Happy 2017

I would like to wish a Happy New Year 2017 to everyone

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

MAY I WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

ELIM LIFE CHURCH FOOD BANK IS SADLY STILL MUCH NEEDED AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas Meal – Elim Life Church  aim to put on a high quality meal for our Food Bank clients with a small gift for the family. Christmas can be a hard time for those in need . I can vouch from my own visit and discussing matters with those who attended the meal it is a real relief for many families.
It is sad that in this day and age that these food banks are needed but unless the Austerity tactic to solve the countries ailments is re thought about  and changed, I fear they are hear to stay.

I would like to thank those volunteers who work all year around and at Christmas to help many who are in real need.

ABOUT THE NEED FOR A FOOD BANK

In Kingstanding many people are living on the edge of poverty ( there are also a number in the Oscott area). National statistics show that 34% of households in Kingstanding with dependent children have no adult in employment – this is more than double the national average. 31% of adults are claimants of main benefits and 50% have no qualifications.

All it takes is a sudden, unexpected event – a bereavement, illness, redundancy – to throw people into a genuine crisis. This is where the Food Bank can literally be a lifeline to families and individuals who find themselves in this situation.

The Food Bank provides 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  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.

What can you do?

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 Life Church Kingstanding, Warren Road, B44 8QD
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12noon – 2.00pm

OR use the Collection Point at Tesco Express, Hawthorn Road

OR look out for one of their special collection days at the Co-Operative, Hawthorn Road or Asda, Queslett Road.

HAWTHORN ROAD PAVEMENT IS IN NEED OF REPAIR

During one of my regular street Walk about's today I spotted and reported a number of pavement and bollard defects on the Hawthorn Road. These pavements are near shops and need to be kept in better order.

If you are aware of any possible  trip hazards in the Oscott area please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS SUPER OSCOTT XMAS DO

It is always a pleasure to be asked to attend the Oscott Elderly residents Christmas " do". They arrange a lovely turkey dinner with all the extras.

 
 


Club members (including  myself) help to pay for the meal by fund raising and raffle's. Maureen Byrne and her helpers do a wonderful job raising money all year around.
It was also great to see Councillors Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield there helping to keep the fun going.

IT IS A SHAME THERE NEEDS TO BE A SOUP KITCHEN IN OSCOTT

Sadly it is this time of year when the Austerity cuts we all hear about kick in for many people. However for some the cuts they have faced in their benefits and so on last all year around.

Even in Oscott there is a need for a soup kitchen which runs all year around and not just at Christmas.
The Seventh Day Adventists volunteers  operate a soup kitchen for the vulnerable and those struggling to make ends meet, every Wednesday lunch time at the 610 Community Centre.
They do a great job for the community.
Lets all hope for a better New Year for all.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENT GROUP SOCIAL CLUB MEETING DOES JUST THE JOB

I always enjoy attending the Oscott Elderly Residents social club meetings. Tea and light refreshments are available £1.50.

There are raffle's, guest speakers, and a chance to have a good chat with new friends .
It helps elderly residents to get out of their homes to meet friends.
They also arrange the odd trip a Christmas do and exercise session.

The volunteers who organise the club do a great job.

RESIDENTS FROM OSCOTT OVER 55 ARE WELCOME TO JOIN.



For more information ring 675 8019

DESERVING VOLUNTEER WINS OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENT GROUPS RAFFEL FIRST PRIZE

It was pleasing to see Brian Brookes (NPI coordinator) has won the Hamper raffle prize at the Oscott Elderly Residents social club meeting.
A nice hard working volunteer. Well done to club Chair Maureen Byrne for making such a success of the raffle.

OUT CHECKING GRIT BIN LEVELS

I have been out and about again today checking grit bin levels just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. Luckily all the bins I checked were ok which meant there was no need for me to contacted Amey Highways.

If you know of a grit bin which is low on grit and sad ( in the Oscott Ward) let me know please.

Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov .uk.

Also please remember the grit is only for the public highways.

MARY VALE ELDERLY RESIDENTS PROJECT HAVE A GOOD TIME

It was good to see young and not so young enjoying the Mary Vale Elderly residents  project Christmas meal. Youngsters from the area sang carols much to the delight of group members while they tucked into their Christmas meal.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who do such a good job

AGE UK BIIRDBROOK GET THEIR ROAD CLEANED

Following my recent visit to meet the users of Age UK Birdbrook Road I have managed as they requested to get the road swept out side their centre. It now good now and their concerns about the leaves and litter being a trip hazard has been resolved.

 I understand the litter bin I got for them out side the centre last year is well used to.

CORBRIDGE AVENUE TO HAVE TREES PRUNED IN THE SPRING

I am pleased to confirm again, that Amey Highways have informed the Oscott Labour Team and myself, that the trees in Corbridge Avenue are to be pruned in the spring of 2017.

Amey Highways are also considering replacing a small number of the large trees in that road.
I would like to thank those resident who have been in touch with me regarding this matter.

This is another small step in the right direction where my campaign for a sensible tree replacement and pruning program for the Oscott Ward is concerned.

Along with the Oscott labour Team I will continue the battle.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE THEIR VIEWS ON THE COUNCIL BUDGET KNOWN

Birmingham City Council’s vision for the future is for a city of growth in which every child, citizen and place matters. And, in planning  the budget for 2017–18, every view matters.
The views of Oscott residents are needed as part of this.

The council faces unprecedented,  huge reductions in government grants, an increase in costs and increased demand for services especially for adult social care and care for children.  Make no mistake these problems are massive

The BCC budget consultation paper sets out the proposals they have come up with to meet this challenge.

This online survey includes questions about:

•           Which services are important to you.

•           Your views on next year’s rate of Council Tax.

You can choose whether to comment on all questions, or just those you select.

Specific groups of service users will also be consulted where appropriate.



Other formats:

If you would like a copy of the Budget Consultation document in another format, please email: budget.views@birmingham.gov.uk

If you’re not able to fill in the survey online, you can let the BCC know what you think by email or post.

Email: budget.views@birmingham.gov.uk

Post: Budget Views 2017, Room M49, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB.

These are very tough times there are no easy answers and the views of Oscott residents may help.

As ever I am always interested in the views of Oscott resident whether they be about the budget or any other issues. To contact me please Em Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk.
Clearly I cannot resolve all the issues I hear about but I try to help if I can

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

There has been yet another accident at the Aldridge Road green Road Thornbridge Road Junction. This time 5 cars with one injury. Clearly this is not good enough and I will be urging action be taken to deal with this black spot.
In the past I have helped along with the Oscott Labour Team get step over crossings, carriage way markings, signs and speed indicator signs. However I have always said this is still not enough.
Thanks to the government it is very difficult to get speed cameras but my on going campaign for traffic lights at this junction will continue. The issue of inconsiderate parking also needs to be considered.

If you would like to help me with this campaign please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

SAFETY WORK CARRIED OUT AT OSCOTT SUB STATION DYAS ROAD

Pleased to have finally got Western Power to replace and repair gates and part fencing at their Dyas Road Old Oscott Lane junction. Hopefully this will prevent children putting them selves at risk climbing into the grounds of the sub station.

UPGRADING THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Anyone using the Queslett Nature Reserve recently will have seen some of the improvements which have been carried ( there are some which are harder to notice)

Amongst the improvements are better paths. These have improved surfaces, they will be easier for disabled residents to use and have improved drainage.
There are extra sign posts, litter bins and some logs to sit on.

The edge of the lake near the viewing platform has been widened to allow better views of the lake and its wild life.
An emergency entrance gate at the Ashworth Road has also been installed.

Things you may not notice are the addition habitat improvements. Cutting back of invading shrubs,killing off Japanese Knot weed. addition bird , bat and hedgehog homes.

Next year the Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve hope to continue their good work

If you would like to become a member please email me Keith.Linnecor@brimingham.gov.uk

AGE UK BIRDBROOK ROAD WHERE THE ELDERLY CAN ENJOY THEM SELVES

It was great to pop into the Age UK Birdbrook Road day Centre yesterday .
The residents were certainly enjoying their meal and opportunity to mix and socialize.
These Centres are manned by dedicated volunteers who definitely care about those who use the centre.

The elderly need all the help they can get and especially at this time of year. If you have an elderly vulnerable neighbour please keep an eye on them or even offer to do a bit of shopping for the for Christmas?

ALDI PLANNING APPLICATION QUESLETT ROAD RESIDENTS HAVE UNTIL FEBUARY TO SEND IN COMMENTS

Subject: Application Number 2016/09132/PA  Proposed retail store with parking and landscaping at Old Horns Crescent, Great Barr.

As many residents are aware Aldi have re submitted their planning application with some modifications for the Queslett Road site.

Following my discussions with the Planning department they have confirmed that although the

The neighbour notification letters to residents were sent out on 5^th December. The letter asks that residents try and give us their views by 5^th January (a week longer than the 21 day period they would normally give due to the festive season ) there will be an opportunity for anyone wishing to give their views on the subject after that and I have been assured those views will be taken into account.

 

I had already asked that this application be brought before the Planning Committee and this was agreed. The meeting will not take place until at least February. This means residents and community Groups have until then to comment.

 

I would however still suggest you try and get your comments to the Planning department by 5th January.
I would also like to confirm the land in question is NOT part of the Queslett Nature Reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

FESTIVE SEASON RUBBISH OR RECYCLING COLLECTION INFORMATION

As is normally the case, the council’s crews, who work on all other Bank Holidays, will not operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day (or any Bank Holidays when either of those two particular days are at the weekend).

 

This year that means there will be no collections of refuse or recycling on Monday 26 December and Tuesday 27 December. 

 

Anyone with collections on these days will have their household waste bins picked up one week later and their recycling bins will be collected two weeks later.

 

All other collections remain unchanged, including those on Bank Holiday Monday (2 January 2017).

 

During the festive period, it’s recognised that many households produce more waste. So, for those with wheelie bins, reasonable amounts of household waste will be collected if presented in bags at the side of the bins.

 

Excess paper and card recycling will be collected if bundled securely with string and presented alongside the recycling bin.

 

The city’s five Household Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Sunday 25 December and Monday 26 December) – but will be open on all other days. And for residents thinking of making a trip to the tip, they can also ‘view the queue’  through webcams set up to monitor the entrances to each site.

 

 

PERRY BEECHES ACADEMY CHIDREN WORKING FOR BETTER ROAD SAFETY

I am pleased to be working with children from the Perry Beeches Academy on trying to improve road safety and parking near their school.
The children are working on a petition and survey about the issues of Road safety and fly tipping/ litter. I will be doing what I can to help.

CEDAR CHURCH XMAS FETE WAS WELL ATTENDED

It was great to be able to attend the Cedar Christmas fete. They could not tempt me to try out skating on the rink they hired for the day but I did meet father Christmas and local children really appreciated their early gifts

Well done to the organisers and volunteers for putting on a great event which was enjoyed by so many.
Ps I was reliably informed it was the genuine Father Christmas  making a special early appearance.

OSCOTT GROT SPOT LITTER PICK TEAM IN ACTION

Along with some other members of the Oscott Litter picking Team (Organised by the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and myself) I helped with some litter picking on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground and near the Aldridge Road entrance to the grounds, today

NEW TREES FOR THE ALDRIDGE RECREATION GROUND

I had a pleasant tree planning session with members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve ( including Brenda and John, who also help look after the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground and other local open spaces in Oscott).

Also at the event where 10 trees were donated for planting by Trees for life were children from the Great Barr Junior school (Who did most of the work) member of the Birmingham City Council, Councillor Tristan Chatfield and Trees for Life.
                                                                                          

THORNBRIDGE AVENUE AND THORNCLIFE ROAD ARE TO HAVE THEIR CARRIAGE WAYS RESURFACED

At long last Thornbridge Avenue and ThornClife Road, are to have their carriage ways resurfaced.
The Oscott Councillors Barbara Dring  Tristan Chatfield a myself have battled for this for a long time on behalf of residents and motorists alike.

I recieved a letter from Amey Highways about 18 months ago assurring me the Thornbridge Road carriage way road surface was to be done now I have been informed at the Oscott District Committee recorded and live streamed that the work will be carried out in January.

I will be reminding them of this on a regualr basis until the work is done.

LIGHTS REPAIRED IN FORGERS WALK TUNNEL

I was pleased with the help of the Oscott Residents association I have been able to get the Forgers wark tunnel lighting repaired and with the the Oscott councillors we are trying to fund improved lighting on Oscott approach to it.

I was pleased with the help of the Oscott Residents association I have been able to get the Forgers walk tunnel lighting repaired and with the Oscott councillors we are trying to fund improved lighting on Oscott approach to it.

This area has a poor reputation due to it being poorly lit now hopefully residents will have more confidence when using It at night

THE KINGSTANDING SHOPPING PRECINCT

The Kingstanding Circle looks very sorry for itself these days. Many of the units are now empty including the chemist.
The owners of the precinct need to give it a revamp. The Council needs to see if there is anything they can do a residents need to use it more.
It is a great shame it is trapped between a large ASDA Store at the Queslett Road and large retailers near the Beggars bush.
 The problem of to many take always in the area has been partly addressed with the Planning Committee allowing a smaller percentage of these per shopping area but there does need to be more variety of shops. It is not easy for a trader to start up in these days of intense austerity however.

The last time it was given a real upgrade was when European funding was available for shopping area's some years ago. This was many used for near by pavement and safety work with the help of the then Traders Association.

I am trying to get the Council to look into the situation but with all the cuts in their funding from Central Government there are no easy solutions.

FORGERS WALKER WALK TUNNEL NEEDS BETTER LIGHTING

There have been a number of complaints regarding the approach to the Forgers Walk tunnel at the bowman Road end does not have enough lighting. With this in mind the Oscott Councillors are looking for funding to try and improve the situation. We hope to encourage the Housing department to look into this.

With regards to the tunnel itself I am attempting to get Amey Highways to replace broken lights in it. Residents need to feel more secure at this time of year when the nights are getting longer when they use this tunnel.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR FLY TIPPING

There is no excuse for fly tipping. Holfod Drive Waste Disposal site is still free of charge to take rubbish to. Anyone caught fly tipping should receive the absolute maximum fine available.
Why should decent residents  or for that matter the Council have to deal with fly tipped rubbish

Desford Avenue is one example. I am calling on the Birmingham City Council to take more action to prevent fly tipping and to prosecute the offenders . A CCTV camera needed  in the area as are more signs. They should also consider a name and shame policy

ELIM LIFE CHURCH SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS

The Elim Life Church Warren Road will be welcoming Father Christmas on Saturday  10th of December from 12 noon to 4pm.
There will be mince pies, non alcoholic wines and carols as well as father Christmas and his grotto.

All children will receive a free gift.

Why not pop in.

Adults I understand are welcome if under the strict supervision of a child?

THE OSCOTT TEAM FIGHTING FOR THE LONG TERM FUTURE OF OUR LIBARIES

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are not only Oscott Councillors but we also live in the ward. We have both always had a vested interest in looking after our libraries.

Along with Councillor Tristan Chatfield we have worked hard behind the scenes for a long time to help ensure modernization of both the Kingstanding and Perry Barr Libraries have taken place. We have also fought to keep the Perry Barr Ward library at Tower Hill open to.

This has not started over night and we are the only local team to have battled to keep these Oscott libraries on a regular basis.

Unlike some this is not just a quick stunt we are in it for the long haul and are now working with local MPs and other organisations to try to ensure the long term future of these libraries.

If you also want to support us in looking after Oscott libraries please email me on Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

THE CEDAR CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET.

There will be a Christmas Market held at the Cedar Church Lambeth Road. B44 9NR

This will take place on  Saturday 3rd December between 11am and 3pm.

There will be a skating rink
Donkey and pony rides
stalls
crafts
raffles

I have also been told Santa and his elves will be making a special appearance.

                                                           ADMISSION IS FREE

THE CEDAR CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET.

There will be a Christmas Market held at the Cedar Church Lambeth Road. B44 9NR

This will take place on  Saturday 3rd December between 11am and 3pm.

There will be a skating rink
Donkey and pony rides
stalls
crafts
raffles

I have also been told Santa and his elves will be making a special appearance.

                                                           ADMISSION IS FREE

BOOTHS LANE DEVELOPEMENT WORKING PARTY TO MEET SOON

As any regular reader of my blog will be aware along with members of the Oscott Residents Association (north section, all are un paid volunteers) I attend occasional meeting of the Booths Lane Development  working party.
This is where we meet with Planning Transport officers and senior representatives from Taylor Wimpey (the developer) to try and iron out issues raised by the pubic regarding the development.

On or agenda is trying to move forward the position relating to the opening of Booths Lane, and issues relating to the site such as dust and traffic.

I have been out today with Councillor Barbara Dring to look and find out about the site but as usual I am always interested in residents views. If you have an issue please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

OSCOTTS RECYCLING BANKS NEED TO BE EMPTIED MORE.

Overflowing paper and bottle banks does not encourage residents to use them and recycle more
I am continuing to try and get the Council to empty them on a more regular basis.

I was pleased to be part of the move some years ago to have underground bottle banks placed in 2 locations in Oscott however they need to be monitored more now.

THIS YEAR THE HEDGEHOG NEXT YEAR ?

Looking for suitable sites with water retention for improving the reserves wet land with John Wilson


I have spent a busy few weeks working with other Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve on various projects.
This year has certainly been the year of trying to improve the lot of the poor old struggling Hedgehog

Next year however we hope to see the fruits of our preparations for improving the Queslett Nature Reserve habits for amphibians and reptiles come to pass.

As part of our preparations for  with the help of Vice Chair John Davies (and others including our brilliant ling parks ranger) potential wet land improvements are being tested and looked at.

Anyone with thoughts on the Queslett Nature Reserve or who would like to become a volunteer please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk.

Once again a big thank you to all those volunteers who have been helping this year.

MORE HEDGEHOGG HOMES FOR OSCOTTS NATURE RESERVE

Have been

with the help of the hard working Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve team putting in Hedgehog Homes in the Queslett Nature Reserve.

Look after our hedgehogs by checking any bonfires before lighting them

MEETING OSCOTT RESIDENTS OUT AND ABOUT

It was good to be out and about again today meeting residents in Oscott. This is one of the things both Councillor Barbara Dring and I enjoy doing.

I certainly find being out and about meeting residents. listening to their concerns or suggestions for the Oscott ward more enlightening then sitting in a nearly empty hall listening to some over complicated new idea being put forward.

I like to think residents do care about their community and by meeting them on the street in their homes they feel better able to tell things as they are and they can get things off their chest.

BTFL TO PLANT 10 TREES IN OSCOTT

There will be BTFL tree planting event at Aldridge Road Recreation Ground, Oscott on the morning of Wednesday 30th November 2016.  This event is being part funded by the Woodland Trust.   

Pupils from Great Barr Primary School, will be joining in to help to plant ten trees. 

 

LET ME KNOW YOUR VIEWS ON HOW TO IMPROVE OSCOTT

As a local Councillor for Oscott I am always on the look out for good idea's which will help the Oscott area and its residents.

This is one of the reasons I am about so often meeting local residents or giving them one of my cards. I also understand most residents simply have not got the time to attend meetings to discuss issues and have to listen to bureaucratic  twaddle in many cases. ( although we have tried to improve some of those held in Oscott)

If you have any thoughts on how to improve Oscott please let me know by sending in one of my cards writing to me  care of the Council House, leave a message for me on 0121 303 209 or email me on Keith. Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk. ( Don't forget if you have one of my ward Colleagues cards sent them into them to they want to hear what you have to say)

I never make a promise in these tough times when there so many cuts in funding but I will listen to or read what you have to say, do what I can and pass on your views where they should be heard.