THE FUTURE OF THE CHAPEL IN WITTON CEMETERY IS SAFE

 I have been provided with an assurance that there are no plans to close Witton Cemetery Chapel in the foreseeable future.

 Bereavement Services are currently awaiting quotes from Acivico for works to be completed to renovate and redecorate the interior of the chapel, in addition to any structural works that may be required. It is the intention, if feasible, to carry out these works in order to improve the overall appearance and presentation of the chapel. Whilst the proposed works are taking place, there may be a period during which the chapel will be closed but the Bereavement services are unable to provide any dates at present.

Although Witton Cemetery is full to capacity for the provision of new graves, there will still be a significant demand for the re-opening of existing family graves for many years into the future and the cemetery will continue to operate as normal.

Witton Cemetery is dear to the hearts of many Oscott residents as we have loved ones buried there. It is good to know that the cemetery will carry on being in use. Sadly however it has run out of sites for new none family member burials.

New burials will have now to take place at the cemetery at New hall in Suttoncoldfield.

As you may be aware the old friends of Witton Cemetery which I helped set up some years ago  has now been disbanded but I have been informed that a new organisation is being considered. 

If you would like to become part of the Friends of the Witton Cemetery please Email me keith.Linnecor@birmingham.uk

FLOODING AND ROAD WORKS AT THE BOARS HEAD JUNCTION

Yet again there are lengthy tail backs of vehicles heading towards town along the Aldridge Road.
The Boars head junction left hand lane is still flooded despite requests to sort the problem out and now the right hand outer lane has been coned off due to road works. It is time the Highways department (Amey) got their act together and sorted this out. motorists and bus users are used to tail backs but this situation at the Boars had junction should be better than it is.

IF YOU CANNOT MANAGE TO MOVE YOUR WHEELIE BIN?

Cannot manage to move a green waste wheelie bin on your own?

The Council will provide, upon request, an assisted collection to households where there is a registered Blue Badge holder or you are unable to participate without assistance due to infirmity or disability.

 However, should an able-bodied person aged 16+ years be resident in the household, we will expect that the able-bodied resident will present the recycling at the usual collection point.

If you would like more information or to order a green waste wheelie bin

Customers are able to subscribe to this new service by contacting the call centre on 0121-303-1112 or going online at http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/greenrecycling

If you need any further help or advice regarding this issue please contact me.

Tel 303 2039 (messages) or Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

PERRY BARR MP OSCOTT SURGERY

I have been asked to remind Oscott residents that while Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr is still recovering from his operation his research assistants are still working hard for him in order for residents concerns to be addressed.
Khalid hopes to be back at work soon.
His Oscott Surgery is still operating and is held on the First Saturday of each month at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road. The time 10.30am.
All Perry Barr Constituents are welcome to come along.

LAMBETH ROAD FOOTWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Road: Lambeth Road                    Ward: Oscott


Reference No: BHMMS07_Y4_F810


            What’s happening? 

Amey will be replacing the existing surface with asphalt materials to the footways in Lambeth Road from Bandywood Road to Queslett Road.   


                                                                   When will this happen?

Amey expect to start work on the footpath during the week ending 7^th March 2014. The work will take approximately 2 weeks. Amey will work Monday to Friday between 07.30 am and 17.00 hours.  We may undertake Saturday work during the same hours.

 Access to your property and Parking

You will be able to get to and from your property, but access may be restricted at times. When Amey are working on your section of the footpath, they will ask you to ensure that vehicles are not parked on the road outside your home. They appreciate your patience whilst while they  are working outside your property. Please contact Amey if you have any queries or if this will cause you problems.

Further information

If you require further information please telephone 0121 303 6644. Amey apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to assure you that they will do the work with as little disruption as possible as we improve your local environment.

This is another clear message that the streets in the Oscott area will be maintained and upgraded over the coming years. If your street has a problem with pot holes or poor pavements please contact me Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk ot ring 303 3029 and leave me a message. Please give the location (House no) and your address.

DOG TRAINING IN THE OSCOTT AREA

Dog lovers who would like to ensure their dogs are well behaved and obedient can receive help in training their dogs by joining the Barr Beacon dog training club.
This organisation operate on a Friday from the Old Oscott Community Centre Birdbrook Road.
They offer training at bronze, silver and gold standards.
Dogs are far happier if they are well controlled and do not get into trouble annoying people.  why not help to get dogs a good name by getting some dog training for your dog and your self you may also find it fun?
Dog training may also help reduce the problems of dog fouling in our open spaces and on our streets.
For further details ring 360 4618 or 360 3316.

GLASS ON PAVEMENTS IS A REAL PROBLEM

Despite there being more litter bins in Oscott then ever some people are still throwing glass bottles (and sometimes glasses) onto our pavement and causing issues for children and pets.
I would ask everyone not do discard glass bottles where they are likely to be smashed and to put them in a litter bin or to take them home.
I have also that local pub Landlords are asked to monitor their care parks and surrounds for glass and to help keep broken glass to a minimum. Also street cleaning crews need to be more aware of the problem and treat it as a priority.
Those who will not listen when it comes to discarding bottles should  be aware there are now fixed fines for dropping litter including bottles and as my colleague (Chair of the Licensing Committee) Councillor Barbra Dring often says pick up or pay up.

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG

I would like to thank those Oscott residents who read my blog (and the occasional associated letter) and email me with their concerns.
Clearly the contents of this blog only represents a very small proportion of my activities as a Local Councillor for the Oscott Ward.
I would like to remind readers the views on this blog and on my twitter account are my views and are not meant to represent any third party in particular.

If you have any concerns or news relating to Oscott if you email I will if possible post it on my blog
Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

I am also on Twitter https://twitter.com/

OLD OSCOTT HILL CARRIAGE WAY TO BE RESURFACED

Road:            Old Oscott Hill                        Ward: Oscott

Reference No: Amey/Y4/03/F9022020

                                                           

What’s Happening?

Amey will be resurfacing Old Oscott Hill Birdbrook Road to Kingstanding Road.

When Will This Happen?

The expected start date is during the week ending 14^th March 2014. The work will last for up to 5 nights. Amey will be working weekdays at night between 7.00pm and 6.00am hours. They have to work on this road at night because it would cause congestion or access problems if we closed the road during the day. Amey will endeavour to keep noise to a minimum but inevitably their work will cause some disruption. Please accept their 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 Amey staff, they would appreciate your patience and understanding during the works.

Traffic Information

Old Oscott Hill 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 us prior to the works on 0121 303 6644 (option 2).

Old Oscott Hill is a busy road used by many to get between the Aldridge Road and Kingstanding Circle. Please be aware of this closer and prepare to make other arrangement's.