THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE IS NOT TO CLOSE

Rumours that the 610 Community Centre is to close are ill founded. At the Perry Barr District Committee which was held on the 28^th March following questions from Oscott Councillors a senior officer from the Youth Service informed the meeting due to the complexities’ of the lease on the 610 Community Centre it will not be closing.
 As you may be aware your 3 Oscott Councillors Led by Councillor Barbara Dring have been battling to ensure the 610 Community Centre would not close.

This news will be a great relief to many youngsters, elderly residents as well as a number of community organisations which use this centre. This Centre is badly needed by the local community and the Oscott Councillors will continue to do what we can to keep it.

PERRY BARR DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETS THIS AFTERNOON 28TH MARCH

There will be a Perry Barr District Committee meeting today at 3pm. The venue will be the Council House Birmingham.
At these meeting Councillors representing the 4 Wards in the Perry Barr Constituency, Oscott, Perry Barr. Lozells/East Handsworth and Handsworth Wood meet together with officers from the Councils District office and various other departments.

At these meetings, which are open to the public, we hear reports from officers about the  Perry Barr District or City wide issues.
 We learn how little funding is available to do anything at a local level, about the effects of government cuts to local government and about other issues of local concern.
These meetings are now "live streamed" and can be watched on the Internet by those wishing to do so.

HAWTHORN TRADERS MEETING UPDATE.

I attended the Hawthorn Traders Association meeting today.
Many of the items discussed are similar in nature to what many residents groups speak about at their meetings.
There is a lot of concerns about speeding on the hawthorn Road and speed indicator signs are being called for. It is hopped the Community Speed Watch Team may look at one of their operations their.
The Traders and Elim Church are trying to have the land at the corner of Warren Road used for parking and I am trying to help them with this initiative.
The Shop Watch scheme where Traders notify each other and the Police regarding suspect customers/ shop lifters and so on seems to be working well in some parts of Hawthorn Road.
There was even a discussion regarding wheelie bins.

OSCOTT POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD TASKING MEETING MARCH

I will attending a meeting of the Oscott Police Team Neighbourhood Tasking Group today.
At these meeting Local Councillors resident Group leaders, various other organisations and Council departments meet to discuss issues of concern in the area with the Police.
We also see and hear about the latest crime statistics for the area.
Issues I intend to raise will be
Speeding/ Road safety issues
Excessive noise being made by some mobile scrap dealers,
 Dog fouling
Parking issues
Anti social behaviour in the vicinity of the King standing Circle
and a number of other issues.

R.I.P PEACE AUBREY LONGE

It was with great sadness that  I learnt of the sudden passing of Aubrey Longe a dear friend and a long time Oscott Community leader.
Only yesterday Aubrey Longe attended the Your Public Transport Matters conference at Centro House in his role as a Bus Passenger Champion.
Aubrey was well known for his church work at Saint Mathews and in his role a Chairman of the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum. He was a sincere caring person who wanted to help his local community without counting the cost.
My sincerest sympathy go out to his wife and family.

PUTTING PASSENGER FIRST CONFERENCE GOES WELL

 Centro's first ever Putting Passenger first Conference was very well attended today by Porter Engagement Group members and Bus Champions.
Both groups had the opportunity not just to learn what transport operators and Centro have been doing but more importantly to give their views on Public transport.

If you use public transport and would like to help improve it then perhaps you could consider becoming a "Bus passenger champion"
Bus passenger champions are volunteers who fill out surveys concerning their bus journeys.
They help keep Centro and various bus companies informed about how their service is running.
issues like good or bad driving, clean or dirty buses, and the state of bus stops or shelters are recorded.
For urgent issues bus champions are given a dedicated phone No to Centro.
Volunteers meet occasionally to relate their experiences to each other and there will be the occasional visit to a bus garage or other  building connected with public Transport.

If you care about public Transport and want more details about becoming a bus champion please email me on Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com

THE LATE LATE YOUTH CLUB FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

I have been asked to give a talk at the next meeting of the "Late Late youth club"  on Tuesday (26th)  morning at 10.30am. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre.
This club usually meet every Tuesday 10.30am to 12.30am  and is for elderly residents who are young a heart.
They hold quizzes,discussions ,games and invite occasional guest speakers.
To find out more contact 464 2268

BUS ROUTE WEATHER EFFECTED CHANGES

Birmingham OSCOTT area
Services in the Aldridge area are experiencing delays due to road conditions.

Amended routes:

28- terminating at Hawthorn Road

33- terminating at Kingstanding Circle not serving Warren Farm and Cooksey Lane

651- not serving Netherhall Estate

934A- following 934 route

952- not serving Tunberry Road and Boothes Farm Road, using Beeches Road instead

Check the internet for further up dates
23.03.2013

PATH BLOCKED IN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Please take care if using the main path through the Queslett Nature Reserve. Some trees are blocking the main path near ther ASDA end due to the weight of snow on them.
You can get around these trees but care will be needed. As ever when there is snow on the ground take great care when using the nature reserve and especially the smaller paths.
I have asked the parks department to take a look at the situation but given the weather conditions across the city it may take some time.

ROADS ARE CLEAR IN SPITE OF HEAVY SNOW

The gritters have been doing a good job in Oscott during this spell of unseasonal heavy snow. I have checked and they have cover3ed their defined routes.
Some side roads are a problem but considering the amount of snow most roads are passable easily enough.
I would however still suggest that you stay in unless your journey is really needed.

I would expect rubbish collections next week may be delayed if the snow does not clear quickly. I will be asking the Salvage department to do what they can to keep to time.

ITA CENTRO DUTIES

Earlier this week I agreed to travel to Reggio as part of a team from Centro to learn more about High Speed trains, electric vehicles and how Reggio promote Cycling in their town.
This was an EU funded exchange scheme.
It was an amazingly tough schedule having to travel by plane, train,coach and foot at various times.
I have certainly learn't (this was the first time I have ever been asked to do anything like this !) that they expect their monies worth out of you and you have very little time to yourself as it is all seminars and lectures as well as looking at various locations.
I now have to help with a report of our findings which will be given to the ITA.

It is clear to me although Reggio is clearly ahead of the game in many issues on transportation and Birmingham can learn a few tricks from them, the West Midlands are not doing to badly in a number of ways in the field of transportation.

TREE VANDALS NEED TO BE STOPPED

There is something about a newly planted tree which seems to bring out a destructive streak in some individuals. Whether they see them as some form of test of their physical strength or whether they just can not find some thing interesting to do with their lives I just don't know.?
What ever these vandals are not helping to preserve Oscott greenery.
Trees are being planted mainly as part of a contract with Amey to replace trees which are damaged, deceased or have been removed to allow drop curbs to be put in place.
 There are very few "new trees"
Trees help reduce CO2 levels,reduce soil erosion,can give shade if we ever have a hot summer? and help baffle street noise as well as making a street look far more pleasant.
We must do what we can to deter vandalism in any form and those who deliberately destroy new trees are vandals.
 If you see anyone breaking a tree let the police know.
If you are aware of a tree which has been vandalised let me know and I will try and get it replaced by Amey as they are as part of their contract ablidged to replace damaged trees at no extra cost..

GRIT BINS NEED TO BE TOPPED UP.

I have been out checking grit bins following this unseasonal spell of snow. Many are ok at the moment but I have been asking the Highways department to ensure the level of grit in the bins is correct.
This snow may last a few days so use the grit sparingly and only on carriage ways.
If you have a problem with an empty grit bin you can contact me  by email. Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com.

