PERRY BARR MP NEXT SURGERY ALSO OSCOTT COMMUNITY LEADERS DROP IN SESSION

 I have been asked to remind Oscott residents that Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr  will be holding his next Oscott MP's Advice surgery on the 7th of June. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre at 10.30am.

No appointment is needed just pop in, he can help with a wide range of concerns.

There will also be an opportunity to meet a number of Local Oscott Community Leaders ( Oscott Residents Association, Neighbourhood Police Initiative and Oscott Elderly Group) at the same time and venue as part of their drop in sessions.

OUT AND ABOUT IN OSCOTT

I have been out and about again as part of the Oscott Labour team meeting local residents and reporting issues like speeding vehicle's Sundridge Road and fly tipped rubbish at the junction of Oscott School Lane and Old Oscott Hill.
 I also met up with Andrew from the Cedar Church Bandywood Road.
 Other issues raised with me were illegal car trading and tree roots.

The Oscott Labour Team works with you for you all year around.

NEXT OSCOTT WARD COUNCILLORS SURGERY JULY 4TH

Councillor Barbara Dring and I operate a rotor system for attending our Councillor Surgery.

I will be available on July 4th. If you would like to come along and let me know your concerns about the Oscott Ward and the Council. I cannot resolve all the issues I hear about but I am will to try and help if I can.

Our surgeries are
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm
610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44
(Induction Loop available and disabled access)
Home visits can be arrange for the elderly/disabled, please contact me.

DO NOT SWIM IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Do not be tempted in this hot weather to try and swim in the Queslett Nature Reserve lake.
The lake can be dangerous and is not treated.
There are some under water obstacles and the safety ring near by is often removed by mindless vandals. The emergency services are also not easily available.

There are notices at the entrances to the reserve telling visitors not to swim in the lake.

It is also recommend due to the build up of some dangerous material in the lake not to let dogs swim or paddle in their either.

It is a case of enjoy looking at the lake but do not enter it. Why not sit under a shady tree to cool off instead or if you really need to swim pop into the Dulwich Road Centre or the Beeches swimming baths.

OSCOTT POLICE TASKING MEETING TO TAKE PLACE AT THE ELIM CHURCH IN THE KINGSTANDING WARD OFF HAWTHORN ROAD

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking group on the 25th of this month at 6.30pm. The venue will be the Elim Church Warren Road in the Kingstanding Ward.

I am currently requesting a similar meeting take place in the Oscott Ward but in the mean time if you have any issues you wish to inform the Police about please pop in and see them.

The venue is on the 28 route for those using public Transport.

TAKE A WALK IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

During this nice weather why not take a walk in the Queslett Nature Reserve. However if you do please take your litter home with you and respect the wild life.

 

 

 

 

 

To help those using the reserve feel more secure the Police do patrol the reserve from time to time

 

PARKING ISSUES NEAR SERVITE HOUSE SECTION OLD OSCOTT HILL SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE ROADS OWNER?

I must admit I was surprized that the Planning committee gave planning permission for bungalows to be build of the land near the Servicte House Complex. The access Road is a nightmare when it comes to parking re parent’s from Mary Vale school. You also have to feel sorry for the visitors trying to park while visiting their loved ones in the home.

I am sure my colleagues on the Planning committee had their reasons and at least we know now that the Council does not own the section of Old Oscott Hill in Question. Presumably now any problems,  parking or condition of the roads carriage way can be dealt with by the owner  Archdiocese of Birmingham through their agent telephone number 0121 236 2251?

I have asked the Planning department to try and get this section of Old Oscott Hill adopted.

 

 

WEEK END STORM CAUSES REAL PROBLEMS IN OSCOTT

Sadly the storm at the weekend has caused a lost of damage and flooding across the city. Having looked at parts of the South of the city it is clear it is going to take some time to put right.

Oscott did not escape the storm either with a number of homes flooded and some trees coming down ( as in Shady Lane) or being hit by lightning. ( Oscott School Lane entrance to the Aldridge Recreation Ground)

I have yet again been calling on senior Council officials and Amey Highways to ensure our Oscott drains in are correctly maintained and have asked the Housing department and Leisure Service department to inspect trees on their land to check for their safety following the storm and flooding.

ALDI OLD HORN PLANNING APPEAL HAS BEEN DISMISSED

 Ref The ALDI Planning appeal to the Government inspectorate  regarding their proposed development at the Old Horns site next to the Queslett Nature Reserve,

A decision has been made and the appeal has been dismissed. The appeal was dismissed for the two reasons the City Council planning team sought to defend the refusal of the scheme at appeal namely the loss of the protected trees and the unacceptable design of the proposed development.

This is a victory for those wishing to protect the trees and wild life in the area and although I was not part of the Birmingham Planning Committee ( due to a conflict of interest) when it refused to support the ALDI proposals I welcome they did reject them.

I also support the decision of the Inspector who I met as part of a site meeting.

I have always informed everyone that I am the Founder and Chair of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve which would have been negatively effected by the proposed development.

 I also have also made it clear  in my view any 106 funding given to the reserve as part of any agreement would not have been acceptable. This battle was about keeping the environment and wild life secure not about any money.

I was sorry ALDI could not make any compromises with there plans and hope they can find a more suitable site which would not mean such harm to the environment as soon as possible. They may wish to consider the Kingstanding shopping precinct for example.

I would finally like to thank all those who fought so hard for the local environment including
Brenda, John, Bob, Linda, from the FQNR, Members of the public, Councillor Barbara Dring and many others for they efforts.

PLEASE DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW PLANTS TO THE QUESTLETT NATURE RESERVE WITHOUT SEEKING ADVISE

The Councils Leisure Services department has a constant battle to rid the reserve of Japanese Knot weed

The FQNR and the Birmingham City Council would ask residents not to donate and plant flowers and bushes in the Queslett Reserve.
We appreciate the gesture but due to issues of spreading soil contamination , pests and introduction of invasive none native plants to the reserve decease it is not advisable to plant any wild life species without seeking permission.
Japanese knot weed is an example where planting in the reserve can cause soil contamination which costs a lot of money to try and eradicate.

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IN THE SUNSHINE

I was pleased to be able to spend a bit of time doing some light pruning and litter picking in the Queslett Nature Reserve today I even managed to get a couple walking past to have a go at litter picking.
It was good to see the Council have been out mowing the desire line paths as this helps create fire breaks in case there are any grass fires.

I spoke to a number of residents using the reserve today (I may consider holding a surgery there at this rate?)
On a more negative note a number of these resident are unhappy at what they see as a lack of Police presence in the reserve ( sadly they are short in Police numbers these days) and the life ring has disappeared again. I have informed the department.

GREAT BARR ACADEMY PLANNING APPLICATION RE DROP OFF ZONE

As I informed reader of this blog previously the Great Barr Academy are putting together a planning application for a drop of zone for parents and buses in their school grounds. ( the grass frontage Aldridge Road)

It is very much hoped that this action will help ease the continued parking problems caused by parent parking close to the school in large numbers.

There is not east solution to the problem of congestion caused by parents picking up and dropping off their children near this school ( which also effect the other schools near by) but I hope this application may help ease the problems and is a step in the right direction.

I have been pleased to try and help with this project by giving advise and helping to give advise.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I are only to aware of the problems caused to residents living near schools and we will do what we can to try and help.

If you have any comments or concerns about this Planning application there is a chance to have your say until 7th June just try the Planning departments Planning internet portal for information.

LOCAL OSCOTT GROUPS ELECT THEIR CHAIR PERSONS

I was pleased to see at the AGM of the Oscott Residents association Bob Wild has been elected to become Chair of the ORA.
He will be taking over from the long serving Nigel Quinn.

Mean while the Oscott Elderly Residents Group re elected un opposed long time serving Maureen Byrne who has done such an excellent job over the years.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I look forward to work with these group Chairs.

DESFORD AVENUE FLY TIPPING MUST STOP.

The Local Scout Group based at Desford Avenue spent many hours carrying out a clean up of their area only to find within day some shameful fly tippers once again dumped rubbish near the Scout Groups HQ.

Like these hard working Scouts I am calling for action to help stop this fly tipping and other acts of ASB near by.

I have been calling for more Police monitoring of the area and for cameras to be considered.

In the mean time I have been out to day discussing the situation with the Clean up squad.

Councillor Barbra Dring and I will continue to call for action.

If you can help provide evidence against fly tippers the Council will take action and fine them

DONT FLY TIP AT THE OLD UNDERGROUND BOTTLE BANK SITE

As most residents are aware the underground bottle banks located at the junction of Old Oscott Hill and Oscott School Lane are no longer in use and have been capped.
Sadly this is becoming a dumping ground for fly tippers using the I did not know they were not in use excuse.
Fly tipping at this location can cause issues not only of being unsightly but also to passing school children.

With this in mind I have asked the site to be monitored and that signs warning against fly tipping be put up. anyone found fly tipping can now receive a hefty fine.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I will continue our battle against fly tipping in Oscott

OSCOTT GROUPS MEET TODAY

I will attending a joint meeting of the Oscott Residents Association and the Oscott Elderly Residents Group today.
Both groups to a good job for local residents, lobbying the Council on residents behalf and looking after their welfare.

I also enjoy their tough Questions during their Q and A sessions.

These meeting are open to Oscott Ward residents.

PARKING NEAR THE GREAT BARR ACAEDEMY A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AT LAST

I have been pleased to see that a planning application has been presented to the Councils Planning department from the Great Barr Academy.

This application is looking for the approval of a drop of zone within the front of the schools grounds.

As someone who has been involved in a advisory capacity to this project clearly I welcome this application and the schools ongoing efforts to deal with a parking and road safety issue.

The application which if agreed would mean cars and buses entering the Aldridge Road grounds of the school for the means of dropping off and picking up school children.

Although there are no magic solutions to problems regarding congestion and parking around schools in Oscott this is a step in the right direction and should help ease problems not just near the Great Barr academy but even further afield.

A BIG THANKS TO OSCOTT RESIDENTS

I would like to thank my fellow Oscott residents who came out and voted for me and my excellent colleague Councillor Barbara Dring.

We cannot offer you magic solutions and an endless money tree full of pretend goodies, but we will work hard for our neighbours and fellow residents of Ocott.

Times will be tough until this Government end their failed austerity policies ( or another government does). WE will fight for Oscott we will battle to get the basics right and we will not pretend we can resolve all the issues we hear about.

I would also like to thank our Oscott Labour Team those in the picture above and others who were not but helped so much during our campaign.

BIRMINGHAM PLANNING COMMITTEE SAY NO TO LOSS OF TREES IN OSCOTT SITE

The Birmingham City Councils Planning Committee at a meeting yester day  again made it clear they did not agree with the Aldi Planning application for the Old Horns site.
Far to may trees including protected ones would be removed under the current Aldi Plans.
They will be fighting the plan at the appeal Aldi have called for which will be heard by the Government own officers.

At a meeting out side the Queslett Nature Reserve ( Organised on behalf of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve by Brenda)  last night, a number of residents who live and use the reserve made their views clear, they want to save the trees.

Many suggested Aldi consider other near by sites or even the Kingstanding shopping precinct.

Other issues of concern, were problems with parking, the added traffic congestions  the proposals would bring, to  the size of the development and the effect of development on the wild life and the Nature Reserve.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I ( I am the Chair of the FQNR) were there to make sure as usual the voices of our fellow Oscott residents were heard.

I am personally still saddend by Aldi not wishing to sit around a table and compromise. Perhaps a smaller more suitable size store with a lot less tree reduction and some better transport measures?

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS OUT AND ABOUT

Councillor Barbara Dring and I are out and about in Oscott ( where we live ) all the time discussing with our fellow residents their concerns.

Please do not hesitate to let us know of any issues that are of concern to you and we will try and help.
We have no magic money tree and many issues can be difficult to resolve but we tell you as it is and do what we can to help.

THE BATTLE AGAINST FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT GOES ON

Councillor Barbara Dring and I have started a new campaign against fly tipping in Oscott.

We are calling on residents to report any fly tipping and we will do what we can to press for better enforcement and a quicker clean up.

A recent example where I have managed to get fly tipped rubbish removed has been near Greggs at the Kingstanding Circle and near the recycling banks at the corner of Old Oscott Hill and Oscott School Lane.

IF YOU STILL HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TREES IN OSCOTT CONTACT PLEASE ME

Following discussions with Amey Highways senior tree officer it has been agreed residents concerned about the way trees have been pruned near their homes will be visited by the officer to discuss their concerns.  Amey will take on board reasonable requests and do what they can to resolve issues.

This will take place towards the end of the tree pruning program which is expected to continue for some weeks. ( due to delays caused by the weather and in some cases cars not being moved out of the way when work was to be undertaken)

Work is still being carried out in many of the roads in Oscott and there is still a number of trees in many roads which need attention. Amey Highways have agreed the work will be finished.

If you would like the senior tree officer to visit you at the end of their tree pruning schedule please contact me.

MORE POT HOLES IN OSCOTT NEED TO BE REPAIRED

Months of bad weather including the best have left many roads across the country with carriage was breaking up and forming pot holes.

Clearly Oscott is no exception. I have been reporting to Amey Highways ( given a 25 year contract to maintain our roads by the previous Council Administration) dozens of pot holes and some have been repaired but others not. I am told this is due to the amount of work they are having to carry out across the city.
This is not good enough and I will continue to press Amey to get the pot holes in Oscott repaired.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I, are also starting a campaign to get more of our roads In Oscott resurfaced.

If you are aware of a bad pot hole in the Oscott area please email me with the details and I will ensure it is reported.

THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE A PLACE TO RELAX

I managed to spend a little time in the Queslett Nature reserve before the downpour.
I try and keep an eye on the reserve and while I am there do a little litter picking.

Its a lovely place and thanks to the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve it gets regular litter picks.

Sadly due to all the recent rain some of the paths are a little water logged ( you need stout shoes to take a walk in the reserve at the moment, but hopefully some minor drainage works can help sort that out later in the year.

HAPPY EASTER

Along with Councillor Barbara Dring I would like to wish all our fellow Oscott residents a Happy  Easter.

TREE PRUNING IN OSCOTT

I was pleased to see some catch up tree pruning has begun in Oscott there is still a lot to do however to catch up on weather delayed work.

Different trees are pruned differently and it has been agreed if there are any concerns an inspector will at the appropriate time take a look.

Sadly some further delay is taking place where cars need to be moved from below the trees being pruned. These trees may have to be done at a later date in some cases.
Pruning is likely to carry on through out the spring and early summer.

At the end of the process officers will be happy to discuss any concerns with local residents.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CAME ALONG TO MY COUNCILLORS SURGERY

Thank you to all those who came to my Councillors surgery yesterday. I will do what I can to help but as I explained in these days of deeper and deeper Government led cuts may issues will not be easy to deal with.

HELP LOOK AFTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Now the light nights and hopefully better weather is approaching I hope residents start to enjoy the Queslett Nature Reserve for pleasant walks and so on.

However please remember

Don't disturb the wild life
There is no fishing  allowed.
Please do not start any form of fires.
Take your litter and dogs mess home.
Don't use motorized vehicles in the reserve.
If you see any suspicious  or anti social behaviour please inform the Police by using the 101 number.
Join the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and help look after the reserve.

MY NEXT COUNCILLOR SURGERY WILL BE ON 27TH MARCH

My next Councillor's surgery will take place on the 27th of March. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre and the time will be 9.30am.
The centre is wheel chair friendly.

If you have any issues you would like to discuss with me I will look forward to seeing you.
I do not make promises but will try and help if I can.

I this time and date are not convenient you can always email me on Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk or leave me a message on 303 2039.

I do carry out home visits for those with genuine issues with getting to my surgery.

GROT SPOTS GIVEN A CLEAN

Have been trying to get a number of grot spots cleaned up this week. For example the Sarsdale Road to Brushfield road right of way, the Lingfield Road to Tresham Road Right of way and the bushed area near the Kingstanding Library for example.

MEETING OSCOTT RESIDENTS

Meeting our fellow Oscott residents is something Councillor Barbara Dring and I do every day because WE LIVE in Oscott and being a councillor hear is not just a job to us.

We do not pretend to have a magic money tree or to solve all the issues we hear about but we do what we can to help our fellow residents during these times of constant government cut backs.

We do our best to tell residents as it is.

MEASURES TO STOP PARKING TO CLOSE TO DYAS ROAD CROSSING

I am pleased to hear that the Transportation department will now be drawing up plans to help prevent parking on or near the new Zebera crossing on the Dyas Road near the crossing later tis year.

In the mean time O would request motorists to not park on or behind this crossing as it is dangerous to do so.

PARKING AND ROAD SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS IN OSCOTT

I would really like to thank those Oscott schools who took the effort to come along to the Oscott Schools Parking and Road safety working party working party last week

All schools the Schools in Oscott were invited to send a representative along to meet up with the Local Police, Fire brigade and other interested party's to discuss the common problems on the subject.

There are no magic solutions but the schools are all given the chance to discuss their problems regarding road safety and parking they have to  deal with

We have made some progress but much more still needs to be done but those schools who came along and the other agencies all felt the meeting was worth while.

If your school did not attend the meeting last week and as a parent of neighbour of the school you may wish to remind them to attend the next one.
By working together we are more likely to make progress and help keep children safe.

I would also like to thank the Hawthorn Junior and infant school for their hospitality.

There will be a chance for residents to be updated or have an update on the Working party at the next Ward Committee.

SOME OSCOTT RESIDENTS SHOULD CHECK THEIR POLLING STATION DETAILS

Oscott residents should be aware that due to the Governments Boundary commission changing electoral wards across Birmingham including OSCOTT this year  a number of residents may find the polling station they may have voted at has changed.

I would advise that you check you polling station details when you receive your polling card.

Please don't waste you vote.

THE ATTACK ON THE 610 COMMUNTY CENTRE WAS A DISCRACE

As many Oscott Residents will know there was a break in at the 610 Community Centre recently where not only theft took place but also wanton vandalism.

This attack on our young and old  who rely on this facility was a disgrace.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I who hold surgeries there and have tried to support the centre like many residents have been disgusted by what has happened. knowing how hard the staff at this centre wok however we are confident they will put right the damage and get on with things.

We are aware how fully stretched out Local Police force is due to the cuts in their funding but we will asking them to do what they can to catch those responsible.

“Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting crime number 20BW/50170K/18.”

SOME OSCOTT RESIDENTS MAY HAVE TO USE A DIFFERENT POLLING STATION

Some Oscott residents may find their polling stations have changed when they go out to vote. ( YOU MAY HAVE TO GO TO A DIFFERENT ONE)
It is best to check the location on your polling card.

Please also pass this on to friends and neighbours.

GETTING POT HOLES DEALT WITH

Given the particularly freezing weather we have had recently it has been inevitable more pot holes should appear on our streets.

 As many residents already know Councillor Barbara Dring and I regularly report pot holes to Amey the Highways the private contractor given the contract to do this work by the previous Council administration for 25 years, ( someone got a good deal didn't they! ) who deal with the problem of road maintenance.

 Reporting pot holes is a bit like painting the fourth bridge you go around reporting them and when you have finished there is more to do

 

 If you have a concern about a pot hole and would like me to pass the details on than email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov alternatively phone me on 303 2039 (messages) or if you have one send back one of my return cards.

 

 Please however let me have the location (nearest House number) of where the pot hole is and I will do my best to get it sorted out.

OSCOTT'S BOUNDARY HAS CHANGED AND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE FOR 2 COUNCILLORS THIS TIME

When out and about on the street I am still finding some Oscott residents who do not realise the changes the Governents Boundary Commision have made to ward boundaries accross Birmingham including Oscott.

Many Oscott residents for example are not aware that THEY WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE FOR TWO CANDIDATES NOT ONE AT THIS YEARS LOCAL ELECTION IN MAY.

Both Barbara Dring and I clearly hope our residents and neighbours will vote for and RE SELECT BOTH OF US. As we are your local team who will fight on behalf of Oscott for better things and to try and lesson the effects of the government Austerity cuts.

Any Oscott residents who would like to sign up and help our campaign please ring me on 360 6486

CAT LITTER DISPOSAL

Just a reminder
I would like to confirm that the BCC Waste department will take away cat litter as long as it is securely bagged and in a reasonable amount as part of a collection in the wheelie bin ( black bag) (not wet which would make it heavy for example.)

CHECKING ON GRIT BIN LEVELS DESPITE THE SNOW.

I have been out and about again despite the snow checking that the grit bins in Oscott have grit in them.

The ones I saw were ok.
This grit should only be used for our road some please use the grit just for that.

If the grit bin by you is empty please let me know Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk and Councillor Barbara Dring and I will try and get it topped up for you.

HOW TO CONTACT ME WITH A CONCERN

I would just like to remind Oscott residents using this blog both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are on Face Book and Twitter.

However if you want me to try and help you deal with a concern please only use my Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk, Phone me 303 2039 (messages) 0r write to me c/0 the Birmingham City Council House B1 1 BB.

I am always will to try and help if I can but often issues MAY take a number of attempts to resolve and there is no magic wand.

DONT WALK ON THE FROZEN QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Don't try and walk on (or let your dog run) on the Queslett Nature Reserve Lane. Like most open water it can be very dangerous to walk on when frozen. Its best to keep off it for your own safety. it could kill you or anyone trying to save you.

Please leave floatation rings in place they are not toys and may help save some ones life.


Dress for the weather tell someone your going and enjoy a brisk walk around the reserve but keep away from the lake.

OSCOTT TREE PRUNING UPDATE

As local Oscott residents our selves Councillor Barbara Dring and I understand only to well many of our constituents and neighbours are concerned about the need to have the trees in their road pruned. We are both interested in trying to get this done as can be seen from all the campaigning we have done for to get so many trees pruned this year.

Despite delays caused by the storms over the New Year period and the current bad weather, a senior tree officer from Amey Highways has informed me his company is still on target to prune the 1700 trees agreed for this year in Oscott and to plant around 200 replacement trees. There will be some delays caused by the current bad weather however as may be expected. ( most roads in Oscott are due to have tree pruning carried out this year.)

PERRY BARR MP OSCOTT SURGERY DETAILS

The M.P for Perry Barr holds his Oscott Ward surgery on the first Saturday of the month at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road at 10.30am.
The next one is on March 3rd.

DONT FORGET THE ELDERLY IN OSCOTT

Especially during this very cold weather check with any elderly neighbours of friends to see if they are ok and have their heating on. ( OR GIVE THEM A RING)

STILL CHECKING ON GRIT BINS IN OSCOTT

Out and about again as part of the Oscott Labour Team ( a few snow flakes about)) checking on the level in grit bins in the Oscott area. We do this all the time during the winter.
If the one by you is low on grit let me know Email Keith.Linnecor@Birmingham.gov.uk

ALDI QUESLETT SITE UPDATE

Subject: Planning Inspectorate APP/P4605/W/17/3182279: Old Horns Crescent, B43

Sadly ALDI who are a large powerful company have decided to appeal the Councils decision to the Governments inspectorate, without agreeing any compromise.

   It has now been confirmed that the appeal will be a hearing, to start at 10:00 on Tuesday 1^st May 2018 (and continue on 2^nd May if necessary).  The venue will be the Dickens Conference Room at the Birmingham & Midland Institute, Margaret Street.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I have let our views be known and the Birmingham City Council is continuing to oppose this planning application. However we are now in the hands of the Government through its appeal process. There is still time to write in and ensure you views are known you can do this by writing to Ann Edmonds the Planning inspectorate 3 M Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, Bristol B1 6NP or email west2@pins.gls.gov.uk by 13^th March. You may attend the meeting.

GOVERNMENT PLANNING HEARING ALDI QUESLETT VENUE AND DATE ANNOUNCED

Subject: Planning Inspectorate APP/P4605/W/17/3182279: Old Horns Crescent, B43 7HA

  PINS have confirmed that the appeal will be a hearing, to start at 10:00 on Tuesday 1^st May 2018 (and continue on 2^nd May if necessary).  The venue will be the Dickens Conference Room at the Birmingham & Midland Institute, Margaret Street.

For any further details please contact the BCC Planning department

there IS STILL TIME TO WRITE IN WITH YOUR VEIWS

 

 

 

Regards

 

Pete

KINGSTANDING POLICE STATION TO CLOSE

I have learnt today that the Kingstanding Police Station may be closing altogether.

For some time the station has been closed to the public but the back rooms have been manned by officers doing various work including the Local Police team meeting with local community groups..

This use has had at least helped keep a Police presence in the area.

Government cuts to Police funding are really creating a lot of problems, all around.  Oscotts Local Team neighbourhood team has bee reduced by half over the last few years. Residents are already saying they never see a Police Officer in their road. I have written to the Police Commisioner on this matter. We need more officers.

What makes things even worse is the proposed closure of the Sutton Coldfield Police Station.

The Government urgently need to rethink their cuts.

           Just for information

 

 Lloyd House is the HQ of WMP, not just the PCC. The work being carried out their at the moment allows WMP to exit other buildings and will pay for itself in 6 years. Reserves are not £100m and are planned to be spent by 2020 (apart from necessary reserves). And the Tories have cost us 2092 officers & 429 PCSOs.
 As ever be ware of fake information being put out by some for cheap political gain.

KINGSTANDING POST OFFICE UPDATE

 Councillor Barbara Dring and I checking out the proposed new Kingstanding Post Office location

To day I have received the following from a senior Post Office representative this morning

 

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"we briefed colleagues at Kingstanding Post Office that we are to proceed with the proposal to move the branch from its current location to the vacant retail premises which was previously HSBC at 7 Kettlehouse Road, Birmingham, B44 9JJ to create a modern branch for customers where it will be run by our new retail partner.

Kingstanding branch is due to move to its new location on Thursday 10 May 2018.  The same wide range of products and services will still be available, with the exception of the Biometric Enrolment Service for the Home Office, however DVLA services will still be available. The Biometric service will relocate to Sutton Coldfield Post Office, WHSmith, 140-142 The Parade, Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PH. 

Our partner will incorporate a retail offer of greeting cards, gifts and confectionery to run alongside the Post Office and we’ll be working together to provide a new, modern Post Office with sufficient room for Post Office and shop customers.   The branch will have its own designated area to the right as you enter the store and customer access both into and within the store will meet Post Office Ltd’s own accessibility standards and all applicable legislation 

Through this partnership we will maintain and modernise Post Office services in a location which is approximately 180 metres from the current Post Office branch.  We believe that franchising this branch will allow us to better secure Post Office services in this community for the longer term and help strengthen and secure the Post Office network as a whole.

