BOTH GLENMEAD AND BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELDS NEED A LONG TERM SOLUTION

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I have both been in contact with Councillor Ian Ward the Birmingham City deputy leader regarding the long term future of both Glenmead and Burford Road Playing Fields. He has been reminded that work is expected to start soon on replacing some of the fencing on the Burford Road site and that the Glenmead Road site has in the past had money spent on security fencing around its changing room facilities. We have also reminded him that while we (including Councillor Tristan Chatfield) understand Government cuts in Council funding has been unprecedented,  we need these playing fields as there is such limited open space in Oscott for its children to play on.

Many of you may recall some years ago following my campaign both sites were opened up for public use rather than be sealed for use only by schools. and left empty most of the time with children forced to play ball games on the street out side.

The outcome  of our discussions with the deputy leader is the fields will be maintained to the end of the the year.

He will be signing for the updating the fence on Burford Rd immediately for work to commence.

He will also looking for funding from Sport England and the FA for all weather pitches etc.

This is progress and good news as many have forgotten that there is the need for a long term strategy to improve these Playing field areas.

The 3 Oscott Councillors are  also continuing in the short term to get the current department responsible for these sites to improve the grass cutting on them despite the cuts they face in funding. The grass on these sites is due to be cut shortly

PROSED WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BURFORD PLAYING FIELDS

I have been asked by a couple of residents who were not able to get to any of the site visits arranged by the 3 Oscott ward Councillors what work is being carried out on the Burford Road Playing Fields site. I hope the information below helps. Also see my July 18th Post. 5.1          The works proposed for Burford Road Unattached School Playing Field are as follows:- ·       New 2.45m Zaun anti climb fencing and gate on the Kingstanding Road entrance with an inner second set of anti climb gates and fencing. ·       The concrete base will be broken out; topsoiled with site materials and seeded this will stop the anti social behaviour currently experienced by the residents. ·       Grounds to be re graded to 1 in 3 gradient along the boundary of Burford Road and Stowell Road to allow easier maintenance and negate the need to spray off bank. ·       Installation of new 2.45m high Zaun Duo fencing along the boundary of Burford Road. ·       Relocation of 2.1m high galvanised palisade fencing from the Burford Road boundary to   the      side boundary of Stowell Road. ·     Details are shown on the attached plan. Appendix 3 Benefits of this scheme will be the improvement to the infrastructure of the playing field within the Oscott ward, it will also enhance the area through improved atheistically pleasing boundary treatment which will provide the site with an improved presence.

5.2           The Council is the landowner for the works proposed in this report and therefore Education and Skills Infrastructure have the ability to exercise control over the delivery of the proposed works and meet their objectives within the resources available. The Planning Application was submitted on the 24th March 2014 and a positive outcome is expected.                 5.5       The works will be procured through the Landscape Construction Framework 2013-15. The      works are planned to commence at the beginning of August and complete by the end of September.         I am please this work is going to be carried out shortly it is a long time coming but when you remember the un costed  promises made by others I think the length of time it has taken is more understandable.

PERRY BEECHES SWIMMING POOL UPDATE

The Perry Beeches Pool It is included within what is called the Framework contract for the north of the city. A number of organisations are currently bidding for the right to manage the city’s leisure facilities that fall within the Framework. The successful organisation is likely to be known by January with a handover in April of next year.

I do know that in initial discussions the potential contractors have been looking at investing in and improving the site.Councillors from Oscott and Perry Barr will do what we can to ensure any change over at the Perry Beeches Pool site goes smoothly.

COOKSEY LANE PAVEMENT UPDATE

The pavement in Cooksey Lane is still scheduled to have resurfacing work carried out on it in November this year. Residents will be notified prior to the commencement of the work

MANY OF THE STREET TREES IN OSCOTT NEED TO BE PRUNED MORE

It is clear that Amey ( the private contractor given a 25 year contact to improve our streets including trees by the last Council administration) have not been pruning the trees in Oscott to the satisfaction of many residents.
 This is the reason I am calling on their senior officer to look again at this years tree pruning program with an aim to improve it.
There also needs to be more of the larger trees replaced by more suitable species.

THE OSCOTT LOCAL POLICE TEAM TO ENFORCE ALCOHOL RESTRICTED ZONES IN OSCOTT MORE DURING SUMMER

At the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking Group meeting today it was agreed to enforce the Alcohol restrict zone concept again in the Oscott area during the summer period.
It is hoped by doing his acts of anti social street drinking near local pubs can be reduced.
As the Councillor who introduced this concept (many have forgotten this) to the Birmingham area originally after seeing it in action in Wolverhampton, I am in full support of the Police enforcing this scheme again more in the Oscott area. I think it is about time.
There are still many of the original Alcohol Restricted Zone signs in place so there is no excuse to drink on our streets in an anti social way.
Clearly resident having a  quiet drink in their gardens and so on will not be effected but those causing trouble when drinking on our streets will at the very least have their drinks confiscated.

