MERRY CHRISTMAS

May I wish every one a very Merry Christmas

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEERS

As the Chair and Founder of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve Environmental Group I would like to say a big thank you to all of those members who have supported us.

To the Committee Brenda, Bob, Brian, John, James and Linda also to Lee.

To all those who have worked in the reserve on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground or like our little star Brenda carried out litter picking of Oscotts grot spots through out the year.

You have all done a great Job.

May I also wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BIRMINGHAM C.A.B

 

Sadly there is no longer a C.A.B call drop in Centre in Birmingham.

However they can still be contacted see below

 

In your local community  C.A.B

Please note that from 2 October 2017, we no longer offer a drop in advice service at our city centre office in Corporation Street.  
If you need advice after 2nd October, you may contact us in one of the following ways:
• By telephone on 03444 77 10 10
    (9.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday – Friday)

• For debt enquiries only on 0121 214 8367
   (9.00 am - 1.00 pm Monday – Friday)
   or Email: debthelp@bcabs.cabnet.org.uk

• Webchat via www.adviceguide.org.uk
We also provide advice at some GP surgeries.
Please ask staff at your surgery to refer you, or call 0121 214 8354

WELL DONE MAUREEN BYRNE FOR ORGANISING THE OERG XMAS DINNER SO WELL.

I would just like to thank Maureen Byrne for organizing the Oscott Elderly Residents Group Xmas Dinner.
Sadly a few members could not attend due to accidents or ill health but those who did including myself and Councillor Tristan Chatfield really enjoyed our selves.
It was good to see Tristan despite his hectic round of work as a Cabitnet member and his campaign work in Weoley Castle could make it.
Sadly due to the Government Gerry maundering of the Birmingham City Councils Ward Boundaries Tristan has now taken up the mantle of candidate for Weoley Castle. Their gain is our loss.

You can be assured however Councillor Brabara Dring and I will carry on doing what we can to help our fellow Oscott Residents come what may.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP PRE XMAS MEETING WENT WELL

I was pleased to be asked to attend the Oscott Elderly Residents Group Pre Xmas dinner meeting.
I can expect to really held to account at these meetings where tough questions are not held back
They can range from bins collections to benefits and all sorts.
It is always good to meet up with fellow Oscott residents to answer their questions.

NPI BRIAN HAS TAKEN A NASTY FALL ON THE ICE

I was sorry to learn Brian Brooks who works so hard as part of the Oscott Neighbourhood Police initiative (N.P.I.) and the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve Environmental Group has had a nasty fall on the ice.
It would a appear someone shoveled snow onto a pavement where it froze, unlike most of the street which had began to thaw, the pavement near this residents home remained as black ice.

Residents should never shovel snow into piles on the pavement or shovel it into onto the carriage way. Leave in your garden.

Brian is still very shaky and it will take time for him to recover but friends and relatives are rallying round and he is on the mend.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH OSCOTT RESIDENTS ALL THE YEAR AROUND

Councillor Barbara Dring and I as local residents as well as local councilors are always more than happy to listen to the concerns of our neighbours and constituents who live in Oscott.

Like you we know how tough things are now due to the unfair cuts in the Councils funding by the Government and also the cuts in Police and other agencies funding if it comes to that.!

We are not offering quick promises to solve everything we hear about but will continue to do what we can to try and help those who contact us.

We would like to thank those resident who contact us with their issues and all those we meet on our all year around walk about's and visits to elderly complexes and so on. (We do put out occasional leaflets but are aware a constant stream of leaflets can be annoying.)

Living in Oscott and knowing the area well, does help us understand residents concerns but there are always some that we hear about that still surprise us so please keep letting is know your concerns.

You can contact via the many cards we put out, leaving a message on 303 2029 or emailing me on Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk.  Please remember to leave you full contact details

OSCOTT RESIDENTS DON'T BE CONNED

WEELY WHEELIE BIN COLLECTIONS TO BE CONTINUED

Sadly there are some trying to con Oscott residents into thinking Wheelie bin collections are to stop and fortnightly collections will start next year.

Clearly election the election time is upon us and there are some rumours doing the rounds.

It is not the first time the Conservatives have tried putting out scare stories. Remember last year being told out Oscott Libraries were to close.

Most of the residents of Oscott have far to much common sense to be taken in by this type of false propaganda. This is just an attempt by the Conservatives to direct the residents of Oscott attention away from seeing how much damage the current Government is doing to Birmingham.

WHEELIE BINS (except for Christmas day and Boxing day or very bad weather) will continue to be collected weekly in Oscott.

TREE PUNING FOR THE OSCOTT WARD

At the last Oscott Ward Committee meeting Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring Amey Highways confirmed a number of roads in the Oscott ward will have their trees as a result of the Labour Teams campaign foe more tree pruning and replacement in Oscott.

Sadly the recent bad weather has meant a delay to this work being done in some cases. I have asked that the work is carried out as soon as possible following the bad weather.

However this work is to be carried out. If you would like to know if your roads trees are to be pruned please email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk.

1700 HUNDRED TREES IN OSCCOTT ARE DUE TO BE PRUNED AND 200 DAMAGED OR DECEASED TREES WILL BE REPLACED as a result of the campaign by the Oscott Labour Team which is made up of your local Councillors ( we are both LOCAL RESIDENTS)

WE NEED OUR GRIT BINS TOPPED UP

As local Oscott residents our selves both Councillor Dring and I are only to aware of the icy state of some of our roads following the recent bad weather.
Knowing the area so well I was on grit bin patrol just before the bad weather set in to try ensure they had been topped up.
Now following the bad they are nearly empty and I would ask residents to not be tempted to use the grit in them for garden paths and so on.
I have been calling Amey Highways to top up our grit bins ASAP.

KINGSTANDING POST OFFICE CONSULTATION TO TAKE PLACE JAN 3RD

further to earlier communications from the Post Office Management regarding the proposal to move the Kingstanding Post Office from its current location to 7 Kettlehouse Road, Birmingham, B44 9JJ,  to create a modern branch for customers, they have informed me Customer Communication Forum will be held on Wednesday 03 January 2018 at 610 Youth & Community Centre, 610 Kingstanding Road, Birmingham,  B44 9SH.  The session will run from 3.30pm to 7..00pm.

There is no formal presentation and interested parties are welcome to drop in at a time convenient to them to discuss the proposal with representatives of the Post Office.  

If you would like to let either my self or Councillor Barbara Dring  have your views please us leave a message on 303 2039.

OSCOTT SCHOOLS OPENING LATEST

Due to clearing weather it is best to listen to the local radio look on social media or contact your children's school to find out whether they will be open tomorrow.

The following local schools are now likely to be  reopening tomorrow: Streetly Academy, Arena Academy, North Birmingham Academy, Great Barr Primary, Glenmead Primary, Kings Rise Academy, Kingsland Primary... Have yet to find a local school which is closed tomorrow.

REMINDER TO OSCOTT RESIDENTS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR WHEELIE BINS COLLECTED THIS WEEK

PLEASE SEE THE REMINDER BELOW

The recovery plan to deal with missed bin collections during the recent adverse weather on December 11-12 has been announced.

Jacqui Kennedy, Corporate Director for Place, at Birmingham City Council, said:
“Following the recent adverse weather, we have assessed the impact on recent bin collections and are now in a position to confirm our recovery plan for those who have had missed collections.
“Refuse missed on Monday or Tuesday (December 11-12) will be collected on the next scheduled collection together with any reasonable amounts of suitably bagged waste at the side of the bin.  If it is safe to do so, I would encourage affected residents to take uncollected waste back onto their property until this collection.
“In terms of recycled waste, we are fully aware that those missed on Monday and Tuesday will also be missed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Therefore, we are prioritising those missed this week and now plan to collect by next Monday (December 18).  Residents are encouraged to leave this waste out and we will collect it as soon as possible, which may include it being collected this Saturday or Sunday (December 16-17).
“I again apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone affected for their patience.”

OSCOTT SCHOOLS CLOSED TOMORROW DUE TO BAD WEATHER.

Council run Oscott Schools will be closed tomorrow due to weather conditions.
If your child attends an academy contact them for details to confirm whether they are to open or not.
More information can be found by using social media or contacting your school

KEEP PETS WARM IN COLD WEATHER

In cold weather like this please make sure your pets have somewhere warm to be and have a dry warm bed.
Put extra hay/ strew/ saw dust as applicable  in cages and hutches.
 Make sure dogs and cats have a warm dry bed out of drafts.

OSCOTT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BIN COLLECTION ARANGEMENTS

PLEASE NOT THE INFORMATION BELOW

As has been the case for many years going back decades, the council’s crews, who work on all other Bank Holidays (including New Year’s Day), will not operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

This year that means there will be no collections of refuse or recycling on Monday 25 December and Tuesday 26 December.  Attached, you’ll find a simple graphic illustrating the non-collection dates. Please feel free to share and use this from today.  

Anyone due collections on these days will have their household 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 (1 January 2018). 

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. 

As well as general PR and press, we will specifically target wards affected by non-collections with printed adverts in local papers, online, and with electronic advertising which can be pin-pointed to postcodes.   

The city’s five Household Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Monday 25 December and Tuesday 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. 

Other Christmas activity

And from 1 December we started issuing our Christmas waste tips Advent Calendar across BCCs social media channels.  Each day reveals a different tip to help people reduce, reuse and recycle over the festive period.  As in previous years we will also be telling people where they can recycle their Christmas trees. 

OSCOTT WHEELIE BINS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED TOMORROW

Please note

 

The following is a statement about the safety-related suspension of bin collections in Birmingham tomorrow (Monday 11 December 2017).

Jacqui Kennedy, Corporate Director for Place at Birmingham City Council, said:
“Due to the poor weather conditions and the forecast suggesting there will be no improvement by the morning, we are regretfully having to suspend all refuse collection operations for tomorrow (Monday 11 December).
“The current conditions mean it is extremely difficult for citizens to handle their bins and put them out for collection. It would also mean asking our crews to operate large collection vehicles in treacherous conditions. Due to these factors, our decision is clearly one taken in the interests of public and staff safety.
“Plans to catch up this missed work are currently being developed and will be communicated via the council’s usual channels as soon as possible. We appreciate the inconvenience this will cause and would ask for your patience during this challenging time.”

ELDERLY RESIDENTS SHOULD STAY IN AND STAY WARM

With all this snow around I have been ringing some elderly Oscott residents to see if they are ok and to remind them to keep warm and stay in.
No buses are running at the moment.

OUT ON OSCOTT GRIT BIN PATROL AGAIN

I have been out and about again checking that the grit bins in Oscott have grit in them and that they have not been overturned.

I cannot be everywhere and so if the grit bin by you has been over turned or has no grit in it let me know. Please leave a message on 303 2039.

HELP JOIN THE BATTLE FOR A SAFER ALDRIDGE ROAD THORNBRIDGE AVENUE JUNCTION

I am requesting anyone who may have been injured at the above site to contact me or Councillor Barbara Dring with details as I am trying to collate evidence of such injuries. The Police usually have report such injuries but their current information does not seem to match up with reports from residents over the last few years. The Birmingham City Council needs this information.
 

With the Governments Austerity  funding cuts to both the Police and Councils it is more important then ever to battle to get things done with the assistance of evidence. 

I have been campaigning for road improvements to be made at this junction for some time  and some measures like speed indicators have been put in place but hard evidence is needed to have more done.
Can anyone with evidence please email me or Barbara and join the battle.

 

TREES PLANTED IN THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND.

Along with sponsors Birmingham Trees for Life, the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and some very hard working children from the Great Barr Junior school I had the pleasure to help plant some replacement trees in the Aldridge Recreation ground.

Sadly I could not stay to long but I was impressed with how much the children enjoyed planting trees especially on such a cold day.

THE OSCOTT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, ELDERLY GROUP AND NPI ARE HOLDING A DROP IN SESSION ON SATURDAY

The Oscott Neigbourhood Police Initiative (N.P.I) are joining with the Oscott Residents Association and the Oscott Elderly Residents Group, to hold one of their Saturday morning informal drop in sessions. ( They meet informally most first Saturdays in the month same time and place)
Why not pop and  have a cup of tea with them. They can inform you of their groups activities and they can try and help you with your concerns,

Members from these voluntary groups will be on hand at the 610 Community Centre at 10.30am

PERRY BARR M.P IS HOLDING HIS OSCOTT SURGERY ON SATURDAY

Just a reminder that the Perry Barr M.P Khalid Mahmood holds his Oscott surgery this Saturday ( and every first Saturday in the month) at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. The time is 10.30am.

GREEN WASTE REDUCTIONS FOR THOSE WHO MISSED OUT THIS YEAR ON COLLECTIONS

I have been asking what is to happen about a number of Oscott residents who have missed out on green waste collections which they have paid for. Due to the bin dispute

Dear all, 

We are about to start the process for renewing garden waste subscriptions for 2018 and I wanted to brief you on the approach we are taking.   

As I have said on previous occasions, we want to recognise the disruption our paying customers have experienced this year as a result of the industrial action.  As a gesture of goodwill they will be offered a 30% reduction on their subscription for next year if they renew in January. This means they will pay only £28, a £12 reduction on the full price service, for 20 fortnightly collections running from early March to early December 2018.   

We are also offering to deliver a free service in 2018 to those customers who have logged three or more consecutive missed collections this year. 

Communications with our customers is starting now in preparation for sales opening on 1st January.  If you want to discuss the approach for garden waste please do get in touch.

 Regards
 

Lisa

Councillor Lisa Trickett
 

INFORMATION REGARDING RECORDED ACCIDENT INJURY INFORMATION AT THE GREENHOLM ALDIDGE ROAD JUNCTION IS STILL NEEDED.

Sadly there has not been a good response to requests to anyone who has been involved in a road accident which has resulted in a visit to a hospital. This information is urgently need in order for us to inform the Police.
The Police should record this information which can help with evidence to prove the need for junction safety measures.

This junction has had a number of injury accidents and in the past the Oscott Labour Team  managed to get some road safety measures put in place but there needs to be more.

If you have information dates and time when an accident at this junction has resulted in the emergencies being called out and an injury being reported can you please Email me with the information.
I will make sure this information is passed on urgently

My Email address is Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

I am also hoping the Great Barr Observer will help pass on this request for information to a wider audience again

OUT ON OSCOTT STREET LIGHT PATROL

Just back from a street light patrol checking for faulty street light.  I have been pleased to see a couple I reported last week seem to have been done

Some street lights take longer to get fixed it depends on what is wrong with them.
I cannot check all the street lights in Oscott but if you let me know of any you are aware of. I need the lamppost number and nearest house number I am happy to report a faulty street light on your behalf.

Please ring 303 2039 (messages) or email me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk and I will do what I can to get them to sort it out for you.

YMCA BANDYWOOD YOUTH CLUB

Triple A Project

Triple A stands for Aspiration, Ambition and Achievement, 3 values which underpin our youth work. The aim of the project is to raise the aspirations of young people, increase their ambition and help them to achieve their goals. Through this work, we hope to support and develop young people in fulfilling their dreams and becoming active members of the community. Our work includes:

• Centre-based youth clubs and youth work
• Detached youth work
• Life coaching
• Family Work
• Issue-based workshops
• Educational workshops

Our services are available to all young people aged 10-19 years old and we deliver in the following areas of North and East Birmingham:
North
How much: £0.50 entrance fee

Bandywood Youth Club
Where: Emmanuel Community Church Hall, Kingstanding Road
When: Saturdays
Time: 1-3pm

Why not pop in and find out more

CHECKING OUT THE KINGSTANDING POST OFFICE CHANGES PROPOSALS

The Oscott Labour Team and Local Residents Councillor Barbara Dring and I have been out checking that the Post Office  proposals ref the Kingstanding Circle consultations are being advertised and that the new location ( the old HSB bank building) in Kettlehouse Lane are disabled friendly. Both of which are positive.

If you have any views one way or another take a note of the cconsultation details as seen on the Post Office Door and let the Post Office know.

LOOKING AFTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

 

As the Chair and Founder of the Friends Of the Queslett nature Reserve Environmental Group I try and pop into the reserve at least a couple of times a week time permitting.
It is pleasing to see how tidy, star members of the FQNR like Brenda try and keep it.

I spent some solid time checking out the wooden fencing on the western boundary today for possible damage. I as pleased to say it looks ok.

If you use the reserve please keep your eyes pen for and ASB and if you see any contact the Police by using their 101 number.

GREEN HOLM ROAD SCHOOL NEAR BY JUNCTION TO GET YELLOW LINES AT LAST

Following representations from the Oscott Labour Team and the Oscott Schools Road Safety and parking Working Party (which I chair). The Local Transportation department have finally announced yellow lines are to be introduced near the Greenholm School.

A number of resident, parents  and even the School crossing Patrol attendant have been in touch with me and Barbara for some time now about this issue.

Yellow lines (TRO) do not come cheap and there has to be consultation which can take time.

However I have now been informed a contractor has be given the Ok and weather permitting they should be laid down at the junctions of roads near to the Greenhome Road School by the New Year

THE LONG TERM FUTURE OF THE KINGSTANDING SHOPPING PRECINT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED

 

Following the Oscott Labour Teams concerns about the Kingstanding Shopping area and precinct ,both

last year and this the City Council have now done  a survey of Kingstanding Circle, as well as all the other Local Centres in the City. The results showed that the overall vacancy levels in Kingstanding Circle were 13%, which is higher than the average for Centres in the City.

I have asked the Councils Development Planning Manager for the North West of Birmingham, to investigate this matter and to make contact with the Precincts owners so we can understand the issues and their intentions for the site.

 As Local residents  as well as being  Oscott Councillors  who use this site  Barbara and I will await their response with interest as we have more than a simple passing interest. We have the long term future to think of too.

 

FUTHER KINGSTANDING CIRCLE UPDATE

Following my further requests for more information the Post Office have confirmed thatservices  such as  car tax and passport check and send would still be available at Kingstanding Post Office.    The only service not available would be the Biometric Enrolment Service for the Home Office with the nearest alternative branches being Birmingham Post Office and Walsall Post Office.    DVLA Photocard Driving Licence renewal and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence application services would still be available at Kingstanding Post Office. 

Your Oscott Labour Team will continue to keep you posted (no pun intended) as we live in the area and use this Post Office.

We are also asking for the wonderful staff who work at this Post office to be considered.

KING STANDING POST OFFICE IS LIKEY TO MOVE TO KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

Over the last few weeks I have been asked by a number of residents what is going to happen to the Post Office currently located in the Kingstanding Shopping prescient.
I have been making enquiries and along with the rest of the Oscott labour have been asking for the Post Office to be kept "Local"

This is the current update

From the Post Office

Dear  Cllrs,  further to our correspondence with the council in July 2016 regarding our search for a retail partner to take on the operation of Kingstanding Post Office.  This morning we briefed colleagues at Kingstanding Post Office that we are proposing to move the branch from its current location to the vacant retail premises, which was previously HSBC, at 7 Kettlehouse Road, Birmingham, B44 9JJ, where it would be run by our new retail partner.  Through this partnership we will maintain and modernise Post Office services in a location which is approximately 180 metres from the current Post Office branch.  

Our new retail partner, who already operates a Post Office branch elsewhere in the West Midlands, regards the Post Office network as a vital part of community services and has satisfied us that they would be able to deliver excellent standards of customer service in a modern environment, over extended opening hours and successfully operate Kingstanding Branch.  The new branch will be a bright, modern open-plan layout which will include a complete internal refurbishment and incorporate a retail offering of greeting cards, gifts and confectionery. 

We will be inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the proposed move in a public consultation, starting tomorrow, Wednesday 15 November 2017, closing on Monday 08 January 2018.  In this instance we have extended public consultation by 10 calendar days to allow for the Christmas and New Year period. 

 

I hope residents will have their say if they are concerned if you would like me to know of any concerns please leave me a message on 303 2039.
There are naturally concerns about the effect of this move on the prescient but the service will take place just across the Road?

HOW GOVRNMENT CUTS WILL EFFECT KINGSLAND SCHOOL

 

 

 

Kingsland Primary School (NC)

• -£84.7k

  Total loss by 2020

• -£291

  Per-pupil loss

• -2

  Teachers lost

HOW GOVERNMENT CUTS WILL EFFECT THE GREAT BARR JUNIOR SCHOOL

How Government cuts will effect Great Barr Junior and infant School

Great Barr Primary School

• -£43.4k

  Total loss by 2020
  The estimated reduction in the school's annual budget by 2020 in real terms. Find out more about our calculations.

• -£104

  Per-pupil loss
  Amount that would be lost for every pupil at Great Barr Primary School as a result of the reduced budget. The school has 413 pupils according to the Government's school census.

• -1

  Teachers lost

OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN CHECKING ON GRIT BINS IN OSCOTT

Now the weather is getting colder I have been out and about in Oscott again this week checking that grit bins have enough grit in them.

If you are aware of a bin with no grit in and you would like me to try and get it refilled either Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk or ring me and leave a message on 3032039.

THE BIRKENSHAW TO BIRDBROOK ROAD RIGHT OF WAY GETS A CLEAN UP.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I have managed to come to an agreement with a Voluntary group who give the Birdbrook to Birkenshaw Road public Right of way. a clean up and cut back.
Those who use this right of way will have noticed we have managed to get a late autumn clean up.

This is complemented by the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve who do occasional litter picks in the right of way. I always enjoy working with these volunteers to try and keep some of our local grot spots clear of litter.

THE KINGSTANDING SHOPPING PRECINCT NEEDS HELP

The governments Austerity measures and policies are really effecting Oscott residents. Sadly some of their politicians appear to be in self denial and think every thing is rosy?

Just look at the run down state of the Kingstanding shopping area for example.
 Resident are having to use larger shops further afield as in many cases due to the completion and the fact residents have less money in their pockets. They could afford in may cases to use the smaller shops in the precinct and this has not helped.

Luckily the Post Office is still there and shops like Farm Food and Greiggs are holding on.

Given many residents are really feeling the Governments cuts it is no surprise that Charity shops are slowly taking over the units in the area.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I are doing what we can to help ( I have been asking the Economic development section if they can help) but until the Government realise the damage they are causing with their cuts to Local Councils and suppressing residents pay and so on it will be a big job to see any major improvements.

We will carrying on try to help and would urge residents to use those shops that are still in the precinct.

POLICE CARRY OUR SPEED WATCH OPERATION IN OSCOTT

I would like to thank the Oscott Police Team for their Speed Watch operation in the Oscott Ward today.
Councillor Barbara  Dring and I have passed on a number of complaints about speeding in the area to the Police on behalf of local residents.

I hope the measures the Police have been making will be noted and driver will slow down when driving along our busy and often narrow Roads.

I understand where possible warnings will be given to residents seen speeding.

Burnham Road
Old Oscott Lane
Birdbrook Road
are just some of the roads that were looked at.

I will certainly be requesting for more of these operations.

YOUR OSCOTT TEAM ARE INTERESTED IN THE VIEWS OF OUR OLDER RESIDENTS

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I visit elderly residents in the Oscott area when we can to find out what concerns they have.
If you miss us, or have difficulty getting to one of our surgeries, please leave us a message on 303 2039 ( remember 
 


to leave your full contact details.)

NEW TREES TO BE PLANTED IN THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND

Birmingham Trees For Life will be Planting a number of new trees (10) in the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground on Thursday 30th November.

This is a continuation of work carried out last year and should go some way to help replace a number of trees which have been lost for a number of reasons.

Pupils from the Great Barr Primary School have been invited to come along and help plant some of the trees.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve which incorporate the Aldridge Recreation Ground within their remit have also been asked to attend.

The work will be carried out between 10.30am and 11.30am

We Oscott Councillors all support the planting of new trees in the area where appropriate

As the Chair of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve , a member of a scrutiny Committee looking into tree in the city, a Local Councillor for Oscott and as a Local resident I am pleased to see that the recreation ground is to have these new trees.

 

 

 

 

HAWTHORN SHOP KEEPERS ARE BATTLING AGAINS SHOP LIFTERS

As a member of the Hawthorn Road Traders association committee I have been pleased to see how well their Shop Watch initiative seem to be operating in some sections of the Hawthorn Road. It is just as well given the operations of a number of shop lifters in the area seem to be on the increase. Shop keepers are doing what they can by means of cctv and informing each other when seeing known shop lifter in the area but they have a tough battle on their hands.

These shop lifters have been targeting not just large shops in the Oscott area but also many who are only just keeping their heads above water and are by no means rich.

I have been asking the Local Police to do what they can but the reductions in the Oscott Police man/ women numbers cannot be helping but  they are doing what they can in the face of the cuts they have faced due to Central Government.

 

Shoppers can help by informing shop owners or ringing the Police 101 number if they see anyone shop lifting.

WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE AND SADNESS

Wear your Poppy with pride and sadness

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.



For those who did so much we should have so much to thank. NEVER forget.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS HAD A NICE SOCIAL

It was nice to be asked to be quiz master at the Oscott Elderly residents group today as part of their pre -Christmas season fun afternoon

Along with quizzes there were raffles and chance to have a chat and a lovely buffet. All organised by Chair Maureen Byrne.

These events are a great opportunity for older Oscott resident to get out and socialise and make friends. Its a good way to get out of the house for a bit.

I was just please to be able to help out

DONT THROW LIFE RINGS IN THE QUESLETT RESERVE LAKE

It was good to be able to spend an hour or 2 in the Queslett Nature Reserve doing a little light pruning, checking for ASB and meeting some of the reserves users.

The reserve looked fine today nice and clean thanks to the efforts of members of the FQR like John and Brenda.

Sadly for some unknown reason some youths are continuing to put lives at risk by throwing life rings into the lake.

Should the worst happen these youths would have to live with their actions, the Council will not be to blame, the education system will not be to blame it will  down to the person who threw the ring into the lake.
I hope parents will remind their children of the folly of doing that. The Queslett Lake like all standing bodies of water can be very dangerous.

REMEMBER REMEMBER ON THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER

Please remember remember ON the 5th of November.

Please check bonfires for Hedghogs before lighting them.

Let your neighbours know you are going to let of fire works before you  do to give them a chance to call in their pets.

Keep cats and dogs indoors and cover up hutches and so on.

Keep a bucket of water handy if you are having a bonfire in your garden.

Be careful when handling fire works and read the instructions.

Enjoy your self.

EXTRA BAGS PUT OUR WITH BINS WILL NO LONGER BE COLLECTED FROM NOVE 6TH

FOR INFORMATION

Now the crews have caught up with waste missed during the recent dispute
:any  side waste (bags to side of bin) will now only be collected until 6th November. and  that only normal waste be put out. 

OVER A THOUSAND TREES IN OSCOTT TO BE PRUNED OVER THE NEXT YEAR

At todays Oscott Ward Committee Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring, Amey Highways reported that following my campaign they had carried out an extensive tree survey in Oscott an that over one thousand trees were to be pruned over the next year. (1700)
They also reported that over 200 hundred trees in poor health would be removed.

The meeting felt this was a real improvement and we needed to try and ensure the trees were given a good prune.

My campaign has been a long one and with the support of Councillor Barabara Dring I now feel real progress has been made. However I will not be satisfied until even more work is carried out.

I have also joined a Council scrutiny panel looking into trees and this should help compliment my campaign which CARRIES ON

FLY TIPPED RUBBISH REMOVED FROM RODLINGTON AVENUE

I was pleased to be able to ( with the support of Councillor Barbara Dring get some fly tipped rubbish removed from near the entrance to a rear access way in Rodlington Avenue ( see picture and post last Friday)

This was on a one off basis and resident have been advised to club together and purchase some access way gates. (There is a free pad lock (chained to the gates) offer available if they do)

These access gates as long as they are kept locked help prevent anti social behavior , improve security at the rear of properties and help reduce fly tipping.

OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN IN OSCOTT WITH BARBARA

It was good to be out and about again with Councillor Barbara Dring meeting our fellow Oscott Residents today.

As local residents our selves we can easily identify with our Oscott neighbours concerns and are always ready to take them up with the powers that be.
Being a truly local team has a number of advantages which we try and use on behalf of local residents.
...

Clearly with all the Governments cuts to the Councils and Police funding things are much harder to deal with, but we try and help where we can without making any false promises like some do, sadly.


If you have any issues you feel we can help you with please leave us a message on 303 2039

HARE AND HOUNDS NEW DEVELOPEMENT PROPOSALS DISPLAYED

I was pleased today to be able to pop into the 610 Community Centre today to see the new plans for the development of the Old Hare and Hounds Public House which was burnt down last year.

As some may remember following my request for a Planning Committee visit to the site to look at previous proposals re using Rushden Croft as and entrance the previous plans were tuned down.
New plans show an entrance via Kingstanding Road. It is intended that there will be 34 properties including some with 4 bedrooms. There will be flats and houses.

Having spoken to a number of residents asking for their views it is clear parking spaces is still an issue.

Waterloo Housing and Keep Moat were on hand to discus issues raised by local residents who came along to see the display.

Councillor Barbara and myself will keep a watching brief on the situation on behalf of Oscott residents who over look the site.

You have until 8pm tonight to see the display. You can make your comments to the developers or at a later stage on line.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOU VIEWS ON THE NEW BOUNDARY CHANGES

As Oscott residents may be aware following the Governments decision to reduce the Amount of democratically elected representatives (MP's) from 650 to 600 their Boundary Committee has come up with recommendations to put the Oscott Ward into what would become a South Walsal Constituency

I have made no comment on this situation as I would like to hear the views of Oscott residents before I do

For information
After considering in detail all the evidence put forward by responses in both the initial and secondary consultation, and determining what revisions accordingly need to be made to our initial proposals, we are conducting a final public consultation on these revised proposals between 17 October and 11 December 2017. Responses to this will inform our decisions on whether any last adjustments need to be made before we submit our final recommendations in September 2018.

I would suggest that you make your views known, further information can be found on line.
 however from recent experience I would not hold your breath when making views known as more than likely the request from the Governments Boundary commission for your views is more for ticking off consultation check list only ,  However I could be wrong.

Please let me have your views on this subject by Emailing me Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk
Or by writing to me care of the Council house.

As many of you may know Councillor Tristan Chatfield has decided to stand in the Weoley Castle Ward this year. This is due to the Governments boundary Commissions changes to the Local Ward Boundaries which has cut Oscott into leaving just 2 Councillors for the ward. ( there is a cut of 19 in the numbers of Birmingham City Council despite the cities population growing)
Tristan has done a great job for Oscott and will continue to do so until the Local Elections in May
He will also keep his links with the area through his work for our MP.

CYCLISTS NEED TO BE SEEN AT NIGHT

While out and about last night I noticed a number of bike riders of all ages riding their bikes with no helmets or reflective clothing and despite the early dark nights with no lighting on their bikes.

This is dangerous to all road users but particularly the bike riders them selves as they need to be a visible as possible.

I have asked the Local Oscott Police Team  to remind any cyclists they see without lights that for their own safety the need lights on their bikes.

If you have a child or friend who uses a bike after dark please give them a gentle reminder they to be seen at night.

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.

THE LATEST ON THE OSCOTT CAMPAIGN FOR MORE TREE PRUNING AND A SENSIBLE TREE REPLAEMENT PRORAM

As part of my campaign to try and get Amey Highways to look again at their tree pruning program and to start replacing some of the huge numbers of old over grown trees in the Oscott Ward Councillor Barbara Dring and I have visited a number of roads.

Amey Highways agreed to survey all the street trees in Oscott and as a result dozens of trees which were found to be deceased have or will be removed and replaced, which is a start.

Both Barbara and I are intending to continue with this campaign and the next step will be Amey Highways attending the Oscott Residents Committee meeting of the 26th of October at the 610 Community Centre, starting at 7pm. (To be Chaired by Barbara.) Amey Highways will be giving us their current update and will listen to residents concerns about trees.

This meeting is open to all Oscott residents.

DOG OWNERS PLEASE NOTE

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

NEW DOG CONTROL MEASURES INTRODUCE TOUGHER FINES

New dog control Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) come into effect across Birmingham today (20 October 2017), with increased fines for dog owners who fail to control or pick up after their pets.

The five orders currently in place make it an offence for a dog owner or anyone in charge of a dog to:

• Not remove their dog’s waste
• Not keep their dogs on a lead on roads, footways and adjoining verges
• Allow their dog into clearly demarcated children’s play areas or school land
• Not place their dogs on a lead when asked to by an authorised officer
• Take more than four dogs at a time onto any public land.
• Failure to respond to a fixed penalty notice can result in prosecution. There will be exceptions for assistance dogs.

For more information, please visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/dogcontrol

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A recent press release

llr Barbara Dring, Chair of the city council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: “The introduction of dog control orders has enabled us to successfully prosecute irresponsible dog owners for not controlling their pets or picking up their mess.

“However we still  receive high numbers of complaints about dogs, particularly around dog fouling, which is why the fine has been increased from £80 to £100 – the message is simple, pick up or pay up.”

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I am sure the vast majority of dog owners will welcome this information. You can deposit dog waste in litter bins if it is wrapped up. There are more litter bins in Oscott then ever.

FLOODING ISSUES NEED TO BE DEALT WITH

During one of our regular Councillor Barbara Dring and I noticed how many ponding ( flooding) issues there are in the area at the moment.

I have been reporting these ever since and will continue to do so as not only can residents be splashed but this flooding could lead to accidents
If you are concerned about this issue please let me have the details and I will do what I can to help.

MORE GRAFFITTI PAINTED ON LOCAL PUB WALL

Sadly there has been more offensive graffiti painted on the Kingtanding Public House Walls.

With the support of Councillor Barbara Dring I have now put in a request for its removal ASAP.

Some asked me the other day why I bother my reply is because I live in Oscott and want to see it look as nice as possible as do many other residents.

OUT WITH THE FQNR LITTER PICKER SQUAD IN OLD OSCOTT LANE

I was pleased to be out and about again despite the rain to do a mini litter pick with the dedicated Friends Of the Queslett Reserve Environmental Group. This time in Old Oscott Lane.

It may have been wet but another green area was picked clean of litter and rubbish.

We are looking for dedicated volunteers who are prepared to roll up their sleeves to help keep the area clean.
If you are interested Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham,gov.uk

OSCOTT FLY TIPPING BACK ON THE INCREASE

I

There seems to be another Speight of Fly Tipping going on in Oscott.

A number of rear access ways ( which are usually owned by and are the responsibility of residents them selves) seem to be targeted.

Residents with rear access ways need to make sure they lock gates if there are any and remind neighbours, rubbish should not be dumped in these rear access ways

Where their are no gates neighbours need to club together to buy some.
Along with the Osoctt Neighbourhood Police Initiative ( N.P.I.) volunteers I can help arrange for a free lock to be  fitted ( attached by a welded chain to the gates.)

These gates offer security from non resident fly tippers who often come from other areas and from anti social behaviour

There is no excuse for fly tipping as the Holford Drive waste recycling Centre is only minutes away for the Oscott area and the Council offer a competitively priced bulk collection service.
Fly tipper need to be caught, fined and named and shamed.

5 STAR AWARD FOR BENNY'S DINNER

When out and about with Councillor Barbara Dring we were pleased to see Benny's dinner Kingstanding Road have received a 5 star notification for food hygiene and safety.

As Barbara  who is Chair of the Licensing committee explained to me "our officers do no award these without a full inspection they are not that easy to receive"

Well done Bennies Dinner