TRYING TO STOP FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

I am working to try and engage various authorities, the Police, Fire brigade,the private sector and the Council as well as Oscott residents groups in the battle against fly tipping.

Everyone can do there bit to prevent or report fly tipping in Oscott. For example I have asked the Police to be more vigilant when out on patrol. I have asked the Council to respond as quickly as possible to reports of fly tipping and to enforce the bye laws more vigorously.
Resident groups can help by informing their members about the problem and make as many people as possible aware of the problem and to use the Council telephone number 303 1112. If you note a registration number for example of a vehicle whose owner is fly tipping pass it on to the Council.
We all need to work together to stop fly tipping

TAYLOR WIMPEY BOOTHS LANE DEVELOPEMENT WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS

I would like to thank all those resident who have contacted me regarding the proposed Taylor Wimpey Booths Lane development.
 It is always useful to have the views of local residents on an issue like this in order to try and work out whether the proposals are a good idea or not.

I will certainly not be rushing into making a judgement one way or the other. I can see some good points regarding the proposals equally there are a number of things which need further thought or are not very good.

I will pass on any comments I receive to the Planning department but have to stress the current proposals are at a very early stage and may or may not be taken any further by the developer.

To let me have your views please Email me at Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk


Also see post Friday 25th October

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS QUIZ WENT WELL

I was pleased to be able to attend the Oscott Elderly residents group quiz afternoon today at the 610 Community Centre..
I was asked to be the Quiz master and my Colleague Councillor Tristan Chatfield did the honours as the scorer. (Alan Woolverton supplied the questions)
There were a number of prizes and raffles and the light refreshments went down well.
Well done Maureen who organised the event and all those who made it an enjoyable event for all who attended.

To find out more about the Oscott Elderly Residents group and the Oscott Disability group please ring 675 2349

LOCAL ARTIST LORNA WILD FEATURES QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Perry Beeches Art Group - Queslett Nature Reserve features on calendar.

An exhibition of artwork by local artists was held on Saturday 26^th. October 2013 at St. Paul's Community Church Hall, Walsall Road.

The art group had on display about 100 paintings, many of local scenes. They have also produced a calendar including  some of these scenes. The painting for the month of April which also features on the cover of the calendar is of the lake in Queslett Nature Reserve.

This was painted by Lorna Wild, a member of the group. Who is a resident living in Bowman Road.

Calendars are available from the art group for £ 6.00 Email for details 
zbobwild@googlemail.com

FOR NEWS ON GREEN WASTE AND WHEELIE BINS READ THE AUTUMN EDITION OF THE FORWARD

I am still getting complaints from some residents that they are not aware what is going on regarding the changes in green waste collections and the introduction of wheelie bins.

This being the case I spoke to Councillor/ Cabinet member James McKay who along with the Councils leadership is introducing these changes and he agreed to have details put in the next forward (it had been in the spring edition)
This has now happened and to find out more information about what is going on regarding the green waste collection service and about the introduction of Wheelie bins please take a look in the Autumn Forward Council news paper

RECYLING BOXES NEED TO BE COLLECTED ON TIME

Councillor Barbara Dring and myself have for some time been receiving complaints that recycling boxes in the Corbridge Avenue, Rodlington Avenue and Sandwood drive area have not been collected on time some some time.
Having had discussions with the local Salvage department it would apear the problem is the vehicle used for collecting boxes from smaller roads like these has broken down and new parts had to be ordered.

 There were also problems do to demand in using a similar vehicle from else where.
The manager involved has assured me he is doing his best to resolve the situation as soon as possible and these roads have been dealt with.

ANOTHER BUSY FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION AND A SURPRISE FOR ME

                                                                                 

It was another hands on and get things done activity session today for the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve team along with the Perry Barr Young Fire Fighters.
With the FQNR its all about practical graft when it comes to trying to improve the nature reserve and the environment not for them the endless rounds of talking shop type meeting.

A number of bags of rubbish and a shopping trolley were removed by some teams including the PBYFF and other teams carried out pruning work.

Young and the not so young all got on with trying to improve the reserve.

I was surprised and delighted to be given a certificate and small trophy by the FQNR committee on behalf of the group for my work with them over the years. It is nice to be appreciated and I would like to thank all members of the group for their help over the years.

CYLISTS SHOULD USE LIGHTS AT NIGHT

The clocks go back this week end resulting in it getting dark earlier with this in mind I have asked the Local Police to watch out for cyclists who do not have lights and to remind them it is illigal and dangerous not to have lights on their bikes at night.
I have seen a number of cyclist flouting the law in this regard even before it gets darker at night.
I hope nationally reminders about this issue are encouraged. Cyclist should also wear reflective clothing for their own safety.

GOODBYE FATHER SIMON

I was with sadness that I found out that father Mckenzie is to leave the St Mathews church and parish.
Many people know Father Simon who has been here for many years and will miss him and the work he has done.

Father Simon is leaving to become the Priest in charge of Christ Church Lochgilphead,,Argyll where I am sure he will do a great job and meet a number of new challenges. He will be leaving next month.

I would like to thank his for all his work helping Oscott residents over the years.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR BOOTHS LANE 250 HOUSE

Like a number of Oscott residents Councillor Tristan Chatfield and I went along to see the latest Booths Lane development Plan as put forward by Taylor Wimpey
The Event took [place today between 1.30pm and 8pm.
Tristan and I also had a tour of the site with a representative from the developers, we also listened to the points of view of a number of residents who came along.

The proposals are to build 250 homes on the Booths Lane site near the Sandy Lane end of Booths Lane.
 The Golf range would go and Booths Lane its self would be re configured.

There are a number of issues which still need addressing but plans are still in the early stages and the developers are still hoping to get the views of local residents. Your 3 Oscott Local Councillors would also like to hear your views.

You can contact me by Emailing. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

OLD OSCOTT LANE DYAS ROAD TO BIRDBROOK ROAD TO CLOSE FOR UP TO 5 DAYS IN NOVEMBER

  

Amey are at last to resurface part of Old Oscott Lane but there will be some inconvenience to motorists and home owners as the work will be carried out during the day. Also bad weather may delay things.

                                          

Road: Old Oscott Lane       Ward: Oscott

Reference No: AMEY/YR4/MS7/DP/7

                                                           

What’s Happening?

Amey will be resurfacing Old Oscott Lane from Dyas Road to Birdbrook Road.

This work is part of a 5 year upgrade of Birmingham’s highways network.

When Will This Happen?

The expected start date is during the week ending 17^th November 2013. The work will last for up to 5 days. Amey will be working weekdays between 9.30am and 4.00pm hours.

PLEASE CONSULT THE FREE STANDING YELLOW SIGNS THAT ARE LOCATED AT EITHER END OF YOUR ROAD, FOR SPECIFIC START DATES.

Access To Your Property

Vehicles are unable to drive over hot material. Whilst surfacing operations are being carried out the section of road affected will be entirely closed to ALL traffic. If you require access for medical/personal reasons, could you please contact 0121 303 6644 (option 2), to discuss how access can be arranged. Pedestrian access will be maintained as well as access for emergency vehicles. The road closures are in place for your safety as well as the safety of Amey staff, they appreciate your patience and understanding during the works.

Traffic Information

Old Oscott Lane will be subject to a road closure. Width and speed restrictions will be in force during the road closure.

For details of bus service diversions please see:

·         http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/

·         Visit your local Travel Shop or

·         Call 0121 254 7272

Parking

In order for Amey to carry out these works, they must ask you to ensure that vehicles are not parked on the road during these hours. Any cars left on the road will be removed by the City Council Parking Enforcement Team, which could include a cost to the owner. Amey will help you with access where possible if you contact them prior to the works on 0121 303 6644 (option 2).

Further Information

If you require further information please telephone 0121 303 6644.

                                                                                                                             

             

                            

                                                                                                                 

KEY ROUND ABOUT ON DYAS ROAD TO CLOSE FOR 5 NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER

Dyas Roads Key Island at the bottom of the hill will be closed for 5 nights in November so be prepared to make alternative arrangements. Bad weather may also delay things.

Road: Dyas Road Roundabout                            Ward: Oscott

Reference No: AMEY/YR4/MS7/DP/6

                                                           

What’s Happening?

Amey will be resurfacing Dyas Road Roundabout at Birdbrook Road.

This work is part of a 5 year upgrade of Birmingham’s highways network

When Will This Happen?

The expected start date is during the week ending 17^th November 2013. The work will last for up to 5 nights. Amey will be working weekdays at night between 7.00pm and 6.00am hours. Amey have to work on this road at night because it would cause congestion or access problems if they closed the road during the day. Amey will endeavour to keep noise to a minimum but inevitably there work will cause some disruption. Please accept there sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

PLEASE CONSULT THE FREE STANDING YELLOW SIGNS THAT ARE LOCATED AT EITHER END OF YOUR ROAD, FOR SPECIFIC START DATES

Access To Your Property

Vehicles are unable to drive over hot material. Whilst surfacing operations are being carried out the section of road affected will be entirely closed to ALL traffic. If you require access for medical/personal reasons, could you please contact 0121 303 6644 (option 2), to discuss how access can be arranged. Pedestrian access will be maintained as well as access for emergency vehicles. The road closures are in place for your safety as well as the safety of  staff, Amey will appreciate your patience and understanding during the works.

Traffic Information

Dyas Road Roundabout will be subject to a road closure. Width and speed restrictions will be in force during the road closure. For details of bus service diversions please see:

·         http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/

·         Visit your local Travel Shop

·         Call 0121 254 7272

Parking

In order for Amey to carry out these works, they must ask you to ensure that vehicles are not parked on the road during these hours. Any cars left on the road will be removed by the City Council Parking Enforcement Team, which could include a cost to the owner. Amey will help you with access where possible if you contact them prior to the works on 0121 303 6644 (option 2).

Further Information

If you require further information please telephone 0121 303 6644.

I have been calling for this work to be done for a long time and will be monitoring the progress of the work to try and ensure Amey gets it done ASAP.

THE OSCOTT NEEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE INITIATIVE NEED NEW MEMBERS

 FREE NO COLD CALLING WINDOW STICKERS FROM THE NPI
FOR OSCOTT RESIDENTS

The (Oscott) Neighbourhood Police Initiative operate a ring round system where member contact each other on a regular basis regarding reports of crime and anti social behaviour in the Oscott area.
They also check out suitable information passed to them by the Police and inform as appropriate local resident.

Senior members are Police checked and use the Kingstanding Police station to ring other members who are at home (on a Wednesday evening) informing them of policing issues near where they live. There is also an opportunity to discuss your concerns with senior NPI members.
Home based member then inform neighbours and friends with a view to be alert and to prevent similar crimes happening again. It is often  the case with some types of crime that being fore warned can prevent crimes occurring again.

NPI members also help the Police by distributing crime prevention leaflets

If you would like to join the NPI net work please Em briannpi@yahoo.ca.

At the moment the NPI are campaigning to warn people about cold callers who are trying to sell goods at the door and in some cases cause a nuisance to residents. If you would like a free NO COLD CALLING window sticker please use the contact email above

NO EXTRA CHARGES FOR ELDERLY RESIDENT HANDY MAN SCHEME IN OSCOTT

I have been informed in some parts of the City Age UK have to charge a fee for their Hand man project. (this is a scheme where the elderly can have a small job done for them. Repairing a dripping tap for example.
I have been been assured this is still not the case in Oscott. This is because the Oscott Ward Committee with the advice of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board gave the Perry Barr Age UK team a Community Chest fund grand to help pay for their work with Elderly Oscott Residents.
There may be occasions where a charge is made for materials but this is always explained to the resident before any work is done.
In Oscott we try to look after our elderly and vulnerable residents.

IS 20MPH PLENTY?

20mph Speed Limits: is 20mph Plenty?

The Birmingham City Council are considering the introduction of 20mph speed limits on some of the city’s roads to improve safety and reduce the number of accidents.
 You can find out more on the Birmingham Council web site and respond to the consultation at https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/development/20mph.
These plans will affect anyone who lives, works, shops, visits or travels in the city, so your views are important  and  they will help the Council with their decision-making.
The consultation closes on Friday 29 November 2013. To contact us directly, please email transportpolicy@birmingham.gov.uk.

I am always interested in residents views so Oscott residents may if they so wish contact me with their views which I will pass on to the Birmingham City Council.
Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

LOOKING TO REVAMP THE OSCOTT HOUSING LIAISON BOARD

At a meeting between Housing Officers and Oscott Councillors it has been decided to reform the Oscott Housing Liaison Board.
Over the coming months adverts will be going out and their will be a serious of small events to promote the idea.
 

A Housing Liaison Board is a group of tenants, leaseholders, local residents, Councillors and housing staff who monitor and improve housing services in their local area.

The Oscott Ward HLB is looking new members, particularly those from groups who are currently under represented such as young people, people from minority ethnic communities, owner-occupiers and gay and lesbian people.

If you would like more information please Email me keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk