DUKE OF EDINBURGH WARD AT 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

This is for young people over 14 who want to take on a challenge and make good use of their spare time.
It is a chance to develop skills, hobbies or to take up physical activities. There are also expeditions with a chance to serve others.
The group meet at the 610 Community Centre at 5.30pm each Monday.
Ring 464 2268 for details.

OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST INFORMATION 2012 -13

DEAD LINE FOR SUBMITTING REQUESTS FOR FUNDING END OF MARCH 2013

Jericho undertaking a major clean up operation in Osoctt

As the end of this years Community Chest cycle is fast approaching as I did last year I am going to take this opportunity to let Oscott residents know how this funding  has been or is being spent.
I would also once again like to thank the  Oscott Ward Advisory Board members, made up of Community group leaders Voluntary agencies like Age UK as well as bodies  such as the Police and Fire Serve for all there help going through the various applications and making recommendations about them.

Trehurst Community youth club                                                       £2.500
Oscott Gardening scheme Age UK                                                 £2.000
Handy Man Scheme     Age UK                                                     £5.000

 The Late Late Elderly group                                                              £250
Stay and Play group Parents with children with Autism                     £1.500
Oscott Neighbour Crime prevention                                                    £400
Music for the Future a local marching band  Perry Beeches                £2.500
Perry Barr Pensioners Convention                                                       £400
Mary Vale Youth Group                                                                   £2.000
Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve                                                     £400
Oscott Residents Association                                                              £250
Oscott Disability Group                                                                      £250
Oscott Elderly Residents Group                                                          £400
WM Fire Service Fun day   (information and events)                        £2.000 
Neighbourhood Police Initiative                                                          £400
Youth Activities, Sport and education OSCOTT Via CSPAN         £19.000
Helping hands food bank *  & Xmas for the poor*   (HTA) +          £1.000
Oasis Luncheon Club                                                                          £500 
Hawthorn Traders Association Lights now as  indicated*                  £3.000
Connection Group 18 to 30                                                             £1.000
Home Start Kingstanding                                                                 £3.000
Summer play scheme for children                                                    £2.000
Jericho Environmental works (Clean ups improvements)                £24.000
 Small works fund   Community safety with Police                            £5.500
Saint Marks Bandywood Project including help for young families     £18.000
 Fun day Community  Bandywood Projects, info and fun                   £1.000
All Stars Play Group Link Church                                                     £1.000
Imagine Self help Group Saint Mathews Church                                    £.750

£100.000

All the above were checked by the Ward support officer and the Council Authorities and they give feed backs where required to the WAB or Ward Committee./Public
The 3 Oscott Councillors work very Closely with the Oscott Ward Advisory Board members before agreeing the above.We are also instructing Council officers to process and implement the spending of the funding ASAP.

Any further information can be gained by reading Oscott Ward Committee minutes or ringing 675 2349.
Hopefully the above information helps show the things funding may be given for. However there will be more competition then ever this year for funding.
Please bear in mind there will be a major reduction in the Community Chest in the future.
 If you or your group/organisation  would like to make a bid for funding from this years community Chest please ring 675 2349 BEFORE THE END OF MARCH.
                                          
                               
                                                                                      See also Post Feb 12th 2012   

BLUE BOX LITTER PROBLEM IN HIGH WINDS

Very high winds made life very difficult for those putting out their blue and green recycling boxes yesterday.
From my experiences touring around the Oscott Ward many ended blown away half way down the street.
This has left even more litter on our streets and I have called on the powers that be to take action.
I would always advise that before putting out the paper recycling bin you make sure you weigh it down if you know it is going to be windy.
The crews should make more effort to put the boxes back in gardens and preferably near a fence or wall when it is poor weather conditions. It is best to leave the bins on the edge of your garden not on the pavement.

DOG FOULING HAS INCREASED DURING THE SNOWY CONDITIONS

Please take your dogs mess home or bag and bin it


Now that the snow has cleared it is noticeable how much more dog fouling there is in the area.
It would appear some dog owner have not been removing their dogs mess due to the snow.?
I have called upon both the Dog Warden Service and the street Cleaning department to take action as as soon as possible to deal with this unpleasant problem.
I am aware of residents especially those with children being very concerned about this issue and no one should have to tread dog mess  into their homes for example.
Also local playing fields should be kept free of dog mess.
I would again call on all dog owners to remove their dogs mess from our streets and would like to say thank you to the many dog owners who are doing just that.

Please take your dogs mess home or bag and bin it in a litter bin.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

The award winning Centro WorkWise service helps unemployed people return to work by providing travel advice and support, enabling them to find, start and stay in work. WorkWise offers a range of travel assistance to jobseekers including:

Personalised information advice and journey planning for travelling by bus, train, tram, on foot or by bike

Free day tickets to attend interviews

Free monthly travel passes for up to the first three months of a new job

In addition to close working with JobCentre Plus, the WorkWise team is now also working with Connexions in Birmingham to ensure that young people, including those not in education, training or employment (NEETs) can benefit from WorkWise when they secure employment.

For more information contact your local Job centre.

OSCOTT'S FIRST HOUSING LIAISON BOARD WALK ABOUT OF THE YEAR

Along with Councillor,s Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield I attended Oscott First Housing Liaison Board Walk about of the Year.
We joined with Housing Officers and local residents and looked at issues in the Keston Road, Anerly Road area. Clearly there are still problems with litter and none black bag collections. Also dog fouling and the poor state of some gardens and fencing were raised with us. We are now  looking at ways to try and get the area cleaned up.

BIRMINGHAM YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MATTERS FEB 13TH AT SNOW HILL STATION

It was good to see at least 3 Oscott resident at the Solihull Your Public Transport Matters Event held at Mel Square in Solihull on Saturday. Dozens of bus users were able to tell Centro and the bus companies their views.
It is now Birmingham's turn to hold the event and the next one will take place at Snow Hill Station 10am to 12.00 on Wednesday 13th February. It is you opportunity to see what Centro and the bus companies are doing and inform them of your Public Transport experience.
 If you want to make a complaint or find out something just pop along. ITA Councillors should also be there to hear your views.

BACK BAGS STILL WAITING FOR COLLECTION

The black bag collection service is still some way behind due to last weeks bad weather. I am continuing to request the black bags which have still not been collected from many roads in Oscott are collected as soon as possible and hope things should be back to normal by the end of the week.

50,000 PAGE REVIEWS FOR THIS BLOG

I do not normally check such things but I have noticed that my blog has now received over 50,000 page reviews (hits) which I consider amazing considering it is all about  some of my actives in the Oscott wards and some news and views from Oscott. Also it is only meant to represent my views and is not really meant to be controversial. The veiws and opions  are my own personal ones.
Many thanks to all those who have took the time to read my blog and the many who have taken the trouble to contact me as a result. (I can make no promises accept I will try and help if I can)

I am also on twitter.

RESIDENTS PARKINGS SCHEMES ARE NEEDED NEAR SCHOOLS

I have again been asking the Transportation department to investigate the pros and cons of having resident parking schemes near some of the schools in Oscott. One area which readily springs to mind is the Aldridge Road where there have been a number of parking problems for years.

If you have a parking scheme in the Oscott area in mind although it will be very difficult to persuad the Transportation department to introduce them if you let me know i will do what I can to support 
you. please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or ring 303 2039

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THOSE SLEEPING ROUGH

With all this very cold weather we have been having it may be worth thing about those with no where to sleep.

The Birmingham City Council has have long standing arrangements with the Salvation Army for sleeping provision for rough sleepers in cold weather. Our homeless outreach team, the Police, and the ambulance service, all know of the scheme and make sure nobody sleeps out in these conditions.

If you are aware of any one in this unfortunate situation the numbers below may be of help.

Please contact the Street Intervention Team - 0845 60 20 533 (10.00am to 6.00pm only)

The following organisations offer round-the-clock services.

·         Birmingham City Council Careline - 0121 303 2296 (5.00pm-8.00am and all day weekends)

·         Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90

·         National Missing Persons Helpline - 0500 700 700

·         Message Home - 0800 700 740

·         St. Basils Helpline - 0800 056 4034 (men) and 0800 068 7499 (women)

·         Domestic Violence Helpline (national) 0808 200 0247

·         Birmingham Women's Aid Domestic Violence Helpline 0121 685 8550

 Salvation Army

Referral agencies

Accept self referrals and referrals from any agency.

Referral procedure

Call Homeless Single Point of Access on 0345 602 0540 or call the centre directly.

Waiting list

No waiting list.

Vacancies

Daily/weekly.

Length of stay

Minimum	1 night
Maximum	3 months
Average	1 month

In addition the Council are also distributing winter warmth packs and supporting the Church Winter Night Shelter, which is offering additional provision during the winter months.

OSCOTT COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH

COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
Members of the community can support Police neighbourhood teams to help raise awareness within the community of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally. This provides a practical way of local community volunteers doing something practical to help reduce speeding in their neighbourhoods.Some of their members work out on the street with the Local Police team taking details of speeding vehicles.
 Those observed speeding depending on the circumstances will be sent a letter by the Police informing them they have been observed speeding, following action may be taken if the same driver re offends. The Community Speed Watch team have a de breifing session with the Police on a monthly basis as part of Oscott Neighbourhood Tasking Group sessions

The Local Oscott team have been doing an excellent job over the last 12 months.
Some of the many roads they have operated in are
The Aldridge Road.
Olld Oscott Hill
Kettle House Road
Kingstanding Road.
Elmbridge Road
Old Oscott Lane
Birdbrook Road
 A junior speed watch has also been working with the Police.

This is another good example of the community trying to work together to reduce problems in the area.

If you would like more details contact the Oscott Police Team. 101 Ext 7812 6930

Or if you would like me to pass on a concern about speeding vehicles in your road please them to me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk ot tel 303 2039 (messages) and I will pass on your concerns to the team.

FORMER PERRY BARR WARD COUNCILLOR TO BECOME MAYOR OF BIRMINGHAM

It has now been announced that former Perry Barr Councillor (Now Councillor for Brandwood)Councillor  Mike Leddy is to become Birmingham's next Lord Mayor.

I have known Mike for 30 years or more and along with former Councillor George Harper I  have him to thank,  for me wanting to become a Councillor myself.

I have had that many arguments with Mike I would need a computer to work out how many. That said he is one of the best Councillors I have ever come across and know when he says something he means it.
He is a Brummie through and through and no one could challenge his commitment to his city.
He will serve this City well as its Lord Mayor and his family will give him great support as he does so.

REFUGE /RECYCLING COLLECTION UPDATE TUE 22nd JAN

 See below for the latest message recived from the council refarding the collection of black bags and recycled material

Delays in collections may be expected due to the state of some of our roads.

A MESSAGE FROM THE B.C COUNCIL

All four depots have sent out crews today, but road conditions – particularly on side roads – continue to be challenging.
As much of today’s service will be completed as possible, and street cleaning staff are being diverted from their regular duties to support refuse collectors as they pick up waste put out over the last few days.
We will catch up with uncollected refuse as soon as possible and would ask citizens to place their refuse and recycling for collection at the edge of their property and not on the highway/pavement.

DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW ONTO THE ROADS

I have been out and about again on patrol looking for empty grit bins in Oscott. When I find them I am continuing to report them to the Highways department asking that they are filled as soon as possible.

I would also ask residents not to shovel snow into the carriage way  as this makes it difficult for the ice to melt and can cause the ice to build up on the carriage ways.

If you have a problem with an empty grit bin please em me Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com or ring (303 2039 messages)



See also post Sun 20th Jan

JAN 21st OSCOTT SCHOOLS CLOSED DUE TO SNOW

 MONDAY 21st JANUARY

All schools in Oscott are closed today due to the bad weather and the difficulty on our roads.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON ANY OF THE SCHOOLS IN OSCOTT
http://disruption.birmingham.gov.uk/list-of-birmingham-schools/

PLEASE JUST USE GRIT FOR THE CARRIAGE WAY

I have been out on grit bin patrol today and most in Oscott are empty.
With this in mind I would ask residents to make sure the carriage ways on our road get priority.
I know there is a temptation to use it on garden paths and so on but to help keep our roads clear and safe use the grit only for the carriage way.
I have informed the Highways department of the current empty grit box situation and where many of these empty bins are. They have assured me they will be filled ASAP.
Main roads are passable at the moment but unless grit is put where it should be we may have major problems with some smaller roads.

If you have a problem with an empty grit bin please email me Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.com or ring  303 2039 (messages) with the details

Also see twitter posts

FEED OUR WILD BIRDS

With all the snow we have had over the last few days and the news that we have more to come, if you have not done so all ready please think about feeding our wild birds.
For the best advice on what to feed wild birds take a look at the RSPB Webb
www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/index.aspx
Lets give them a helping hand to survive through the winter.

SAT 19TH JAN OSCOTT BUS ROUTE ALTERATIONS

DUE TO SNOW THE FOLLOWING ALTERATIONS ARE BEING MADE TO BUSES EFFECTING OSCOTT

see http://www.nxbus.co.uk 

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND UPDATES

In brief

Bus routes effected by weather

7

28 not using Dyas road

33

997 only using main roads. Will not be using Dyad Road or going on Pheasey.

NORTH BIRMINGHAM
Services running via amended routes:

• 7 - terminating at The Crossways (College Rd/Hawthorn Rd). Buses running to/from city on normal route to New John St then left to Newtown Row to terminate at Lancaster Circus
• 28 - normal route between Heartlands and Hawthorn Road. To/from Hawthorn Road buses will run via kingstanding Road to terminate at Kingstansding Circle
• 33 - running via Kingstanding Road to terminate at Kingstanding Circle
• 66 - running via Lichfield Road to/from Sutton Coldfield, not serving Nechells
• 66A - running via Lichfield Road, not serving Nechells. From Court Lane running via Boldmere Road and Jockey Road to Sutton Coldfield
• 997 - running via main road only, missing Pheasey Dyas Road
• --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I would advise that you do not go out today wether it is by bus car or on foot unless it is really necessary and that you give your self more time for your journey if you do. Be careful out there.

UP DATE BUSES SEEM TO BE RUNNING OK THIS AFTERNOON

REFUGE COLLECTION SUSPENDED DUE TO BAD WEATHER

 Before collections take place the following things have to be considered.

Is it safe to drive down a road ?
I
    The number and proximity of parked vehicles.
    Is it safe to stop and start frequently, particularly on hills?
    The impact upon other road users. (Can they stop safely when faced with a slow moving vehicle that stops regularly?)
    The safety of the loaders. This includes working behind the vehicle in the face of other vehicle movements, and also carrying heavy sacks on slippery pavements.

Over the course of this week there have been a number of accidents involving our staff, including a broken leg.

Collections have now been suspended for the remainder of today (Friday 18th Jan) and a voice mail message put on the Contact Centre lines accordingly.

The service will catch up as and when conditions allow

Please allow for delays for your collections of waste materials as a result

KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR THE ELDERLY IN OSCOTT

Now winter is really upon us is the time to remember our elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours.
Why not give anyone you know in that category a quick ring to make sure they are ok (or knock on their door)
If you can make it to the shops ask them if they need anything.

BIRDBROOK ROAD TO BIRKENSHAW ROAD RIGHT OF WAY IN A REAL MESS

It has come to my attention that the well used walk through connecting Birdbrook Road and Birkenshaw Road has become badly littered again.
I have called on the Oscott Environmental team to carry out a good litter pick of this right of way when the weather clears.
Some years ago I ensured this right of way had a litter bin at its entrance so there is no excuse for littering this right of  way.

OSCOTT COUNCIL OWNED GARAGES IN NEED OF REPAIR

There are many Council owned garages in Oscott which leave a lot to be desired.
I have for some time been requesting many of these garages be repaired and secured.
There are a number which have been boarded up for example which could be repaired and re let to those who urgently need a garage.
Following my discussions with the Housing department I am now led to believe over the next year a number of garages in the Oscott area will be surveyed and repaired. Then hopefully the waiting list for garages will go down and those who have garages will find they are in a better state of repair.

If you have a Council garage which is of concern please contact me.

Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or ring 303 2039 (messages)

SEE SOMETHING SAY SOME THING

One if the issues raised with me by bus users recently was their dislike of anti social behaviour and graffiti on buses including the etching on the windows.
This can be a nuisance and bus companies are using more and more CCTV and other means to try and stamp it out.
There is a Safer Travel Team of Police Officers and Community Support Officer who are dedicated to pro active work on buses across the West  Midlands but clearly they can not be every where.
We can all help by letting them know if we see anti social behaviour on the buses. Join the see something say something initiative. You can for example text "Bus" or "Metro" leave a space then let them know the time date location and route number to 83010
Or telephone 0345 113 5000.
This is a non emergency No If you do see an emergency ring 999

FREE SOUP ON WEDNESDAYS AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

Every Wednesday the Seventh Day Adventists offer free bread and soup to anyone who would like some, at the 610 Community Centre. (12noon until 1pm)

Their volunteers to a wonderful job and are always willing to have a chat if you want one.

TODAYS YOU ARE YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT EVENT

At to days You are your public Transport event held at the West Bromwich bus terminus dozens of bus users from the area had a chance to have their say about public Transport and to here some of the things happening in the north Birmingham Sandwell area,
I met a number of Birmingham residents on their way to shop in West Bromwich including a number of Oscott residents (using the No 5 bus.which is the old 451, Sutton Coldfeild to West Bromwich via the Queslett Road and Oscott bus route)
Many bus users took the opportunity to gather information about various services and to have bus time tables for the area.

SURPRISED TO RECIEVE A COMMUNITY AWARD

I was not only delighted but completely taken by surprised to find the organisers of the Oscott Community Games (which took place last year) * have awarded me a trophy.
It is for Community Leadership and awareness.
I would like to thank those involved for their kindness and to thank them for all their efforts organising their event last year which I was pleased to attend along with the Lord Major.

Finally I think we should all remember there are many community groups in Oscott whose members do Stirling work with out the recognition  there deserve. They are often hampered by lack of funding and an over kill amount of bureaucracy to put up with. All the Community Groups in Oscott should be applauded for the work they try and do.

If I can help any groups in any way please email on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk. Times are getting harder for Wards like Oscott but I will try and help if I can.



*See Sat 14th July 2012  post

610 COMMUNITY CENTRE SENIOR YOUTH CLUB

Young people over the age of 13 can enjoy their own youth club at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road.
The centre has a range of facilities, pool tables, table tennis tables as well as arm chairs just to chill out on. The club have music workshops, sports and trips out.
The club operates from 5pm to 9pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

 For further details ring 464 2268

WITTON CEMETERY CHAPEL NEEDS REDECORATION

I am now able to confirm that the council are currently awaiting the detail of costs for the redecoration of the interior of Witton Cemetery Chapel and that their intention is to progress with the works as long as the cost is not prohibitive.

It is hoped that works will commence within the next year and I have asked them to do their best to ensure the work is carried out given the concerns which have been raised with me by some of those who visit the cemetery.
The cemetery chapel is listed at Grade II and Birmingham City Council has an obligation to ensure that the building is maintained to an acceptable level. In recent months there has been a significant amount of expenditure for the chapel, due to some essential exterior structural works that were required for the spire. Due to the severity of the remedial works, this unfortunately had to take precedence over the interior decoration works that are required.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SATURDAY SURGERIES CONFIRMATION

For the rest of this month the Oscott Councillors Saturday surgeries which take place at the 610 Community Centre will have to be confirmed. Before attending these surgeries please ring either 360 6486 or the 610 Community Centre 464 2268

YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MATTERS WEST BROMWICH BUS STATION

Any Oscott residents going to West Bromwich on Wednesday may wish to take part in the Your Public Transport Matters event which is taking part at the bus station 10am to 12.
It is a chance to have your say about matters relating to public transport.

GRIT BOXES NEED TO BE KEPT TOPPED UP

This is the time of year we really need our grit bins to be full and the grit should only be used for the public highway (carriageways)




Amey currently maintain 1260 grit bins across the city during the winter period and Highways Inspectors monitor the condition and salt levels in each bin on a regular basis. (including Oscott)
I have however had residents ask  to ensure some of the grit bins in the Oscott area are refilled correctly.
This is due to the pressure the contractors are under to fill so many bins so quickly and results in bins being missed or because they are being emptied quicker than expected. This clearly needs to improve.

If you have noticed a grit bin which is now empty please contact me and I will pass on the information to the Transportation department and their contractors.
I am also calling on the Transportation department to consider adding to the number of grit bins in the Oscott area considering the amount of hills there are here.

I have also now been assured 39 out of the 51 Grit bins in Oscott have been secured to try and prevent them being tipped over and I am trying to get the Council to secure the rest if possible.

OLD OSCOTT HILL SHOULD BE A 20 MPH ZONE

I am yet again calling upon Transportation Chiefs to introduce a 20MPH Zone on Old Oscott Hill Between Oscott School Lane and Atlantic Road.
There are already slow signs on the carriage way on this stretch of road but i believe a full 20 MPH Zone is needed.
There are 3 schools, and elderly residents complex. a church and a community centre on this stretch of road which is sadly know for speeding vehicles.

If you would like to ler me have your views on this please Email keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.

TODAYS COUNCILLOR'S SURGERY TO GO AHEAD

There will now be a Oscott Councillors Surgery at the 610. Community Centre at 10.30am today.

OSCOTT WHEELIE BIN DEBATE

Many thanks to all those Oscott residents who have contacted me about whether they support converting to having wheelie bins or not.

I have passed on over the last couple of months the comments I have received from residents what ever they may have been, to those who will be making the decision regarding wheelie bins.

If you have not already contacted me on the subject please email me Keith.Linnecor@yahoo.gov and I will ensure your comments are also passed on.

610 COMMUNITY CENTRE COUNCILLORS SURGERY CANCELLED 12TH JANUARY

Due to being called in to a meeting to discuss various urgent budget considerations on Saturday 12th January the Councillors surgery due on the same day has with regret had to be cancelled.

If you would like to contact me to discuss an issue of concern please ring 303 2039 (messages)

or Email me   Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

Your Oscott Councillors are sorry for any inconvenience

THIS DECISION MAY ME CHANGED

TEMPLETON ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TO HAVE NEW CLEAN UP

The right of way between Templeton Road and Old Oscott Hill is to receive another clean up.
This right of way which is well used by parents taking their children to Mary Vale School is to be litter picked and have bushes cut back latter this month.
This will be done as part of a Ward Community Chest initiate by our Environmental team.
You may recall this work was carried out earlier this year and I also got involved cutting back brambles* to help young children get past without being scratched on their way to school.
 This time the Environmental Team have had permission to go on Church land boarding the path to cut back even more problem bushes.
The Police are giving this right of way passing attention as it is not allowed to be closed for legal reasons.


*See post 18th September


*

OLD OAKES MEDICAL CENTRE NEW SITE APPROVED

The site on Shady Lane where the new medical centre is to be built



Planning permission to build a Brand new Doctors Surgery (The Old oaks Medical Centre) on a redundant site in Shady Lane has been granted.
The old site was last used by a firm called Capco Press works over 3 years ago.
The medical practise will merge its Kingstanding Road and Old Oscott Lane surgeries onto this one site.
This should mean relief for long time neighbours at the old surgery sites as their parking should be much improved.
It should also mean the approach to the island situated on Old Oscott Lane near the Dyas Road should be much safer which is some thing residents have been calling for for years..
The new centre is covered by the 997 bus route and  has good parking. The centre will also include a chemist.
The new facility will cover approximately 8000 local patients.
 A number of residents will be sad to see the old surgeries go but the promised improvements in medical care at the new site should make a real difference.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

Sadly there has been yet another accident on the Aldridge road near the Thornbridge Avenue/ Greenholm Road Junction. This occurred around 2pm on Wednesday afternoon.
I will be handing in a petition gathered by local resident to the Council this month requesting road safety measures be introduced. Clearly the amount of accidents in the stretch of the Aldridge Road is not acceptable and needs to be dealt with.
I am also meeting senior Council officers on site in the next few weeks to fully explain the urgent need for action. The current 13 accidents in 3 year year warning signs located near the junction of concern are no longer being taken seriously.

To join in the campaign for better road safety Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

HOW TO CONTACT ME

Just a quick reminder how to contact me.

To write to me
Councillor Keith Linnecor
Birmingham City Council House
Victoria Square
B1 1BB

Email   Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
Tel (messages) 0121 303 2039
or
0121 360 6486

I hold a surgery most Saturday Mornings (ring to confirm) at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road. 10.30am
Please note I am also on Twitter

I do not promise I can resolve or the issues I hear about but I am willing to try and help if I can.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I would like to wish Oscott residents a very Happy New Year,

HELP PREVENT FLOODING AND HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT

I have been calling of the Council for some time to improve the drain cleaning and repair program to help prevent flooding. I have also requested rather that just Tar Mac grass verges more efforts be made to repair and protect them as they help soak away rain water.
 One way residents can help prevent flooding is to ensure their front gardens have a capacity to soak up the rain.
 Many gardens for example these days have been altered to allow cars to park on them. New Planning regulations means that if permission is given to have a dropped curb these days there must be a form of soak away or porous surface as part of altering the garden. (I am asking the Planning department to enforce this regulation more vigorously.)
However there are many homes where there has been alterations to front gardens already and this has meant there is no such soak away in many case.
.Gardens which are fully paved or covered in tarmac result in more water adding to the problem of flooding somewhere else.
One solution could be to add a small area to the front garden where either pebbles or small drainage channels can be added.
We should all think carefully before concreting over our gardens.

TREE PLANTED IN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IN MEMORY OF BERT COOKE

I would just like to thank all those involved in planting a tree in the Queslett Nature Reserve (Persimmons homes) in the memory of FQNR member Bert Cooke who passed away recently.
The FQNR will be planting bushes and plants paid for by the Cooke family and friends later in the new year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I would just like to wish every one a Merry Christmas and hope every one has an enjoyable and peaceful time,

EASIER PARKING ON HAWTHORN ROAD ON THE WAY

It looks like good news for those using Hawthorn Road next year, as Elim Church have agreed with the owner of the waste land situated at the corner of warren Road and Hawthorn Road,  to be allowed to us it for parking and other activities,
Negotiations have been going on since I manged to get the 2 parties together some months ago.
Keys will be handed to the organisers at Elim Church who will tidy the site and allow limited parking on it which will ease parking problems on the Hawthorn Road. They also intend to use the land for some out door events.

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING

Many people get mixed up when it comes to dealing with Councils and their time scales. They work in financial year time frames. April to April.

With This in mind I thought I would remind you it is not to early to start preparing a bid for the next round of Oscotts Community Chest funding. (There will be more competition than ever this year) AND THERE IS NOT OF MONEY AVAILABLE IN THE FIRST PLACE also sadly there will be an increase in the bureaucracy involved.

Application forms should be sent out from February onwards and notices will go up in Libraries, in time for the spring dead line.
However now is the time whether you are a local organisation or an individual to consider how to put your bid together. The actual process of decision making can take some time so the sooner the bid goes in the better.

Bids are assessed by a Oscott Ward Support officer for suitability and then put to the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (which is made up from Community Group leaders, councillors, the Police and other Voluntary organisations). who then, scrutinise the bids before prioritising them and recommending them to the Councillors on the Ward Committee. Sadly because of limited funding some bids have to be rejected although those making the bid make be advised to look at more suitable funding from other quarters.
Finally the Ward Councillors Which is made up of Councillor Barbara Dring, Councillor Tristan Chatfield and myself make a decision regarding the recommendations' in public at a Ward Committee meeting.


Those receiving funding are are asked to give a feed back at a later date on how the money was spent.

In the past we gave given small amounts of funding for example to Community groups of all sorts to help them engage the community.
Voluntary organisations have received funding.
 Funding has also been given for environmental improvements, Community safety, helping the elderly. helping the disabled, helping young people find things to do and struggling young families .

If you want to know more about how to make a bid and what can be funded please contact the Oscott Ward Support Officer on 675 2349

DONT FORGET TO KEEP AN EYE ON ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS OVER CHRISTMAS

Many elderly Oscott Residents are lucky enough to have relatives who pop in to see them over the Christmas, New Year Period. These relatives often help out with a bit of shopping and or give a bit of company.
Sadly there are a number of residents in Oscott who have no close relatives so with this in mind please help keep an eye on them.
Many of you already do but if there is an elderly resident you know where you live, why not ask them if they would like a bit of shopping done for example, or just say hello..
Also remind them not to let strangers in there homes without a proper ID.

If you know an elderly friend or neighbour who may need a bit of company why not suggest he or she contact Age UK 358 0309

 or if they are able too get out (in the new year) contact one of the local elderly residents clubs -ring 675 2349 for details

CHRISTMAS REFUSE COLLECTIONS

As a few residents have now asked me what the arrangements are for collecting refuse over the Christmas and New Year period I thought I would take this opportunity to let Oscott residents know

 There will be no collections on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day.  If your black bag collection falls on 25 December, the next collection will now take place on Tuesday 1 January.  Recycling collections due on Christmas Day will now take place on Tuesday 8 January.
Black bag collections due on Boxing Day will now be made on Wednesday 2 January and recycling collections set for that date will now take place on Wednesday 9 January.
The city’s five recycling centres will be open as usual each day, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day so if you live in Oscott why not pop down to Holford Drive to get rid of that unwanted Christmas present packaging and bottles for example from Jan 27th onwards.
Please remember to recycle what you can.

ELIM CHURCH ALONG WITH THE HAWTHORN TRADERS ASSOCIATION DISH UP AN XMAS TREAT

The Elim working along with the Hawthorn Traders Association dished up a Traditional Christmas dinner to Local families today as part of their Food Bank initiative.

Later presents and food will be given out to ensure those in need in the area are not forgotten over Christmas.
The Oscott Ward Committee with the help of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board were pleased to help out with some much needed funding from the Oscott Community Chest.
I hope we will all remember the spirit of Christmas and remember those less fortunate than our selves and I would like to thank all those volunteers from the Elim Church and the Hawthorn Traders Association for their work today to make the event such a success for local families.

OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TASKING GROUP MEETING

I attended the Oscott Police Tasking Group meeting today.
There were a number of subjects discussed by those who attended.
 I raised issues concerning speeding, parking near Oscott Schools and the the James Watt College. I also raised the issue of cold calling (selling at the door)
Other issues raised was the work of the Community Speed watch, theft deterrents, local clean up works, dog fouling hot spots and local Policing initiatives
There was a good turn out despite the heavy rain.
I would like to thank all those who have attended the Oscott Police NTG meetings this year and the Police for supervising these meeting,

ANOTHER GREAT OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP EVENT

The finale meeting of the Oscott Elderly Residents Wednesday Social meetings took place today.
There was a real Christmas spite and I am not just talking about the wine.
Both Councillor Tristan Chatfield and  felt it was good  to see other local groups like the Oscott Disability Group and the Oscott Residents Association invited.
All had a good time with mince pies cakes, crackers and so on freely available. These get togethers really do make a difference to some of oscott pensioners and disabled residents.

I was given the duty of drawing the winning Raffle ticket with the top prize of a Christmas hamper.
This was yet another successful even organised by Maureen Byrne and her helpers.They have done a good job all year.
I was just pleased to be able to help out from time to time.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS SOME BUS SERVICES TO OPERATE BOXING DAY

There will be a better service for Oscott Bus users this boxing day.
many buses running through the Oscott will run on Boxing day  if only on a special time table.

The bus services over Christmas will be as follows.


Sat 22rd Sun 23rd normal Saturday or Sunday time tables will operate
Mon 24th Christmas Eve Some services will operate a limited Saturday service  limited service.*
Tue 25th Christmas day NO SERVICE
Wed 26th Boxing day a limited special service *
Thurs 27th A Saturday Service will operate.

 eg 28,33 AND 997 will be LIMITED SERVICE.*

I would advise residents plan ahead before they travel by bus during the Christmas period and check the Internet in advance.

DRIVERS WITH DISABILITY BADGES MAKE SURE YOU DISPLAY THEM CORRECTLY

While I am at it I would remind disabled drivers to ensure they put they disability (Orange) disks on show correctly as there are private firms in the area only to pleased to put a fine notice on cars of disabled drivers who  have not displayed their orange badges correctly.
Even if you are lucky enough to win appeal against a parking fine the time and effort involved can be considerable.
DOUBLE  CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR PARKED IN A DISABLED BAY

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR DISABLED DRIVERS THIS CHRISTMAS

I know from working closely with the Oscott Disability Group and other disabled residentS in the area that disabled car bays are often abused and used by those who are not disabled.
Like any other residents, disabled people want to do their Christmas shopping, but they badly need to get as close as possible to the shops they have to go to.
With this in mind I would ask those drivers with no physical disability to spare a thought for those who are not so lucky and do not park your cars in disability marked bays.

ELIM CHURCH XMAS SPECTACULAR EVENT A GREAT SUCCESS

I attended the Elim Church (working with the Hawthorn Traders Association) Great Christmas spectacular today. The even was very busy over 600 residents and children  had already been in and enjoyed Face painting food and Carol singing. As a real treat the real Father Christmas and a number of his Elf helpers were there to meet the children and help ensure they get their Christmas presents.

I spoke to father Christmas and his Elves myself and was assured after some tough negotiating, even some politicians would be receiving presents this year!!.

This is the sort of event this area needs to help lift spirits and to start the Christmas period on a right note. Hopefully it  also helped bring much needed trade to the local shops.

All those I met at this event were thoroughly enjoying it adults and children alike. As usual the helpers were doing a brilliant job controlling the crowds and serving food and so on. I would like to congratulate all those involved. The Oscott Community Chest with the assistance of the Hawthorn Traders helped to contribute to this event.

OSCOTT SOCIAL WENT WELL

The Oscott social took place last night and as usual was well attended. Well done Maureen and Bridget for their hard work supplying the buffet.
Khalid Mahmood MP attended as guest of honour and I know my colleagues Councillor Barbara Dring and Councillor Tristan Chatfield enjoyed the event like myself.
The heavy rain prevent a number of residents from coming along but althose there seemed to enjoy the party Sprite.