PLEASE DO NOT USE MOTORISED VEHICLES IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

The Queslett Nature Reserve is what it says on the tin "a nature Reserve."
It is not a park it is a wild area meant to be enjoyed by users on foot or push bike and to encourage wild life.
Motor Bikes Quad bikes and horses are not suitable given the nature of the paths which are often obscured by bends and dips in the ground.
Those out walking in the reserve could be at risk from those using motorised vehicles and the FQNR would ask anyone thinking of using motorised vehicles or horses to find other places to do so.
Note the Councils Parks department will be putting up notices regarding the danger of using motorised vehicles in the reserve later this year and the Ranger service are aware of the problem.

MISSED BLACK BAGS COLLECTIONS

Sadly due to industrial action by some member of the Councils Salvage department members black bags put out in some roads in Oscott will not be collected until the next time they are due to be.


I would suggest to residents that in future they do not put out (and ask their neighbours not to as well) their black bags together in a communal pile in the road.
I would also suggest that residents simply leave their black bags only at the edge of their property from now on.
This would help in the future by meaning residents could take in their own bags if need be in the future, should holidays, low levels of salvage department staff, or industrial actions happen again  in the future leading to missed collections and we would not see mounds of black bags on our street.

Piles of black bags left on our streets does not look good and leads to confusion when it comes to identification. Also those residents who have properties where often these bags are joined together have to put up with the inconvenience they cause at the best of times.
I have also asked that the Council look at considering  giving out this advise in the future.?
I am aware many Salvage crew operatives pile bags together ready to be picked up but that is acceptable as the bags would be collected shortly after.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD UPDATE

At the Oscott Ward Advisory Board a senior officer from the Education department confirmed new fencing will be erected on the Burford Road Playing Field.
There is no intention of closing the field and work will continue to look for new groups to use the field.
The grass cutting regime will remain under review.

Councillor Tristan Chatfield, Councillor Barbara Dring and I will continue our battle with the Education department to improve the grass cutting regime not only at the Burford site but other sites in Oscott also effected.

We are also trying to get the grass cut on both the Burford Road and Glenmead Road playing fields.

EXTRA FUNDING FOR KINGSTANDING LIBRARY

The Wolfertone Foundation have donated funding to help Children use our libraries in Birmingham.
Some of this funding will now be used to help the Children's section of Kingstanding Library.
The funding will be used to help improve children's literacy with better equipment and other measures.
Any money that is given to help any library in Oscott is very much appreciated.

THE OSCOTT WARD ADVISORY BOARD GETS NEW CHAIR PERSON

At a well attended meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee last night Councillor Barbara Dring was again appointed as its Chair.
Councillor Tristan Chatfield was appointed as the Ward Advisory Chairman and I will be the Neighbourhood Tasking Group Representative.

AS the previous Chair of the Ward Advisory Board for so long I thought it was time to stand down and give someone else a chance to have a go.

I would like to thank all those members and observers who for so many years have helped make such tough decisions and given up so much time to do so. There work has helped the Oscott Ward Committee with its deliberations on things like the Oscott Community Chest.

I have every faith that Tristan who has understudied me as Chair of the Oscott WAB will do a fine job and bring something new to it.

UPDATE

A big thank you to all those who have passed on their good wishes regarding my accident.
I am on the road to recovery.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve are looking to sign up new members.
The FQNR help look after and maintain the Queslett Nature Reserve which is located near the ASDA Queslett Supermarket.
Friends of the reserve meet from time to time at the reserve where they carry out practical work such as litter picking, light pruning work, path clearance and small tree thinning. They also help keep an eye on the reserve reporting problems to the Police or Ranger service as appropriate.
Members often litter pick on there own when they can and all members encourage users of the reserve to take their litter home.
It is a very much hands on group who are more interested in getting stuck in than discussing how to save the world.
The FQNR also take an interest in the nearby Aldridge Recreation Ground, local open spaces and the environment generally.

There is no fee to join although an occasional donation is never turned down but it is help at the occasional activity day which is really needed.
 Children are welcome under the care of an appropriate adult.

The FQNR work closely with park ranger receive some training and ensures the reserves wild life is looked after.

If you would like to know more or to join the FQNR Em brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca
or Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

News of the reserve can be found on this blog from time to time

PERRY BARR MP SURGERY DETAILS (OSCOTT)

I have been asked to remind Oscott residents that their MP Khalid Mahmood holds regular surgeries in Oscott on the first Saturday of each moth at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding  Road. At 10.30am.

This is a good opportunity to inform him of any concerns you may have and to here about his activities in Parliament.

Should you be unable to attend his surgeries his office number is 356 8264
(He also hold other surgeries though out the Perry Barr constituency please use the above tel no to obtain further details.

THE LORD MAYORS SHOW ON SATURDAY FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Need to find the children something to do this Saturday why not take them along to the Lord Mayors show?


FREE midsummer fun for all the family in the heart of Birmingham!
Peter Pan live…tea with the Lord Mayor…great activities for children…street entertainment…craft stalls…
A highlight of Birmingham’s civic calendar, the Lord Mayor’s Show is the city’s annual welcome to the new Lord Mayor and a fond farewell to the outgoing one.
The show raises money for the Lord Mayor’s charities and is a great day out.
There will be so much to enjoy at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.

• Tea in the Council House with the Lord Mayor
• Live performance of Peter Pan in Chamberlain Square (from 2.30pm)
• Marquee with children’s craft activities
• Magic show
• Craft stalls in the historic Council House Banqueting Suite
• Live music
• BBC interactive experience and Radio WM reporting live from the show
• Face-painting and street theatre
• Donkey rides

14/06/2014

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square

AMEY NEED TO PICK UP THEIR SIGNS

I would imagine by now most resident would be aware Amey (the private contractor given a 25 year contract to maintain and upgrade our streets by the previous Council addministrion) have been repairing carriage ways and pavements in Oscott for some time with mixed results.
One of their failings in my opinion is the amount of notice boards and so on left behind in some cases for months following the completion of work in a road.
I have called on Amey to have these stray boards collected and taken off our streets.
In the long run it would save them money if they did that and make our streets look tidier.

997 BUS ROUTE CHAMPION

Well it still looks as if I am going to be the 997 Bus route Councillor Champion and with that in mind if you have any issues or concerns regarding this route in particular please let me know.
Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

WELL DONE COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING

I would like to congratulate my ward colleague on retaining her post as Chair person of the Birmingham City Council Licencing Committee. She has fought of all opposition and has been offered the post yet again following all the hard work and effort she put in last year.

I know from my time as Vice Chair of the Licencing committee some years ago how much work is entailed by being on the Licencing committee and Chairing it is no mean  accomplishment.

MY ROLES ON THE BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL

Following yesterdays Birmingham City Council AGM I have been informed I will remain a member of the Planning Committee and a member of joint authority .Centro.
I was pleased to be offered these committees as although may would regard them as 2 of the busiest and most active committees I am happy to serve on them .

If you are an Oscott resident with concerns about a Planning issue or public transport please let me know and I will do what I can to help

THE BEST WAY TO GET A SPEEDY RESPONSE FROM ME.

I get many of my cases from residents by email or phone these days with a concern or issue, but sadly some residents to not leave contact details.
For a quicker response it is always better to leave your full contact details if you use mu answer machine or Email me.
(Name, address, Tel no) and a brief outline of your concerns?

However it should also be remembered that it often takes longer to get responses from Council department these days due to all the cuts having to be made due to less funding being made to the Council by central government.

My Email No    Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

HOLFORD DRIVE RECYLING CENTRE UPDATE

As you may be aware I have been urging the Cabinet member responsible for green waste to try and improve the Holford Drive Rrecycling Centre given the increase in use over the last month or so.

I have now been informed that a number of actions are/have been taken to try to improve access at all the HRCs at the busiest times:

For example

• A new temporary system which allows increased numbers of vehicles onto the site and therefore increasing the throughput of traffic has been introduced, including additional recycling bays and “green only” lanes
• Changes to signage and road markings are being considered on the Highway to inform non HRC drivers to find alternative routes and avoid the area
• Encouraging residents to visit their HRC at less busy times to avoid peak traffic through advertising on the webpages and again through relevant signage at the HRCs
• Home composting is being promoted as an alternative for the disposal of garden waste
• Promotional information is being distributed to encourage sign up to the new chargeable green waste service
• Trying to promote the use of allotments who will  take grass for example for composting.

In fairness I think it also must be noted  that the congestion over recent weeks is a temporary situation that occurs every year when the seasons change and the first initial surge of inputs arrive as residents start to undertake household DIY and gardening activities, etc.  This has been compounded by some unusually mild and sunny weather.  

There is clearly still a need for improvement but given the size of the central governments cuts the Council is having to deal  with there is a least some action is being taken on this issue.

THE WHEELIE BIN ROLL OUT IS STILL SET FOR NEXT YEAR IN OSCOTT

A question I am still being asked on a regular basis is by more and more residents is "when can I have my wheelie bins".
As far as I am aware the proposed  wheelie bin roll out in Oscott is still between March and June next year.
Given the size of the operation as the roll out is happening across the whole city there may be some slippage in this time scale but lets hope not.
Residents still have time to work out how they are going to store these bins, many have told me they are having small neat wooden rails put around the bins when they come. other are screening them with shrubs or simply putting them at the back of their homes. What ever resident decide to do they have some time to decide.

There are still some residents who are not aware over 99% of the wheelie bins are being made in the UK and that if they are disabled or elderly they may ask for assistance to move the wheelie bins.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding wheelie bins please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk