PROBLEM DRAIN OLD OSCOTT LANE GETS CLEANED OUT

It was good to see despite it getting dark the Drain near the Oscott Lane Dyas Road island was being emptied..
Councillor Barbara Dring have been chasing up this issue for some time.

FLY TIPPED RUBBISH IN DESFORD AVENUE

I have been out and about in places like Desford Avenue reporting fly tipping and littering.

THE NEXT OSCOTT WARD COMMITTI MEETING WILL BE ON MARCH 14TH

The next Oscott ward Committee meeting will take place on March  14th at the 610 Community Centre at 7pm.
All Oscott residents are welcome to attend.
To be Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring.

The Police have been invited to this meeting if your would like to discuss any issues with them

R.I.P CONNIE WESTLEY

Just heard Connie Westley has passed away. She had not been well for some time.

Conninie was a loverly caring lady who I have had the honour to know for many years. My deepest sympathy goes to her sons Peter and Chris.

R.I.P Connie

FREINDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

As the founder and Chair or the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve environmental Group I am proud of the work its members do.

We have moved on from just having an interest in only the reserve and now do what we can for open spaced and grot spots in the ward.

We continue to  look after wild life, litter pick, carry out lighting pruning in the reserve and have become its eyes and ears with members reporting issues of concern in it.

We also do what we can to keep an eye on other open spaces in Oscott, the Perry Beeches Nature Reserve the Aldridge Recreation Ground and Glenmead field for example. We do however need more volunteers to help.

We also carry out grot spot litter picking in the ward.

Our next activity session with be on march 16th at 11.30am. We will be meeting at the Old Horns entrance. Nay help we can give to improve our environment must I hope improve our battle against climate change.

SLABS ON THE BEECHES ROAD CENTRAL RESERVATION COULD BE DANGEROUS

Last year I managed to get the slabbed section of the central reservation on Beeches Road weeded as they were out of control. Sadly now the slabs in some sections on the reservation( the slopping section) have sunk and have become lose and sunken. They could slide onto the carriage way and with this in mind I am chasing Amey to put them right.

THE MARYVALE SUNSHINE CLUB BRING A RAY OF SUNSHINE TO THE COUNCIL HOUSE

At times in what is becoming a sad time with people bickering and this that and the other.
Having said that there was a little ray of sunshine at the Council house yesterday when the Sunshine Club from Mary Vale Centre in Oscott came along to the Council house.

 They made themselves at home and after a tour I managed to help arrange for them and they took over the Council chamber. they gave both Councillor Dring (who was able to pop in to see them) and I a real roasting about... a number of issues. Luckily one of their members took on the role as acting lord mayor and from that seat of power helped protect me from the worst of the storm.

 I think we all found it enjoyable as did I and would certainly like to see them back in the chamber as it was a real breath of fresh air. 

 The group with their brilliant volunteers all made their own way to the Council house and it really was a real pleasure to meet many of them again. It was a real pleasure and an honour to have helped them enjoy their day out and to be asked to sit next to the Lord Major for the day.!

THE DAMAGED FENCING AT THE CORNER OF DYAS ROAD AND OLD OSCOTT LANE HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED.

I am pleased to be able to report the damaged fencing on the corner of Dyas Road and Old Oscott Lane has been replaced.
This fencing was damaged in a car accident and has been a real eye saw for some despite my constant urging for it to be replaced As soon as possible.
However on inspection today I can say it would appear that the workman have done a good job.

THE TRE HURST YOUTH CLUB HAS RE OPENED

Some good news for a change and I am glad to be able to pass it on.

The youth club at the Trehurst has re-opened.

Every Monday evening 6.00 to 8.00 p.m.
Young people aged 8 to 18
...

Youth leader Daryl Hill
Trehurst Community Centre
Trehurst Avenue
Off Beeches Road
Great Barr
Birmingham B42 2PA

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HOLD ANOTHER LIVELY MEETING

I was pleased to be able to attend the Oscott Elderly residents Group meeting today.
 It was with sorry that we were reminded  another of the regular members has passed away. Brian Stevens was a regular attender of these meeting and always had an opinion at the Councillors Question and answer sessions.

Today under discussion was the Waste collection service, the universal credits mess and local devolvement.

The OERG are looking for new members, they hold monthly meeting with raffles, light refreshments, talks and occasion trips.

Chair Maureen Byrne did a splendid job.

THE WEDNESDAY SOUP KITCHEN IN OSCOTT IS STILL NEEDED.

I would like to say I was pleased to pop into the 610 Community Centre today to meet 
The Seventh Day Adventists volunteers  who 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.

However I was not pleased because although these brilliant volunteers to a great job, it means this service is still needed due to the uncaring policies of this government.

BIN DISPUTE UPDATE REMINDER

I will continue as I have been  to urge that this dispute is settled by all parties through negotiations. Everyone should remember the problems this dispute is causing residents and that it is as a result at the end of the day of the government and their cuts to the Birmingham City Councils funding.

Changes to bin collection contingency announced

Published: Tuesday, 12th February 2019

Changes are being made to the contingency plan drawn up for bin collections in Birmingham as industrial action continues.

The impact of the action has been monitored, and to ensure reliability of service until the dispute is resolved, a fortnightly service will be temporarily offered, starting on Monday 18 February.
Under the revised plan, citizens should present both of their bins on the day their recycling bin is normally collected. Anyone unsure of their collection day can find out when this is by visiting the council website “check your collection day” page.
The bins should be presented in the usual way (recycling in the recycling bin, household rubbish in the general waste bin).
As part of the contingency, crews will dispose of the content of the bins in the most effective way possible to meet the number one priority of citizens – clean streets.
This may mean the general waste and the recycling are mixed and put into the back of the same collection vehicle, but only where a separate service is not possible.
The waste will be collected any time from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so residents are advised to leave their bins out if they not picked up by the usual collection time.
During the dispute, a reasonable amount of “side waste” (2-3 sacks) can be presented alongside bins when put out for their temporary fortnightly collection.
The city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) offer an alternative option for citizens to dispose of all types of waste including recycling. Before any visit, residents can check opening hours and view the queues at their nearest HRC by clicking here.
Cllr Brett O’Reilly, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Waste and Recycling at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are determined to resolve the dispute and have had extensive talks with Trades Union colleagues via ACAS. But until we reach a resolution we must do everything we can to minimise the disruption to the people who live in Birmingham.
“Based on the effect of the dispute so far, we have reviewed our original contingency and are now putting forward a plan that fits with the staffing resource we have available.
“I know the fact that we may not be able to recycle as much as we did before will be of concern to residents who are keen to do their bit for the environment, but our top priority has to be that of citizens overall – clean streets for Birmingham.
“We thank those who are committed to throwing away as little waste as possible and look forward to ending this dispute so they can resume their recycling.
“I would like to apologise for any missed collections that anyone has experienced so far. We are striving to deliver the first-class refuse service the citizens of Birmingham deserve.”
For more information on how to best manage your household waste, visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk/waste

BATTLING AGAINS FLY TIPPING AND LITTER IN OSCOTT

I am still battling against the tide of fly tipping. This time its thanks to the cleaning crew for a fast response in some local right of ways. residents are keeping @BarbaraDring and myself busy at the moment.

AS SIMPLE AS THAT

CHANGES TO BIN COLLECTION CONTINGUENCY ANNOUNCED

This is the latest information I have.
I would continue to urge all involved in this dispute to continue to negotiate and resolve the issue ASAP. Residents deserve an end to this dispute.

Changes to bin collection contingency announced

Published: Tuesday, 12th February 2019

Changes are being made to the contingency plan drawn up for bin collections in Birmingham as industrial action continues.

The impact of the action has been monitored, and to ensure reliability of service until the dispute is resolved, a fortnightly service will be temporarily offered, starting on Monday 18 February.

Under the revised plan, citizens should present both of their bins on the day their recycling bin is normally collected. Anyone unsure of their collection day can find out when this is by visiting the council website “check your collection day” page.

The bins should be presented in the usual way (recycling in the recycling bin, household rubbish in the general waste bin).

As part of the contingency, crews will dispose of the content of the bins in the most effective way possible to meet the number one priority of citizens – clean streets.

This may mean the general waste and the recycling are mixed and put into the back of the same collection vehicle, but only where a separate service is not possible.

The waste will be collected any time from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so residents are advised to leave their bins out if they not picked up by the usual collection time.

During the dispute, a reasonable amount of “side waste” (2-3 sacks) can be presented alongside bins when put out for their temporary fortnightly collection.

The city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) offer an alternative option for citizens to dispose of all types of waste including recycling. Before any visit, residents can check opening hours and view the queues at their nearest HRC by clicking here.

Cllr Brett O’Reilly, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Waste and Recycling at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are determined to resolve the dispute and have had extensive talks with Trades Union colleagues via ACAS. But until we reach a resolution we must do everything we can to minimise the disruption to the people who live in Birmingham.

“Based on the effect of the dispute so far, we have reviewed our original contingency and are now putting forward a plan that fits with the staffing resource we have available.

“I know the fact that we may not be able to recycle as much as we did before will be of concern to residents who are keen to do their bit for the environment, but our top priority has to be that of citizens overall – clean streets for Birmingham.

“We thank those who are committed to throwing away as little waste as possible and look forward to ending this dispute so they can resume their recycling.

“I would like to apologise for any missed collections that anyone has experienced so far. We are striving to deliver the first-class refuse service the citizens of Birmingham deserve.”

For more information on how to best manage your household waste, visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk/waste

STILL CHECKING GRIT BINS IN OSCOTT

It may be a lot warmer at the moment but at this time of year you have to be prepared for a cold spell just in case. With this in mind I am still checking grit bins in Oscott are full.

THE NEXT FQNR ACTIVITY SESSION WILL BE 16TH MARCH

There will be an activity session taking place on Saturday 16th March at 11.30am for those who want to do more than talk about trying to help wild life and the environment in Oscott please join us at the Old Horns entrance *
Children welcome if supervised by a suitable adult.
Please ensure you where the appropriate clothing and shoes. *
...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve environmental group carry out small scale litter picks in the Oscott area as well as group activities, litter picking and light pruning in the Reserve.
We are looking for volunteers prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with us in a down to earth way.
We provide basic tools and when possible have ranger on hand to help us with these basic but much needed jobs in the reserve.
*If you care about the environment and wild life in Oscott please email me for more details. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham

HELP THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE HELP THE ENVIRNMENT IN OSCOTT

It is really pleasing to see so many children expressing their concerns about climate warming and ecological issues.
The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve environmental group carry out small scale litter picks in the Oscott area as well as group activities, litter picking and light pruning in the Reserve.
We do what we can in a practical to encourage people to care about wild life and the environment in the Oscott Ward.
...

We are looking for volunteers prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with us in a down to earth way.
We provide basic tools and when possible have ranger on hand to help us with these basic but much needed jobs in the reserve.
If you care about the environment and wild life in Oscott please email me for more details. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.Gov.uk.
Chair FQNR

I would like to thank the following for their efforts.
Brenda, John. Bob, Brian, James, Lee, Tony, Linda, Ian, Chris and various others over the last year or 2.

WE NEED TO GET ANY KNIVES BEING CARRIED ON THE STREET OF oSCOTT OFF THEM

I will be asking the Local Police again to consider introducing a knife amnesty day for the Oscott area. Anything that may help reduce the amount of knife's being carried has to be worth a try.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SURGERY 6TH MARCH

The next Oscott Ward Councillors Surgery will be on Wednesday 6th March. The venue will be the 610 Community centre Kingstanding Road and the time 7pm.

There is no need for an appointment and my Ward Colleague Councillor Barbara Dring and I will do what we can to help residents with their concerns

THE FREE TV LICENCE FOR THE OVER 75'S SHOULD BE KEPT

When out and about in Oscott meeting older residents one of the concerns I regularly pick up on now is the governments proposals to cut the free TV license for the over 75's.. I know my Ward Colleague Barbara Dring is also picking up the same concerns.
This is a particularly hard hearted idea which only this uncaring government could  come up with.
Many younger residents already think the current TV license which has gone up again is not value for money any longer .?
...

The prospect of having to pay for it is worrying to many elderly who are on a tight budget
I will be lobbying our MP asking him to challenge any dropping of the free TV License for the over 75's

SADLY THE NEED FOR A FOOD BANK IN OSCOTT GOES ON AND ON.DESPITE AUSTERITY BEING AT AN END !!!

I was please to be able to find time again to pop into the Emanual  Church and speak to a number of residents who are using the food bank there.
Some of these residents are coming from quite a distance and sadly have no idea who their Councillors are and I have been happy to supply this information. I have also tried to help out some in need who live locally.
The volunteers who help out at this food bank are simply wonderful. Also well done Elim Church.