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I have been saddened by the news that the Post Office formally in the Kingstanding precinct is being closed and I hope all those staff who have worked there can find other employment.

I am however pleased that the move will only be some 180 Metres away  to the former HSBC bank in Kettle House Road. This site is fully adaptable for disabled people and there is parking not to far away. I am also pleased that at least there will be still a post office in the local area offering most of the usual services.

I will continue to offer my services to the owners of the Kingstanding Precinct and will help them if I can if they require it.

 

DOG MESS LEFT ON PAVEMENTS AND OPEN SPACES IN OSCOTT NEEDS TO BE STOPPED

Dog mess on our pavements and open spaces like the Glenmead Field can be so unpleasant.
In this day and age the vast majority of dog owner do he decent thing and bag and remove their dogs mess.. Sadly some undercover of darkness often do not.

Dog mess can lead to children having infected eyes it can also be dragged into homes on the bottom of peoples homes. ( just because the odd dog owner does not do the right thing and get their dogs mess up.

There is really no excuse doggie bags are cheap and readily available and there are litter bins scattered around the Oscott Ward.

Over the next week or so I am along with Councillor Barbara Dring organizing a visit from the Dog ward team and hopefully they will help get the message  through Remove dog mess bag and bin it or take it home.

HELP KEEP THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LITTER FREE

I was pleased this week to be able to get the time to pop into the Queslett Nature Reserve to do a little litter picking.

It is a shame that some of those who use the reserve cannot simply put their litter ( and dogs mess bagged) in the litter bins provided or take it home with them. Luckily most do

I would like to thank all those residents like Brenda  and John who care so much for the reserve and help keep it tidy

If you would like to help keep the reserve and other Oscott Open spaces free of litter please Email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

NEW GATE FOR FORGER WALK TUNNEL

                     CHECKING WITH THE GATE  MAKER WIDEACRE FENCING

The Forgers Walk Tunnel ( which leads from Bowman Road to Turnbury Park)  has had a new gate fitted.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I managed to help find funding for this gate which will  help the mechanical Cleaner,  clean the tunnel better.
 Gaps have been left at the sides of the new gate for wheel chair users and pedestrians to use.

We have also found funding for an extra street light for Forgers walk which,  will be erected later this year. This should help make pedestrians  using the walk feel more secure during the darker times of the day.

I have also managed  to get a clean up of the area with a litter pick having taken place only recently.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THEIR WASTE WHEELIE BINS COLLECTED EVERY WEEK.

WEEKLY HOUSE HOLD WASTE COLLECTION IS TO BE RETAINED IN OSCOTT
 



Once again at this months Full Council meeting the leader of the Birmingham City Council has had to point out that "Fake news" claiming the wheelie bin Household waste collection service is to move to a fortnightly collection is just that "Fake".

Once again residents in Oscott can be assured that  our Household waste bins will continue to be collected weekly.
 The current Labour Leadership are the only ones who will confirm that this will happen.

Oscott residents as they did when they were told by some," our libraries would shut"  before the last Local elections need to dismiss this constant pre election Fake news.

ELLISTON AVE RIGHT OF WAY HAS HAD ANOTHER CLEAN UP

For the second time in a few weeks I have had to call on the street cleaning clean up squad to have to come out and clean up the right of way between Elliston Avenue and Meadthorpe Road.
It was in a real mess today with bottles cans and all sorts of litter.
Luckily both Councillor Barabara Dring and I try and monitor these right of way and do what we can to get them cleaned up.

ALDI ARE APEALING OLD HORNS PLANNING DECISION 2016/09132/P

The Aldi super market chain are set to appeal the Birmingham City Councils Planning Departments refusal of their Old Horns application.
They are appealing to the Government inspectorate Department of Communities and Local Government who will make the decision
If you would like to let me know your concerns one way or another on this application please let me know.

For further information on the application and how to give your views please go on the BCC Planning portal and look for the Application Number  2016/09132/P