ALDRIDGE ROAD SAFETY SCHEME PHASE 2 HAS STARTED

The long awaited road safety measures to be put in place on the Aldridge road near the Great Barr Schools has now started. Unfortunately with a hic up or 2.
Some resident living near the school were not consulted about the finale parking restrictions and I had to spend the day getting them adjusted in favour of the residents.
However the scheme itself appears to have received universal approval.
One further issue however will be how this scheme and the similar one in Sandy Lane, effects residents in Malthouse Lane near by. I have received a written promises that the situation in Malthouse lane will be monitored in the future.

DRAIN WASTE DUMPED ON THE CENTRAL RESERVATIONS IN OSCOTT

I have had to contacted the Highways department today after observing Council contractors when cleaning out drains in Oscott dumping the resulting waste on Central grassed reservations. They clearly do not realise the damage, they can be potentially be doing, by dumping the infected drain water and sludge on our green spaces.
Lets hope a quiet word with the offenders can stop this practise.


Stop press the potentially dangerous waste has now been removed (16th Feb)

OSCOTT YOUNGSTERS TO MEET YOUTH SERVICES CHIEFS

The 610 community just one of the many facilities across the city under threat from Council cuts.

I am pleased to say given the potential cuts youths services may have to face across the City and in the Oscott Ward, that Harry Fowler Assistant Directer Youth Services has agreed to my request to meet with young representatives from the Oscott area (along with the 610 Community Centre Manger) to discuss the concerns of young people regarding youth services in the area.
It is now hoped that Councillor Dring who is arranging for other officers to come along will be able to incorporate this meeting into the next Oscott Ward Committee which she chairs, at the 610 Community Centre.

KEEP OSCOTT'S LIBRARIES OPEN

Sadly the 2 libraries in Oscott are still under threat of closure due to draconian buget cuts in funding by the Coalition City Council.
Constituencies like Perry Barr (which Oscott is in) are being forced to make deeper and deeper cuts due to the Councils policies.
Both Kingstanding and Perry common Library have already had to reduce their opening day by one recently and now we are all dreading Council funding announcements in April.
Both Councillor Barbara Dring will be fighting for Oscott Libraries to be saved. I would also support other Labour and yes Liberal Councillors in the constituency who want to keep libraries open. I think on this isue we are as one?

ALDRIDGE ROAD EYESAW REMOVED

Many of you who use the 997 bus could not have helped noticing the disgusting mess that has built up in a certain front garden on the Aldridge Road near the Boars Public House.
This garden was a potential rats play ground as if was full of black bags full of rubbish and mattresses. I am glad to say after speaking to both the landlord of the property and the council I have helped get this eye saw moved. This sort of mess is the last thing we wont to see anywhere in Oscott.

FIGHT FOR FUNDING FOR RESERVE FENCE IS ON.

I would like to reassure those residents who have contacted me regarding the theft of the Queslett Nature Reserve fence from the reserves Booths Lane boundary that I along with the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and Councillor Dring, am battling to find funding to replace this fence. Every one with an interest in wild life and the ecology of the area is very concerned about what has happend.
I am only too aware if it is not replaced, motor bikes, quad bikes and even possibly Travelers may start gaining entrance to the reserve.
I am also in regular contact with the Police requesting they make every effort to try and trace the perpetrators of this theft.

OSCOTT POLICE TASKING GROUP VISITS HAWTHORN ROAD SHOPPING AREA

The Oscott police Tasking group went out on patrol again today. The tasking group is made up of Police officers, Councillors for the Oscott Ward, representatives from the Council and the Fire bridge and last but not least Community representatives.

Today some of us walked the length of the Oscott side of the Hawthorn Road, meeting a number of traders and shoppers asking if they had any issues they would like to raise with us.
The main issues were concerns were about youngsters hanging around near the shops and the state of some parts of the shopping areas. Hopefully a number of these concerns can be dealt with.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE FENCING STOLEN

Audacious thieves have struck at the Queslett Nature Reserve stealing over one thousand pounds worth of wooden boundary fencing. The fence along the Booths Lane boundary of the reserve was surgically removed late yesterday afternoon or early evening. 7 large wood fence panels of a cross timber nature were stolen.
This theft would not have been a easy take. The wooden post were cut through by mechanical means and the wight of these fence section would have been considerable.

The Police and Leisure Service department are baffled but doing their best to find the culprits.
I believe my self, the fencing was stolen to order and is now probably now on a farm or a similar piece of land.
The Police are appealing for witnesses and given the location there are probably a number of people who would have seen this theft happening without realising it. If you have any information please contact the Police.

The fence will have to be replaced but finding the funds will not be easy. It took a few years to find the funding last time and I will do my best to get the ball rolling.
The fence is needed to stop motor bikes and Quad bikes entering the reserve and putting the reserves users, lives in danger as well as disturbing the wild life. The fence is also a defined boundary for the reserve.
I know I can speak for the friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and many residents when I say the people who stole this are disgusting and need to be caught.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL LITTER PICK HAS TAKEN PLACE

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve held another successful litter pick on Saturday. Over 20 black bags of rubbish were removed from the site.
Members also joined with the Police to ask users of the reserve if they new anything about the resent attack on a dog and its owner in the reserve.
On the down side it has been noticed that some dog owners instead of taking their dogs mess home with them are getting it up with plastic bags and throwing the mess in the bags into near by bushes. The bags obviously do not bio degrade so this habit is making the situation worse. You can see how unpleasant this could be for young children playing in the bushes in the better weather.

Dog owner please clean up after your dogs and take it away with you.
Along with the FQNR I am calling on the Council to provide more litter bins in the area. There needs to be some more either in the reserve or in roads approaching the reserve (suitably sited) and these bins need to be regularly emptied.

If you would like to become a member of the FQNR please ring 360 6486

LES PHILLIPS R.I.P

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Les Phillips. Les was a lovely quiet but determined man who cared deeply for his local community.
Les was an active member of the Kingstanding /Perry Barr Pensioners Convention and the South Oscott neighbourhood Watch. Les did not care for titles like Big New society but simply was interested in trying to help local residents.
I will miss Les like many others and he's family have my deepest sympathy.

CUTS ARE ON THE WAY FOR OSCOTT RING AND RIDE USERS

Oscott Ring and Ride users are being asked to help decide the best way of overcoming a shortfall in funding for the coming year.
West Midlands council tax payers have paid £12.1 million towards the cost of running Ring and Ride this year but the service will now have to find £900,000 because of planned cuts to the service.

There may be a seven per cent cut in grant due the financial pressures on the seven West Midlands district councils following cuts to their funding by the government over the next three years, plus dramatic cost increases in items like fuel due to the governments policies.

West Midlands Special Needs Transport bosses, (the charity which provides the service), and transport authority Centro, which funds Ring and Ride on behalf of the district councils, are now asking residents in areas like Oscott who use the door-to-door transport service to help decide how to make those savings.

More than 30,000 Ring and Ride users Across the West Midlands are being sent a questionnaire asking them to vote for one of two options:
+ Making an eight per cent reduction in the number of trips being run which could see the withdrawal of some services in the evenings and/or other times of the day.
+ Introducing charges in the form of either:
An annual membership fee of £36 – the equivalent of 69p a week or
A single trip fare of 60p (£1.20 for a return trip)

So it is make your mind up time its cuts which ever way you look at it and areas like Oscott where there are a lot of elderly residents will feel the brunt of it, however please fill out your form and send it back

OSCOTT MANOR SCHOOL GETS UNISEF AWARD

UNICEF has made Oscott Manor School an ambassador school for their organisation. The school in Kingstanding will be the first Special School in the West Midlands to be awarded the honour of the prestigious level 2 “Rights and Respecting” Award by UNICEF.
Oscott Manor School were acknowledged for their innovative and ground breaking practices by UNICEF after embarking on the journey for this award in 2007. The school has rooted the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into the policies, planning, practices as well as ethos, values and curriculum of the school. The Ambassador status has allowed for the school to create links with a partner school in Zimbabwe, hosting visits and building on the foundations of their practices.
This is a magnificent achievement and I am sure residents in the area will be proud of the school.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

There has been yet another accident on the Aldridge Road. This morning ambulances and the police were called out when 2 cars collided on the Aldridge Road near Paper Mill End.
The Council continually fail to recognise the Aldridge Road between the Boars Head and the Metropolitan college needs road safety measures to be introduced.
I am not talking about road humps, but other measures such as road markings,signage, pedestrian refuges and a traffic light which would all help the situation. The Council instead of rejecting residents petitions out of hand like they have done in the past, should be dealing with the situation.
On a foot note this accident has happened next to a site which the Planning committee (with the exception of my self) has agree ed that a container base with units can go. We may in the future have articulated lorries entering and exiting a site on this busy road with a bend in it. Not the best prospect I can think of.
I am continuing to press the Council to take action and have asked the Police to have a community speed watch event on the Aldridge Road in the near future.


Latest news
I have just been informed the accident was the result of ice on the road caused by a leaking man hole cover. This in no way alters my view that road safety measures should be introduced, but it does concern me that Seven Trent and Council engineers have not dealt with the problem of water at this location as I have been informed it has been complained about in the past.

STANDARDS OF STREET REPAIRS IN OSCOTT MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO DROP

Just one example of the signs I had to report for being left behind after the job had been completed weeks before

One of the down sides regarding repairs and improvements which are taking place at last in some roads in Oscott is the mess some of the roads are being left in.

I am going out monitoring many of the roads which are having carriage way repairs and finding when the contractors have left they are leavings signs, sand bags, cones and so on to litter the area, for some time after the work has finished.
This is not good enough and I am chasing up the local street inspector to get many such signs and cones removed.
I am also keeping an eye on the standard of resurfacing work that is being carried out and have spotted a few problems. What we don't want is another Burnham Road fiasco where I had to report pot holes appearing as soon as the work was done, which resulted in the new surface being relayed.

If you have come across this problem please contact me on 360 6486

WHY STREETS IN OSCOTT ARE BEING UPGRADED AT LAST

Why are our streets being updgaded in Oscott is a question I have been asked recently and the summary below is the best answer i can come up with at the moment.

Amey ( a private contractor) is responsible for improving and maintaining Birmingham Highways infrastructure, including 2,500km of road network, nearly 100,000 street lights, as well as over 850 highway structures and bridges across the city.
By working in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Amey will be delivering a step change of improvements to the city’s highways network over the first five years (2010-2015) to remove any backlog of work and increase standards.
The contract has a 25 year service delivery period which includes the improvement and repair of roads in Birmingham, maintenance of footways, bridges, street lighting and traffic signals as well as the upkeep of street scenery such as safety barriers, seats and trees.
Amey will maintain the infrastructure at this improved standard for a further 20 years.

PFI stands for Private Finance Initiative was the brain child of the former Labour Government it is when private and public sectors come together to deliver public services. The council defines what work it wants carried out and the service provider, in this case Amey, determines how that service is provided and financed. The council receives PFI credits from the Government and Amey raises private funds to deliver the improvements required. This £2.7bn highways maintenance and management PFI is the biggest local government highways sector PFI in the UK and has attracted over £600.million from the Treasury.

Sadly for a few years now the Birmingham Council,s administration has neglected many of our roads in Oscott and this is a way through the former governments intervention and help this sitation can now be addressed at last.

KINGSTANDING CAB TO BE AXED BY THE COUNCILS CUTS

BIRMINGHAM’S five Citizens Advice Bureau offices are set to close their doors next month after seeing its £600,000 council funding cut.
Offices in the city centre, Kingstanding, Handsworth,Tysley and Northfield will close on February 11 unless the charity can raise £50,000 per month to stay open.
It means that well over 50,000 people who last year called on the service for free debt councelling, benefits help and other advice will be left without a free open-door CAB service.
The closure of the Kingstanding office will have a major effect on many vulnerable residents in the Oscott Area.
Both Councillor Dring and I are determined unlike some other Councillors to continue to hold Councillor Surgeries where residents can come and discuss their problems with us face to face.
But the Cab is desperately needed in this area.

The Government talks about helping create a big society and then our Council does its best to demolish it by removing its building blocks like the CAB and other voluntary groups.
Regardless of political allegiances we should all try and resist this proposal by the Council.

NEW SPEED LIMIT FOR KINGSTANDING ROAD

After numerous petitions presented to the Council on behalf of local residents by Councillor Barabara Dring and my self over the years, the Councils Transportation department has finally agreed to introduce a 30mph speed limit across the whole of the Kingstanding Road.
Both Councillor Dring and I have tried to persuade the Council that it is confusing to have a dual carriage way like the Kingstanding Road have 2 different speed limits as it does at the moment.
Driver have understandable for years been confused about this and not sure which speed limit was in place. This new measure should help slow down the traffic along this road.

UPDATE ON THE OLD OSCOTT COMMUNITY CENTRE.