Please spare a thought for those residents who through not fault of their own are in financial distress mainly due to an incompetent, shameful, uncaring, governments Austerity polices.

SADLY THERE HAS BEEN MORE FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

Sadly there has been another case of fly tipping in Oscott by some dirty people who instead of simply taking their rubbish to the tip at Holford Drive which is a free service they have off loaded it  out of a vehicle into a rear access way and a near by road.

If you see anyone fly tipping if you can take a photograph ( do not draw attention to your self and the registration number please report it.

If you would like to be more pro active in deterring this sort of selfish anti social behaviour who may wish to consider joining the Police initiative called Street Watch. If you would like more details please contact me.

No sympathy should be shown to people like this and if they are fined I would hope it is a heavy one.

This fly tipping has been report but it may take some time to deal with ?

OSCOTT RESIDENTS THERE IS STILL TIME TO DO THE BIRMINGHAM BUS SURVEY

https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/economy/bus-survey/
There is still time to have your say about the buses in Birmingham. Why not have your say.!
I will be out and about during the next couple of days in Oscott helping some of our residents who may have problems doing the survey.

PROPOSED TEMPORARY 2 DAY WASTE BIN COLLECTION LATEST INFORMATION

Please note the latest information I have regarding the Waste Collection dipute
See below from the Council Webb site

---   ----

Check your collection day

Waste collection updates

We apologise for any disruption to your waste collections as a result of the current industrial action.
To provide you with greater certainty about when your waste will be collected we will temporarily be moving to a fortnightly service.  We will update this page when a start date for the revised plan is finalised.
This will mean that we will collect both your household and recycling bins on the day you usually have your recycling collected.  As part of this we are asking residents to:

• Put both household waste and recycling bins out for collection fortnightly on the day your recycling is usually collected - Check your collection day
• Leave your bins out until a collection is made - we will be collecting seven days a week, between 6am and 10pm
• Continue to separate your household waste and recycling.

In the meantime, until a start date is confirmed for the revised plan, please continue to leave your bins out on your current scheduled collection day.
During the industrial action we will collect a reasonable amount of side waste (2-3 sacks), if presented alongside bins.
As part of the contingency plan, our crews will dispose of rubbish and recycling in the most effective way possible to keep streets clean.  This may mean that on occasion household waste and recycling are disposed of together, but only where a separate service is not possible.
The city’s five household recycling centres will be open on all days.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oscott's nearest Household Recycling Centre is Holford Drive. It is best to avoid peak times.

LITTER JUST NOT STAY ON THE PATHS IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Managed to find a bit of time to do a little litter picking of the Queslett Nature Reserve.
The main paths were clean enough so I went off the beaten track to do a bit.
Sadly litter louts often throw litter into bushes and paper can blow all over the reserve


 I still met up with a number of residents using the reserve which was nice.

WHY NOT JOIN THE RSPB

we need to protect birds.

If you enjoy wild life and especially bird why not join the RSPB.
While I have been a member for many years I seldom get the time to enjoy the activity of bird watching  as much as i would like I would however recommend it.
They have a wonderful centre near the Sandwell Valley.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/join-us/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpaunlsKs4AIVSrTtCh2QxQ0nEAAYASAAEgI8iPD_BwE

HOW CLEAN ARE THE BUS SHELTERS IN OSCOTT

Following a complaint about the state of some of the bus shelter in the area I have had a mini tour.
Out of the dozen I inspected only one had an issue for the most part they were free of litter and so on.

If you have an issue in the Oscott area with a bus shelter or stop please let me know and I will pass on those concerns

FIGHTING ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL MUST BE STOPPED

I have been in touch with All the larger schools in the Oscott Ward recently as they have all had incidents of " groups of Children" from their schools causing major concerns out on the streets. Fighting and bullying each other and annoying local residents. The Schools are doing what they can to deal with the situation but more needs to be done collectively.

  I have also been in contact with the Police who are trying to deal with these issues.

These incidents need to be stopped, parents should also do their bit by ensuring their children to not get envolved with these incidents and warning of the danger of serious injury if they get out of hand.

COUNCILLOR BARARA DRING AND I WORKING FOR OSCOTT RESIDENTS

I have had a busy day carrying out Planning Committee related duties and meeting up with Councillor Barbara Dring to deal with some important issues at the Council House.

Barbara and I were also pleased to speak to a number of Oscott Community leaders yesterday to discuss Local Governance  and local issues and priorities.

OUT AND ABOUT ON LOCAL BUSES

I have been out and about again today on a number of buses in the Oscott Kingstanding Sutton Coldifield a Walsall areas.
It was nice t have a chat with a few of my fellow bus using travellers

With regards to using the buses users are mostly concerned with the fares some want all the fares to be the same rather than favour app users. The other issue of real concerns was the buses being reliable

All the bus shelters I used were clean as were the buses.

Don't forget you can do the Birmingham Bus survey on line.

Buses today 5, 71 110, 997 28 and 907

WE SHOULD ALL CONSIDER CAR SHARING TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

With the cost of bus fares and petrol today it makes sense to car share where possible.
Giving or receiving a lift from work colleagues or friends makes economic sense.
I am encouraging the Birmingham Councillor with Cabinet responsibility for Transport which also covers issues like air quality to do more to promote car sharing.

Firms, and Supermarkets and other organizations can play a part by promoting the idea with their staff. I will be bringing up the subject at the next... Oscott Problem Parking and road safety working party which I chair asking that school staff and parents be reminded of the benefit of car sharing (giving each other a lift. It helps reduce the numbers of cars space is need for to park, it reduces the numbers of cars on the road reducing car emissions and its also more economic.

The Birming Council does have a view on car sharing clubs. Car clubs can provide a variety of benefits, both for the individual member and within the wider community. They have a proven record of influencing travel behaviour as they provide the opportunity to reduce overall dependence on the car. This can result in a reduction in car ownership and people making better choices about how to make their journeys

Where possible Public Transport is to be recommended but there is nothing wrong with offering or receiving a lift and car sharing. Car sharing can be fun with friends.

LOOK AFTER OSCOTTS ELDERLY RESIDENTS

There are a lot of elderly vulnerable residents in Oscott many well into their 80ies.
This weather can really be a problem for them. If you are friend or relative of an elderly resident please check they are ok especially in this very cold weather. Give them a ring or pop into see them

There are a number of elderly groups who meet each month and can be a great help in helping the elderly meet socially.
These groups include the Elderly residents group, the Late Late youth club, the young at heart  and the Mary vale elderly group.
If you want to know about these group pop into the Kingstanding Libray or let me know.

However in this weather many elderly residents prefer to stay in and not go out much.

If you know one of these elderly residents you may want to suggest to them

They
.Find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
•wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
•use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don't use both at the same time
•have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
•try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
•stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
•wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
•if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather.

Sadly the issues faced by vulnerable elderly residents does not make the news these day but it is an ongoing issue that we should all care about.

If you have fears about the safety of any elderly resident please contact the Birmingham City Council

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING AND I WILL BE OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN

I hope to be out about again next week as usual with Councillor Barbara Dring, meeting residents asking them out their concerns.
If we miss you please contact us and we will try and help if we can

I am always interested in what Oscott residents have to say their concerns and views about what is happening in Oscott and city wide. Clearly I cannot resolve all the concerns I hear about, especially in these tough times when government cuts in funding to the Council and the Police are doing so much damage. But I am always willing to try and help if I can.

KEEPING AN EYE ON OSCOTTS GRIT BEEN

I am still checking that the grit bins in Oscott have grit in them. I cannot check them all and with that in mind if you know a grit bin which is empty please let me know Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
Please only use the grit for the carriage way.

DO NOT WALLK ON THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVES FROZEN LAKE

URGENT
Please do not attempt to walk on the Queslett Nature Reserve lake when it is frozen over and do not let your dog walk on the frozen over lake either.
It can be dangerous.

OSCOTTS ELDERLY RESIDENTS NEED TO KEEP WARM

It may not be head line news but there are still many elderly people living in cold housing with no heating on.
If they are concerned about the cost of heating their home they could try Age UK to see if they can offer advice. are still many elderly people who are not using their heating and are very cold in their homes. They a frightened of future high heating bills to come

  If you have an elderly relative or friend remind them they must keep warm.
 They need to warm at least one room in the house to live in, wear warm clothes and have a hot drinks.

If they are worried about their fuel bills they could consider contacting Age Concern for example for advice.

Follow these tips on keeping well in the cold:

• find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
• wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
• use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don't use both at the same time
• have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
• try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
• stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
• wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
• if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather