FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LITTER PICKERS ARE OUT AND ABOUT

Some of the The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve volunteers now carry out litter picking in other areas of the ward as part of a Grot squad team.

Many thanks for their efforts we could do with more of you. 

Today in the face of very windy weather they were out having a go in the Darleydale Avenue area.
True roll up your sleeves and get on with it attitude was shown today.

WEEKLY RUBBISH COLLECTION TO REMAIN.

 In attempt to dispel another "rumour now been put around regarding the refuges collection being moved to a fortnightly collection  shortly after wheelie bins are introduced..

I have now contacted the Birmingham City Council deputy leader who has informed me about the Governments contract with Birmingham City Council regarding the issue.

Keith

The Council has an agreement with DCLG, in return for Capital Investment of £30m to transform refuse collection in the city. The Council must keep a weekly collection of residual household waste for a minimum period of 5 years (2012-2017).  The Council can only change this arrangement i.e. move to fortnightly collections with the consent or agreement of the Secretary of State.

Regards

Ian

Councillor Ian Ward

Deputy Leader of the Council

ALL WEATHER PITCH IS NEEDED BY CARDINAL WISEMAN COLLEGE

I would like to wish good luck to all those at Cardinal Wiseman who are trying to gain permission and funding for improving the playing area near the school. They are trying for an all weather pitch suitable for games such as Tennis, Hockey and Football.
If they could get this pitch it could also be available for other schools in the area to use.
The FA are in support of the idea and I am doing what I can to help speed up the process by pushing the Councils Education department on behalf of the school and its supporters, to do what they can to help.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER TO VOTE

Why should I register to vote?

Registering to vote isn’t something most people think about outside of election time.
Not sure why you should register to vote? Don’t think it’s important? 
In this section you can read some of our top reasons why you should register to vote. 

If you don’t register, you can’t vote! 

If you don’t register, you can’t vote – it’s as simple as that.
To vote in any UK election, you have to be on the electoral register. It’s easy to register.
In England, Scotland or Wales, you can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

YOUR OLD DUSTBINS CAN BE GOT RID OF

When the Wheelie bins are started to be emptied in Oscott  (June) there will be an opportunity for anyone wishing to get rid of old dustbins or blue and green boxes.
They can be taken away on request.
However you may wish to keep on bins and boxes which can be used as water butts, (if adapted com posters)  and in the case of the boxes for storage.

The Wheelie bin delivery is due to start soon in Oscott

Please also see my post re flexibility dated 09.03.2015

BEWARE OF FIRE IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

The recent grass fire in Sutton Park shows that despite the fact it has not been particularly dry recently his sort of fire can take hold quickly when it starts.
With this in mind and given the spring and summer are on their way I would like to remind everyone that motor vehicles (unless given permission) and barbeque's are not allowed in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Patrol leaking from and motor bike engine or a stray spark from a barbecue can have serious if not dangerous effects in a reserve like the Queslett Nature Reserve.

I AM ALSO ON TWITTER

Just a reminder although I very rarely  use Face Book I do use Tweet regularly.
https://twitter.com/KeithLinnecor

However if you want to raise an issue with me it is best to Email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

I do not pretend I can resolve every issues I hear about especially during this tough times when the Council is having to make unwanted cuts and changes due to the Government reducing their funding to the Birmingham City Council, however I do try and help where I can.

YOUR PERRY BARR MP'S 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 April 4th. 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


Your MP can deal with many issue including those concerning the NHS, Benifits claims, employment issues, and a whole range of others.

AMEY NEED TO DO BETTER

At yesterdays Oscott Ward Committee meeting Amey Highways (the private contractor given the 25 year contract to upgrade and maintain our roads in Birmingham by the previous Council administration)  were left in no uncertain terms by Oscott residents and Councillors that we feel their work in a number of cases in the Oscott area (tree pruning readily springs to mind) is not felt to be good enough.
The Committee jointly felt that a strongly worded letter needed to be sent to Council Chiefs and Amey's top officials to inform them that the tree pruning carried out in this area was not up to the standard residents expect.) we await their reply with interest.

NO THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IS NOT FOR SALE

I have been asked by a number of concerned residents "is it true they are selling the Queslett Nature Reserve for housing"?
Having investigated this rumour has come about due to a for sale sign appearing at the corner of Old Horns Crescent opposite ASDA, behind the metal palisade fencing.

The land for sale is not part of the reserve (as can be seen in the maps now on the signs near the reserve entrances.

The land is in face a small piece of land at the front edge of the reserve near the corner of Queslett Road and Old Horns crescent. I understand it was an old storage yard for the Council some years ago.

The Queslett Nature Reserve has SLINK status meaning it is protected.
The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and your 3 Oscott Councillors will continue to protect this land for the future of all.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE 18TH MARCH

 There will be a meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee on Wednesday 18th march at 7pm at the 610 Community Centre. Kingstanding Road.

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.

HOLFORD DRIVE PERRY BARR WASTE REYCLING CENTRE INFORMATION

I have been asked a few times this week when the Holford Drive Salvage department is open and where is it.?
Holford Drive is off the Aldridge Road left hand side when heading towards town no more than 10 minutes from anywhere in the Oscott area by vehicle.

The opening times are as follows (allow your self plenty of time as it can be busy at this time of year. and avoid peak times if you can)
The service is free for Birmingham house holders. Recycling

• 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
• Recycling facilities
  
  
  They 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.
  Please do not put gas bottles (full or empty) into the metals skip.  Please use the special area provided for gas bottles.  If in doubt, please speak to the staff on site who can advise.

How to access the sites if you have a van or large trailer - permits

Our staff are happy to help - please ask if you need assistance when you get to the site

1. Our access control system will be applied to vans, pick up trucks, mobile homes, vehicles without seats and trailers greater than or equal to in size 1.83m x 1.22m (6' x 4')
2. Check your waste is acceptable (your own waste and recycling)
3. Check your preferred site is accessible for your vehicle - 2.1m height limit on all sites except James Road, Tyseley
4. Visit your site - no pre booking required - a permit will be issued on site providing you meet the criteria
5. If your vehicle type, residence status and waste are acceptable your vehicle details will be recorded and you will be issued with a 12 visit/one year entry permit for that vehicle
6. One visit will be given for vehicles in cases of genuine doubt, until status can be established
7. Please note that trade and commercial wastes and non Birmingham residents are not permitted entry to the Houshold Recycling Centres

Please call our 24 hour recorded information line 0121 379 8010 for more details.  Or email us directly at birminghamhrc@veolia.co.uk

For more general enquiries please call 0121 680 2000.

 

IF YOU SEE ANYONE DUMPING RUBBISH REPORT IT  303 1112

GREENHOLM ACADEMY SCHOOL PRE PLANNING PROPOSALS MEETING

The Birmingham City Council and the Greenholm Academy school are inviting parents and local resident to attend a Pre Planning meeting.
This will take place on.
THURSDAY 12TH MARCH BETWEEN 16.30 AND 1800.

Plans will be on display and the architect will be there to answer any questions regarding the proposed extension to the school

CYCLE LANES ARE NEEDED IN OSCOTT

With the increasing popularity of cycling in mind I have called upon the Transportation department to look at considering introducing cyle lanes in appropriate areas of the Oscott Ward.

One road for example I have asked that they look at is Kings Road.
A cycle lane along this road could link up Queslett Road and the Kingstanding Circle to the North Birmingham Cycle Rout which runs through Banners walk and Brookvale park and so on before heading towards the City Centre.

GENUINE CASES OF DIFFICULTY WHEN IT COMES TO MOVING WHEELIE BINS MAY BE LOOKED AT AGAIN

I have now had it conformed that if a resident in the Oscott area finds after the wheelie bin collection service has started there is a genuine difficulty in their managing to move their wheelie bins to and from to the edge of their pavement, the Salvage department after a suitable time ( following the collection and emptying of the bins start  in June) will look again at the situation. Garden lay outs will be considered.

HAWTHORN ROAD,KINGSTANDING ROAD DYAS ROAD JUNCTION TRAFFIC LIGHTS NEEDS SORTING OUT AGAIN

Once again I am receiving a number of complaints regarding the Hawthorn Road, Kingstanding Road, Dyas Road junction, Traffic lights.
The phasing and time delays once again seem not in sinc with the level of traffic from various directions.
I am yet again calling on the relevant engineers to look into a resolve these issues as a matter of some priority. Motorist are rightly getting frustrated at the timing of the lights at this junction.

OSCOTT SCHOOL CROSSING PATROLS RETAINED

As the elections approach I have no doubt that we in Oscott will at some point get miss leading material put through our doors.
With that in mind i will take this opportunity to inform Oscott residents that their Oscott Councillors have been for some years now been doing what we can to protect school crossing patrols in Oscott. (I have also been calling on schools to contribute to there cost.)
We have now learnt that no priority school crossing patrols will be lost in Oscott.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD UPDATE COOPERATION ALL ROUND IS NEEDED

Sadly due to the condition of the Burford Road Playing Field grounds following extensive fencing work the main entrance gates to the car park are having to remain closed at the moment.

The alternative to closing the gates would be given the softness in the ground extensive damaged being done by cars parking. Any such damage could lead to major parking issues in the future.
Currently parents of the clubs using the site are having to pick up and drop of their children in Burford Road and Stowell Road and this is leading to some conflict with local residents who can not park out side their homes for a few hours over the weekend.
I am asking parents to be considerate and not park over residents drives and if possible allow their children to walk further to and from the site when being dropped off and collected.

I have asked the Police to monitor the parking situation and the Councils Street Cleaning staff to monitor the state of the pavements. I have also contact representatives from the club using the facility,asking they remind parents of the problem and they are doing so.

I am in constant touch with the Education department (who own the site) regarding the need to open the gates for match days and have been assured when the parking area has dried out and is in a better condition parking will again be allowed on the site. However I have informed them this must happen as soon as possible even if is only a section of the car park at the moment.

I appreciate the frustration residents must feel when it comes to not been able to park near their homes at times but the end result should mean along with hopefully Village green status if we manage to get it?, a site which will be open to the public for many years.
I think further cooperation and Patience is needed all round and I would like to thank all those who are being patient  at the moment.
If residents find their drop curb is being obstructed they can ring the Police on 101.