FQNR SAY LAST GOODBYE TO BURT COOKE

I attended a gathering of Burt Cooke's family and members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve who were close friends, to say a final goodbye while his ashes were spread near a tree planted in his memory.
Burt's devoted window Pauline was saddened but pleased with the proceedings and I know all who knew Burt will miss him.

DOG WARDENS HAVE BEEN AROUND THE OSCOTT AREA

Following a number of complaints from my self the Dog Warden Team have been out in the following area's recently (amongst others) Burford Road, Glenmead Road, Aldridge Road and Shady Lane.
A number of Dog owners have been reminded of their responsibility to clear up their dogs mess and a number of No dog fouling signs have been replaced.
 There will also be a surprise "pro active" visit by dog wardens in the coming weeks.

I would ask dog owners, although I know most sensible ones already do, to please remove your dogs mess . "Bag it and bin it"
 I would also request our green open spaces be kept clear of dog mess in order that youngsters can take advantage of these spaces during the summer.

CHANGE OF MIND REGARDING ALDRIDGE ROAD SPEED INDICATOR SIGNS

I have just been informed that Council Transport Engineers are now prepared to have Vehicle Activated Speed Signs put up on the Aldridge Road. They are now preparing to survey the various possible locations and hope the signs will go in later this year.
Councillor Barbara Dring, Councillor Tristan Chatfield and I welcome this some what belated decision as we having been calling for this action for a long time.
I have certainly got a very full file of requests for this to happen on behalf of a number of residents. There have been a number of car accidents and a number of parked cars have been damaged by speeding vehicles. Even more of concern is lot of school children cross this stretch of road.(Perry Barr Canal Bridge to Beeches Road / Old Oscott Lane)  I will not stop urging the introduction of these cameras until I see them in place. Other safety measure are however in my view still needed for this road as well.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

The 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road hold Duke of Edinburgh award sessions every Monday 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
These sessions are for young people aged from 14 who want to do something useful and take up a challenge. It gives them something to do in their leisure time. It could be a hobby, or skill or to take up a physical activity. It could also even be to go on an expedition and to serve others.
Why not find out more ring 686 6060 to ask for more details

ALDRIDGE ROAD, ROAD SAFETY MEASURES, THE ISSUE I WILL NOT LET DROP.

I have yet again been in touch with senior Transportation engineers calling for road safety measures to be introduced to the Aldridge Road.
Possibly due to the good weather and the fact I have requested the Oscott Community Speed Watch Team to hold sessions on this road there does not appear to be as many accidents taking place as usual.
However I believe when the bad weather returns there will be more accidents. This is why with the help of Councillors Barbara Dring and Councillor Tristan Chatfield I will continue to request the Council take action.
I will certainly be calling again for speed indicators to be urgently considered for this road.

MORE STREET TREE PRUNING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

I am receiving a large number of requests to have trees pruned at the moment.

I am passing on all these requests and asking for the various roads involved to be pruned.
Amey need to get on with this work at the earliest opportunity (when the tree pruning season starts) and I will be asking that as many trees as possible receive a good prune.
Sadly there appears to be something of a back log and in my view this is because many roads have not had the trees in them pruned regularly enough for years.
For example some roads where pruning is to to take place are. Thornbridge Avenue and Birdbrook Road in October.

BEECHES ROAD BUS STOP UPDATE

Centro Officers have now been out on site and agree that the bus stop pole on Beeches Road near the metropoliton Colege is showing incorrect information.

 They have further agreed to my request and will get  the flag changed so that the 28 will stop outside the college.

They have also spoken to NEX to ensure drivers do serve this stop and have asked the constituent engineer if we can have a bus cage put in as they are aware that during term time there are a lot of cars parked at this location and the bus cannot dock in.

USE PLANNING ON LINE IF YOU HAVE A PLANNING APPLICATION CONCERN

THis year the Government have made a number of changes in Planning legislation,many of which gives home owners much easier opportunities to get permission for their planning applications.
Many of the changes made were against the advice from a number of Councillors from different political parties.
While some changes may help ease the problems for some residents wanting to alter their homes it may mean it is a lot harder to object if you are a neighbour.
Even Councillors now have far more difficulty finding out about proposed planning applications.

If you have any concerns about a rumoured planning application near your home you can use the following on the Internet.

