TREE PRUNING IN OSCOTT

I was pleased to see some catch up tree pruning has begun in Oscott there is still a lot to do however to catch up on weather delayed work.

Different trees are pruned differently and it has been agreed if there are any concerns an inspector will at the appropriate time take a look.

Sadly some further delay is taking place where cars need to be moved from below the trees being pruned. These trees may have to be done at a later date in some cases.
Pruning is likely to carry on through out the spring and early summer.

At the end of the process officers will be happy to discuss any concerns with local residents.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CAME ALONG TO MY COUNCILLORS SURGERY

Thank you to all those who came to my Councillors surgery yesterday. I will do what I can to help but as I explained in these days of deeper and deeper Government led cuts may issues will not be easy to deal with.

HELP LOOK AFTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Now the light nights and hopefully better weather is approaching I hope residents start to enjoy the Queslett Nature Reserve for pleasant walks and so on.

However please remember

Don't disturb the wild life
There is no fishing  allowed.
Please do not start any form of fires.
Take your litter and dogs mess home.
Don't use motorized vehicles in the reserve.
If you see any suspicious  or anti social behaviour please inform the Police by using the 101 number.
Join the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and help look after the reserve.

MY NEXT COUNCILLOR SURGERY WILL BE ON 27TH MARCH

My next Councillor's surgery will take place on the 27th of March. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre and the time will be 9.30am.
The centre is wheel chair friendly.

If you have any issues you would like to discuss with me I will look forward to seeing you.
I do not make promises but will try and help if I can.

I this time and date are not convenient you can always email me on Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2039.

I do carry out home visits for those with genuine issues with getting to my surgery.

GROT SPOTS GIVEN A CLEAN

Have been trying to get a number of grot spots cleaned up this week. For example the Sarsdale Road to Brushfield road right of way, the Lingfield Road to Tresham Road Right of way and the bushed area near the Kingstanding Library for example.

MEETING OSCOTT RESIDENTS

Meeting our fellow Oscott residents is something Councillor Barbara Dring and I do every day because WE LIVE in Oscott and being a councillor hear is not just a job to us.

We do not pretend to have a magic money tree or to solve all the issues we hear about but we do what we can to help our fellow residents during these times of constant government cut backs.

We do our best to tell residents as it is.

MEASURES TO STOP PARKING TO CLOSE TO DYAS ROAD CROSSING

I am pleased to hear that the Transportation department will now be drawing up plans to help prevent parking on or near the new Zebera crossing on the Dyas Road near the crossing later tis year.

In the mean time O would request motorists to not park on or behind this crossing as it is dangerous to do so.

PARKING AND ROAD SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS IN OSCOTT

I would really like to thank those Oscott schools who took the effort to come along to the Oscott Schools Parking and Road safety working party working party last week

All schools the Schools in Oscott were invited to send a representative along to meet up with the Local Police, Fire brigade and other interested party's to discuss the common problems on the subject.

There are no magic solutions but the schools are all given the chance to discuss their problems regarding road safety and parking they have to  deal with

We have made some progress but much more still needs to be done but those schools who came along and the other agencies all felt the meeting was worth while.

If your school did not attend the meeting last week and as a parent of neighbour of the school you may wish to remind them to attend the next one.
By working together we are more likely to make progress and help keep children safe.

I would also like to thank the Hawthorn Junior and infant school for their hospitality.

There will be a chance for residents to be updated or have an update on the Working party at the next Ward Committee.

SOME OSCOTT RESIDENTS SHOULD CHECK THEIR POLLING STATION DETAILS

Oscott residents should be aware that due to the Governments Boundary commission changing electoral wards across Birmingham including OSCOTT this year  a number of residents may find the polling station they may have voted at has changed.

I would advise that you check you polling station details when you receive your polling card.

Please don't waste you vote.

THE ATTACK ON THE 610 COMMUNTY CENTRE WAS A DISCRACE

As many Oscott Residents will know there was a break in at the 610 Community Centre recently where not only theft took place but also wanton vandalism.

This attack on our young and old  who rely on this facility was a disgrace.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I who hold surgeries there and have tried to support the centre like many residents have been disgusted by what has happened. knowing how hard the staff at this centre wok however we are confident they will put right the damage and get on with things.

We are aware how fully stretched out Local Police force is due to the cuts in their funding but we will asking them to do what they can to catch those responsible.

“Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting crime number 20BW/50170K/18.”

SOME OSCOTT RESIDENTS MAY HAVE TO USE A DIFFERENT POLLING STATION

Some Oscott residents may find their polling stations have changed when they go out to vote. ( YOU MAY HAVE TO GO TO A DIFFERENT ONE)
It is best to check the location on your polling card.

Please also pass this on to friends and neighbours.

GETTING POT HOLES DEALT WITH

Given the particularly freezing weather we have had recently it has been inevitable more pot holes should appear on our streets.

 As many residents already know Councillor Barbara Dring and I regularly report pot holes to Amey the Highways the private contractor given the contract to do this work by the previous Council administration for 25 years, ( someone got a good deal didn't they! ) who deal with the problem of road maintenance.

 Reporting pot holes is a bit like painting the fourth bridge you go around reporting them and when you have finished there is more to do

 

 If you have a concern about a pot hole and would like me to pass the details on than email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov alternatively phone me on 303 2039 (messages) or if you have one send back one of my return cards.

 

 Please however let me have the location (nearest House number) of where the pot hole is and I will do my best to get it sorted out.

OSCOTT'S BOUNDARY HAS CHANGED AND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE FOR 2 COUNCILLORS THIS TIME

When out and about on the street I am still finding some Oscott residents who do not realise the changes the Governents Boundary Commision have made to ward boundaries accross Birmingham including Oscott.

Many Oscott residents for example are not aware that THEY WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE FOR TWO CANDIDATES NOT ONE AT THIS YEARS LOCAL ELECTION IN MAY.

Both Barbara Dring and I clearly hope our residents and neighbours will vote for and RE SELECT BOTH OF US. As we are your local team who will fight on behalf of Oscott for better things and to try and lesson the effects of the government Austerity cuts.

Any Oscott residents who would like to sign up and help our campaign please ring me on 360 6486

CAT LITTER DISPOSAL

Just a reminder
I would like to confirm that the BCC Waste department will take away cat litter as long as it is securely bagged and in a reasonable amount as part of a collection in the wheelie bin ( black bag) (not wet which would make it heavy for example.)

CHECKING ON GRIT BIN LEVELS DESPITE THE SNOW.

I have been out and about again despite the snow checking that the grit bins in Oscott have grit in them.

The ones I saw were ok.
This grit should only be used for our road some please use the grit just for that.

If the grit bin by you is empty please let me know Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk and Councillor Barbara Dring and I will try and get it topped up for you.

HOW TO CONTACT ME WITH A CONCERN

I would just like to remind Oscott residents using this blog both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are on Face Book and Twitter.

However if you want me to try and help you deal with a concern please only use my Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk, Phone me 303 2039 (messages) 0r write to me c/0 the Birmingham City Council House B1 1 BB.

I am always will to try and help if I can but often issues MAY take a number of attempts to resolve and there is no magic wand.

DONT WALK ON THE FROZEN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Don't try and walk on (or let your dog run) on the Queslett Nature Reserve Lane. Like most open water it can be very dangerous to walk on when frozen. Its best to keep off it for your own safety. it could kill you or anyone trying to save you.

Please leave floatation rings in place they are not toys and may help save some ones life.


Dress for the weather tell someone your going and enjoy a brisk walk around the reserve but keep away from the lake.