THE NEXT OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SURGERY

Councillor Barbara Dring and I will be holding our monthly Councillors surgery at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road at 7pm on Novermber the 6th.
All Oscott residents are welcome there is no appointment needed and the building is disability accessable. There is parking at the rear or the 934 bus stops out side.
Barbara and I work together and will do what we can to try and help you with any Council issues you have.

THE ICE RINK AND BIG WHEEEL ARE RETURNING TO THE CITY CENTRE SOON

A number of Oscott residents who enjoy an evening out in town have asked me about the big wheel and if the ice ring is coming back this year and this is  what will be happening.

The Ice Rink and Big Wheel will return the Centenary Square and will open from the 7^th November – 7^th January 2019, 10am – 10pm daily.  (closed Christmas Day).  Last skate will be at 9pm. Sessions last 45 minutes and start on the hour. Tickets can be booked at www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk

 

BE CAREFUL WITH BONFIRES AND FIRE WORKS

IF YOU ARE HOLDING A BONFIRE PARTY  OR ARE GOING TO ONE

Dont forget to check you Bonfire before you light it for wild life of all sorts.
Keep pets inside out of harms way and away from the noise of the fireworks.
Its always best you neighbours know if you are having a bonfire of letting off fireworks so they can prepare for any noise and take care of their pets.
Never mess about with fireworks and read any instructions for their use
Keep the bonfire under control and a bucket of water handy just in case.
keep an eye on any children, play it safe.
Have a good time

THE OSCOTT FOOD BANK IS NEEDED MORE THAN EVER

I popped into the Oscott Food bank yesterday on one of my regular visits to see if I could help any of its users.
The volunteers there are very good. I find it such a disgrace that in 2019 due to it has to be said government policies many people through no fault of their own have to use food banks and money lenders.
The rich are certainly getting richer at the moment and the poor poorer.

MARY VALE ELDERLY GROUP ARE DOING WELL

I was pleased to be able to pop in and see the members of the Mary Vale Project elderly group. They and their volunteers were having a good time and were taking part in exercise lessons.
This group do a number of different things and if you are elderly you may wish to find out more about them

CHECKING OUT FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT PUBIC RIGHT OF WAYS

Oscott does not have that many Public right of ways but sadly there cannot be gated and this can lead to some people fly tipping in them.

Councillor Barbara Dring do what we can to monitor them and report them for clearance. Residents can help by reporting any fly ting and if they have any evidence of those doing the fly tipping reporting it.

DO NOT PARK TO CLOSE TO JUNCTIONS

Sadly due to the amount of cars there are these days some areas in Oscott have serious and at times dangerous  parking problems which can cause concerns for peoples safety.
Corners and junctions can be of particular concern. Councillor Barbara Dring and I often check out the junctions and wear needed report any issues to the Local Police Team who are the enforcement agency.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE N.P.I

I was pleased to be able to get out and about with the Oscott Meighbourhood Police Inititiave senior  co ordinator Brian Brookes to discuss his groups local crime concerns.
His group the NPI regularly meet with the Local Police and myself to discuss issues of concern.

BON FIRE NIGHT WILL SOON BE HERE

Its not long now to bonfire night please rember  to keep pets safe and away from the noise of fire works and dont forget to let neighbours know if you are having a bonfire,
Check the bonfire its self for wild life before you set it on fire.

TAKING A LOOK AT THE WALSALL BUS STATION

Earlier this week I paid a visit to the Walsall bus station with other councillors who are members of the Transport delivery Group and member of the public who are part of the bus users group.
I was impressed with some of the upgrade work which has been carried out.

Oscott residents use this bus station when travelling to Walsall and any improvements are welcome.

WHY NOT THINK OF GETTING YOUR SELF AN ALLOTMENT

I was pleased to be able to pop into look at the Aldridge Road allotment recently.
Allotments have a lot to offer they are cheap to rent, they get people out in the fresh air, produce good local cheap and healthy food.
Those who work on these allotments will also tell you there is an exercise bonus which working on their allotments gives them.
they also have the added attraction of being wild life friendly and good for the environment.

There are a number of vacancies for allotments local why not contact your local allotment to find out more

THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE PROSPECTS LOOK BRIGHT.

Councillor Barbara Dring who has been leading for the Oscott Labout team regarding the future of the 610 Community Centre recently had meetings with leading members of the settlement who have a long term lease on the building and Council officials.
WE have learned that the settlement and the Council are very keen to secure the future of the site and also to upgrade it. They have also assured us they wish to continue to encourage its use as a Youth centre and community building.

THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IS AN IMPORTANT LOCAL ASSERT

I was pleased to meet up with the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve activist and secretary Brenda Wilson recently in the reserve. We checked out the swans on the lake and returned a shopping trolley to ASDA. They need to do more to ensure they are kept on their site
The reserve is a very important environmental , bi diversity friendly area which needs care and attention.

WE DO NOT WANT FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

Fly tipping is still a problem in Oscott but there is no excuse. Some people often from out side the ward? are transporting their rubbish into the ward and dumping it. If they were to continue their journey for a furth 5 minutes they could take their rubbish to the Holford Drive recyling centre just off the Aldridge Road.
Fly tippers simply have no interest in the environment and should be stopped.