Planning Online - Birmingham City Council


www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline‎

SUPPORTING OSCOTT COMMUNITY GROUPS TO SUPPORT OSCOTT RESIDENTS

As part of the Oscott Ward Committee Community Chest allocations recently the following Oscott Community Chest groups were given a small allocation to help them with their work to help Oscott residents.
The following grants were given.

The Oscott Disability Group                                   £150
The Oscott Elderly Residents group                       £300
The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve                £300
The Neighbourhood Police Initiative                      £250
Care Of the Elderly (Pensioners Convention)        £400
The Oscott Community Association                      £150
The Late Late youth Club (Elderly residents)         £200
Parents support Network (Autism)                       £500
Neighbourhood Watch (Oscott)                           £400


Sadly due to the Oscott Community Chest funds being slashed by 50% we were unable to offer more help with funding but we were advised this money will be well used in the Oscott area and we will monitor its progress.


See also July 17th post for other Oscott Community Chest fund allocations

DO NOT PARK OUT SIDE SOMEONES HOUSE TO CATCH A BUS TO WORK

Although there will be problems and delays caused by the City centre tunnel closures for the next 6 weeks there is no need to park outside someone home near a bus stop for the day if you decide to use the bus rather than your car.
Commuters from this area and beyond have the option of parking in Perry Barr.

500 additional Park and Ride Spaces are available at Perry Barr Campus, Birmingham City University from 20th July to 1st September 2013.
Aimed at making life easier for travellers approaching the city along the A34/Walsall corridor, the student car park at Birmingham City University, Perry Barr Campus can be accessed off Wellhead Lane (off the A453 Aldridge Road)
National Express West Midlands will run fast and frequent bus services into Birmingham City Centre from the bus stop next to the car park on Aldridge Road.

Monday to Saturday daytime services 907, 934, 935, 935A, 936 and 997 are every 5 minutes, with up to 16 buses every hour in both directions.
The journey takes only 15 minutes along the bus lanes on the A34 and in the city centre.

The first bus into city is at 05:52 Monday to Fridays, 05:57 Saturdays and 06:26 on Sundays.
The last bus back to Perry Barr is at 2 minutes past midnight, 7 days a week.

Special return tickets, costing just £3, are available for use on National Express West Midlands services 907, 934, 935, 935A, 936 and 997 to and from the city centre.   DO NOT FORGET TO GIVE YOUR SELF EXTRA TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR JOURNEY.

FIRST OF THE NEW TIME COUNCILLORS SURGERIES

Just a reminder I hold a Councillors surgery at the Old Oscott Community Centre Birdbrook Road (Age UK) opposite the Kingfisher Public House on the 4th Tuesday of the month. 9.30am
Tomorrow 23rd July will be the first.
If you have an issue you would like to speak to me about why not pop in.

ANOTHER COMPLETED QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY

Once again I would like to thank the Local Police Team for all their hard work today helping to tidy up prune in the reserve.
As well as being a reassuring presence and meeting residents they did some Stirling work.
I would also like to thank the park Ranger (Beth) and the members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve who work so hard to keep the reserve looking good.
If only there were more who cared in such a practical way about their environment and about local wild life.

OSCOTT GROT SPOT TEAM LITTER PICKED BIRDBROOK TO BIRKENSHAW ROAD RIGHT OF WAY

Making the most of the cool of the early morning and the fact that the Birdbrook  Road to Birkenshaw Road Right of way has recently been pruned and cut back the Oscott Grot Spot Squad  volunteers were out this morning litter picking it.
This was a one off gesture and the Oscott Ward Environmental Team should be doing the same in a month or so.
There is a litter bin at the end of this right of way I would urge people using the right of way to put their litter in this bin or take it home.

JULY 20TH FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY

Reminder.
For those who like to do something positive to improve things for the wildlife in the area and to improve the environment, there is another Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve Activity day today (20 July).
Nothing more glamorous then rolling your sleeves up and doing some light pruning and litter picking I am afraid.
If you would like to join our small band of dedicated volunteers (Children welcome under the strict control of a suitable adult) please come along to the Ashworth Road entrance at 11am today.

Note.
Please be prepared for the weather (bring a drink with you)
Please think of local residents before parking your car.

HAWTHORN ROAD /KINGSTANDING ROAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS STILL CAUSING PROBLEMS

I have had to report the Hawthorn Road Kingstanding Road Traffic lights are faulty yet again.
Back in June 10th I informed the department tail backs were forming on a number of roads leading up to the junction and was informed by lighting engineers there was not an issue.
However I am continuing to request engineers investigate the phasing of the traffic lights and pedestrian crossings and once again I find they are not working at all today 20th July.
This is clearly not good enough.

NO ONE WANTED TO GIVE COMMUNITY CHEST MONEY TO A FOOD BANK

When trying to help decide which of the grants for Oscotts Community Chest Funding (now reduced to only 50K) no one on the OscottWard Advisory Board wanted to give Elim Church 3k towards their urgently needed food bank program.
Nobody wanted to give the money because we all felt it should not be necessary in this century to have to feed the less well off in the Oscott area in this way.
However what ever some whiz kids on their computors may say we Oscott Councillors as well as most residents  know there are many deprived residents all across the Oscott Ward and we will fight to help them as best we can.


It is shameful it has had to come to this and that Councils No longer have the resources thanks to cuts in their budgets to pay for the hard up in the area to eat their fill.
If it was not for the excellent work volunteer groups like the Elem Church who run food banks many would struggle and go hungry.
I am pleased if that is the right word that those community leaders,Oscott Councillors and other agency workers who make up the Oscott WAB felt that we all had to support the food bank fund  application.

Don't forget 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.
The Food Bank can provide 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. Elim Church also 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.

If any one wants to help?

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  see below

To find more about the Elim Church food bank and how you could help ring
Elim Church Kingstanding
120 Warren Road
Kingstanding (opposite the Co-op)
B44 8QD
0121 350 9650


Note- following the Oscott WAB recommendations the Oscott Ward Committee this week agreed Community Chest funding should be given to Elim Church

COUNCILLOR BARABARA DRING GETS LOCAL EYESAW TIDIED UP

A weed infested tree container near the Drakes Drum Public House in Old Oscott Lane has finally due to the persistence of Councillor Dring and the availability of Community Chest been tided up and the weeds removed.
Keeping our roads free of eyesaws like that is why the Ward Committee ( Councillr Barbara Dring. Councillor Chatfield and myself) agree Environmental issues need to be funded.

DISCONTINUED 28 BUS STOP ON IN BEECHES ROAD, IS NEEDED.

It is sad to see the bus stop on Beeches Road near the Metropolitan college has been discontinued except for college and school peak times.
A number of residents in the area now have to walk twice as far up the Aldridge Road to catch a 28 to the Scott Arms for example.
I am  lobby Centro asking them for a rethink.

AUGUST FOOTBALL TRAINING SESSIONS FOR OSCOTT TEENAGERS

It the time of year some parents start asking me what activities are available for their bored youngsters during the summer holiday.
The best advise I can usually offer is to contact the 610 Community Centre who put on a range of activities and work with CSPA who the Oscott Ward recently granted £10.000 out of our Community Chest to for youth activities in the oscott area.
Or try one of the local libraries for information.

For example at the 610 Community Centre in August during the school holidays there will be foot ball taster sessions as follows

Wednesday 7th August  (13 to 14 year olds)
Wednesday 14th August (15 to 16 year olds)
Wednesday 21stAugust  (17 to 18 year olds

These sessions start a 4pm and cost just £1and are meant to be fun and a way of improving football skills.

For further information on these and other summer activities at the 610 Community Centre please contact the centre on 464 2268

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE APPROVES REDUCED COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING APPLICATIONS

At today's Oscott Ward Committee the Oscott Ward Councillor Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself agreed to grant Age UK £5.000 out of the much reduced £50.000 Community Chest Fund to help pay for their gardening and Handy Man schemes which will help a number of Oscotts elderly residents.
Other high lights were
CSPAN will receive £10.000 to fund various local youth activities.
The Mary Vale Youth Group will receive £2.000
The Tree Hurst youth Centre will receive £2.400
BASE KS who look after young peoples interests will receive £1.000
The Allstars Play group will receive £700
The Elim Church received £3.000 to help keep their urgently needed food bank stocked.
Hawthorn Traders Association £1.200  to help organise a Christmas event for the community.

The Jehicho Environmental group who do local clean up projects will receive £18.000
There are a number of other small Oscott Community organisations who will also receive a small grant from the Oscott Community Chest.
 Some of the funding we received last year has been by agreement been rolled over to be spent as part of this years budget to help some projects continue to operate without a break.
It is a great shame there has had to be reductions of this nature as for the Oscott Ward we know the funds will be spent wisely and we hope this will be the case in other area's.

See also post 24th July

LOOK AFFTER THE ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE IN THIS HOT WEATHER

Hot weather can be as serious as freezing weather for the elderly, those who are ill or are vulnerable.
If you know of anyone who is elderly or vulnerable check to see if they are OK.
He are some tips for the hot weather.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:




older people, especially those over 75

babies and young children

people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems

people with mobility problems, for example people with Parkinson’s disease or who have had a stroke

people with serious mental health problems

people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control

people who misuse alcohol or drugs

people who are physically active, for example labourers or those doing sports



Top advice for being sun safe:



Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.

Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.

Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).

Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website.

Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

 Do not swim in open water like city park or reserve lakes they can be dangerous.

  Be careful near deep water like canals and rivers and keep an eye on your chidren when you are out and about near water.



  Enjoy the sunshine but stay safe and help other to do the same.

BIRDBROOK ROAD / BIRKENSHAW ROAD RIGHT OF WAY CLEANED UP

I am pleased to be able to say that the Birdbrook Road to Birkenshaw Road right of way has now been cleaned up and cut back.
I have asked that the condition of this right of way be continued to be monitored.
Many thanks to those residents who have contacted me about this.

SPARE A THOUGHT AND SOME WATER FOR NEW STREET TREES AND OUR WILD LIFE

During the hot dry weather like we are having at the moment please spare a thought for the wild life around us.
For example trees planted in our roads over the last year or so need a bucket of water now and again.
Also bird baths need topping up or if you have not got one, a suitable container with fresh water in it will be a real treat for birds and Hedge Hogs for example.

Water gathered earlier in the year in containers and butts is OK for plants and trees but for wild animals and birds fresh water is best.

I would also like to Thank FQNR members Mr John Davis and Mrs Gosling for watering the Bert Cooke memorial tree in the reserve.

FORMER CHILDRENS HOME KINGS LODGE SOLD AT AUCTION

The Old Children's home the Kings Lodge has been sold to a private developer with the intention to create 6 independent flats of a high "spec" nature for people with disabilities.
The Lodge was sold by the Council as part of its attempts to reduce the funding gap caused by huge  Government cuts in Council funding and as part of streamlining Children's services.
The Lodge was sold at auction for£305.000.
The developer will be working closely with the well know charity MEN CAP on this project and there is a large demand for accommodation where disabled people can look after their selves but with the knowledge help is at hand.

13TH JULY FQNR ACTIVITY DAY WENT WELL

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve activity day which took place on Saturday went very well. The Ashworth path had an extensive prune back (except where birds were observed nesting) and other areas were litter picked and maintained.
I would particularly like to thank the Oscott Police team who gave up some of their time to come along to help out. This also gave an opportunity for some of those members present and passers by an  to discuss Policing issues in the reserve.
Considering the heat everyone involved worked hard and enjoyed rolling up their sleeves and getting on with some work. It was also nice to see once again the Councils Ranger service in attendance.
It was nice to see the FQNR slogan we work for nature and the environment rather than talk was carried out to the full.

The next activity day will be 20th July at the Ashworth Road entrance 11am start. As ever come prepared for the weather. It hot  wear loose cloths a hat and sun cream. Please bring a drink with you and if you come in a car please do not obstruct local residents. 

THE FQNR HAVE THEIR OWN BLOG  http://queslettnaturereserve.blogspot.co.uk/

WHEELIE BIN UPDATE

Wheelie Bins Update

The service appears to be well received overall in both Harborne and Brandwood.  It is now week 6 for Brandwood and week 3 for Harborne. 

A report is due to go to Cabinet in September regarding the outcome of the consultation, outcomes of the pilots and will provide options for the future roll out of wheelie bins across the city.

There will be a continued fortnightly meeting of the Programme Board to bring issues together for discussion and to make decisions on going forward.

To find out more visit http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/wheeliebins

The key messages for the wheelie bins remain the same according to the Council

1. If the Council does not  act, there is a a multi-million pound budget gap, which can only be filled by even deeper cuts to vital services.
2. The bins will save money overall, by driving up recycling rates, and so driving down disposal costs.
3. The bins will mean cleaner streets, as bags won't get ripped open.
4. Not everyone can manage the bins. The Council will provide assisted collections everywhere they are needed.
5. Not every household will be suitable. Where they are unsuitable, houses will stay on the sack collection service, as now.
6. Nothing will happen to any resident's bin collections without lots of contact from the Council, and lots of chances to feed into the process. 

 It is my understanding at the moment that the Oscott Ward is unlikely to receive Wheelie bins for at least another year due to the pilot schemes being operation and continued feed back on the issue.

 If you you would continue to like me to pass on your views  or questions about this subject please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk and I will ensure they are passed on to those looking into this issue.

997 BUS LIMITED STOPS OR JUST A LIMITED SERVICE?

As the 997 Councillor bis champion I am picking up a number of complains about the service including  its change in route and reliability. We all want this route  to be a limited stop service (premier line) but we do not want it to be as limited in service as it appears. It needs to improve.

YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MATTERS EVENT WEST BROMWHICH BUS STATION 10TH JULY 10AM

There will be another of the series of Your Public Transport matters events at the West Bromwhich bus station today 10am to noon. Why not pop along and give your views about public transport.
There will be NX representatives, Centro officers and Councillors who are on the ITA their to listen to your concerns.
THIS IS A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON ISSUES REGARDING BUSES AND OTHER MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

DON'T TRY SWIMMING IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

It is that time of year again when we are having a bit of hot weather and some people are tempted to cool off by swimming in open water such as the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
This is highly dangerous. There are under water obstructions, the water can be very cold and may well be contaminated.
The message is simple do not swim or paddle in the Queslett Nature Reserve. Allowing dogs to swim in the lake is also not recommended.

BIRKENSHAW ROAD GULLY UPDATE

I am pleased to say Amey have now been out and sprayed (weed Killer) the overgrown right of way between Birkenshaw Road and Birdbrook Road.
The spray takes a time to work but i will continue to press for stage 2 of the clear up and cut back to take place ASAP.

IS THE SPEED INDIACTOR ON KINGSTANDING ROAD "TOO BRIGHT"?

At a number of Police Tasking meetings in the Oscott Ward the subject of the speed indicator on Kingstanding being "to bright" has been raised.
Apparently the Police have received complaints that when the speed indicator located at the lower end of the Kingstanding Road is activated by speeding vehicles it is to bright and dazzles people.
The indicator has been adjusted once and may be looked at again with the return of the dark nights.
However one thing that would help reduce the problem would be if motorists slowed down.!
The speed limit on this road is 30mph.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE 17TH JULY

There will be an Oscott Ward Committee meeting (Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring) on the 17th July at 7pm at the 610 Community Centre.
At this meeting there will be a chance to find out how the Oscott Community Chest has been spent and to find out some of the things happening in the Oscott area. Residents are welcome to attend.

The Oscott Ward Committee is made up of the 3 Oscott Local Councillors and there will be Council officers in attendance. Residents can also bring to the Committee matters of urgent concern locally.

POT HOLES GETTING WORSE IN COURTENAY ROAD AND OTHER PLACES

Anyone using Courtenay Road will have noticed how the paint which has been put around various pot holes is fading.
It is now time Amey the Private contractor given the long term contract by the previous Council administration to repair our roads, got on and repaired these pot holes.
I will be monitoring the situation and putting what pressure I can on this private company to get on with the work.
If you are aware of a pot hole surrounded by fading white paint in the Oscott Ward  please let me know.
Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

BIRKENSHAW ROAD TO BIRDBROOK ROAD PASSAGE WAY NEEDS A CLEAN UP

I am trying to get the right of way between Birdbrook Road and Birkenshaw Road, Sprayed, cut back and cleaned up.
I have noticed how quicly this passage way has become overgrown since it was last cleaned.

USE IT OR LOOSE IT

I have been monitoring the new 88 bus route change which takes in Old Oscott Hill.
It seems under used at the moment but I hope when residents get used to it numbers of passengers will pick up.
Residents collected names to petition for a bus to travel along Old Oscott Hill to the Kingstanding Circle and they now need to use or loose this service.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP ENJOY STRATFORD ON AVON VISIT

I was pleased to be asked to go along with the Oscott Elderly Residents Group on a visit to Stratford on Avon, to help out..
Elderly residents need to be encouraged to get out of their homes and to get a little exercise and good company. Visits like the one to Statford on Avon really fit the bill.
Everyone had a chance to walk around the streets of Stratford on Avon and by the river.
A meal was also supplied.
 Everyone enjoyed their selves and had a good time.
Well done Maureen Byrne who organised the event and helped support those who went.