IT IS SAD HOW DIRTY SOME PEOPLE CAN BE

You would hardly believe how dirty some people can be. A dog owner has tied a bag containing his dogs mess to a bush on the Oscott Manor  school boundary. This is a school which looks after some very vulnerable school youngsters.
There are 3 litter bins

within 100 yards.



Bin near the Age Concern Centre just around the corner

MORE FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT IT HAS TO STOP

Sadly there has been yet more dirty people fly tipping near the Old Oscott Hill / Oscott School Lane junction despite signs saying the recycling bank was not in use.
If rubbish can be transported to this site it can be taken easily to the Halford Road salvage department minutes down the road.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I are calling for action to stop this fly tipping

DO YOU WANT A PARISH COUNCIL TO COVER THE OSCOTT AREA?

Oscott residents as you may be aware the Birmingham Council is considering the idea of introducing parish councils.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I would know your views one way or another on the chance to pay more Council tax with the hope of improving local services by introducing a local parish council locally.

Please drop us an email with your views.

Or if you want to know more about the BCC consultation regarding local gogernment devolution please email

https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/.../working.../...

FACE BOOK PROBLEMS

Please note for some reason I have a lot of problems with my face book conection. With this in mind I may not be able to reply to any messages sent on it.
If you need to contact me please use my email.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS WILL BE OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN

The Oscott Team including Councillor Barbara Dring and myself will be out and about in Oscott as usual next week. If you have an issue of concern please let us know and we will try and help if we can.

WHY NOT TRY THE TYBURN WASTE DISPOSAL CENTRE

Popped into the Tyburn Road Waste disposal centre today. In an out in 10 minutes staff were helpful.

There is no excuse for fly tipping

IT IS DANGEROUS TO THROW SAFETY RINGS IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Once again some sad individuals with more time on their hands than common sense have been throwing safety rings into the Queslett Nature Reserve lake.
It is only a matter of time until someone suffers as a result of this anti social behaviour.
Luckily the Council do check that there is a ring on the post at the end of the lake every day. Put this service has to be paid for by the tax payer. If you see anyone throwing a life ring in the water please report them.
Please do not be tempted to retrieve these rings from the lake  yourself.

ONE LESS PLACE FOR ASB TO TAKE PLACE HIDDEND FROM SITE

I have been pleased to be able to get bushes which were hiding ASB activities near the corner of Sandy Lane and Booths lane cut back. The opening up of this site prevents those taking drugs from doing so in the bushes for example.

OUT AND ABOUT IN OSCOTT

Unlike others both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are always out and about either singularly or together meeting our resident is Oscott.


We want to hear from you your concerns and thoughts about the Oscott area. With this in mind please let us know when yo next see us. We cannot promises to resolve all the issues we hear about especially in these times where the Government because of their failed Austerity Policies have cut so much from their funding to the Birmingham Council and the Police.

TRYING TO GET ENTRIES ON THE BANYWOOD ESTATE TIDIED UP

Councillor Barbara Dring and I have been out and about trying to organise some entries in the Bandywood Estate area to be cleaned up.
We are trying to get the Housing department to do their bit but residents must also do their by keeping bushes pruned back, gates locked and not dumping rubbish in the entries.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE A GREEN PLEASANT PLACE TO RELAX.

Had walk round Queslett Nature Reserve with other FQNR. It certainly needed the heavy rain we had today the lake is very low and when that happens the Algy starts to grow which can be dangerous to both humans and dogs.
Never go in the Queslett nature Reserve lake if is full of under water obstacles and is not treated.

The reserve is a pleasant place to go for a walk at this time of year but please take your litter home with you.

RECYCLE DONT DUMP

I have had an interesting chat with Re Use who are a company with a premises in Norris Way Way Sutton Coldfield (near the Councils waste tip).

They take in unwanted items such as beds, tables, Chairs, lawn mowers which are in a reasonable condition to be recycled to others.

If you intend get rid of anything you think someone else may be able to use why not give Re Use a ring them 329 2797 and ask them if they would like the items. Alternatively when taking items to the Norris Way  waste tip drop in and ask them, if they do not want the items you are only yards from the tip anyway?

Never be tempted to fly tip if caught and prosecuted there could be a big fine or even imprisonment. It also cost us all a fortune in taxes to get rid of.

DEALING WITH MORE FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

I have been out and about today with Councillor Barbara Dring meeting Oscott residents and trying to sort out some fly tipping.
We have had the rubbish removed from the junction of Oscott School Lane and Old Oscott Hill and have report other fly tipping in the area.
Anyone caught fly tipping can face a heft fine.
House hold Rubbish is received at the Holford Drive re cycling centre FOC.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION CONCERNING CITY CENTRE AIR QUALITY EVENTS

Many oscott residents will know consideration is being given to introducing Air Quality changes to the Birmingham City Centre. To find out more see below for a list of events where consultation may take place.

·        Public drop in event - Chris Bryant Centre

From 1 Aug 2018 at 16:00 to 1 Aug 2018 at 20:00

More information about the event Public drop in event - Chris Bryant Centre

A chance to meet members of the consultation team and ask questions.
At Chris Bryant Centre, 301 Reservoir Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 6DF

Add Public drop in event - Chris Bryant Centre to my Calendar (.ics)

·        Public drop in event - The Fort Shopping Park

From 2 Aug 2018 at 16:00 to 2 Aug 2018 at 20:00

More information about the event Public drop in event - The Fort Shopping Park

A chance to meet members of the consultation team and ask questions.
At The Fort Shopping Park, 20 Fort Parkway, B24 9FP.

Add Public drop in event - The Fort Shopping Park to my Calendar (.ics)

·        Public drop in event - One Stop Shopping Centre

From 4 Aug 2018 at 10:00 to 4 Aug 2018 at 14:00

More information about the event Public drop in event - One Stop Shopping Centre

A chance to meet members of the consultation team and ask questions.
At One Stop Shopping Centre, 2 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, B42 1AA.

Add Public drop in event - One Stop Shopping Centre to my Calendar (.ics)

·        Public drop in event - University of Birmingham (main plaza)

From 7 Aug 2018 at 16:00 to 7 Aug 2018 at 20:00

More information about the event Public drop in event - University of Birmingham (main plaza)

A chance to meet members of the consultation team and ask questions.
At University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT.

Add Public drop in event - University of Birmingham (main plaza) to my Calendar (.ics)

·        Public drop in event - High Street, city centre

From 11 Aug 2018 at 10:00 to 11 Aug 2018 at 14:00

THANKS YOU TO THE FIRST AIDER WHO TRIED TO HELP AT THE KINGSLAND ROAD ACCIDENT

I have now met with a number of local residents who have been horrified by the accident involving a Police chasing a  stolen car and innocent victims going about their business at the Wandsworth Road/ Kingsland Road Junction

My thoughts go out to the family of the young lady killed in this collision.

I would also like to thank the local resident who gave first aid and tried to save the victims life she did all she could. She has told me she will remember this incident for ever.

The emergency teams did their jobs professionally as you would expect I have been told, so thank you to them to.

The Police now need time to investigate this collision and all those involved need to have their own space to try to understand what has happened.

DEATH ON KINGSLAND ROAD FOLLOWING CAR CHASE

A woman has died in a crash with a suspected stolen car being chased by police in Oscott

West Midlands Police said officers had been involved in a "short pursuit" of the Audi A3 on Sunday night through Kingstanding.

The Audi collided with a third car, in Kingsland Road, seriously injuring a man and a woman in the vehicle.

The woman died shortly after. Four people in the Audi were arrested and taken to hospital.

I have asked the Police to keep me updated and to see if there was any issues relating to the road its self that may have had any influence on the accident.

The Police are contunueing to investigate the incedent

TAKE YOUR RUBBISH TO THE TIP.

I took some household rubbish to the tip today. They still take it in F.O.C and I was in and out in under 10 Minutes.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SURGERY AUGUST

There will be No Oscott Councillors surgery in August.

If you need any help or assistance please either write to us C/0 the BCC council house,e mail or ring us.

