BRITISH GAS GENERATE CONFUSION AGAIN FOR TEMPLETON ROAD RESIDENTS

After being contacted by a number of residents in Templeton Road who recently received yet another letter from British gas announcing their road would be dug up, I have had to sort out the confusion once again.
The letters indicated this time Templeton Road would be dug up on November the 8th and new gas pipes would be laid.
After contacting senior Council Officer I have been assured "British Gas have made a mistake due to a letter which was was generated in error due to an automated requirement at their planning stage, which they are currently investigating to prevent further instances of."

TEMPLETON ROAD IS THE ONLY ROAD IN OSCOTT WHICH IN MY VIEW AMEY HAVE UPGRADED TO THE STANDARD EXPECTED BY MANY OSCOTT RESIDENTS
This was done only recently and the last thing residents want if British Gas digging it up.

This is the second time I have had to take urgent action to try and end Templeton Road residents concerns I am now calling for those in charge to get their acts together and ensure all concerned understand the section 58 agreement which are the rules around when and how roads can be dug up. No wonder they have to keep putting up their prices.


See also Posts dated 5th Sept, 4th sept, 11th July and 6th July search for Templeton Road

HEDGES THAT OVER HANG PAVEMENT SHOULD BE CUT BACK

Hedges,bushes and trees which over hang the pavement are a real nuisance. They obstruct the pavement and make life difficult and times dangerous for pedestrians, especially the disabled and children.
Those who will not cut back their hedges and trees (including is some cases the Council) should face tougher penalties.
I am constantly complaining about this problem on behalf of residents to the Council who seem very loath to take action if they do at all and this  is not good enough. Pedestrians should not be forced onto the highway or get scratched because of obstructed pavements.
I would ask all those home owner and businesses who have overhanging trees and bushes to get them cut back away from the pavement.

FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT ON THE INCREASE USE THE FREE BULKY ITEM SERVICE

Fly tipping is again on the increase in Oscott and sadly  it looks like a lot of the fly tipping may be done by local residents themselves.
A lock of rear access ways in the Oscott area are becoming strewn with fly tipped rubbish and as many of these access ways have locked gates it must be residents them selves who are dumping rubbish.
I would remind every one there is a free collection service from the Council ring 303 1112 and that number can also be used to report fly tipping.

BOOTHS LANE UPDATE

Along with Committee members of the Friends Of the Queslett Nature Reserve I have been to the Booths Lane development site today and met with Representatives of  Cameron Homes and Persimmon.
We have looked extensively at the landscaping features which have been agreed and the way they will be linking with the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Pedestrion routes are being kept around the site linking up both sections of Booths Lane, Caddick Road and the reserve. A new entrance swing gate have been put in place on the Booths Lane Reserve boundary at the request of the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Restoration work including the historically accurate pointing to safe guard the foundations are continuing on the Old Booths Farm site.
We also heard that Houses should begin being built on the site early next year with an expectation the scheme will be finished in 2014.
 The new road is continuing to be worked on but the house building will mean some delays in the linking of the carriage way from one section of the site to the other due to things like health and safety implications, new lighting schemes and the eventual adaption of the road by the City of Birmingham.
We were given another assurance it is the intention of the developers to have the road relinked in the future.

I have also asked for further site visits and updates and will be pressing for the road to be brought back into use as soon as possible.

BERT COOKE R.I.P

It was with great sadness I learnt of the passing of Bert Cooke today.
Bert helped run the Old Oscott Community Centre for many years with his wife Pauline and was a great help to many people in the area.

Bert was one of the cleverest people I have ever met he had more common sense in his little finger than most politicians I have come across.
Bert had been a little frail for a few years now but he still kept up to speed with what was going on in the area and was a mine of information.

Bert was until a few years ago was an active member (as one of the founder members) of the Barr and Aston Local History Society and in his earlier day was a Mouse breeder who had a breed named after him.

Bert and Pauline were also founder members of the Queslett Nature Reserve and although ill heath prevented Bert from taking part in physical activities on the reserve his excellent knowledge regarding the subject of wild life was a big help to the FQNR and the reserve its self. The FQNR will be planting a tree in the reserve in honour of Bert.

 He also helped me throughout a time of my own great personal sadness and grief some years ago and I will never forget the help and kindness  he and his beloved wife gave me.
I will remember Bert
My deepest sympathy goes out to Pauline and the family



Bert Cooke see also 23rd Sept 2008 and 5th Feb 2009

10TH DECEMBER IS THE LAST DAY FOR GREEN BAGS TO BE COLLECTED THIS YEAR.

A number of Oscott residents have asked when the Green waste collection bags will stop being will stop being collected this year.
I have now been informed by the salvage department that their last collection day this year will be December 10th.
It is important therefore that UNLESS YOUR BAGS ARE DUE TO BE COLLECTED ON THE 7TH OF NOVEMBER YOU MUST PUT YOUR GREEN BAGS OUT ON THE CORRECT DAY BEFORE THEN.
Bags put out after your last collection day may not be collected.

MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE AT THE KINGSTANDING CIRCLE.

Sadly I have to report the problems caused by drivers parking on yellow lines on the island at Kingstanding Circle have not been solved.
The Transportation department have erected railings to prevent drivers parking their cars at this location to fetch take aways and the like but have had to leave gaps for deliveries for the shops. This has led to some drivers still parking at this site obstructing traffic and making it dangerous for all concerned.

I have requested that planters on the near by pavement which add to the confusion be moved and consideration urgently be given to closing the gaps. I have also  suggested a chain or lockable barrier be put in place and keys given to the shop owners only in order for them to manage their deliveries.
Red lines could also be considered but as the double yellow lines there already are being ignored this may not be an answer?
What ever is done something needs to be done urgently.
The Police have told me they are struggling with the issue and the railing need finishing off although what has been put in place is what they wanted.
Once again I would ask all those parking on edge of Kingstanding Circle to collect a takeaway to use the near by free car park.

OSCOTT SUFFERS AT THE HANDS OF THE BOUNDARY COMMISION

As expected the recent Parliamentary boundary change commission has totally ignored representations from a number of Oscott Residents and has opted to place the Oscott Ward in with a Southern Walsall Constituency.
Clearly this has been done simply to get the numbers in the constituency to tally with a mythical number which is said to be needed. or there again it could simply be a political decision as there is no other explanation?
It in no way takes into account community adhesion, geography or how a MP from what ever party will manage such a diverse constituency with 3 different districts (Walsall, Sandwell and Birmingham to consider.)
Should nationally the Liberal Party go back on recent pledges not to back the new boundary proposals Oscott residents will face still belonging to Birmingham and paying their Council Tax there but having a Walsall MP. But again on the other hand they will still have Councillors who represent them on the Birmingham Council.
Residents are very confused about this already and frankly they have been let down by the Boundary commission.

THERE ARE STILL BLUE BADGE DELAYS

Like many other Councillors I have had to get on to the department which deals with Blue Badge renewals and applications to try and get them to speed up the process on behalf of a number of Oscott residents.

There have been a number of problems caused since the Government introduced new national procedures which have led to confusion and delays for both the department who deal with Blue badges and those needing them.
The cabinet member who oversees this issue has requested the Government look into some of the issues causing delays and hopefully when they do the issues will be resolved speeding up the process?.
In the meantime when applying for a new Blue Badge or for a renewal,  it is very important you fill in any document you receive carefully and ensure all requests for information are given. Any missing or incorrect information will cause even more delay.

DORIS BELLHOUSE HAS PRE 100TH BIRTHDAY BASH

It was with great regret I had to miss the Oscott Elderly residents group celebrations for soon to be 100 Doris Bellhouse.
I know Doris thoroughly enjoyed her American themed pre birthday party at the 610 Community Centre today.
Doris was who worked in this area during the war as a clippy on the buses and has fond memories of the American soldiers based on the Pheasey  estate who were so generous giving out stockings.
As a reminder, a surprise where an American soldier look alike presented Doris with a bouquet of flowers to the complement of Glen Millers music which was arranged
Like the rest of Dorise's Friends and Family I will be wishing her an extra special happy Birthday on November the 9th
I would also like to thank Oscott Elderly Resident Group Chair Maureen Byrne and her volunteers for arranging Doris Pre birthday bash.

ELDERLY RESIDENTS WELCOME TO A CUP OF SOUP ON A WEDNESDAY

Every Wednesday Elderly resident are welcome to meet Seventh day Advenists over a cup of free soup at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
Why not pop in out of the cold and have a chat with them while you take a break.
This greet and feed session is part of the groups community project and it takes place every Wednesday between 12 and 1pm.

OSCOTTS COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING GIVES HER FIRST FULL REPORT TO COUNCIL

Councillor Barbara Dring (Oscott) gave her first fill report as the Chair of the Licensing Committee to the Birmingham Council yesterday.
Well done Barbara.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS WILL NOT GIVE UP ON ROAD SAFETY REQUESTS FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

Local Residents have approached me yet again asking for my help in getting Highway chefs to improve the road safety on the Aldridge Road.
They are determined to get Council Highways chiefs to take action before a major crash occurs on the Aldridge Road.
I have already warned the powers that be, there will sadly almost certainly be a major accident on the Aldridge Road. I have wrote letters, present residents petitions and spoke personally to senior Council officers about this matter.
Like many local residents I also do not accept the lack of action regarding this matter.
I understand residents are yet again organising a petition calling for road safety measures to be introduced on the Aldridge Road and they have my full support.
The battle goes on

LOCAL WHEELIE BIN DEBATE CONTINUES

I am still receiving comments on the subject of whether Wheelie bins are a good idea or not
As it stands at the moment it is probable 60 - 40 against having wheelie bins.
I found however these views depend very much on the age of the person who holds them.
For example a lot of elderly residents are opposed to the idea while some younger residents feel it is the way forward.

Councillor's Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield are now running surveys about this issue and all our findings will be passed to those likely to make any decision on the matter.
It would seem to me however a key question should be will there be an opt out if Wheelie bins are introduced, for those who would have difficulty managing them for what ever reason?

I will keep you updated. Please let me have your views. Ring 303 2039 (messages) or Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
 The more views either for or against I pass on the better.

Please also not posts on Oct 4th, Sept 14th, Aug31st, Aug 15 and Aug 11th

KEEP SENDING THE EMAILS

Once again thanks to those Oscott Residents who are sending me emails after reading my blog.
I do my best to answer all the concerns and comments I receive but please give me time to respond.

Just some of the issues being raised at the moment are.

Concerns about benefit cuts, as you may expect.
Why wont the Council take action on the Aldridge Road
The actions of bailiffs
Why do they take so long to install new street lamps.

Keep your emails coming I can not promise to resolve all the issues I read about but I can try to help.

Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR TRISTAN CHATFIELD CALLS FOR LOLLY POP PERSON ON THE LAMBETH ROAD

Councillor Tristan Chatfield is leading a new campaign for a Lolly Pop person for the Lambeth Road.
Tristan with the help of parents from the Sundridge School has collected a petition with scores of names on it calling for a school Crossing patrol for Lambeth Road.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I fully support Tristan's efforts
I put in a petition a couple of years ago for the same thing which Highway Chiefs sadly turned down but I wish Tristan and the parents from Sundridge School better luck this time.

OSCOTT TUNNEL HAS GRAFFITI REMOVED PROMPTY

Thanks to the vigilance of Bob Wild  the Bowman and Caddick rep for the Oscott Residents Association, in that he let me and others know about a new spate of graffiti on the Forgers Way Tunnel (between Bowman Road and Turnbury Park), it has been removed promptly.
We must all try to get the blight which graffiti is, of our streets.

RIDGEWOOD GARDENS CARRIAGE WAY NOT TO BE RESURFACED

Highway chiefs have turned down residents and my own requests to resurface Ridgewood Gardens, Carriage way. The carriage for this road is in the same sate of disrepair the rest of the estate it belongs to was in, when the work was carried out on the other roads on this self contained estate a short time ago.

It would appear to me this road was missed as it is at the end of the estate and we now have a situation where those roads on this small estate running up to Ridgewood Gardens are resurfaced leaving Ridgewood Gardens the odd one out.

I have now asked  to see the inspection reports for Crestwood Drive, Wideacre Drive and Ridgewood Gardens prior to the resurfacing of Crestwood Drive and Wideacre Drive to confirm my suspicions are not correct. 

More of Oscott Roads need resurfacing rather than simple being "patched up.

BOB JONES LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATE FOR THE ROLE OF WEST MIDLAND POLICE COMMISSIONER

Wolverhampton councillor Bob Jones has been  selected as Labour’s candidate for the police commissioner in the West Midlands.
Voters will go to the polls on Thursday November 15.

The Coalition government has decided to replace police authorities with one man or one woman, directly elected by voters, to oversee each police force.

OSCOTT WARD ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE

As you may recall from my post 27th July the Oscott Ward Committee intended to keep its Community Ward Advisory Board.
I am pleased to tell your Oscott Councillors are winning our battle to keep Oscotts  WAB.
There will be a meeting of the Oscott WAB on November 7th at 6pm.

At this meeting Local Community Group leaders and representatives of organisations like Age UK, the Police, the Fire Service, Youth and Young Families voluntary agencies and so on will be able to have an update on how the Oscott Community Chest Funds are being used. They also give in depth updates on their own organisation activities and concerns as well as helping to fall stall possible problems arising in the area in the future.*. This also often saves unnecessary duplication and costs  due to lack of communication.

Your 3 Oscott Councillors feel it would be a major and possible costly mistake  if these important and low cost consultation meetings were to be prevented. However we recognise other wards may wish to do things in a different way.
Oscott Councillors do accept however that because of government cuts, savings have to be made across the board but given how inexpensive WAB's are to operate and any other form of consultation could well be more costly we will continue to battle to keep the Oscott WAB.

BALL GAMES ARE FOR OUR OPEN SPACES

Having witnessed on a number of occasions youngsters nearly getting run over when playing ball games in the street, I have long held the view this should be prevented.
I was pleased this being the case, when at the last Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking meeting, where I brought up this matter, the Police informed me they fully agreed.
 Officers will be now asking youngsters to play on the green open spaces in Oscott, when seen playing ball games in the street..
These sites include Glenmead Playing Field, Burford Playing Field (both have been kept open for the public) The King George Playing Field, The Aldridge Recreation Ground and (Perry Barr Park just on the edge of Oscott)
Playing ball games in the street these days is not only dangerous for children with the amount of cars using our roads but also annoying to many residents who have their gardens invaded or parked cars scratched.
The Police will try and keep an eye on youngsters using green spaces in the area and all those at the tasking meeting felt this should be the case.

TRANSPORTATION CHEIFS SAY NO TO DYAS ROAD CROSSING

Sadly I have received a letter from the Birmingham City Council Transportation department rejecting an appeal in the way of a petition from local residents asking for some form of crossing on the Dyas Road near the Old Oscott Lane junction.
I will continue to argue the case for some form of safety measure at this location.

3 WEEKS 3 ACCIDENTS ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

Yet another accident has taken place on the Aldridge Road. This time near Maybank  Place which had to be closed a result for nearly an hour.
Clearly this is not good enough and i am continuing to tell Transportation chiefs just that.

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BIRMINGHAM

There will be an opportunity to hear about what Bus and Rail operators in the Birmingham area are doing and to have your say (make a comment)) on Thursday.
There will be a "Your Public Transport Matters" event out side Snow Hill Station between 1300 -1800 on Thursday out side Snow Hill Station. Councillors on representing Birmingham on the Integrated Transport authority will also be there at various times along with Centro staff, to be available to hear what you have to say.
Why not come along and have a chat.

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING WINS SKATE BOARD CENTRE BATTLE

Oscott Councillor has been leading the battle (along with Councillor Tristan Chatfield and myself) to improve the Skate board facility Funded by Oscott and located at the Aldridge Road edge of the Perry Barr Park.
Barbara has been informed funding has been found to double the size of the well used Skate Board centre with a number of new ramps and other sections of  equipment.
I have already seen for my self on a number of occasions how many youngsters use this Skate board centre and welcome the commitment given to Councillor Dring that its size will be doubled.

FAREWELL LOCAL HOUSING MANAGER CYNTHIA SPENCE

At yesterdays Oscott Ward Committee we were reminded it would be the last time Oscott Local Housing Manager would be there. Cynthia has been in her post helping Oscott Council House Tenants for 10 years.
She is now moving on due to reorganisations to the Erdington area.

Depite our "occasional" differences over the years I have always enjoyed working closely with Cynthia and have recognised her commitment to her job and Oscott Residents.

New managers will be coming in soon but I and I am sure many other will miss Cynthia and efforts. I would also like to wish her all the best in her new role.

LEAVE THE GAP AT THE END OF DUNEDIN ROAD

As someone who uses the Dunedin Road / Kingstanding Road on a regular basis I have noticed because the Keep Clear carriage way markings on the Kinstanding Road at the junction of these 2 roads, are starting to fade (I arranged to have them marked up a few years ago) cars when queueing on the Kingstading Road out ward out of town direction, to get onto the Kingstanding Circle are not leaving a gap for cars leaving Dunedin Road to turn right.
I am chasing up the Highways department to get these markings refreshed to remind offending motorists.

OSCOTT COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

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

Most Saturday mornings --- at the 610 Community Centre  at                 10.30am
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

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO LOOK ME UP ON TWITTER

Just to remind anyone interested I am on twitter.
I am keen to use these new fanagled (well to me anyway) forms of communication as I think it is important to at least try and let resident know some of the work I am doing in the area.

I can not hope to let residents know everything I do but I do what I can to keep them informed.
 I certainly think putting endless leaflets though peoples doors is not appreciated, although a leaflet and or letter from time to time is worth while, to keep residents informed.

If you have any questions or thoughts about the Oscott area although clearly I can not resolve all the concerns I hear about but at least will to do what I can to try and help.

Please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2039.

WHATS IN A NAME (PLATE) HAWTHORN ROAD

Has anyone else noticed the Hawthorn Road name plates at the College Road end have gone missing.?
Missing mane plates from a road can distract a motorist who do not know the area, especially if one road merges into another.
With this in mind i have requested this me put right.

KINGSTANDING CIRCLE ISLAND IS BEING MADE SAFER AT LAST

After months of requests on behalf of the Police and local resident the Council are now installing metal fencing around the outer edge of the Kingstanding Island (Oscott side). This should prevent motorists parking their cars on the edge of the island which not only obstructs those using the island but has been a potential accident waiting to happen.
Although this section of the island (near the KFC take away) has had yellow lines for some years motorists have ignored them when trying to collect food from the local shops there.
I understand the temptation to do this but is could have caused a major accident and the Police have warned motorists for years about the problem. The work is expected to be complete in a matters of days.



See also post Sept 6th

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE THIS EVENING

Just a brief reminder to Oscott residents that Councillor Barbara Dring will be Chairing the Oscott Ward Committee this evening at 7pm at the 610 community Centre Kingstanding Road.
Oscott Residents are welcome to attend and to listen to what his happening in the area as well as raise concerns.

MY WHEELIE BIN CONSULTATION

Many thanks to all those who contacted me with their view on the subject of Wheelie bins (see Sept 14th post)
I have had a number of mixed views and I am ensuring they are passed on to those likely to make the decision, what ever they may be.
There are a number of concerns regarding the possible introduction of wheelie bins and these will need to be considered should the time arise and there are also a number of benefits to be considered.

Please keep letting me have your views I really am interested in your views.

ITS FARE WELL TO SEARGENT BEBB RE THE OSCOTT POLICE TEAM

As of Monday first of October Sergeant Bebb who has been in charge of Oscott,s local Police Team has left to take up another post in the Police Service.
David has done a great job for local residents over the last 2 and a half years and his leadership will be missed. However he will be working in another role which will mean his retaining some links with the Oscott area possibly in a more robust way.
A new sergeant is expected to take over the Local team in a matter of weeks and the remaining team will as ever I am sure carry on doing a good job for us.

MORE ACCIDENTS TAKE PLACE ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

I have been informed there have been 2 more accidents on the Aldridge Road,1 took place at the Aldridge Road/ Thornbridge Road Junction and one near the Boars Head Junction.
As you will be aware I am regularly in touch with Council Transport Chiefs about the amount of accidents on this road and am continually calling for sensible road safety measures (Speed indicator signs on the Aldridge Road , and a traffic light near the Greenholm Road /Aldridge Road Junction (also improved road markings).for example
The 13 serious accident in 3 year signs located on the Aldridge Road have had their day and this stretch of road Boars Head Junction to the Dyas Road need improving safety wise.
The Oscott Community Speed Watch Team are still operating from time to time on this road.


Related posts Fri Sept 13th, Fri 10th Aug, Sat 30th June, Friday 22nd June Friday 6th April, Friday 30 March for others please use search function top left

THOSE WHO USE THE BCU SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

The future of the Birmingham City University looks set to be at East side as its planning application for that site was agreed by the majority of the Planning Committee few weeks ago.I did not support the current proposals) but on planning grounds there was little room for manouver by the committee.
However the issues the students and those who use the local sports facilities owned by the BCU should not be forgot which is why I hope to meet representatives from the Students union and those who use the  Moor Lane sporting facilities in the coming weeks.
I hope to do what I can to offer support to them.