THE FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE DAY

                                                                

As usual a dedicated band of volunteers turned up and rolled their sleeves up to tidy up the Queslett nature Reserve last Saturday.

Tree pruning was undertaken and litter was picked up from various locations in the reserve. Sadly there was some evidence of graffittee in the reserve which the FQNR have asked the Rangers to deal with.

 A number of people passing by stopped for a chat and for information about the reserve. We also had the help and advice of a ranger.

As the Chair of the FQNR I would like to thank all those who came along

HELPING OUT AT THE FIRST OSCOTT DE CLUTTER DAY

Given the snowy windy conditions today I was happy to help out as part of the ) Oscott de-clutter day.
The Housing department helped arrange for skips to be placed at the end of East Mews and Ashgrove Road and residents from near by were invited to fill them with their rubbish.

Both sites filled their skips with all sorts of unwanted rubbish (in some cases I am sure some of the rubbish may have ended up just cluttering up local streets.

Things like cupboards, mattresses, old wood, chairs and settees found there way into these skips.

Sadly the skips turned up a bit late but were on site to 3pm.

Officer were on hand to help elderly resident and also to advise what could and could not go in the skips.
I was just pleased to be able to help.

THESE EVENTS ARE ONE OFFS BUT WE HOPE TO ARRANGE OTHERS AT DIFFERENT LOCATION.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD RUMOURS ARE SQUASHED

I would like to thank those who have contacted me about the Burford Road Playing Fields.

I am pleased to be able to inform residents that any talk of  this field being sold and a Mosque being built on it is purely a rumour and no such thing is happening..

Your 3 Oscott Councillors are all doing our best to ensure this Field is kept as a playing Field and for residents to use
. As long as residents want to keep this field for recreational purposes we will continue to monitor the situation and problems regarding parking  and to do our best to keep this field as a recreational field.

There are no plays to the contrary.

TRYING TO PROTECT HEDGEHOGS IN OSCOTT

Ao many of us know a recent survey has indicated the decline in the numbers of the humble Hedgeog.

To try and combat this locally in Oscott along with the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve I am requesting the Planning department encourage developers to remember the hedge hog. They can for example ensure small gaps are left in fencing to allow Hedge Hogs to roam from garden to garden and they could even include Hedge Hogs Homes on the development sites.

I have also requested the Parks department to do what they can to help improve the lot of the Hedge Hoge. They to could help by leaving natural homes for hedge hog's in place fallen trees and so on.

Home owners can also do their bit by giving up a little space in their garden. hedgeHogs homes can be made or purchased as can hedge hogs feeding stations. Some additional food can be left out when using these feeders. Don't forget hedge Hogs need to roam so leave a small gap in your garden fence.

To know more about hedgehogs please try


Organisation: HOGFIELDS HEDGEHOG RESCUE


Address: 78 MORLAND ROAD GREAT BARR

Town/County: BIRMINGHAM WEST MIDLANDS

Postcode: B43 7JH

Phone: 0121 360 8035 0121 360 8035 / 07545979477

Email: janewingfield24@yahoo.co.uk

Website: http://www.hogfields.org.uk

ASHGROVE ROAD AND EAST MEWS DE CLUTTER DAY

There will be a Green and litter free de clutter skip day on Wednesday 2nd March 2016.
Skips will be located on the car park area's in Ashgrove Road and East mews (off Shady Lane) between 11am and 3pm.
This is a Community Safety initiative to help residents in these roads and near by get rid of their rubbish and help keep the area clean.

General household waste will be taken and Council officers will be on hand to help and advise.

There are things that cannot be taken and they include.
Fridges and freezers, batteries, paint, gas canisters, asbestos, light tubes, oil, tyres, clinical waste, bricks and rubble.

Along with my Ward Councillor colleagues I will be pressing for more of these de clutter sessions to take place across the Oscott ward.

The nearest Salvage department is Halford drive 5 minutes away by car on the Aldridge Road. For information regarding rubbish ring 682 2000 or 303 1112

PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION FOR YOUNG OSCOTT RESIDENTS.

Younger Oscott residents can pick up information regarding public transport from the Centro youth corner which I created in the 610 Community Centre.

I have had placed  information there for young people about student bus passes, ticket guides, Swift cards and about the Centro Youth Forum for example. The information leaflets get topped up by my self regularly.
If you do have an issue about public Transport in Oscott please email me.
Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

THE MARY VALE ELDERLY GROUP ARE DOING WELL

It was great to pop into see the Mary Vale elderly residents group at the Mary Vale Community Centre again recently. There is always a warm welcome there.


The group volunteers do a great job helping to feed and entertain the group’s members and I know the elderly residents who attend enjoy their time there.

There are all sorts of activities which take place sings songs, chats and an enjoyable lunch. It certainly helps the elderly being able to socialise and get out of their own homes. I certainly get a lot of advice!! As well as case work from these residents.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION 27TH FEBRUARY

The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve will be holding an activity session on Saturday 27th February.
There will be litter picking and light pruning. We also hope to have a ranger with us who will be able to answer questions about the reserve and its wild life.

The meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance at 11.15 am.
Please come prepared for the weather, wear solid shoes or boots.
Children are welcome under the supervision of an adult.
If you come by park please do not obstruct local residents parking area's

The FQNR roll up their sleeves and get on with the work involved. IT TAKES ACTION AS WELL AS WORDS TO LOOK AFTER OUR OPEN SPACES

If there is any doubt about the weather or you would like to become a member of the FQNR

Please contact Brenda 0785576 7652

OSCOTT WARD MEETING TO TAKE PLACE 17TH MARCH

The next Oscott Ward meeting will take place on the 17th of March. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre and the time 7pm.

The meeting will be Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring and Councillor Tristan Chatfield and I will be in attendance.

On the Agenda will be.

Oscott Policing issues.

Parking near schools

Tree issues.

There is also an opportunity for residents to ask about urgent issues in the ward.

If you cannot make this meeting you can always contact me regarding your concerns by either1

Leaving me a telephone message on 303 2039

emailing me   Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

Sending me a letter C/oThe Birmingham City Council, The Council House, Birmingham   B1 1B-

Please do not forget to leave me your full contact details along with your message.

THE BATTLE TO RE OPEN BOOTHS LANE GOES ON

The battle to get the Booths Lane re opened goes on.

Yesterday I attended a site meeting with members of the Booths Lane working party ( which includes local residents who are members of the Oscott Residents Association.) and a Transportation engineer from the Planning department.
Sadly there are still legal issues appertaining to the link between the Persimmons development and the Taylor Wimpey development..

It has to be remembered that however much we would like to re open Booths Lane these developers own the land and the road and negotiations with all parties is needed. This can be very frustrating but no amount of huffing and puffing and false promises can alter that fact.

There is to be a meeting between the developers and the Birmingham City Council Planning department shortly to try and move on the process.
It needs also to be remembered that for the first time in over 50 years when the road is complete it will go back into the hands of the Birmingham City Council who will be able to ensure this road is correctly maintained and there will be a link between the Queslett Road and Sandy Lane.

I would like to thank those who came out in the pouring rain to attend the site meeting.

MISSING OSCOTT LITTER BINS ARE BEING REPLACED

Over the last few weeks I  been putting pressure on the Council to replace missing litter bins and I am pleased to say a number have now been replaced.
These bins are needed as you can see by how full they often get. There are still more to be replaced and I will be pushing for them to be too.

If you are aware of any missing litter bins in Oscott  please let me know please ring 303 2039

OSCOTT'S GROT SQUAD IN ACTION AGAIN

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve grot spot liitter picking squad were out and about today. In the Old Oscott School Lane area. We managed to fill a few bags with litter.
The team look at off road sites which gather litter.

If you would like to help keep the Oscott area free of litter and would like to join the team leave me your details on 303 2039

DOG FOULING IS STILL A PROBLEM IN OSCOTT

Sadly despite warnings and requests there is still a minority of dog owners who do not pick up their dogs mess. These do not realise the effects this mess can have on residents. Mothers having to clean the mess off their children's shoes or the house carpet, residents playing football on sports pitches with dog mess on them for example. There is of course deceases spread by contact with dog mess.
many of the pound shops in the area sell doggy bags so there is no real excuse these days for not picking up dog waste. There is a heft fine for those spotted by a dog warden not picking up their dogs mess.
It is a shame a fairly small number of dog owners can bring criticism to the majority of dog owners who do the right thing.
I am continuing to call on the Dog Warden Service to monitor the Oscott area as a deterrent against dog fouling. If you are awre of a problem please let me know. Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave a message on 303 2039

MY NEXT COUNCILLORS SURGERY WILL BE ON THE 23RD OF FEBRUARY

My next Councillors Surgery will take place at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
It will take place on Tuesday 23rd February at 9.30am. All Oscott residents are welcome.

This centre is disabled friendly however I do home visits for those with genuine mobility problems.

Alternatively you can email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave a message (don't forget your contact details) on 303 2019.

OSCOTT STREET LIGHTS

I am continuing to carry out my Street light patrols (on occasions with Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative representatives) and have reported a number of fualty street lamps.

I am always on the look out for street lights in Oscott that are faulty but can not spot them all. If you are aware of a fault street light please contact me. phone  303 2039 or Em Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

Sadly some street light faults take longer to deal with than others but the sooner they are reported the better.

AMEY AGREE TO REMOVE AND REPLACE EXTRA STREET TREES

At yesterdays Oscott Ward Committee Chaired by Cllr Barbara Dring) Amey Highways announced they would be removing and at least 20 large street trees from streets in Oscott. The trees in  Oscott will be removed from streets where with the help of residents I collected names for petitions which  I then presented to the Birmingham City Council
Along with my Ward Councillor Colleagues I have made numerous requests to have trees removed and replaced.
I have called for many years for large trees which are overgrown and past their sell by dates to be removed and replaced in a phased and controlled way and now at last this is being done. There will be more trees removed and replaced over the coming years in order to thin out the trees in some roads in Oscott.
Some of the roads in Oscott which will have 2 or 3 extra trees removed will be. Birdbrook Road, Anstey Road, Harleston Road, Goodway Road.

A GOOD TURN OUT AT THE FIRST OSCOTT SCHOOL PARKING AND ROAD SAFETY MEETING

It was pleasing to see such a large turn out at the Oscott Schools Parking and Road Safety meeting yesterday. Most of the schools in Oscott sent a representative to discuss problems connected with parking nears schools and the associated road safety problems.

At this meeting which was very much an introductory meeting to air across the board concerns of those attending we  heard the concerns of not just the schools involved but also the Police and Fire brigade.
The Council sent officers to discuss new ideas concerning safer travel, youth activity and support for getting children and parents to use means other than cars to get to school.

A small working party of interested schools and other agencies is to be set up to look at possible ideas for a way to help solve the long term problem of parking around schools, which were put forward and it is hoped this will be input at the next full meeting (which is likely to happen after the Summer holidays.)

Also in the meantime the Police will be taking on board some of the comments made and the Transportation department will be pushing for the introduction of double curbing and yellow lines for Greenholm Road as well as looking further into what can be done to help in other areas.
 Clearly given the huge cuts in Council and Police funding by the Central Government there will be no easy quick fit solutions but at least a start has been made to try and ease the problems in the medium and long term. What little money that is still available to the various agencies will also be spent in a more coordinated way to try and reduce any duplication.

Those schools who could not get to the meeting will be given further opportunities to get involved and residents will be given an opportunity to give their views on the subject at a  Oscott Ward Committee (to be Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring). The date of this meeting will be announced near the time (early spring?)

Once again I would like to thank all those who took the trouble to attend and for their contribution to an interesting meeting

THE LITTER IN OSCOTT MUST BE REDUCED

It was disappointing to read in a recent survey that the litter in Oscott ward was above the target set for the city. Although it was much better than the neighbouring Kingstanding and Perry Barr Wards, this is not good enough. Our standards must not be allowed to slip.


With this in mind I have been reminding the street cleaning management for the area they must do better and for example ensure some of the missing litter bins I have reported are replaced.

Amey Highways should also automatically replace any bins they remove to do work.

There are higher fixed penalties for litter droppers and I would like to see these enforced more often to.

With litter in mind I would like to thank again those who join me on Grot spot patrols where we pick up litter and also the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve for the work they do,

I will be asking the street cleaning department to look again at their efforts and hope residents will take more pride in the area and bin their litter more.

DYAS ROAD CROSSING REQUEST UPDATE

Last year a number of residents asked me to present a petition to the Birmingham City Council request some form of crossing be placed on the Dyas Road near the Old Oscott Lane Junction.

I have been pushing for this ever since I presented the petition and have been pleased to receive information from the Transportation department saying they are now proposing a step over refuge. (I had a number of residents suggest this as there is one at the other end of the road.)

The Transportation department has found a limited amount of money which may cover the cost of installation and has drawn up a scheme and will send the proposal to Highways section for their initial approval before submitting the scheme to TDG on the 8th February 2016 and TSSG on the 22nd February 2016. Sadly this is a bit of a modern way of doing things which we have to go through.

This type of step over refuge has a further benefit in helping to slow down traffic as well as helping residents get from one side of the road to the other more safely. This section of Dyas Road is regally used by those going to the local shops and to bus stops at both sides of the road at this point.

I will post again when I have a further update

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION 30TH JAN CANCELLED

Following an inspection of the ground  and weather conditions, the Friends Of Queslett Nature Reserve due to take place has been cancelled.
The FQNR are sorry for any inconvenience but we have to put safety first.


News of a new date will be put out ASAP. Please follow my blog, twitter and local news papers for details or contact


Brenda Wilson brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca

FORGERS WALK PATH TO BE REPAIRED

The foot path between Caddick Road and the motorway tunnel which connects up with Turnbury park will be receiving repairs.FORGERS WALK.
This repair is needed but may inconvenience some while the work is being carried out and Amey have apologised for that.
The work is expected to commence during the week ending February 26th
While this path does need repair I will continue to press Amey Highways to get on and improve or replace many other pavements in the Oscott ward

PERRY BARR MP OSCOTT ADVICE BUREAU

Kharlid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr will be holding his next Oscott MP's surgery on Saturday 6th February. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road and the time 10.30am.

GREENHOLM ROAD PARKING PROBLEMS UPDATE GOOD NEWS AT LAST

Over the last week a funding mechanism has been confirmed to the Constituency Engineer . He will now progress a “Full Business Case” for the initial mitigation works - in the first instance this work is likely to include a review/introduction of traffic regulation orders ( double yellow lines) and double height kerbs near the junction on Greenholm Road ie Anstey and Blakeland Road there may be others. It is anticipated that consideration of the “FBC” will be undertaken during February.

Subject to satisfactory progression of the FBC, the engineer will endeavour to commence the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process during the latter part of March or Early April.

This is good news as along with my Ward Colleagues Councillor Tristan Chatfield and Councillor Barbara Over the last week a funding mechanism has been confirmed to the Constituency Engineer . He will now progress a “Full Business Case” for the initial mitigation works - in the first instance this work is likely to include a review/introduction of traffic regulation orders ( double yellow lines) and double height kerbs near the junction on Greenholm Road ie Anstey and Blakeland Road there may be others. It is anticipated that consideration of the “FBC” will be undertaken during February.

Subject to satisfactory progression of the FBC, the engineer will endeavour to commence the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process during the latter part of March or Early April.

This is good news as along with my Ward Colleagues I have been pressing for this action to take place for some time. Greenholmschool has recently been extended and this may help mitigate some of the extra parking problems which have resulted and may also help safe guard the children who use the school.

I will be pressing the Transportation department to try and get the work done as soon as possible

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE TO TAKE PLACE 4TH FEBRUARY

The next Oscott Ward Committee which will be chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring (Councillor Tristan Chatfield and I along with the Local Police will be in attendance) will be held on the 4th February at the 610 Community Centre at 7pm.

This is an opportunity for Oscott residents to come along to find out what is happening in the Oscott area and to ask questions.

On the agenda will be tree and transport issues as well as a Police report.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION JAN 30TH

The next Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve activity session will take place on Saturday 30th January (weather permitting).The start time will be 11.15am and the meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance. (if you come by car please do not obstruct local residents drives)

There will be light pruning, litter picking and some information gathering. A Park Ranger will be on hand for questions.

Please come prepared for the weather and wear strong shoes or boots. Gloves, bags and any equipment will be supplied.

Children are welcome under the strict supervision of an adult.

To become a member of the FQNR or for any further information please email Brenda
Brenda Wilson brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca


Keith Linnecor

Chair FQNR

OUT ON GRIT BIN PATROL IN OSCOTT

I will be out and about today on patrol looking for empty grit bins in Oscott and reporting them.
If there is an empty grit bin by you let me know email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2019

THE NEXT OSCOTT WARD ADVISORY BOARD MEETS 21ST JANUARY

The next Oscott Ward Advisory Board takes place on 21 January ( This is where Oscott residents community leaders, local agency representatives and the 3 Oscott Councillors Councillor Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself) meet to discuss local issues. These meeting usually precede Oscott Ward Committees which are public meetings.

To find out more about any of the community groups in the Oscott Ward please ring 675 2349

ALDI OLD HORNS PLANNING CONSULTATION MEETING

Along with a number of residents Councillor Tristan Chatfield and Khalid Mahmood MP I took the opportunity today to look at the Aldi Old Horns crescent planning proposals.
There were a number of mixed view but certainly, traffic , parking and the effects on the local wild life were to the fore front
Against that were the views in favour of the need for competition for exiting retailers and the need for new job creation.

Don't forget if you would like to let the Birmingham City Planning department have your views just sent them into them or if you let me have your views I can pass them on for you.

OSCOTT SCHOOLS PARKING MEETING UPDATE

There are no easy answers when it comes to parking near schools the danger to children who we all have a responsibility to look after and the distress it can cause to local residents is well known.


Although the issue is caused in some cases by parents simply not thinking of the safety of children and problems they may be causing, it is up to schools and other agencies to play their part in trying to find solutions.

I would appeal to all the school in Oscott, please send a representative to this meeting which it is hoped will take place in early February. Your concerns and experiences are needed. This could be an opportunity for schools to learn from each other and for everyone to get involved more collectively in dealing with the problem. There are no easy solutions but in my case I would rather try and fail than to just sit back and do nothing.

I am pleased to say following discussions with Councillor Bridget Jones she has agreed that my initiative worthwhile venture and this could be something of a pilot for other wards in the city.

Residents will be kept informed and be given an opportunity to have their say at a follow up public meeting which we hope will take place in March

Also see post dated 15th December

OSCOTT'S GRASS VERGES ARE IN A MESS

Many of the grass verges in the Oscott area have become mud baths which need urgent action to repair or replace them with other material.
I am calling on Amey Highways (the private contractor given a 25 year contract by the previous Council administration to repair our streets) to urgenlty look into this issue and start dealing with the problem.

ALDI TO HOLD CONSULTATION MEETING WITH RESIDENTS RE OLD HORNS FOOD STORE

I have just been informed there will be a consultation meeting held by Aldi at the Pheasey Park Farm Community Centre, Hillingford Avenue. The time will be 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 14th January.
Residents will be able to see  Aldi's plans to build a food store off Old Horns Crescent and will be able to ask questions.

ALDI MAY BE AFTER OLD LOG STORE SITE ON THE QUESLETT ROAD.

The giant retailer Aldi are interested in the land on the junction of Old Horns Crescent and Queslett Road (next to the ASDA super store). Having checked with the Birmingham City Councils Planning department no planning application has been submitted yet. ( The land involved is not part of the Queslett Nature Reserve)

In view of the possibility of any planning application being submitted in the future I have asked that Transportation, Landscape and environmental issues be very carefully considered.


Naturally before I make any comments on the subject I would like to see any plans in full detail and would welcome comments from Oscott residents. (303 2039)

PHEASEY POST OFFICE SAVED

Although it is just outside the Oscott Ward I am pleased to be able to inform any Oscott Residents who use it that the Pheasey Post office (921 Queslett Road) is not to close.

In fact the Oscott Labour team helped push for it to be kept open to help Oscott Residents who live near by and use it.

From February 19th February it will be re vamped and have new counters, open longer hours and will have car tax facilities.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016

May I wish everyone a Happy New Year

DON'T FORGET TO ADD YOUR ADDRESS TO EMAILS IF YOU SEND THEM TO ME

Just a reminder if you email me wishing my help with a problem or issues, please remember to let me have your address.

FESTIVE GREETINGS TO OSCOTT RESIDENTS

I know from my case work 2015 has been a difficult and frustrating year for a number of Oscott residents.
Although the cuts in Council services expected next year due to lack of funding may make things equally troubling for some I will again do what I can to help although as ever I can make no promises.

all But lets try to be optimistic and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Oscott residents a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and Peaceful New Year.

OSCOTT SOUP KITCHEN IS STILL NEEDED

A

s we enter the festive season I would like to thank the Seventh Day Adventist group volunteers for the work they do every Wednesday lunch time at the 610 Community Centre. During this time they operate a soup kitchen where a number of local residents can get a mug of free soup.

It is so easy to forget at this time of year the effects on poorer residents many of the Central Governments cuts are having surly they need to think again about their cuts and Austerity program..

WELL DONE MUAREEN BYRNE FOR PUTTING ON THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS FESTIVE TREET.

Along with my fellow Osott Ward Councillors, Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and  I enjoyed a festive lunch today with the Oscott Elderly residents group. Following an entertaining meeting at the 610 Community Centre the OERG member went on to enjoy their festive meal at the Parson and Clark Public House.
It is amazing how much hard work Chair Maureen Byrne and her team of volunteers put in to ensure so many of Oscott more elderly resident get get out of their own homes to enjoy themselves in good company.

Before the main lunch 2 Chrismas hamper (made up from donate goods given by members of the group )were won by lucky members with the correct raffle tickets.

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS GROUP PLEASE RING 675 2349

OSCOTT DOG OWNERS PLEASE REMOVE YOUR DOGS MESS.

From the amount of post I am receiving it is clear dog fouling is still of great concern to many Oscott residents, especially mothers with young children.

I would appeal to dog owners please remove your dogs mess and ensure it is disposed of correctly and don't forget to take a bag out with you when you take your dog for a walk following your Christmas lunch for a bit of exercise.

OSCOTT SCHOOLS TO BE ASKED TO MEET TO DISCUSS PARKING PROBLEMS

Parking around schools in Oscott has been a real problem for a number of years.

The Police have been forced to be involved, dealing with countless complaints from residents complaining about inconsiderate and sometimes dangerous parking by some parents when they are picking up or dropping off the children at school.

The Council has in a number of places put in physical measures but like the Police Government cuts in their budget have made things much worse for them to do much more.

The Police now have fewer officers (and it will get worse) to deal with parking problems around schools. Past government cuts in their funding has began to really bite.
There is also the issue of air quality near our schools which is made worse by cars idling when parked close to schools Air quality is a serious issue and causes many health issues and problems environmental when poor.

With this in mind I am calling a meeting with all the schools in Oscott, the Local Police and the Birmingham City Transport department to discuss the joint issues that effect all the Oscott schools.

All schools in the Oscott area are involved when it comes to parking problems around Oscott schools as there are always knock on effects. I will be asking schools for their concerns and to see how they have tried to deal with the issue.

I hope all schools in the Oscott area will take this issue seriously and work with me and other agencies to try and at least ease some of the problems.

I will also be asking that this subject be part of a future Oscott ward meeting in order for residents to come along and have their say.

DONT FORGET I AM ALSO ON TWITTER

This is just to remind Oscott residents I am also on Twitter.

My Twitter address is

Keith Linnecor(@KeithLinnecor)

Twitter

 
https://twitter.com/Keith.Linnecor (@KeithLinnecor)
Twitter


However I seldom use Facebook.

To let me know any concerns please either Tel 303 2039 Messages or Email me. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
         

OSCOTT FAULTY STREET LIGHT PATROL

From Time to time I go out on patrol looking for faulty street lights. I have reported a number of them but cannot spot them all.
If you have a faulty street light in your road and would like me to report it please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

IMPROVEMENTS TO KINGSTANDING LIBRARY ON THE WAY

For many months now Councillors Barbara Dring, Tristan Chatfield and myself have fought to improve the Kingstanding library.
I am pleased to let you know the Council has been  successful in obtaining £250k of funding from The Wolfson Foundation to undertake improvements to five children’s library facilities in the city, and that these improvements are scheduled for the new year.

Kingstanding library is one of the libraries that will be included in the investment programme which will include

• Capital works to improve each of the 5 libraries including i.e. decoration, new floor coverings, shelving, lighting, signage and furniture. The specifics of what is required will vary from site to site.

• Technology including ipad and android devices, plasma screens, photography, DSLR cameras

• Activities including a local history project on what it is like to be living in Birmingham and attending school in 2015-16.

It is intended to undertake the improvement programme and refurbishment work for Kingstanding library from 15th Feb – 4th March and the library would need to be closed for this period. If you want to know any more details please let me know.

GREEN WASTE SERVICE SAVE £5 IF YOU SIGN UP IN DECEMBER

Sign up for 2016 garden waste service earlybird offer


Anyone wishing to have their garden waste collected in a clean and convenient way can subscribe to Birmingham City Council’s 2016 service from today (December 1).

The annual subscription charge is unchanged from this year at £35 for 20 fortnightly collections from February to November – with an earlybird discount of £5 for all orders made during December, reducing the cost to just £30.

Subscriptions can be made through the council’s website at www.birmingham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by calling the contact centre on 0121 303 1112.

NB: Payment can only be made by debit/credit card and telephone lines may be busy during peak hours.

Suggested Tweet: Sign up for 2016 garden waste service earlybird offer https://t.co/ZxIB0lY6WF https://t.co/iUpZaSCSe9

________________________________________

THE OSCOTT LABOUR TEAM OUT AND ABOUT

The Oscott Labour team are often out and about looking into issues raised with us by Oscott residents.
If you have any issues when you see us please just let us know.
Alternatively you can contact me by Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2039

The Oscott labour Team is out and about all year around regardless of the weather.


Above photo. An election photo and ever since some of the team and others have been out and about
 If you would like to come out with us just email for further information.

Your Oscott Councillors Keith Linnecor, Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield are always interested in your views.

MARYVALE ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP CHRISTMAS DINNER GOES WELL.

At the request of the Maryvale helpers I popped along to the Beeches pub today (not for a drink) but to say along to the MaryVale Elderly Residents Group who were having their Christmas dinner there. Once again members of the group made me feel very welcome and some insisted on a kiss!
Its always good to see Oscotts s Elderly residents having a good day and certainly some of them were in good voice for the sing song.

AGE UK BIRDBROOK ROAD DOING A GOOD JOB

It was good to see when I popped in to see Age UK at their Birdbrook Road centre their elderly gusts enjoying a bit of relaxing exercise before tucking into their lunch.
The residents really do enjoy their Tuesday sessions and are well catered for my the Age UK helpers.
They also make you feel welcome.

EDITH POPE HOUSE RESIDENTS GET THEIR DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AT LAST

At long last the entrance to Edith Pope House Booths Lane has had yellow double lines put across its entrance.
I have for a long time been battling with the residents of Edith Pope House to get these legally enforceable lines put down.
There has been a number of issues when residents relatives and tradesman have has trouble getting into and out of the complex car park due to cars obstructing it.

I am continuing the battle for more Double yellow lines for residents in other part of the Oscott Wa\rd.

MAINTANCE WORK ON PART OF BEECHES ROAD MAY CAUSE DELAYS DURING EVENINGS IN JANUARY

What’s Happening, Where and When?

What:              Carriageway Maintenance - Beeches Road

Where:            Aldridge Road To End Of Dual Cway at Chelmorton Road on west bound side only

When:             Expected start during week ending 15/1/16

How long:      Approx. 5 nights between the hours of 1900hrs to 0600hrs

(for updated start / finish dates see yellow signs at either end of the road)

Parking and Property Access

A road closure will be in place and access to properties will be restricted. Amey Highways must ask that vehicles are not parked on the road during the works. Vehicles obstructing Their works will be relocated to an adjacent street by Mansfield Recovery,with no charge. Please contact Mansfield direct on 0870 6003444, if your vehicle has been removed. Amey Highways understand that vehicle access may be essential for some medical / personal reasons.  If you need to get a vehicle to your property during these works please ask Their personnel on site or call 0121 303 6644.  Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times..

Traffic Information

Details of any bus diversions that are in place can be found at

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/.  

Alternatively you can visit your local Travel Shop or call 0121 254 7272.

Works Information

The condition of the existing road has been assessed and Carriageway repairs will be taking place.

The opening description in this letter says where the works will be taking place as we do not always include the whole road length.  

Amey apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this necessary road maintenance and they will endeavour to complete the work with as little disruption as possible. Thank you for your patience whilst they work to improve your city’s streets.

This work has needed doing FOR SOME TIME as is the case of number of other local roads.
 Along with my ward Colleague's I will be urging Amey Highways to get on with this work as quickly as possible and also to ensure other roads in the area are assessed and maintained as soon as possible.

                                                 

CAN YOU HELP A CHILD

 

The Birmingham City Adoption and Fostering Service is the leading agency for Adoptions and Fostering in Birmingham.

As a service they have a number of children from all backgrounds in need of being Adopted or Fostering.

To Adopt or Foster is a major decision and there are dozens of questions that need to be considered but doing either is very worth while. There are so many children in need of love and care for so many reasons.
 To either Adopt or Foster needs a lot of thought however and with that in mind -
If you have any questions regarding fostering or adoption please ring 0121 303 75 75 or email
a&frecruit@birmingham.gov.uk


Alternatively you can write to

PO Box 16262
I Lancaster Circus
Birmingham
B2 2WX

Thank you for reading this.