SCHOOL GOVERNORS ARE NEEDED

Birmingham City Council has organised a week of activities aimed at recruiting volunteers from the public and private sectors to serve on school governing bodies. 
There are an estimated 300,000 unpaid school governors that make up the largest volunteer workforce in the UK.  Anyone over 18 years old can apply to become a school governor.
 Governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.
Being a school Governor (I am lucky to be a governor of 2 excellent schools in Oscott the Great Barr Junior School and the Goodway Nursery school) is very rewarding but can be hard work. I just wish I could give more time.
If you can spare some time and have an interest in trying to improve a local school why not give it a try
Governor Recruitment Week starts on Monday 18 March 2013.  For further information about becoming a school governor visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/school-governors em

MOBILE SCRAP DEALERS NEED TO TONE IT DOWN A BIT

Mobile scrap dealer are becoming a real pest in the Oscott area.

Not only are they often loud with speakers blaring but there seems to be a large number of them going around.

In limit numbers if they were to tone down the noise the work they do collecting scrap metal would be welcome. However at the moment many Oscott residents think they are becoming pests.

I understand the Police have checked a number of these mobile scrap dealers and those without the correct paper work have been warned. 

But it is the noise which is really causing a problem and I have asked the Council authorities and the Police to look into the matter and would call on any mobile scrape dealer to  turn down the volume especially on a Sunday.

WHY NOT GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS

There are a number of resident groups in Oscott which would welcome your help and support.

For example.

The Oscott Residents Association
The Oscott Disability Group
The Oscott Elderly Resident Group*.

These groups meet up for an informal chat and a cup of tea most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road at 10.30am.
They also hold other events during the year where guest speakers are invited to discuss issues of various sorts.

Fir example, there will be a OERG* coffee morning on 20th March (and every 3rd Wednesday in the month) at 11.15am. The venue is the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.

They have a joint blog http://oscottresidents.blogspot.co.uk/
or for further information
Ring 675 2349

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PDSA SHOP AND HELP SICK ANIMALS

The local Oscott PDSA Charity Shop sells a wide range of high quality and clean donated clothes available at very reasonable prices.
 There are all sorts of good clothing and a range kitchen equipment, books,CDs,DVDs, toys and much more on sale.
You can find a bargain and really do something to really help sick animals of all sorts.
The Shop is located at 228 Hawthorn Road and if you would like to know their opening hours or make a donation give them a ring on 0121 382 2556
From my visits there I have always found those working in the shop very friendly and helpful.

COMPOSTING CAN HELP REDUCE WASTE

At a time where there is rightly a lot of debate going on about cut backs and making people pay for green waste collection collections and so on the Birmingham City Council has teamed up with getcomposting.com to provide an exclusive offer of home compost bins and other great green products. Why not check out their prices!
Composting at home turns most kitchen and garden waste into a rich compost to keep your garden blooming year after year.
It is also a real and practical way to make a difference to helping our environment.

There is also a range of water butts should it ever stop raining.

ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND LITTER PICK SAT 16TH MARCH

 Reminder

If the rain holds off their will be a litter pick (being carried out by the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve) tomorrow Sat 16th March at the Aldridge Recreation ground 11am. meet at the Shady Lane entrance.
This type of event is designed for those with an active interest in cleaning up the environment locally and don't mind putting the time in. Volunteers are welcome.
Litter pickers and bags will be supplied Tel 07932831175 for further details or to confirm the event is taking place depending on weather conditions

PERRY BEECHES THE ACADEMY PRODUCTION OF "BUGSY MALONE"

Perry Beeches the Academy,  Beeches Road are hold what look like a great production of "Bugsy Malone" on Wednesday 20th of March 7 pm at the school.
Sadly I am having to miss it as I have another prior commitment but know how hard the staff and youngsters at the school work on these things. I would urge you to go and see it (if there are tickets left)
Why not give your self a treat and contact 360 4242 for details

MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE OSCOTT CHILDREN TO USE BIKES

I have been concerned recently at the low level of bike training in Oscott Schools over the last few years. Bike ability events and role play sessions have been happening in some Oscott schools, but if we are really going to promote cycling and a sustainable alternative to car travel more needs to be done to encourage children at an earlier age.
With this in Mind I will be contacting Oscott Schools asking they try to do more and I have been in touch with the Cycling and  Walking  Project team asking them to look again at increasing their activities in our local schools.

WHEELIE BIN DEBATE IN OSCOTT GOES ON

At Wednesday 13th March  Oscott Ward Committee the Oscott Councillors Councillor Barbara Dring Councillor Tristan Chatfield and my self heard from Oscott residents, their views on Wheelie bins.
As you will be aware I have been since August been passing on comments and views both for and against wheelie bins to those who will have to make the decision about them.
Some residents yesterday were very concerned how they would cope with wheelie bins as they have steps in their garden.
Other resident felt there was no where to keep the bins while some residents felt they were a good idea as they would help keep the streets clear of rubbish. (No split black bags)
It is certainly one of those subjects which residents are interested in.Sadly at the moment the Council is carrying out a consultation process and there are no confirmed answers to many of the questions being put about the Wheelie bin situation, while it is going on.

USE THE CRIME STOPPERS TEL NO

Police have informed me crime is still falling over all in Oscott according to recent figures.
While clearly I welcome this most residents I think would agree any crime at all needs to be stopped.

Many residents are concerned about giving their name when it comes to reporting crime.
 While this may be understandable the Police do keep information confidential, but if you really do not want to give your name you can still inform the Police of a crime or any suspicions you have by using the confidential NO NAME NEEDED Crime Stoppers Phone no. 0800 555 111

CCTV MAY BE USED TO PREVENT DOG FOULING

At the Oscott Ward Committee yesterday (13th March) Council officers indicated CCTV camera's will be used in some cases to try and establish a pattern where persistent dog fouling is occurring.
CCTV may be put in place from time to time in a hot spot.
Many of you will be aware dog  is a subject I have being campaigning against for some time and I welcome any positive steps in the fight against it.
I have also been assured there will be a more positive attitude when it comes to trying to deal with the problem and the new Powers to give higher on the spot fines should help.
Good dog owners will have nothing to worry about but I would remind some dog owners its up to you to clear up after your dog.
Most of our open spaces in Oscott will have either a Dog loo or a litter bin near by so please bag and bin your dogs mess.
On the national stage

Every dog owner in England will have to microchip their animal from 2016 under plans intended to cut a rise in strays.

The microchips will be coded with owners' details, and owners who do not comply could face fines of up to £500.
A legal loophole may also be closed, meaning owners could be prosecuted over an attack by their dog on private land.This has been welcomed by the RSPCA

JUST TO REMIND YOU I AM ALSO ON TWITTER

This is just to remind anyone interested I am now on twitter.
I tweet as time will allow but clearly my blog gives me a better chance of informing people what I am up to and what is happening in Oscott which I think as a Councillor that is is only right.

Many residents are fed up with having leaflets put through their door and this is one way  I try to reduce the need for using too much paper.
There are many who do not use the Internet however and for those the Oscott Team and myself will still put out leaflets and letters when we can.

It should be however noted even using twitter and blogs only allows me to let people know just some of what I am doing. If You have a concern or want to know more please email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk (dont forget to add your address in any emails) or write to me C/o The Birmingham City Council House B1 1BR

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE 13TH MARCH 7PM

Just a reminder (see also my Tweets) there will be an Oscott Ward Committee meeting tonight at the 610 Community Centre. Kingstanding Road.
It is a chance to hear from Council Officers and your Oscott Councillors some of the things which are happening in the area. There will also be a chance for you to tell us your concerns.

Tonight's meeting will be chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring.
 The Police will also be in attendance.

OSCOTT RESIDENT FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE

Campaigners calling for a new investigation into the Birmingham pub bombings have Asked city council leader Sir Albert Bore to back them.
The Justice4the21 group want the Labour council Leader to push for a fresh examination of the 1974 outrage, in which 21 people were killed.
Oscott Resident, Campaign leader Julie Hambleton, whose 18-year-old sister Maxine was among the dead, bumped into Sir Albert at the Council House after turning up to hand deliver a letter to his office.

Along with Councillors Tristan Chatfield and Barbara Dring I have also asked Sir Albert to do what he can to help#.
Julie and the campaign for The Justice4the21 campaign are raising a petition on the subject on the Government’s epetition website.

HELP OUR BEE'S SURVIVE

There are over 20 types of bee in this country sadly some are struggling and some have become extinct.
This matters even in cities because bees not only  pollinate our food crops but also the plants we put in our gardens.
Like many of those who care about our wild life in this area I am lobbying our Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood and asking him to keep drawing this situation to the Governments officers and departments responsible.

I have also been in Touch with senior Birmingham Council Cabinet members and senior Council officers asking them to ensure they are are aware of the situation, to review the use of any harmful fertilisers and to encourage the use of Bee friendly planting of shrubs and flowers in our parks and open spaces.
As the Chair of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve I am trying to ensure bee and butterfly seeds are used where possible.
NOW SPRING IS HERE
We can all help by planting bee friendly shrubs and plants in our gardens,
For a list of friendly plants please use the following webb site
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Sustainable-gardening/Plants-for-pollinators

KEEN ON RECYCLING USE YOUR LOCAL CENTRE

• 
  Many Oscott residents when they move into Oscott, tell me they are keen on recycling yet are not aware it is just 5 minutes  to the Holdford Drive recycling Centre (off the Aldridge Road)
  
  

  Holford drive Recycling Centre are able to recycle/re-use the following items:
  Green garden waste, Cardboard, Paper, Glass, Metal, Wood and wood-based products (MDF, chipboard etc), Engine Oil, Car Batteries, Fridges & Freezers, Textiles, Shoes, TVs & CRT Monitors, Fluorescent tubes, Gas bottles, Soil, Hardcore & Rubble

  Holford Drive, Perry Barr,
  B42 2TU
• Operating times
  November to end of February
  Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm,
  Saturday: 8am to 4.30pm,
  Sunday: 8am to 4.30pm
  (Except Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
  
  March to end of October
  Mon to Fri: 8am to 8pm,
  Saturday: 8am to 4.30pm,
  Sunday: 8am to 4.30pm

DONATE TO A LOCAL FOOD BANK IF YOU CAN

FOODBANK

In Kingstanding and some parts of Oscott many people are living on the edge of poverty.
All it takes is a sudden, unexpected event – a bereavement, illness, redundancy – to throw people into a genuine crisis. This is where the FoodBank can literally be a lifeline to families and individuals who find themselves in this situation.

People need help and not just at Christmas
The Food Bank provides people with the essentials at a time when they need them most, filling the gap of days – or sometimes weeks – before other parts of our social infrastructure can come into play. We collect dried and tinned food through Fareshare, supermarkets, churches, schools and individuals.

Food parcels are made available to local families and individuals sent on referral. Referrals come from registered professionals including doctors, health visitors, church pastoral workers and social workers.

The Food Bank is also able to provide emergency “homeless” packs which include soap, blanket, toothpaste, toilet roll etc. as well as nappies and baby food.

What can you do to help local people who have fallen on hard times.

Become a Food Bank depositor - add an item from The Food Bank shopping list – eg. a tin of tuna, a packet of pasta, cup-a-soups, jam etc – when you go shopping. Then deposit it in the local Food Bank collection point at:

Elim Church Kingstanding, Warren Road, B44 8QD
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12noon – 2.00pm
(Any other day by appointment)

UP DATE MEETING WITH THE METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

I met with a senior representative for the Metropolitan College (James Watt campus) Aldridge Road recently for an update on our previous meeting concerning car parking issues and other issues.

Since our previous meeting sadly Government cuts in funding have meant the college taking down one of their old building to make way for extra parking has had to be put on hold. The College is continuing to bid for funds for this project.

The college has however been allowed by the Drakes Drum Public House to use one of their small car parks.

I have suggest to the college and they have agreed to re look at one of their car parks with a view of realigning the car spaces which I believe will create some extra places. They have also agreed to try to encourage more of their students to use Public Transport rather than travel to the college by car..

The College have also introduced more litter bins on their Aldridge Road Boundary since my last discussions with them and are now looking to add more in other locations.

The college in an effort to keep student on site have introduces a new modern cafeteria and are speaking to local shop keepers about any issues which their students may generate for them.

Finally it was pleasing to note the amount of effort the college is putting in to try and help ex military personnel find new jobs.

KINGSTANDING ROAD CAB UNDER THREAT.

We all realise that the CAB do some excellent work and their staff are first rate. Therefore it is sad that due to severe funding cuts being made to the Birmingham City Council by the government, the Council has had to reduce grants being given to the CAB organisation.
This means the Kingstanding CAB office and others are coming under intense pressure funding wise and may have to close.
I have raised this issue with senior Council officials who are now doing what they can to consult with the CAB to try and resolve the issue of funding difficulties for that organisation.
The CAB have raised 21K themselves but  need more help to meet the shortfall in funding they have.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCING UPDATE

Along with my colleagues Councillor Barbara Dring, Councillor Tristan Chatfield I are continuing to press for better fencing to be erected on the boundary of the Burford Road Playing field. The issue has certainly not been forgotten.
]Many of you may recall the site meeting I arranged for you to attend with Council officers.
We believe we are now a step further forward in securing the funding and are hopeful the fencing will be improved over the coming 12 months.
One of the issues we had which has caused major delays is that the funding residents were informed by others was available, early last year during the election campaign, was never in fact available and we have had to start again to try and locate the necessary funding.

LOOK AFTER OUR NEW TREES IN OSCOTT

Over the last few weeks their have been a number of replacement new trees planted in the area. (This has been done as part of a replacement contract already established by the previous Council administration).
In most cases these trees have been welcomed and will in future help make the Oscott area look that much greener.
I would ask residents to help look after these trees and should we ever have a drought? put a bucket of used water at the base of a new tree near them to help the tree survive.

I am however still calling for a number of older large  trees which are causing a lot of residents problems to be removed in a phased way to be replaced by new trees. I am also calling for trees in many roads to be pruned more vigorously more often.

BIRMINGHAM CONSIDERATE CONTRACTOR AWARDS GOES WELL

 I had the pleasant duty today of attending the Considerate Contractors award Ceremony at the Council House for the first time as its Chairman.
This was where Contractors working in connection with Birmingham Roads and Volunteer Lay assessors came together to receive awards for their work. The event was sponsored by the contractors.
It was also pleasing to see a contingent of Oscott residents there as Lay assessor


Back ground
The Considerate Contractor Streetworks Scheme requires participating highway and utility contractors to abide by standards relating to safety, quality, and customer care when working on or adjacent to pavements and roads.The scheme first started 14 years ago and among its founders were amongst others, Councillor (at the time) Mike Olley, Ron Whitehouse. and also current Councillors, Kath Hartley, Mike Leddy and my self.
The scheme was chaired until I took over recently by Councillor Timothy Huxtable.

Birmingham City Council is committed to improving standards and making the City a Centre of Streetworks Excellence. The Council is working in partnership with everyone involved to achieve this goal, for the benefit of Birmingham citizens, businesses and visitors.

The Streetworks Code of Practise describes how Streetworks Performance will be measured and judged, and guides contractors towards achieving the required standard. There will be awards and recognition for achievement and sanctions for unsatisfactory performance.

The agreed standards are enforced by Volunteer Lay Assessors who are members of the public who volunteer to perform random surveys of ongoing construction work and feed the results of these surveys back to the City Council, providing an invaluable snapshot of the way contractors are performing in our city. 
 We are on the look out for more volunteers training will be given

If you would like more details please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

WARREN FARM ROAD NHS WALK IN CENTRE UNDER THREAT OF CLOSURE

Like many other Local residents I an deeply concerned about the possible Closure of the Warren Farm Road NHS Walk in Centre.
This Centre is one of a number in Birmingham under threat of closure as part of a NHS review.
No decisions have been made yet and the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster is still consulting on the issue.

I have made my views clear to them which are this facility is well used and much needed by Local residents.

There are a number of petitions going around calling for the retention of this facility if you get the chance please sign one of them, alternatively write to the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster calling on them not to close this centre.

Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster
NHS Birmingham East and North
Bartholomew House
142 Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 9PA

OSCOTT SCHOOL MINI BUS ACCIDENT

I was sorry to learn about the fifteen people, a number of them children, were injured when a school minibus collided with two cars in Oscott.4.03.2013
Three of the casualties, a woman and two children, were taken to Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield for further treatment.
The rest were checked over at the scene of the collision at the Wandsworth Road junction with Bandywood Road in Oscott.
A number of ambulances and Fire engines were called to the scene.
I have asked in the past for this junction and stretch of road to be considered for road safety measures and I will be doing so again as the reasons for this accident are investigated.
My sympathy goes out to those who were injured and I would like to offer my thanks to all those who helped deal with the accident.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUPS HOLD AGM'S SAT 9TH MARCH

The Oscott Residents Groups will be meeting to hold their AGM's on Saturday 9th of March at 10.30am. The Venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
The Oscott Residents Association
The Oscott Disability Group
& the
Oscott Elderly Residents Group will be holding their AGM's.
These groups are looking for new member and Committee members.

There will also be an opportunity to ask your local Councillors Questions and find out what is happening in the area
The Police and other community leaders have also be asked to attend.

This is a good opportunity to ask Oscott Councillors about issues related to Oscott and It is also a chance to hear more about the Oscott Residents groups.

UPDATE 10TH MARCH 2013
Niel Quinn was elected Chair of the ORA
Maureen Byrne was elected Chair of the OREG
and George Hough was elected Chair of the ODG
There were also discussions relating to Wheelie bins, Dog Fouling, Council trips,green waste, It was a shame the Great Barr Observer did not publish the meeting details and other issues.
For copy of munutes please ring 675 2349

OSCOTT'S COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH TEAM IN ACTION ON KINGSTANDING ROAD

It was good to see the Oscott Community Speed Watch team at work on the Kingstanding Road today. (Near Cooksey Lane).

In just over 2 and a half hours

146 speeders were spotted

Top speed 60mph

6 x speeders over 50mph

Average speed 41.89mph


The Police informed me they found these results quite appalling in such a short space of time, the speeds for a 30mph road were disgraceful with most vehicles travelling over 40mph. All drivers will be identified and warning letters sent out. Due to these results.

The Volunteers who are the  Oscott Community Speed Watch are doing their bit along with Local C.S Officers and I am now putting pressure on the Transportation department to do theirs.

KING STANDING ROAD IS 30mph and I am continuing to call upon the Transportation department to improve the signage on this road to show that.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE FOR OSCOTT COUNCIL TENANTS

The council does try to make sure that its properties are in good condition and structurally sound. However there is a lot that Oscott tenants can do to protect themselves, their families and visitors to their home.

Here is some common sense advice to protect you and your family and a lot of this also applies to Housing association tenants and house owners as well.

·         Always make sure you know who callers are before you let them into your home and do not let strangers into shared areas. Remember that all council staff and employees of their repairs partners and gas contractors carry identification. Ask to see it before you let them into your home. If you are unsure, do not let them in and telephone your local housing office for advice.

·         Only oil filled radiators can be used in flats. Please do not use portable paraffin or gas cylinder heaters. The Council does usually allow tenants to use these heaters in other types of property but you must get written permission first. Your local housing office can advise you.

• Do not store gas or materials or furniture that burns easily in the property, garage or garden.
• Do not store or repair petrol, diesel or paraffin-powered vehicles in shared areas.
• Do not store petrol, diesel or paraffin appliances in the property except lawn mowers and garden strimmers.
• NEVER STORE PETROL IN HOMES.
• Do not interfere with health and safety equipment, for example, fire detectors and extinguishers, door entry systems and closed circuit television.
• Do not feed wild pigeons or squirrels outside the property or on balconies.
•  Foxes very rarely enter homes and to help prevent this happening close down stares window at night and do not feed them.
• Keep corridors, paths, entries and stairs clear of rubbish, material or old furniture or equipment.
• Keep areas set aside for emergency vehicles clear.
• Dispose of syringes safely.
• Do tell your local housing team immediately about any damage that has been done to the property. You may need to report it to the police.

·         West Midlands Fire Service have some excellent tips around fire safety on their website - www.wmfs.net/content/fire-safety-home-0

THE ALDRIDGE ROAD IS FAST BECOMING A DOG TOILET.

 There are litter bins in the Aldridge Recereation ground for dog owners to use to dispose of their dogs mess

 The Aldridge Road Recreation ground is fast becoming a dog toilet.
Dog fouling is still a real problem in Oscott. For a time it did look as if dog owner were really getting the message. In fact most good dog owners are. However it is clear there is a stubborn small minority who just will not bag and bin or take home their dogs mess. It is becoming hard to know what to say to these.

Thankfully on the spot fines have gone up for those who are caught however it is difficult to catch some owners in the act as they vary the times they go out and often take their dogs out after dark to avoid detention..
I would ask again these owners think of the danger dog mess can be to young children in particular it is well known that dog mess can carry dangerous diseases. Dog owners should take particular care when their dogs are let off the leash in our open spaces.
Doggy bags cost £1 a roll and can be purchased in many local shops and there are more litter bins on our streets then ever. Many thanks again to the good dog owners it is a great shame a few others are letting you down.

KEEP OSCOTT PAVEMENTS AND VERGES CLEAR OF LARGE ITEMS OF RUBBISH

Walking around Oscott and other area these days you can not fail to see the amount of larger builders bags, and large items of rubbish left on some of them.
Amey who have the contract (given to them for the next 25 years by the previous Council Administration) need to get their act together and their inspectors should be reporting with the aim to getting removed these sorts of things. They need to be off our pavements and verges.

FORMER OSCOTT COUNCILLOR JAN BOTT-OBI R.I.P

Former Councillor Jan Bott-Obi

It is with sadness that I advise Oscott residents in particular I have learned that former Oscott Ward Councillor Jan Bott-Obi passed away on Tuesday 26 February in City Hospital, Winson Green, Birmingham.

She was a Councillor on the Birmingham City Council, 6 May 1994 to May 1998,

During her time on the City Council, she served as a member on the following Committees; Contract Services Committee A (1994-98), Appeals Sub (1994-95 & 96-97), National Exhibition Centre / International Convention Centre Committee (1994-98), Economic Development Committee (1995-96), Appeals Sub (1995-96),  Education Committee (1997-98), Grants and Awards Sub (1997-98).  Also serving on the West Midlands Police Authority (1994-95).

Jan and I worked briefly together as Councillors and I remember she was very proud to represent the Oscott ward.

Many may still remember her trade mark beret which she often worn when out and about campaigning or meeting residents around the ward.

Jan was a kind and caring person who always tried to help those she could.

My sympathy goes out to all her family and friends.

KINGSTANDING ROAD HAS A 30mph SPEED LIMIT

A number of road users forget that the whole of Kingstanding Road is now 30mph.
It is easy to forget I know, given the poor speed signage on the road, which is something I am trying to get the Highways department to do something about.
But the fact is it is a 30mph road now and we will all have to try and remember that and keep to the speed limit there.

ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND LITTER PICK

The Freinds of the Queslett Nature Reserve are organising a "litter Pick" for the Aldridge Road Recreation ground.

This will take place on Saturday 16th March at 11am. Volunteers will be meeting at the Shady Lane entrance (please do not park to close to the entrance or better still please walk to the site) litter pickers and black bags will be provided.

This is a good opportunity for those interested in the environment and keeping Oscott tidy to come along and roll up their sleeves ready to help.
For further details
Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk