REMINDER DOGS MUST BE CHIPPED BY WEDNESDAY APRIL 6TH

Owners must chip dogs or face fines



A new law means dog owners have until  Wednesday (6th April) to chip their pets or face a possible £500 fine. So far, more than a million have not been done.
 It is said that chipping the creatures could cut the £57m-a-year councils and charities spend caring for and rehoming lost or abandoned dogs.

More importantly it helps those owners who love their pets to find them should they get lost.

MY NEXT COUNCILLOR,S SURGERY WILL BE ON THE 26TH APRIL

My next Councillor's surgery will take place on the Tuesday 26th of April at 9.30am.
The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. ( the venue has wheel Chair accessibility)

I continue to make home visits for those with mobility issues and if you cannot make my surgery you can contact me by
Emailing Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk
Writing to me C/O the Birmingham City Council House Birmingham B1 1BB

Or ring me (message's) on 303 2039

However you contact me please remember to leave me your full contact details.


I cannot make any promise's but I will try and do what I can to help you. I would rather try and fail, than not to do what I can to help. Some issues may  need a number of efforts to resolve.

UP DATE ON POLICE CHANGES IN OSCOTT

At a meeting of the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking Group (NTG) yesterday Local Community Group Leaders were informed that, residents should not notice any real difference when it comes to Policing in the Oscott Ward following the Local Police Team now having to use the Handsworth Police station to log on duty.

The Local Oscott Team will travel to the Oscott Ward to do their usual neighbourhood Policing Role.

*The Local Police team will continue to meet with Local Community Representatives and other agencies at the Kingstanding Police station on a monthly basis.(at the NTG meetings)

* The Local Police Team will continue to attend Oscott the Ward Advisory Board and Ward Committee meetings,

* The Local Police Team will continue to assist the Oscott Community Speed Watch.

* The Oscott Police Team intend setting up local Police Surgeries again ( where the public can go along to meet the Police)

The Kingstanding Police Station back offices will continue to be used for the foreseeable future. Sadly the station will not reopen for public use. ( sadly this is already the case)

Members of the committee were assured that the Oscott Neighbourhood team would in fact be given more choice in the vehicles they can use and will have the added advantage of being able to work more closely with other near by units.

The huge amounts of cuts over the last few years in the Police funding from Central government (which has forced a number of changes and fewer officers) seems to be much more worrying.

I have asked that the changes be monitored carefully.

4 OSCOTT SCHOOL LANE PROPERTIES TO BE TAKEN BACK INTO THE CONTROL OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Following my representation on behalf of local residents I can announce that the 4 boarded up properties 2 to 8 Old Oscott Lane, which were formally a doctors surgery and a health centre are to come back under the control of the Housing department.

These 4 properties were formally leased to the NHS Trust but the lease has now run out and the Council intend to, as funding allows, turn them back into 4/  2 bedroom properties for the use of residents in need of accommodation.
 There is a large waiting list for properties in the Oscott area and this news will be welcome.

SPEEDING ON THE LOWER END OF KINGSTANDING ROAD NEEDS MORE ACTION TO DEAL WITH IT

Speeding on the Kingstanding Road Between the Traffic Lights and Hawthorn Road is another of those difficult problems to solve. Over the years we have had a 30mph speed limit introduced as well as speed indicators. I am also regularly in touch with the Police and the Speed Watch Team who monitor the road when they can given the cuts they to have had.
I am currently asking the Transportation department to re look at the situation and have suggested a number of other ideas for them to consider. Speed camera's at this location they have informed me highly unlikely given the type of road and the cuts in the number of these camera's because central government wont help fund them. I will however keep trying to get a change of mind on this issue.

I will continue to press for safety measures along this part of the road and reminded them of the parking issues on this road generated by the Royal Mail sorting office and the building work going on at the Goodway Nursery. This is another of those battles I will not drop.

These sorts of problems just go to show how huge cuts in  Police and Councils budgets just does not help the situation.

THE KINGSTANDING CIRCLE CARRIAGE WAY MAY BE CLOSED FOR UP TO 5 NIGHTS

Carriageway Surfacing

Works Start Soon

 

What’s Happening, Where and When?

 

What:              Carriageway Maintenance – Kingstanding Circle

                       

Where:            Roundabout at Kings Rd and Kindstanding Rd

                  

When:             Expected start date during the week ending 13/5/16

 

How long:       Approx. 5 nights between the hours of 2000hrs to 0600hrs

(for updated start / finish dates see yellow signs at either end of the road)

 

Parking and Property Access

A road closure will be in place and access to your property will be restricted. Amey must ask that vehicles are not parked on the road during the works. Vehicles obstructing their works will be relocated to an adjacent street by Mansfield Recovery, with no charge. Please contact Mansfield direct on 0870 6003444, if your vehicle has been removed. Amey understand that vehicle access may be essential for some medical / personal reasons.  If you need to get a vehicle to your property during these works please ask Amey personnel on site or call 0121 303 6644.  Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

 

Traffic Information

Details of any bus diversions that are in place can be found at

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/. 

Alternatively you can visit your local Travel Shop or call 0121 254 7272.

 

Works Information

The condition of the existing road has been assessed and Carriageway repairs will be taking place.

The opening description in this letter says where the works will be taking place as we do not always include the whole road length. 

Amey have apologised for any inconvenience caused as a result of this necessary road maintenance and they will endeavour to complete the work with as little disruption as possible. Amey would like you for your patience whilst we work to improve your city’s streets.

 

Like when any maintenance work takes place to road carriage ways delays and interruptions must be expected in the short term but this carriage way does need do and I am posting this with the hope that it will give road users time to think of alternative routes for their journeys.

YELLOW LINES FOR NEAR GREENHOLM SCHOOL AT LAST

                                                                                                                                                     

After years of campaigning by the 3 Oscott Ward Councillors, Tristan Chatfield, Barbara Dring and myself along  with and on behalf of local residents ,the finale hurdle to having Yellow lines laid down at the junction near Greenholm School has been overcome.

I hope along with the bollards put in opposite the school recently  this will help ease the safety issues for the children from Greenholm school and ease the parking problems for local residents. I will also continue to monitor the situation.

 

When it comes to parking near schools there is no magic wand but I hope these measures which should be introduces by the start of the autumn term will help.

 

 

 

MY NEXT COUNCILLORS SURGERY 22nd MARCH

My next Councillors surgery will be on Tuesday March 22nd at the 610 Community Centre. Start time 9.30am
If you cannot make this time and would like to inform me of a problem please either leave me a message on 303 2039 or email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

OSCOTT WARD MEETING TONIGHT 7PM AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE - PARKING PROBLEMS NEAR SCHOOLS

At to days (17th March)  Oscott Ward meeting there will be a chance for Oscott residents to have their impute into the Oscott School Parking initiative. WE want to hear your concerns.

All concerns will be passed on to the Transportation department,  Police and Schools as appropriate.

We do not pretend to have a magic wand but I certainly believe this is a  frustrating growing problem and it needs looking into to see if what may help the situation.

If You cannot make this meeting please email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk. and let me know your concerns (don't forget to leave your contact details)

If you have not done so already it may also be worth while contacting the school involved to inform them of the problem you have and asking what actions they are taking to try help ease the problem

I will continue to ask all the schools in Oscott to do their part and to help understand the frustration and problems there are when it comes to a minority of parents and staff who are parking in an inconsiderate way.

BRIDGET NEALE R.I.P

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bridget Neale recently.

Bridget was one of those lovely people who really cared about her community and other people.

For a number of year she worked tirelessly to help organize the Oscott Elderly Residents Group and to make every member welcome at their meetings.

She  helped many local residents with her friendly words of advice and friendship. She will be sadly missed.

Her loved ones have my deepest sympathy.

TRYING TO CREATE A WILD LIFE OASIS IN OSCOTT WILL NEVER BE EASY

I have been out and about today in the Queslett Nature Reserve with a BCC Ecologist officer looking at how it could be made better for local wild life, like hedgehogs, bats, owls  and amphibians for example.

There is a lot of work hard work to do but with the support of the brilliant Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and the good will of those who care on the Birmingham City Council, it, can be done.

A reserve like this is needed for the future generations to come in order that they can enjoy the wild life it will hopefully one day have in it.

The FQNR volunteers are a rare breed of people more interested in rolling their sleeves up and getting something done than just complaining.

With their help in time the Queslett Nature Reserve could become a real oasis in a mass of urban development.

NEW STEP OVER CROSSING FOR DYAS ROAD AGREED

AS a result of a petition I handed into the Council last year calling for a step over crossing to be placed on the Dyas Road near the Old Oscott  Lane end,  it has finally been agreed this is to happen.

The finale stage of reports to committees has now been carried out and the new step over is due to be put in during the summer.

Residents have been calling for this crossing as this road can be very busy and many residents need to use the local shops located on the corner of Dyas Road and Old Oscott Lane. Many school children also use the bus shelter near this spot.

This step over will be similar to the one at the other end of Dyas  Road near the Aldridge Road junction.
It will enable those wishing to cross the road to go half way and then to be protected by the refuge. This will also have the effect of narrowing the road which will slow up traffic.

I would like to thank all those residents who signed the petition and also my Ward Colleagues and the NPI for their support.


Please also note my post dated 3rd Feb.

OSCOTT WARD COMMTTEE MEETING 17 MARCH

Just to remind Oscott residents if they would like to come along to the next Oscott meeting it will take place on THURSDAY 17TH MARCH. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre and the start time will be 7pm.
The main items on the agenda will be trees, a report regarding parking near schools in Oscott and news from the Local Police team

In Attendance with be Councillor Barbara Dring, Councillor Tristan Chatfield and myself.

If you cannot get to this meeting but would like to raise an issue with me please email me on
Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk.

ALDI QUESLETT ROAD DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Although Aldi have held a consultation meeting and attended an Oscott Committee meeting to out line their proposals for developing land on the corner of Old Horns Crescent and Queslett Road, near the ASDA,  I have been informed by the Birmingham City Planning Department NO PLANNING APPLICATION HAS GONE IN.

There have been some visits to the site and pre application discussions may be taking place however and I understand the Planning department are discussing possible concerns with the developers.

Residents have passed on a number of views to me some in favour of the current plans and some against. Those against have concerns regarding,  traffic, parking, competition  and environmental issues. Any one with a concern can contacted the Planning department.

This site however is NOT part of the Queslett Nature Reserve but clearly the interests of the reserve must be considered.

THE OSCOTT GROT SPOT VOLUTEER LITTER PICKERS IN ACTION

I would like to thank all those resents who joined the Oscott Grot Squad team helping to clean up litter trouble spots in Oscott Yesterday.
Team member John took dozens of bags of litter to the Holford drive salvage depot as a result of the work done by the Grot Squad. We would also like to thank Councillor Tristan Chatfield for also coming out in support.

The Grot Spot Team litter pick small areas of the Oscott Ward where there is a problem with litter and we encourage residents to join in.

My fellow team leader Brenda and I hope to set up more of these events and if you would like to become involved please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk for details.

The Grot Squad also has the help and assistance of the FQNR, NPI  and the Oscott Residents Associations

PROTECTING OUR HEDGEHOGS

At last weeks Planning committee I asked about safe guarding the declining number of humble Hedgehogs much to the amusement of some of the committee members.?

However I am pleased to find out that  a new Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document  is currently in the early stages of drafting, and is expected to be approved in 2017/18. This document will include guidance for planners and developers on safeguarding hedgehogs during site clearance/construction and will identify where new developments should include measures to maintain and enhance habitats for hedgehogs, for example, by installing “hedgehog-friendly” fencing between new gardens.

While there is an urgent need for new housing in this city there is also a need to safe guard the city,s ever declining wild life to. I will do what I can to ensure both happen in as much harmony as possible.

THE OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TASKING GROUP

The Neighbourhood Police Tasking Group is made up of the Police Local Community Leaders, Council officers and my self representing the Oscott Ward Committee.

Having attended the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking meeting last week it is clear that there has been a increase in crime in the Oscott area( over the last 12 months)  for the first time in a number of years
There has been a spike in the number of burglaries, shed break ins and thefts from cars.
This is possible due to the cuts in local police funding resulting from cuts to Police funding generally from the Government for the last few years.

This is despite the excellent work done by the Local Police Team , Neighbour Hood Police Initiative and Neighbour hood Watch.

The message to Oscott Residents is the Police cannot be every where,
Lock your doors and windows
Keep valuables out of site (those within your car)
Do not leave you car keys in the home where they can be easily found.
Keep a light on at night when you go out.
Keep on eye on your own property and don't forget to do the same for your neighbours.
Lock rear gully gates
Lock sheds
If you see or hear anything suspicious ring the Police.
Join the Neighbourhood Watch and Neighbourhood Police Initiative

At the Oscott N.P.T.G meeting parking issues and ASB was also discussed. The Police are look into a number of issues and will be reporting back to the next meeting

THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE LARGE TREE REPLACEMENT IN OSCOTT BUT A START HAS BEEN MADE

While I am happy that Amey Highways have started to remove and replace some of the large street trees in Oscott, Atlantic Road, Anstey Road, Birdbrook Road and Birkenshaw amongst others it is still not enough.
These extra removals have only come after months of campaigning with meeting and petitions from local residents which I have presented to the Council.

At the next Oscott Ward Committee on the 17th of March to be Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring (With Councillor Tristan Chatfield and myself in attendance) there will yet another opportunity for Oscott residents to discuss tree issues.

In the meantime I will be continuing to stress to Amey Highways the need to carry on with this phased removal and replacement program. Many of you will know this is something I have been arguing for many years,

Your 3 Oscott Councillors and the Perry Barr MP will also be pressing for better (harder!) tree pruning.

I am very supportive of having trees in our roads but they must be the right sort and well maintained.

CARRIAGE WAY MAINTENANCE FOR OSCOTT SCHOOL LANE COMING SOON

What’s Happening, Where and When?

 

What:              Carriageway Maintenance – Oscott School Lane

Where:            Shady Ln To Old Oscott Hill

When:             Expected start during week ending 15/4/16

How long:       Approx. 10 nights between the hours of 1900hrs to 0600hrs

(for updated start / finish dates see yellow signs at either end of the road)

 

Parking and Property Access

A road closure will be in place and access to your property will be restricted. Amey must ask that vehicles are not parked on the road during the works. Vehicles obstructing their works will be relocated to an adjacent street by Mansfield Recovery,with no charge. Please contact Mansfield direct on 0870 6003444, if your vehicle has been removed. Amey understand that vehicle access may be essential for some medical / personal reasons.  If you need to get a vehicle to your property during these works please ask Their personnel on site or call 0121 303 6644.  Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

 

Traffic Information

Details of any bus diversions that are in place can be found at

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/.  

Alternatively you can visit your local Travel Shop or call 0121 254 7272.

 

Works Information

The condition of the existing road has been assessed and Carriageway repairs will be taking place.

The opening description in this letter says where the works will be taking place as we do not always include the whole road length.  

Amey apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this necessary road maintenance and they will endeavour to complete the work with as little disruption as possible. Thank you for your patience whilst Amey work to improve your city’s streets.

 

Along with my Oscott Councillor colleagues I have put in a number of requests for repairs for this road and am happy to see at last Amey are carrying our maintenance on this road.

 

I will do what I can to get this work done as soon as possible.

 

If you need further information please ring 303 6644

 

                                             

 

 

 

THE FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE DAY

                                                                

As usual a dedicated band of volunteers turned up and rolled their sleeves up to tidy up the Queslett nature Reserve last Saturday.

Tree pruning was undertaken and litter was picked up from various locations in the reserve. Sadly there was some evidence of graffittee in the reserve which the FQNR have asked the Rangers to deal with.

 A number of people passing by stopped for a chat and for information about the reserve. We also had the help and advice of a ranger.

As the Chair of the FQNR I would like to thank all those who came along

HELPING OUT AT THE FIRST OSCOTT DE CLUTTER DAY

Given the snowy windy conditions today I was happy to help out as part of the ) Oscott de-clutter day.
The Housing department helped arrange for skips to be placed at the end of East Mews and Ashgrove Road and residents from near by were invited to fill them with their rubbish.

Both sites filled their skips with all sorts of unwanted rubbish (in some cases I am sure some of the rubbish may have ended up just cluttering up local streets.

Things like cupboards, mattresses, old wood, chairs and settees found there way into these skips.

Sadly the skips turned up a bit late but were on site to 3pm.

Officer were on hand to help elderly resident and also to advise what could and could not go in the skips.
I was just pleased to be able to help.

THESE EVENTS ARE ONE OFFS BUT WE HOPE TO ARRANGE OTHERS AT DIFFERENT LOCATION.