CYCLISTS NEED TO HAVE LIGHTS ON THEIR BIKES AFTER DARK

When travelling around the Oscott area recently at night I have been surprised at the number of cyclist not using a light on their bikes after dark.
This time of year it can be very difficult for motorists and yes pedestrians to see cyclists coming when they have no lights on their bikes. It is not just children either.
I have seen cyclists using Dyas Road  and even the very busy Kingstanding Road without lights, for example.
 Thankfully most cyclists are sensible it has to be said.
I have asked the Police as I do every year to keep an eye on this issue

TOP TIPS FOR CYCLING IN THE DARK

1. Visible upper body

To help drivers see you, go for a reflective/high vis garment that can be seen clearly from front and back. Why not try something that can go over your regular coat like a sash, high vis vest or a backpack cover?

2. Get creative with your bike lights

It’s a legal requirement to have white front and red rear lights and reflectors on your bike, and orange reflectors on your pedals. Lights should go on at dusk, and can be useful during the day too, especially when it’s a dull day.

3. Make your bike and helmet glow too

Get your bike and helmet involved in the reflective action. Try additional reflectors and lights on your spokes, to really make your wheels light up as they whizz round. Or go for some reflective stickers for your mudguards, panniers or the back of a child seat. And last but by no means least customise your helmet with a reflector too.

4. Stick to well-lit roads

Although lanes and canals are great for summer cycling, when darkness falls it’s hard to see and be seen without street lights. Stick to well-lit roads and paths when the sun goes down.

5. Keep an extra eye out for pedestrians

It can be hard to spot people on foot.

6. Make the bar or bike decision early on

If you know you will be having a few drinks on a night out, leave the bike at home and use public transport instead.

PERRY BARR MP OSCOTT SURGERY DETAILS

I have been asked to remind Oscott residents that Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr will be holding his next surgery in Oscott on Saturday February the 7th. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road  and the time 10.30am.
Khalid holds regular surgeries in Oscott on the first Saturday of each month at the 610 Community Centre

His other details include

OTHER SURGERIES HELD

 1.30am at Trehurst Centre, Trehurst Avenue, Great Barr, B42 2JD

2nd Saturday of the month:

10.30am at Laurel Road Community Sports Centre, Laurel Road, Handsworth, B21 9PB
Constituency Office Telephone: (0121) 356 8268/8278

Khalid Mahmood MP

House of Commons
Westminster
London
UK
SW1A 0AA

NEW BUS SHELTER WANTED IN SHADY LANE

I have been contacted by a number of resident calling for a bus shelter to be located in Shady Lane near Winster Grove.
Residents using the newly built  - Oaks Medical Centre and the Chemist there have asked for some protection from the weather when using the 997 bus after leaving the medical Centre.

Users of the Centre will be asking me to present  petition with this in mind later this year however if successful the shelter would need to be a small one give the proposed location?

This would help keep dry the elderly users of the Centre and would also mean they did not have to cross the busy Shady Lane to have to get to the bus stop (towards town)

 

WHEELIE BIN ROLL OUT UPDATE FOR OSCOTT

The Wheelie bin roll out process will be staring in Oscott soon.

Properties have been assessed to see whether they are suitable for the introduction of wheelie bins for household waste and recycling.
 There is no additional charge for these wheelie bins.

Issues that where addressed were.
Storage space, was there a steep slope or a lot of steps in the garden,, Can the salvage truck get near the property and  how wide was the pavement.

Information is being processed and resident will be informed of how there property was rated shortly

Households deemed suitable for receiving recycling bins will receive a green card and those which are not a red card.

ELDERLY OR DISABLED RESIDENTS WHO CANNOT MANAGE WHEELIE BINS WILL RECEIVE ASSISTANCE TO MOVE THEM AS PART OF AN ASSISTANCE SCHEME

Bins will be delivered from the end of March with any information needed and the collection service will start later in the year.

In those areas of the city where wheelie bins have already been supplied the large majority of residents like them (or have got used to them) and find their area's much cleaner.

I have to admit like many others when I heard that the Governments 30 million pound offer to help with the introduction of wheelie bins had been accepted. (It would have been a lot better if the same government had not reduced their funding for so dramatically) but at least now the weekly collection service will be maintained.

