funding projects
A report from the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (chaired by myself and made up of local community leaders,and strategic partners like the Police, Fire Service,and voluntry organisations.)
Matters of urgent local Concern

This is the Committee where Oscott residents can find out more about what is happening in Oscott and the Committee is made up of the 3 Oscott Councillors.

RIDGE WOOD GARDENS ACCESS WAY UPDATE.

Access way gardens off Ridgewood gardens and others such as Frenshaw Grove have now been made passable again. (except one section which has been left blocked up as requested for security reasons.)

Sadly some fly tipping is being carried out but now their is no excuse as residents can help improve their own rear access ways as the bulk of the work has been done for them.

ANOTHER NATURE RESERVE CLEAN UP SUCCESS

Another well attended Queslett nature Reserve Activity day saw member pruning bushes and picking litter at the Queslett Nature Reserve.
A number of bags of litter were filled but due to the constant care now given to the reserve no where near as many as times gone by.

Many thanks to all those who came out rolled their sleeves up and got on with caring about the reserve and their environment. 
Its is a case of more action and less talk with these volunteers.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTION EVENT

There will be a Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve activity day today. Sat 8th Dec
Pruning work and litter picking will be undertaken.
Please meet at the Ashworth Road Entrance at 11.30 am.
Please see http://queslettnaturereserve.blogspot.co.uk/ for further details

PUBLIC MEETING RE BUDGET PROPOSAL AT ERDINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH 10AM TO 12AM TUE 11TH DEC

Council leaders will be holding a number of public events.  At these you will be able to question the Council leader Sir Albert Bore and other Cabinet Members about proposals for next years budget.

 As you may be aware from a number of press realises next year the city of Birmingham's residents will have to face a series of dramatic cuts in services due to major cuts in funding from Central government

. Council leaders have promised they  will listen closely to your views and inform you about the problems the Council are facing and not hide away from meeting residents.

 There will also be other ways to get involved, including social media so that people can take part more easily. Now is the time to find out and question about these major funding issues.

I hope as many Oscott residents as possible will get involved

THE LOCATION FOR THIS VENUE IS THE ERDINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH WOODEND LANE B24 8AD

Other meeting arangements

10 December @ 7pm - All Members Meeting at CWU Offices
11 December @ 10am-12pm - Erdington Baptist Church **
11 December @ 6pm-8pm - South Yardley Library
15 December @ 10am-12pm - Cotteridge Friends Meeting House
18 December @ 6pm-8pm - Council House

BIRMINGHAM AGE UK PUT ON XMAS SPREAD FOR ELDERLY OSCOTT RESIDENTS

Along with Councillors Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield I was pleased to pop along to the Oscott Community Centre to meat with elderly residents having an Xmas dinner as well as mince pies and other assorted goodies.
There were also stalls and a tombola.
The residents certainly tucked in and the volunteers were doing a great job. Well done to all concerned.

ALDRIDGE ROAD ROAD SAFETY HIGH ON THE AGENDA

I am arranging a number of meetings to discuss issues of road safety in the area, with Highways Chiefs.
One such meeting will be about safety measures needed for the Aldridge Road.
As you will be aware my colleagues Councillors Barabra Dring and Trisitan Chatfield have like myself being requesting road safety measures for this road for some time.
I fully understand due to major funding issues the Council has been forced to face funding is hard to comeby for safety schemes but I will continue to press for action on this road and others.
A meeting should now be taking place in the new year.

OSCOTT' COUNCILLOR BARABARA DRING LEADS ATTACK AGAINST LOAN SHARKES

Oscott Councillor Barbara Dring,  chairman of the licensing and public protection committee at Birmingham City Council, which oversees the England Illegal Money Lending Team, has told me: “Loan sharks are motivated only by greed and we are continuing to crack down on this crime. They extort and exploit the vulnerable, trap people in spiralling debt and cause nothing but misery. My committee and I would urge people to turn away from loan sharks and report the crime if they have been a victim. Call 0300 555 2222 to speak to an investigator from the England Illegal Money Lending Team in confidence.”

I fully support Barbara's attempts to help rid the city of Loan sharkes.

YOUNG PHEASANT SPOTTED IN BURNHAM ROAD

While out and about on one of my walk abouts meeting residents yesterday, I spotted what looked like a young Pheasant lurking happily in a front garden near the bottom of Burnham Road.
If is a pet I hope the owner soon finds it. If It is a wild Pheasant I am sure it will find its way home but if it is an early Christmas lunch I hope its escape is permanent.

CRISTMAS COUNCILLORS SURGERY ARANGEMENTS OSCOTT

Due to a traditional lack of take up for the service over the Christmas period it has been decided to cancel the 610 Community Centre Councillors Surgeries on the 22nd and 29th December.

If you need to speak to a Oscott Councillor during that period please ring

0777 910 2292
360 7565
or
360 6486           Alternatively EMail      Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov

YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MATTERS

In order to improve the input form those who use public Transport there are a number of events across the West Midland districts they are  called "Your Public Transport Matters"  

There was a meeting in Birmingham last month and  I am pleased to report that the next event is at Walsall Bus Station on
12 December 2012 between 10am and 12noon.

I know many residents from Oscott travel to Walsall and so if you are there on the 12th why not have your say on what you think about public Transport. I hope to see you there.
There will be more events in Birmingham next year.

HELP PREVENT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR ON OUR BUSES

 As a regular Public Transport user my self I understand the frustration people feel when if comes to vandalism and anti social behaviour on buses and so on.
 Ripped seats and graffiti, and bad behaviour are very unpleasant things to put up with.
Centro the West Midlands Police and bus companies are trying to do something about it
There is a dedicated Safer Travel Police team for example who welcome  information from the public who can notify the team about unacceptable behaviour on the bus or Metro through the See Something Say Something scheme.
Simply text them on 83010 - start your message with 'Bus' or 'Metro', leave a space and then give them details of the problem (include time, date, location and bus service number).
The information provided will be used to help target problems more effectively. (or ring O345 113 5000)
See also the webb site www.safertravel.info

COUNCILLOR TRISTAN CHATFIELD MAKES MAIDEN SPEECH IN COUNCIL HOUSE

Oscotts new Councillor Tristan Chatfield has made his maiden speech at a full council meeting today.
Showing no nerves Tristan spoke eloquently about the need for better Adult Eduction and the need for more influence in how it is operated at a local level.
Well done Tristan

COUNCIL WHEELIE BIN CONSULTATION TO BEGIN SOON

The Councils official Wheelie bin consultations will begin soon.
Many thanks for all those who have let me have their views on the subject for and against.
I have passed on all these comments and concerns to the Cabinet member responsible who has taken note of them.
Do not stand back when it comes to filling out any consultation forms you may receive in the future as I have been informed all views will continue to be valued.

My email no Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com
Let me know your views about Wheelie bins good or bad (I will pass them on) or about any other issues you have come to that.

I can not always resolve all the issues I hear about but I am willing to try and help if I can.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS HAVE THEIR XMAS DO

I was really pleased to be asked to attend the Oscott Elderly Residents group Xmas lunch today.
Along with a number of members I enjoyed a turkey dinner at the Malthoust on Queslett Road.
 There were plenty of crackers and good will.
For some of those present it will the high lite of their Xmas.
Well done Maureen Byrne and her helpers.

LOCK YOUR REAR ACCESS WAY DRIVE GATES

Now the dark nights are with us it is very important to make sure your communal rear access way drive gates are locked.
Open gates are an open invitation to vandals, fly tippers and crooks. Cars are also abandoned in rear access ways and it is best to prevent this by locking access way gates and reminding your neighbours to do the same.

I would also advise that if you have to buy a new pad lock to secure these gates that you buy some spare keys to ensure everyone who should have a key has one and too replace any lost keys at a later date.

I would also recommend replacement pad locks or keys are of good quality and that a lock smith may be the best person to speak to there is one on the Chester road for example (see Internet) or speak to the Police.
ALL RESIDENTS WITH ACCESS RIGHTS NEED TO BE CONSULTED IF YOU REPLACE A PAD LOCK (unless it has the original keys) and any new residents should also be given a key.

Pad locks should be chained to the gate. There are also now good quality Combanation pad locks available but all resident ned to have the number.