Age Concern took over the lease of the Old Oscott Community Centre last year and promised to make improvements to the building.
I am pleased to say that having visited the centre a number of times work is well under way. Many internal improvements are being carried out. The old tiny meeting room has been expended and made more habitable by the introduction New windows. Old storage rooms are being turned into waiting rooms and a reception.
The work being undertook will make this centre a good venue for the elderly in particular, to meet. What a great shame it is however that Age Concern now faces cuts in its funding from the Council.

VICIOUS DOG ATTACK IN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

I have to report that there has been a vicious attack on a dog and its owner while they were in the Queslett Nature Reserve recently.
The dogs in question, one a white English bull terrier type and the other a multi coloured Bull or pit terrier, severely bit a dog and its owner as they were walking in the reserve.

This has resulted in the owner having to pay over one thousand pounds in vet bills and his dog is still in agony.
The owners of the dogs which attacked were both young white men one with light ginger hair? are believed to use the surrounding area regularly.

I would ask anyone with information to contact the police on 0345 113 5000.

There was apparently no attempt by the dog owners to stop the attack.
Please take care when using the reserve, these sort of attacks must be stopped and owners made to be responsible for their dogs.
The Police are continuing to investigate this attack and there may have been a less severe but similar incident a few weeks ago on the Beeches estate?.

Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be asked to talk to users of the reserve on Saturday, 29th to see if any one remembers seeing the attack and has any information and also to reassure reserve users that an attack like the one which has taken place is very rare.

NEW PAVEMENTS CARRIAGE WAYS AND STREET LIGHTS ARE COMING OSCOTT'S WAY SOON.

Over the next 4 years many of the roads in Oscott with have new pavement's,carriage ways resurfaced and street lighting upgrades. This will be carried out by Amey the Councils highways partner.

I have know doubt there may be some who will try and persuad residents "they have got this done" I wont be one of those.
Like other Oscott Councillors I have badgered and cajolled the Highways department to carry out countless repairs and upgrades on our streets, over the years, with some successes and some failers.

Like other councillors i have and will have an input into how repairs and upgrades are under taken to our pavement, carriage ways and street lights, but it has to be said, what is being done over the next few years has been a long time coming and all the Councillors and residents in the area, who have complained over those years have played their part in making this happen. Certainly no one person can justifiably take the credit.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE YOUR STREET STANDS WITH REGARDS TO ANY IMPROVEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT ME ON 360 6486 AND I WILL TRY AND FIND OUT FOR YOU.

KETTLEHOUSE ROAD SPEED INDICATOR TO BE INSPECTED

I have been informed by the Transportation department that following my request
(the matter having been drawn to my attention by a local resident) the speed indicator installed near the junction of Kettlehouse Road and Bandywood Road, is being inspected for accuracy.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LITTER PICK 29TH JANUARY

There will be a litter pick taking place at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday 29th January. Those who are interested in helping the wild life in the reserve and the environment should meet up at the Ashworth Road Entrance. (please do not park to close to the entrance and respect local residents parking).
We will be meeting at 11.45 please come prepared to roll your sleeves up and get dirty. Be prepared for the weather.

Black bags and litter pickers will be issued but if you have your own please bring them.
For further information please ring 360 6486 and keep an eye on the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve blog. (see link)

SAFETY RAILINGS MAY GO IN AFTER ALL

It now looks as if guard railings may be fitted at the corner of Dyas Road and Aldridge Road after all as the Transportation department are re considering the matter . If I am successful! I am sure you will read all about it in some ones leaflet when they claim any credit near the elections. But remember yet again you read it on here first.
Lets hope for the sake of those children who cross the road near that junction all goes well.

GOVERNMENT CUTS FOR OSCOTT

Many youngsters are worried about the future of the 610 Community Centre




At a meeting of today’s Oscott Ward Advisory Board we learnt more about the Governments proposed cuts for the Oscott area.
For example The Oscott Clockwork School Cluster is to go.

For those who do not know about this cluster, In September 2006, 8 schools in the North West of Birmingham joined together to launch 'Clockwork' the Oscott extended provision cluster.

Originally known as the Oscott Extended School Cluster, Clockwork was formed in response to a request by the Local Authority for all schools in Birmingham to become part of a local 'cluster' of schools. The aim was that these clusters of schools linked to local agencies, businesses, voluntary groups and communities, and would work together to improve the lives of children, young people and families living and learning in the cluster area.
Our cluster schools include:
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Technology College
Glenmead Primary School
Goodway Nursery School
Great Barr Primary School
Great Barr Secondary School
Greenholm Primary School
Maryvale Catholic Primary School
Oscott Manor School (Formally Kingstanding School)
They have done a wonderful job over the years.

We also learnt that the Government have cut the Cardinale WiseMan New School Build project
If this was not enough we now know that government cuts to the Fire Service will mean the loss of 16 out of the 40 staff at the College Road Fire Station.These are just the start of government cuts which will effect the Oscott area.

A number of youngsters who use the 610 Community centre also came along to tell us about their concerns about the possible reduction of funding for the 610 Community Centre and youth provision across the City. The Oscott Councillors and members of the board were able to give them our full support.

MEETING TO DISCUSS NEW PARKING DEVELOPMENTS AT THE METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

There will be a chance for the public to find out more about phase 2 of the Metropolitan College's plans to renovate and improve the collage. This will include introducing at least another 50 car spaces on site during the summer period. This meeting will take place as part of the Oscott Ward Committee (Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring). The meeting will take place at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road. It will start at 7pm on January 26th.
Senior college officials will be on hand to explain their proposals and answer any concerns you may have.
I am pleased to be able to say the college have made a number of useful proposals at a series of meeting I have had with them. I will encourage the college to carry our the necessary work asap.
For more information please contact me on 360 6486.

See also Nov 13th post

ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

A local resident has informed me there has been another car crash in Kettlehouse Road recently, despite the new speed indicator signs. This is very sad news. However as I have indicated on other posts on this blog I have not given up trying to get the current Council Administration too improve the Road safety of Kettlehouse Road and Bandywood Road. Speed indicator while being helpful are not the be all and end all when it comes to safe guarding this road.

In fact as recently as Thursday 25th November last year with the support of Councillor Barbara Dring,( the only other Oscott Councillor who turned up) at the Perry Barr Constituency meeting help at the Old Oscott Community Centre, I expressed my disappointment that the Council had rejected a petition calling for further road safety measures in Kettlehouse Road. I also insisted the matter be kept on the agenda as can be seen in the minutes of that meeting.

Following this latest accident I have been in touch once again with senior Transportation engineers and the Councillor with cabinet responsibility for Street Services (the man who hold the purse string) Councilor Timothy Huxtable (con) asking them to review the situation urgently.
I have also been informed that there is some doubts about the correct calibration of the speed indicator sign in Kettlehouse Road and I have asked this to be looked at as well.

The battle goes on.

SOME SHOP KEEPERS IN OSCOTT COULD DO MORE FOR THEIR DISABLED CUSTOMERS

One of the things I have been working closely with the Oscott Residents Disabled Group on, is trying to get local shop keepers and the Council to improve shop frontages in the Oscott area.

Hawthorn Road is a typical example. Although the Council carried a number of pavement improvements some year ago, some Hawthorn Road shop keepers have not improved their frontages and they have deteriorated . These frontages are now uneven and can be a trip hazard even for those who are not disabled.

Many elderly or disabled residents who rely on using wheel or motorised scooter's, often have to put up with a bumpy ride when crossing these uneven frontages.

Along with George Hough the Chair of the ODG I am continuing to try and get the Council to put pressure on some shop keeper in the area, to do the right thing by their elderly and disabled customers.

TIGHT CORNER IS NOT WANTED

The junction at the corner of Dyas Road and Aldridge Road needs widening for the sake of pedestrians and motorists alike. Buses and large vehicles are over riding the pavement as they enter Dyas Road from the Aldridge Road, as can be seen on a regular basis. The pavement and curb stones are also being damaged by large vehicles. It is time the Council took action and I am calling on them to do so before a pedestrian gets injured.

TENNANTS BOILING OVER ABOUT NO HOT WATER

For weeks now I have had to deal with annoyed tenants waiting lengthy spells to have their Central heating boilers repaired.

One poor man had his birthday in early December spoilt due to having no hot water available due to a faulty boiler. This carried on over to Christmas and the New Year, which were also spoilt for the same reason.

I can accept it was a very cold late December and early January and there were a lot of call outs, but the Council repair contractors need to do better.

What made it seem even worse were the delays and misunderstandings due to the Call centre.

This resident now has he's hot water back on thankfully. Councillor John Lines Cabinet member for Housing has also agreed to look into this case to see what went wrong. (but there were a number of others)

PAULINE ALDER R.I.P

It was with great sadness that I heard of the death (last week) of Mrs Pauline Alder.
Pauline worked tirelessly for the local community as a member of the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum, The Neighbourhood Police Initiative, the Oscott Elderly Residents Group and before its axing by the Councils, Housing department for the Oscott Housing Liaison Board. Pauline was one of those rarities today a wonderful caring person who worked with no personal agenda for the local community.

For Pauline it was not any new fangled politically motivated " New society" No she just wanted to help people and the local area to improve. Pauline was also a member of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Pauline was quite simply a lovely lady and I and many others will miss her. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to her family.

THE ELDERLY NEED THEIR BLACK BAGS MOVED.

Sadly there are still places in the Oscott ward where black bags have not been picked up.

Edith Pope the elderly residents complex in Booths Lane for example.

Despite several phone calls, from myself, Council Chiefs have still not arranged the collection of dozens of black bags.

Rat and rat droppings have now been seen amongst the piles of black bags in an entry at the rear of this complex, much to the alarm of the elderly residents living in Edith Pope House.

***Stop press I have just been informed Thursday 13th 8.20am these bags have been picked up at last. I have been in touch with the department thanking them however I have also asked that other complexes where the elderly live are looked at as well.

ROAD SAFETY WORK NEAR GREAT BARR SCHOOL TO BE CARRIED OUT.

I am pleased to announce at long last and following the recently completed work carried out in Sandy Lane and the recently introduced speed indicator sign further down the Aldridge Road near the Great Barr Schools is to have the following road safety work carried out on it.


Replacement of Lighting Columns (16no.) - It has now been agreed these will be installed by Amey in May/June 2011 as part of their upgrading programme and not as part of these works;
which are Traffic Calming – traffic islands pedestrian refuges with associated tactile paving and central hatch markings;
A bus Stop Relocation
New restricted parking bays and disabled parking
Waiting restrictions signs and markings – Single Yellow Lines;
Warning Signs – ‘School Ahead’ signs.
This work should begin on February 14th and will be on the Aldridge Road near the Great Barr School.
After campaigning for so long I am pleased this work is to finally be carried out however sadly the promised safety railing which were going to be put in place near the Aldridge Road / Dyas Road junction is no longer being considered I HOPE THIS DOES NOT PROVE TO BE A COSTLY MISTAKE.

CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEVELOPEMENT OF LAND ON BOOTHS LANE

I have recieved a number of concerns regarding the Cameron Homes plans for developing Booths Lane, from residents and residents groups, such as the Booths Farm Neighbourhood Forum. (lead spokesman Bob Wild) In summary they are.

Notably, there are more dwellings, 44 as opposed to 36 approved, The line
of the rebuild section of Booths Lane is being moved by only a few metres.
This means that houses will be built on both sides of the new road as
opposed to only one side.


The quality of the houses, although not specified in detail seem to be of
poorer quality in general.

The proposed width of the new section of Booths Lane is far too narrow,
5.4 m.. This may be adequate for a small, "off the road"
development but not for an important through road. If the development were
to be built as described there would be no scope for later widening.

There is insufficient parking proposed. This will result in people
needing to park on Booths lane, making passage even more difficult.

The quality of the houses, although not specified in detail seem to be of
poorer quality in general.

The proposals deviate significantly from the plans approved as outline
planning permission in the Spring of 2008.

The whole road needs to be addressed more thoroughly. Will all of the road be upgraded?

If you have any comments for or against this development please contact me on 360 6486 or send me an email keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

WELL DONE JEANETTE HART MBE

I have not always been a great supporter of the idea of an honours list, but seeing Jeanette Hart is to have an MBE makes me think there may be something in it after all.
I have known Jeanette for many years now and know how much work she does to help the local community.
Jeanette was formally on the Committee of the now gone Conservative club, Warren Road and she works tirelessly trying to promote the Hawthorn Road Traders Association, as its secretary.
Her fund raising exploits for things like the Christmas lights on Hawthorn Road are just one of the many examples of her efforts to improve the area. She is also an active member of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board and a fund raiser for the Air Ambulance service amongst other things.
Jeanette has been awarded the MBE for her work in the North Birmingham area for the community. Well done Jeanette.

OSCOTT GRIT BINS TO BE FILLED AS A PRIORITY

Checking to see if another grit bin has been filled.

Councillor Timothy Huxtable (Con) the Cabinet Member for Transport, has following my urgent request for action re: filling the grit bins in Oscott, now assured me Oscott will be a priority when it comes to getting grit bins filled and hopes most of our bins will be filled by the end of the week.
I will be monitoring this and will certainly let him know of any that I find have not been filled.
You can help by letting me know if you see any grit bins at the end of the weekend which have not been refilled. We need to be be prepared should the bad weather return.
Please give me a ring on 0121 360 6486.

WE NEED TO START SORTING OUT THE POT HOLES IN OSCOTT NOW.

Another of the may pot holes in Oscott. This one is on Old Oscott Hill

While many Councillors are distracted by other issues, I am still hard at work trying to convince the Current Council Administrations of the need to repair and resurface many of the roads in Oscott.
This winter has already proved to be a real problem regarding the appearance of many pot holes in carriage ways in Oscott. These pot hole are the result of sever frosts and snow and poor maintenance.
They need to be repaired now. It is no good leaving the problem until nearer the the election and putting out leaflets claiming to have them put right.
With this in mind, although I have reported a lot already I would ask you to let me know if there are any they concern you. If you let me have their location I will pass on the details to the relevant department on your behalf.
Tel 360 6486

HELP FOR CATS

For the animal lovers amongst you I have been asked to advertise some of the activities of the Cats Protection North Birmingham Branch.

They are having a Homing day event on Saturday 8th January at the friends meeting house, Kenelm Road, Suttoncoldfield.
Free entrance and parking 10.30.am to 12.00 noon.

There will be a selection of rescued cats and kittens on show who need a new home as well as Cats protection items on sale.

For information

Adoptions Line 07830 208 999
Help Line 0845 260 1503

BIRDBROOK ROAD RETREAD RESURFACING WORK

Birdbrook Road – Oscott
CARRIAGEWAY RETREAD RESURFACING

The highways department will soon be carrying out roadworks on Birdbrook Road from outside 64 to Aldridge Road. In the first stage, we will rebuilt and reshaped the road using the existing road material. In the second stage, we will surface the road using a new surfacing.

The second stage of the works will occur During the week ending the 14 January 2011 , weather permitting.

They will work Monday to Saturday between 08.00am and 17.00 hours.
Birdbrook Road will be closed to traffic during the work. You will still be able to get to and from your home but access may be restricted at times.Residents will not be able to park in the road during the work.
If you would like more information information Amey / Kiely Bros are carrying out the work on behalf of Birmingham City Council. The company will notify you 24 - 48 hours before work starts and put up "no parking"boards on the road.
There is an Emergency And Out Of Hours Contact Telephone Number
If you experience any difficulties outside normal working hours (8.45am-5.15pm), please telephone us on 0121 303 6644 or Kiely Bros on 0121 772 3800.

This work does need to be done and both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are pressing the Highways department to get this work done as soon as possible, in order to make any inconvenience to residents and shop keepers as small as possible. In my view this work should have been done when other work in the same road was carried out last year. The way they have put this schedule of work together will mean more problems for all concerned including as usual the motorist.

COLLEGE ROAD SET TO HAVE A 30mph SPEED LIMIT.

College Road between the Chester Road and the Aldridge Road is to have a new 30mph speed limit. (subject to final consultation with local residents.) This is a much needed change given the amount of accidents there have been on this road over the years.
I have insisted that 30mph roads signs be erected, if and when this change come into being later this year and also that resident are consulted regarding the matter. Hopefully this new measure will compliment the speed camera which was put in place a few years ago.(for further information please ring 360 6486)
This is one of the few success stories regarding road safety measures in the area but I have not given up trying to get many other sensible road safety measures introduced in the Oscott area.

NOW OSCOTTS STREETS NEED CLEANING

Now that a lot of the black rubbish bags in the Oscott area have finally been removed the Council needs to deal urgently with the recycling boxes and the filthy state of some of our roads.
I am calling on the leaders of our Coalition Council Administration to ensure this is done as a matter of urgency, as soon as those black bags which still litter some of our streets have been cleared.
They should also in my view, given the mess they have got into with the collection service, not to mention gritting (including not replacing grit in grit boxes) consider some form of rates rebate. It is unlikely I admit but residents deserve this to be at least considered.
The buck must stop with those in charge of our Council services, delays in resolving the situation are not acceptable.
Residents in many cases have no idea what is going on due to being told different things by the authorities and this is clearly not good enough. Mind you if comes to that I do not think those in charge have have much of a clue either.

CHANGE TO OSCOTT COUNCILLOR'S ADVICE BUREAUX TIMES

Councillor Barbara Dring and I about to attend one of our regular Councillor advice surgeries at the 610 Community Centre






As you may be aware Councillor Barbara Dring and I feel strongly that Oscott residents should have the opportunity to meet with their Councillors on a one to one basis (no hiding place for us) and with this in mind we hold regular Councillor Advice Bureaux's.
Our 2011 schedule has changed slightly form last year.
Our altered arrangement is.
Most Saturdays 10.30am at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road at 10.30am
The 1st Wednesday in the month at the 610 Community Centre at 7pm
The 1st Thursday in the month at the PERRY COMMON LIBRARY College Road at 3pm.*

We offer home visits by appointment for the elderly or infirm. please ring 360 6486 or 360 7565.

OSCOTT GRIT BINS NEED FILLING NOW

Yet another empty grit bin to report.







Now the weather has eased the Council's Highways department should be getting our grit bins filled as a matter of urgency in case the weather takes another turn for the worse.
I have been out and about checking on grit bins and have found many like the one in Burnham Road to be empty and this is not good enough.
I have asked the highways department to get our grit bins filled and if you know of an empty grit bin let me know and I will inform them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Not only have I been busy in the Oscott ward but also in my capacity as a Planning committee member. Here I am with my "arch rival" Tory Councillor Bob (Biggles) Beauchamp, another busy planning committee member and for all that a great bloke.

It has been another busy year in Oscott (if you look back on this blog you will see just some of the things I have been trying to do in Oscott). I have done my best to try and help as many residents as I can in Oscott. I have not always succeeded but I can at least console myself in the knowledge I have tried.
As usual I met many residents in 2010 and hope to continue to meet many more in the New Year. I am always interested to find out what residents think about what is happening in the area.
There are no doubts things will be hard for many in Oscott with Council and Governments cuts starting to bite in 2011 but I will do what I can to try and help residents where I can.

I would like to remind those living in the Oscott Ward if I you have a concern you think I may be able to assist you with please contact me either by email keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or by ringing 360 6486. I also still hold surgeries most Saturday Mornings at the 610 Community Centre (10.30am) and you are most welcome if you want to pop in and meet me.

May I wish every one a Happy and prosperous New Year.

BLACK BAGS NEED TO BE COLLECTED

Dormington Road is just one of many roads in Oscott which have had their blag bags uncollected for weeks.




Many residents in Oscott are concerned about their black bags not being collected. The Current Council Administrations chiefs are using the following reasons as the excuses for the bags not being collected.
In summary,
1. Combination of strike / industrial action;
2. The legacy of the bad road and conditions caused by the bad weather last week; and
3. The usual increase in the volume of waste placed out immediately following Christmas (bank holidays).

The Council normally deploys 40 black bag collection crews, 20 multi material crews and 20 paper collection vehicles. These vehicles are staffed by the usual crews.

A casual workforce, operating up to 19 vehicles has been collecting black bags since Monday 27th December 2010 - they will finish Mondays round on Friday. They will then start work on Tuesdays round at the weekend. They intend to complete as much as possible of Tuesdays round by Sunday, and then start again on Monday's round. Tuesdays round should be completed on Tuesday by the Councils permanent workforce. The casual workforce will then collect on a daily basis any uncollected waste from the previous day’s collections.

Basically the collection service is in a mess at the moment and this is why many Councillors like my self are doing what we can to try and get the Salvage department to resolve the situation ASAP.
For example I have been in regular contact with Salvage department chiefs trying to get Oscott residents concerns dealt with. The main message I am receiving is that resident should leave bags on the street to be collected. Many Oscott residents have been very patient up to now but that patience is getting a bit thin.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON

Just a few of the Oscott residents I have met at Christmas parties at the run up to Christmas.

I would like to wish everyone Compliments of the season.

I am having a few problems with my computor at the moment (Emails and so) and if I do not get back to you as quickly as usual please be patient.


Regards


Councillor Keith Linnecor

THERE NEEDED TO HAVE BEEN MORE GRITTING DONE EARLIER

Like most Oscott residents I have been very concerned about the way our roads have been (or not been) gritted over the weekend.
While I can accept we have had a lot of snow and the weather is very cold it does seem to me in the north of the city the Council Administration has been slow to react.
Roads like the Aldridge Road and Dyas Road were not gritted early enough in my view. Neither were a number of other roads in Oscott. Bus routes were in many cases left ungritted for some time.
As for refilling grit bins on side roads this is being done very slowly if at all. I have but in dozens of requests for local residents.
This Council does not really seem to have learnt many lesson's from last year. Lets hope they will now get their act together.

ELDERLY RESIDENTS SHOULD ENJOY THIS TIME OF YEAR

One of the nice things I find about this time of year is the welcome I get, when I pop into see elderly residents.
On Wednesday for example I was invited to the Oscott Elderly Residents Group "Xmas bash" and had a great time.
It is wonderful in the Oscott area to see how many of these groups (partly funded by the Oscott Community Chest) there are and how many elderly residents get such a lot out of their activities.

Like many others, I also get pleasure from popping in to see elderly residents in their homes at this time of year. Some of these residents find it difficult to get out and about and like to see a visiter from time to time.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR LIBRARIES?

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the closing of local libraries in the area. This has come about because due to severe funding restrictions imposed on Constituencies funding by the current Council administration (more are to follow from the Government) and all local services are under pressure to be reviewed. No decisions have yet been made but in Perry Barr Constituency, both the Liberal and Labour Councillors are determined to try and stop our libraries from shutting if we can.

As one of the few Councillors who regularly use our libraries I am only to aware how residents feel about them and I will try and keep you informed about the subject in the future.

MARY VALE COMMUNITY CENTRE ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HAVE GREAT TIME

I popped in to see the elderly members of the Mary Vale Community Centre club at their Christmas lunch today. They were all enjoying themselves and being well entertained by excellent singers and waited on by local school children. They were having a great time with the party in full swing
It is really pleasing to see the elderly and school children getting on so well. The Maryvale Project staff work really hard for the local community and do a great job.

SNOW GO FOR REFUSE AND RECYLING COLLECTIONS

Over the last couple of weeks I have been inundated with complaints regarding missed rubbish and recycling collections.
I have to say the Councils bad weather excuse is wearing a bit thin. With possible Industrial action and further bad weather in the offing things are looking a bit bleak of the refuge collection front.
I will however continue to forward to the Salvage department management team none collection complaints as the councills own Call Centre, residents are supposed to use seems to have broken down in many instances.

ROAD SAFETY WORK TO START AT LAST IN SANDY LANE

At long last work is to start this week on road safety measures near the Sandy Lane entrance to the Perry Beeches Schools, in Sandy Lane.
I was approached some time ago by residents who told me in the past no one had managed to get any safety measures taken and they needed help. Since then along with residents I have put pressure on the Transportation department to take action.
The Transportation department are now introducing new signs, road marking and bollards in an attempt to stop some parents parking in an inconvenient and dangerous way near the schools.
These measures are a step in the right direction but I still feel more needs to be done.
However I am sure if they do prove a success others with claim the credit next year but I may be wrong.

HAWTHORN ROAD AMUSMENT ARCADE GETS THE GO AHEAD.

Sadly at today Planning Committee meeting the application for an amusement arcade for Hawthorn Road ( The old Johnsons butchers shop) was agreed BY A SLIM 6 TO 5 MAJORITY.
The anti social behavior that has been happening on a regular basis in the vicinity of the proposed planning application was felt by some committee member not enough to warrant the refusal of the application.

However following strong representation from Councillor Dring a number of residents and myself the Committee decided to put in place a 2 year monitoring operation to ensure and problems that may arise will be noted and if necessary the planning permission reviewed.

Needless to say I will do what I can to keep an eye on the situation and if you you have any concerns please contact me on 360 6486

BOOTHS LANE MEETING TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW

Cameron Homes the potential new developers of part of the land off Booths Lane have, at my suggestion arranged for a meeting for local residents to attend regarding their proposals for a housing development ON LAND NEAR BOOTHS LANE.
Cameron homes have at my request have already circulated notices of this meeting to local resident and hopefully as many residents as possible will attend this meeting and see just what Cameron Homes want to do with the vacant land.
The meeting will be at the Queslett Golf course Booths Lane between midday and 7.30 tomorrow. (8th December.)
I shall be attending the meeting to see the plans along with Councillor Barbara Dring.

TEMPLETON ROAD TO GET- ROAD SURFACE IMPROVED IN THE SPRING

Thanks to the help of local residents I have managed to get High department chiefs to agree to improve the road surface of Templeton Road.
Councillor Huxtable who is the Cabinet Member for Transportation and his senior officials have now agreed what has already been done is not good enough and resurfacing work will take place in the better weather during the spring.

DO NOT RISK WALKING ON THE FROZEN OVER QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Every year despite warnings people foolishly venture out onto open water when it iced over. It is the same with the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve. Even some grown up adults feel the need to "walk on water" and regardless of the danger step out onto the frozen lake without thinking of the potential danger.
Lakes like the one in the Queslett Nature Reserve are not meant for swimming in at the best of times and given its remoteness from any help, trying to walk on this lake when it is covered in ice is a dangerous thing to do.
Sadly if the worst happened and someone fell through the ice, the cold would probably mean they would not be able to save them selves by swimming and they could get trapped under the ice.
The message is simple please do not risk trying to walk on lakes like the one in the Queslett Nature Reserve when they are frozen over. (and do not let your dog do it either)

Members of the FQNR are not only trying to improve the Queslett Nature Reserve but also to improve our local environment. new members are welcome.

WE NEED MORE GRIT ON OUR ROADS IN OSCOTT

I have been busy this week fielding calls from angry residents about what they see as the poor gritting of our roads in Oscott. Worryingly a number of the complaints I have recieved have about our priority roads (those on bus routes and so on). As a result had to chase up highway chiefs to get them to ensure roads like, Dyas Road, Aldridge Road, Kettlehouse Road, Cooksey Lane for example were gritted adequately.
While I can understand the sudden on come of winter conditions has stretched the Council somewhat! I think more needs to be done in the future. One thing I will be calling for is yet more grit bins to help out those residents living on none priority roads, and who tend to be forgotten when we have wintry conditions.

DON'T FORGET THE ELDERLY IN THIS COLD WEATHER.

As usual! this cold spell with its snow has took many of us by surprise, it happens every year.
The elderly are at great risk when we do face weather, like we are at the moment so please if you have an elderly relative or an elderly neighbour do not forget to check if they are ok.

COTLEIGH GROVE DANGER WALL STILL NEEDS REPAIRING

As you may recall after a lot of pressure for a number of years the Council finally removed conifers which were damaging a retaining wall near houses in Cotleigh Grove earlier this year.
Now the battle is on to get the retaining wall and a fence on the top of it repaired.
After a number of phone calls to the Local housing team management from my self they are finally getting quotes from contractors to do the work. I will keep the pressure on the housing department to try and get the safety work carried out on the wall and the fence repaired for security reasons. I will also be keeping an eye on the situation in case they try and renege on getting this work done.
If I am successful look out for others jumping in taking credit in their shinny blue leaflets. But remember you read it here first!

TEMPLE TON ROAD RESIDENTS FEEL LET DOWN OF ROAD REPAIRS

A number of Templeton Road Residents have contacted me today saying they feel let down the way their carriage way has been repaired.
A large number of cracks have been repaired but many residents feel the quality of the workman ship is very poor and the road still needs resurfacing.
As a result I have been in contact with Councillor Timothy Huxtable (con) who is the Councillor responsible for the highways, and he has agreed to get his senior officers to look into the complaints. I will keep you post to their decision. re what to do or not to do.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HAS SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO CADBURY WORLD

As a regular attender of the Oscott Elderly Residents Group monthly Tea and biscuit session (I give advice and try and help out) I was delighted to be asked to go along to help out on their coach trip to Cadbury World today. Councillor Barbara Dring who also came along and I were thrilled to see how this trip brightened up the day of those who went.

Many of those who do not get many opportunities to get out and about and I know they all enjoyed them selves. Both Councillor Dring and myself were pleased to be help by pushing wheel chairs and so on. The free Curly whirly and Chocolate buttons were also a nice treat for all concerned.
Well done Maureen Byrne Chair and main fund raiser for the group for finding the funds and organising the trip.
For more details about this group please ring 464 1869

LOWER SECTION OF BIRD BROOK ROAD TO BE RESURFACED THERE MAY BE ROAD CLOSURE

I am pleased to see following representation from the 3 Oscott Councillors Birdbrook Road (lower half) which has partially been resurfaced, is to be finished off.
Part of this section of Birdbrook Road was resurfaced earlier this year but for some reason the end section was left unfinished.
I have been informed there will have to be some time when the road is closed and this may well cause a fair bit of inconvenienced to Traders and Motorists. However I will be pressing the Transportation department to do all they can to alleviate any problems. It would have been better to have either done this work earlier in the year or after Christmas as not to interfere with the trade of local shops during the run up to Christmas..
The 2 weeks when the road may be closed will be week ending 3rd December and the week ending 17th December warning signs will be on display.

ANOTHER PETITION CALLING FOR ROAD SAFETY MEASURES IN OSCOTT REFUSED.

The Birmingham City Council Transportation department has shown yet again the disdain they have for the residents of Oscott, by turning down yet another petition calling for the introduction of road safety measures. This time it was a petition calling for the Aldridge Road from the Boars head to the Metropolitan College. I suppose we will have to Wait for the next series of accidents to have the needed improvements introduced.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP

The Oscott Residents Association are a ward wide Community Group who actively campaign to try and help residents in Oscott improve the area.
They meet every Saturday at 10.30 in the 610 community Centre.
Why not pop in and have a chat about any concerns you have with some of their members over a cup of tea.

KETTLE HOUSE ROAD GETS SPEED INDICATOR SIGN AT LAST.

After 4 phone calls and 2 visits to see Transportation Engineers this week to chase them up, the long awaited Speed Indicator sign has finally been erected (and more importantly is working) in Kettlehouse Road/ Bandywood Road. I would like to thank all those residents who helped me keep the pressure on the Transportation department to get this Speed Indicator sign.
This is just one step in the right direction but more needs to be done to help safe guard some of the roads on the Bandywood Estate and the Council needs to do more and as far as I am concerned the battle goes on.

METROPOLITAN COLLEGE CAR PARKING UPDATE

At comparatively short notice I attended a meeting with senior Metropolitan college officials (the old Great Barr James Watt College on Aldridge Road.
They were kind enough to give me the latest update re their development plans with particular regards to increasing car parking on the site.
Phase one is now all bar complete and a hundred new car spaces have been found. One of the problems is the contractorS on site need to use some of the car parking available.
Phase 2 will begin soon and should be finished in about 12 months. This could include up to another 100 car spaces. There will also be a new coffee shop on site which should help encourage students to stay on site.
The College officials have agreed to attend a public meeting which I will be arranging with other Oscott Councillor, Barbara Dring, Councillor Green, Council Officers and the public it is important all concerned understand what is proposed and is going on. At this meeting the College officials will give an update and the meeting is likely to be in the New Year.
In the mean time I intend to continue to work closly with Council Officers and College officials to try and resolve any issues which come up.

TEMPLETON ROAD,BANDYWOOD CRESCENT AND MEADTHORPE ROAD CLOSURES THIS MONTH

Templeton Road may be subject to closure during the week ending 19th November due to a number of concrete bays needing substantial repairs.

Bandywood Crescent near Kingsland School will be subject to road closure during the weekending 26th. November . This will be due to major structural work and repairs to the carriage way.

Meadthorpe Road will be subject to closure during the week ending 26th November due to substantial repairs too some concrete bays on the carriage way.

Repairs are not being undertaken along the whole of these roads. Following my informing the Highways department, miss leading road signs indicating road resurfacing work on these roads is to take place are to be removed. The Highways have acknowledge they have made a mistake putting out these incorrect signs and have agreed to replace them.

Sadly it is not the case that these roads will be re surfaced at this time however both Councillor Dring and I will continue the battle to get them done in the future.
The work which is done is urgently needed and is as a result of continued complaints by various Councillors in the Oscott ward and local residents.
If you have any concerns regarding this matter please contact me on 360 6486.

OSCOTT YOUTH SERVICES PROVISION UNDER THREAT.

The current Council Administration are looking to make cuts in Youth Service provision across the city. In Oscott as a result of cuts the Bandwood Families Project and the 610 Community Centre could well fall victim to any such cuts?. We will have to wait and see what happens next year. Users of the 610 Centre have already started a petition to save their centre.
THIS AREA IS CRYING OUT FOR MORE PROVISION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE NOT LESS

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are opposed to any such cuts and will do what we can to save Youth Service provision in Oscott.
Barbara Dring at a recent meeting got a commitment from the Birmingham Labour MPs to take this issue to Parliament.

GRAFFITI BEING TARGETED IN OSCOTT

Following a number of complaints a number of Environmental Wardens are coming to Oscott over the next few weeks too target the growing problem of graffiti here.
I have given them a number of hot spots and they have assured me these will be targeted.
Cable boxes street lamps, and so on are starting to look a real mess with the graffiti on them.
If you know of any graffiti which needs removing please give me a ring. 360 6486 and I will pass on you observations.

SPEED CAMERA TO BE INSTALLED THIS WEEK IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

I have received another promise from the Birmingham City Council regarding the missing speed indicator sign which was due to be erected in Kettle House Road in September. Apparently the sign must have been found because contractor are now due to install it this week.
I do not think this sign alone will cure the speeding problems in the Kettle House road area on its own but it is a step in the right direction at long last by our apathetic Transportation department. Mind you I wont count to many eggs till they hatch as it were?

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITY DAY AT THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

There was another successful activity day at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday. The weather held out and a lot of pruning back off paths and clearance work was carried out. Members also cut back over hanging branches on the Queslett Road boundary even though the Council should have done this work. Stephan Bodnar the Councils Bio Diversity officer was hand to answer a number of questions about the wild life in the reserve. The Friends of the Queslttt Nature Reserve also signed up a number of new members.
On the down side there has been a complaint by one anonymous resident about members of the FQNR parking outside the reserve and making a noise?. I was not aware of any noise ? but I would ask all visitors to the reserve who use the the reserve not to park too close to the Ashworth Road entrance and be considerate to the residents who have to park there.
As a group we are trying to get more done to help our environment.
There is also an entrance to the reserve off Old Horns Crescent near the ASDA super store.

CHECKING OUT OSCOTT'S GRIT BINS.

As you may have noticed Grit bins have been placed around the Oscott area in readiness for winter conditions. These grit bins including 5 new ones which were given to the Oscott ward. Oscott Councilors have helped decide where they went but we still need more.
I have been going round checking many of these grit bins to make sure they have grit available for when the bad weather comes. So far so good they have all been filled.

However at the first sign of bad weather the grit will soon be used on the roads and pavements and if you do notice a bin which has been emptied, give me a ring on 360 6486 and I will ensure the department is made aware of it.

COUNCIL TURNS DOWN KINGSTANDING ROAD PETITION

Councillor Barbara Dring who has been leading a campaign to get the Council to introduce some for of roads safety measures to the Kingstanding Road, has informed me a petition handed in by her on behalf of residents has been turned down
I am not that surprised this Council seem determined not to take road safety in this area seriously.
The have now been a score of such rejections to calls by Oscott Residents in various roads for road safety measure. The one thing you can be sure of is at least Councillor Barbara Dring and I at least will not give up and will continue to try and get action taken by this Council.

MORE FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

I am afraid there is more fly tipping going on is Oscott. This time it has happened in Desford Avenue. This is usually a quiet walk though which people use as a short cut. Sadly this green little passage way has found the attention of some anti social fly tippers.

I think the inevitable increase in fly tipping does not seem to have been catered for by those who decided to make cuts in the Bulky Waste home collection service earlier this year. Lets hope more thought is given to the next round of cuts they come up with.

DONT FORGET ANIMALS ON BON FIRE NIGHT

With fire works going off most nights at the moment and with bonfire night fast approaching, it is time to remember our pets. Try and keep dogs and cats in your house as much as possible over the next week as they are often frightened by the noise of fireworks.
Also If you are hold a party for bonfire night let your neighbours know especially if they have pets.

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT THE BANDYWOOD ESTATE BLACK SPOT.

Can you see a Speeding vehicle indicator sign! neither can I.





There has been yet another accident on the Bandywood Road KettleHouse Road over the weekend.
Now It would appears the Transportation department have miss laid a speed Indicator sigh which their chief promised me would be installed on this accident black spot by the end of September.
I have been in touch with senior engineers, as you may expect demanding answers. It is just not good enough. I accept there will always be accidents what ever safety measure you take but not to have put this sign up a month after it was promised is simply not acceptable.

GREEN BAG COLLECTION ENDS NOVEMBER 26TH FOR 10 WEEKS

I have now been informed there will be no green bag collections for 10 weeks between Friday November 26th until Monday February 6th. This is due to the reduction in green waste usually put out at this time of year.
Should you have any green waste during this time it can still be taken to the nearest salvage department. For Oscott residents that is Holford Drive.
Other recycling collections are not effected.