However at my own volition  I have been to see how other local authorities have managed when introducing wheelie bins.
Authorities such as Coventry, Sandwell, Tory Solihull, Wolverhampton (many years ago) and Walsall have all coped well with wheelie bins and the residents of these authorities like them In some cases it took a little time to get used to the change however.
Streets in these area do appear to be cleaner than before the introduction of wheelie bins and recycling is much improved.

In Oscott a lot of residents have genuine concerns about the introduction of these wheelie bins and these was not helped by some trying to magnify those concerns for their own aims.

However because of these concerns and to try and forestall some of the teething problems which are bound to result from the change to wheelie bin service my colleagues, Councillors Barbra Dring, Tristan Chatfield along with myself are carrying out site visits in the ward with those responsible for the change over.
We will be looking at hilly area and gardens with steps.

For further details regarding the Wheelie bin roll out program please go to the Birmingham City Council Webb site.

HAWTHORN ROAD TRADERS ASSOCIATION RE ELECT GEOFF HEAPES AS CHAIR

Geoff Heapes was re elected as the Hawthorn Traders Association's, Chairman again at their AGM tonight.

The Hawthorn Traders Association which also has local resident on their committee is well organised by Geoff and his fellow executive officers and all concerned are interested in improving things for the Hawthorn Road Traders and the wider community.

Some of the issue they look at are Shop Watch to try and help reduce crime.
Supporting the Elim Church with their Food Bank and Christmas events.
Parking issues for customers and traders and much more.

WEIGH DOWN RECYCLING BOXES IN WINDY WEATHER.

I have received a number of complaints recently about blue and green boxes being scattered all over the pavements and carriage ways and gardens in the Oscott area. This is the trouble when they are emptied and left on the pavement. The wind gets up and they blow all over the place.

I have even (yesterday) now had one of these boxes blow into my car as I was driving along the Aldridge Road. I have received similar complaints from other residents over the last few months.

I will be asking the Salvage department if they can ask the crews that collect the recycling boxes if (especially in windy weather ) they can after emptying the boxes consider putting the boxes in residents gardens.(if there is ID on the box). However the problem with this is the time it could take?

It has to be said the other problem in windy weather is the amount of litter on our streets due to the paper and so on blowing out of the boxes when they are put out for collection.

997 BUSES NEED TO GO PLATINUM

Residents using the 997 Route may recall when I won my campaign to get this service to replace the old 46 service some years ago it was a great improvement.
I am now as the Councillor Champion for this route putting on the pressure to improve this service again and have it become a Platinum standard service.
This would mean a better standard of bus. New buses with better seats and appearance, with Hi Fi facility and  higher quality bus drivers. The limited stop and route would remain the same.
If I am successful and NX go with this route we should see new more comfortable buses later this year.

Roads in Oscott covered by this route are.
Aldridge Road
Shady Lane
Oscott School Lane
Dyas Road (part)
Old Oscott Lane (Part) 

The 934 is also being considered for Platinum status.
This covers the Kingstanding Road and part of College Road

ANOTHER SUCESSFUL ACTIVITY SESSION AT THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Another successful activity session took place Saturday. A number of hardy Queslett nature Reserve Volunteers turned up despite the cold weather. Light pruning and litter picking took place and a number of ASDA trolleys were removed from the reserve back to their car park.
Thanks to all those who took part.
We also joined up new members. 

Keep an eye open on this blog for the date of the next event expected next month.

The Fiends of the Queslett nature Reserve also look after the interests of the Aldridge Recreation ground and have a Grot squad team who litter pick around the Oscott area from time to time.

If you would like more details about the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

BEECHES ROAD GARAGE DEMOLITION PUT ON HOLD

Due to complaints from some residents the decision to demolish council garages in Beeches Road have been put on hold while further investigations take place. (GARAGES LOCATED JUST OF THE GREEN Beeches Road)
I will ensure all point of view are heard and all options are considered before a finale decision is made.

If you would like to let me know what you think please email me.
Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

LEAKING UNDERGROUND RECYCLING BANKS IN NEED OF REPAIR

It has come to my attention that the reason the underground recycling banks located at the junction of Old Oscott Hill and Oscott School Lane are constantly looking like they are full is because an under ground stream near by has managed to leak into them.
I have called for their repair and sealing as soon as possible and for more monitoring and collection of the  rubbish left next to them until repairs are carried out,

LONG DELAYS FOR COMMUTERS IN NORTH BIRMINGHAM

 A lot of delays for commuters  in north Birmingham including Oscott  the problems are partly due to the motorway as a lot of people are using Queslett Road to get to the Scott Arms & then onto the M6 which is causing problems with the for example the 997 bus service as traffic is building up on Aldridge Road towards Shady Lane & also on re Beacon Road. The poor weather conditions are clearly compounding the matter as are major development works in other parts of the city.

These problems as you may expect are manly at morning and evening peak times. I do not know what the answer is but travellers will need to allow a lot more time for their journeys at the moment.

As you may expect I am asking the Highways department to do what they can to resolve the problems.

THE ELIM CHURCH FOOD BANK OPERATES ALL YEAR AROUND

The Christmas and New Year season of good will has long gone but there are still Oscott residents out there who need all the help they can get.

It is easy to forget some of our neighbours for no fault of their own have fallen on hard times, despite the fact we are now being led to believe all is now wonderful and coming up rosy.

The Elim Church Food Bank is there all year round for those in need who have been referred by Doctors ,social workers and so on.

If you want 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 at: Elim Church Kingstanding, Warren Road, B44 8QD
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12noon – 2.00pm

YOU MAY FIND YOU NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE DIFFERENTLY?

 The way you register to vote may change. you will be sent a letter informing you of the process but I have found the webb site below useful in explaining the process.
If you or a friend or relative are unclear about any changes in registration try the below site it may help

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/electoral-roll-changes

ALL VOTES ARE IMPORTANT IF IN DOUBT TRY THE ABOVE

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE PATHS NAMED

On behalf of the FOQNR Committee I would like to thank all those who sent in suggestions re naming some of the paths in the Queslett Nature Reserve (see post 22nd May).

You will soon find the names chosen which include.
Queslett Way
 ASDA way
Ashworth way
 and Booths Farm way , 
 appearing in the reserve soon.

Naming the paths will not only help those using the reserve but also the emergency services when it comes to finding someone in trouble in the reserve.
THERE ARE ALSO NEW SIGN POSTS INSIDE THE RESERVE.


                                                                                                         

THE NEW NAMES CAN BE SEEN ON THE MAP ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE RESERVE SOON.

There is still time to consider naming some of the smaller paths in the reserve. Any one interested please email me with your suggestions.
Keith. Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
Any suggestions will be considered by the FOQNR committee and will like those above will be passed to the Local Parks department.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 21ST JAN 7PM

At this meeting there will be a chance for Oscott residents to meet Oscott Councillors, Community Group Leaders and agencies like the Police. (Ward Advisory Board and Oscott Police Tasking Group members)
It is a chance to find out what is happening locally and to discuss important  local issues, how the Oscott Community Chest is being spent for example

For this meeting I have asked the Chair ( Councillor Barbara Dring) to invite officers responsible for the way trees are being pruned in the Oscott area.

All Oscott residents are welcome and the Chair will insure everyone  and not just a few get a chance to have a say this is not the case in some area's  I understand?





The meeting will take place at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road
Parking is available at the rear of the building

NEW GRIT BIN FOR THE QUESLETT ROAD NOVA COURT (BOOTHS LANE) JUNCTION

Given recent problems residents in the Booths Lane Bowman Road area have had during the icy conditions getting onto the Queslett Road at the Nova Court Juntion, I am pleased that the Transportation department have agreed to my request put a new grit bin there.
This is currently the only way residents from Booths Lane Bowman Road and so on can get off their estate due to the temporary closure of part of the Booths Lane private road due to redevelopment.

Ice on the slope leading to the Queslett Road makes it very difficult to drive onto the Queslett road.

The residents in this area are already suffering enough problems due to the Taylor Wimpey development but hopefully the placing of a new grit bin at this junction will be some help.

GRIT BIN PATROL OSCOTT WARD

I have been out and about again checking grin bins in Oscott to ensure they have enough grit in them. Most seem fine at the moment but if you know of an empty grit bin let me know and I will chase Amey to try and get it topped up.

Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

Tel 303 2039 (messages)

MISSING LITTER BINS IN OSCOTT

There are a number of litter bins in the Oscott area which have gone missing and need replacing. I have reported a number of locations where they have disappeared but would welcome residents letting me know if they are aware of any litter bins which have disappeared.
Given the complaints I sometimes receive about overflowing bins they must be well used! especially those near local schools.
On a brighter note with the help of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve I have been able to persuade the department to introduce more bins more in or near the Queslett Nature Reserve.

GROT SPOT VOLUTEERS IN ACTION IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Grot spot clean up squad was out yesterday. The team of volunteers try and clean up small areas of land which are covered with letter, cans bottles and so on. I was pleased to join in with their efforts yesterday.
The volunteers are part of the Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve who do such a good job trying to look after the reserve.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION SAT 24TH JAN

The next Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve activity session will take place on Saturday 24TH January (weather permitting) meeting at the Ashworth Road entrance. AT 11AM.
(Please do not obstruct neighbours drives)

This will be another opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get on with some light pruning/maintenance work and litter picking..


Pruning work needs to be carried out earlier in the year to avoid nesting birds.

Please come suitably attired for the weather. Children are welcome under the strict supervision of an appropriate adult.


The FQNR would like to thank the Ranger service for all its help and advice. 

For further information please email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

OVER FLOWING STREET RE CYCLING BANKS

Over the holiday period recycling banks like that located on the Corner of Old Oscott Hill and Oscott School Lane have been well used by Oscott residents. Sadly in some cases so much so that they are over flowing. With this in mind I have been in touch with the Council department responsible asking them to take action to clear and empty the offending sights.

If you have a concern regarding this matter please email me
 Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

RE SIGHTING ACCESS WAY GATES TO STOP FLY TIPPING IN DUNEDIN ROAD

Along with Councillors Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield I have managed to find funding to help residents re locate their rear access way gates to prevent fly tipping.

The rear access way to the rear of Dunedin Road and Kings Road (near the junction of the 2 roads on Shady Lane) due to the position of gates already erected there which was funded by local residents, has for some year attracted anti social fly tipping which has caused the council considerable problems with over spill onto public pavements.
With the re sighting of the gates near the road the problem of fly tipping should be resolved. Action is likely withing the next month or so.

ROADS IN OSCOTT WITH CONCRETE CARRIAGE WAYS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Those road in Oscott which have not had their carriage ways resurfaced should be.
Altough a number have now been resurfaced I have not forgotten those which have not been and will continue to try and gets road like Southgate Road and Felstone (amongst others) resurfaced.
I am in correspondence with Amey regarding the matter and will not the subject drop,

STREET LIGHTING UPGRADE FOR OSCOTT STREETS

Following representations about the quality of the street lighting in some streets in Oscott from your Oscott Councillors, Tristan Chatfield, Barbara Dring and myself,  Amey have indicated the following roads will be upgraded this year. There will be further street lighting upgrading works for other roads next year as well.

Ashgrove Road
Priestfield close * See photo
Burford Road
Oundle Road
Warren Road
Harbeck Avenue
Fairford Road
Idbury Road
Westward Close
Brylan Croft
Gaily Croft
Epwell Grove
Churchdale Road
Wrekin Road.

There will be more next year.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE 21ST JAN ALL OSCOTT RESIDENTS WELCOME TO HAVE A SAY

At this meeting there will be a chance for Oscott residents to meet Oscott Councillors, Community Group Leaders and agencies like the Police. (Ward Advisory Board and Oscott Police Tasking Group members)
It is a chance to find out what is happening locally and to discuss important  local issues.

For example this time I have asked the Chair ( Councillor Barbara Dring) to invite officers responsible for the way trees are being pruned in the Oscott area.

All Oscott residents are welcome and the Chair will insure everyone  and not just a few get a chance to have a say this is not the case in some area's  I understand?

Parking is available at the rear of the building

MY NEXT COUNCILLORS SURGERY JAN 27TH

My next Councillors surgery will be on Tuesday 27th January. The time will be 9.30am and the Venue is the 610 Community Centre.
If you would like to contact me by phone you can leave a message on 303 2039 alternatively you can email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

The work the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve do helps Birmingham to keep its worldwide Biophilic reputation.

Volunteers either in groups or with permission on their own work on the reserve to keep it litter free and to keep the expending bushes back from paths.

The Queslett Nature Reserve is a shinning example of how this city and its residents care about open green spaces and the wild life on them

As the Chair of the FQNR I am proud to be associated with these volunteers and wish them all a Happy New Year.