BIRKENSHAW ROAD TO BIRDBROOK ROAD PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY GETS A CLEAN UP.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I Oscotts Labour Team have managed to get another pubic right of way cleared up this time it is the one from Birkenshaw Road to Birdbrook Road.
We are trying to get more done but clearly with the government cuts in the Councils funding and voluntary groups have limited funding to help, its not easy.

 We work for you all year around and do what we can to help our residents

Residents can help by taking their rubbish to the Halford Drive Salvage centre. Rember their is a heavy fine for those caught fly tipping.

TEMPLETON ROAD TO OLD OSCOTT HILL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY GEYS A CLEAN UP

Councillor Barbara Dring and I Oscotts Labour Team have managed to get another pubic right of way cleared up this time it is the one from Templeton Road to Old Oscott Hill.
We are trying to get more done but clearly with the government cuts in the Councils funding and voluntary groups have limited rescoures to help, its not easy.
We work for you all year around
Residents can help by taking their rubbish to the Halford Drive Salvage centre. Remember their is a heavy fine for those caught fly tipping.

A GREAT DAY OUT AT THE SEA SIDE FOR THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP

                                                

It was great to be out and about with the Oscott Elderly Residents Group on their trip to Lytham and Saint Annes.
Once again their Chair Maureen Byrne organized a brilliant trip for her members.
Despite the heat everyone was well cared for and everyone made it home safe and sound.

This trip help cement the friendships forged during the groups monthly meetings and fight against the isolationism many group members would feel if they did not meet with friends at the groups meeting.
For many it is a way out from the 4 walls of their home. I am just happy to try and help.

These low budget trips are well worth going on and if you want more information about the group drop me an email.

THE NEXT OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TASKING MEETING

The last of the current meetings of the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking Group meetings is arranged for  the 20/08/2018 at 18:30 hours at the Elim Church.

 

This is in the Kingstanding Ward off the Hawthorn Road ( at the junction of Warren Road)

It is on the 28 bus route.

 

Residents wishing to inform the Police of their concerns can meet with the Local Police Team at this location. This is a good opportunity to speak to your local Police Team directly.

Please do not forget you can also contact them by using their 101 number.

 

 

If you would like your Oscott Councillors Barbara Dring and myself know of any concerns please contact us by email, phone 303 2039 or by letter C/o The Birmingham Council House B1 !BB

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR OSCOTT COUNCILLORS

Oscott residents if you have any concerns you would like to let Councillor Barbara Dring or myself about please email us or leave a message on 303 2039 and we will try and help if we can.

Alternatively you can write to us at the Birmingham City Council House B44 1BB.

Clearly in these day of Government cuts to the Councils funding and that of the Police we cannot pretend to resolve all the issues we hear about but we will help if we can.

OUT AND ABOUT IN OSCOTT DURING THE SUMMER

Both Councillor Barbara ( Licensing) and myself (Planning ) are on the  Council committees that run though out the ttraditional summer recess period ( unlike most B.C.C committees  and MP's) however that will not mean we will not be out and about meeting Oscott residents to discuss their concerns and issues.

We cannot hope to meet every resident as many are on holiday, so if we do not see you please give us a ring on 303 2039 . Although clearly we cannot pretend to resolve all the issues we hear about especially in these times of huge government cuts to council funding we will try and help if we can.

A GOOD TURN OUT FOR THE FQNR ACTIVITY SESSION

It was really pleasing to see so many turn up to help during the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve Environmental Group at its activity session.

This goes to show their are those who think their is more to trying to help our wild life and improve the environment than just attending a meeting.

Many thanks to all those who came and helped with litter picking and pruning and thanks to team leaders John, Bob, Brenda and Jim.

FEIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY

Just a reminder there will be a Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve environmental Group,  activity day ( today July 21st)
We will be litter picking and doing some light pruning and will meet at the Old Horns entrance at 11am.

If you would like to come and help out please o. You will need to wear stout shoes and bring some water with you. Tools will be supplied.
Children are welcome under the supervision of an adult.

IF THEY ARE THERE USE RECYCLING BANKS

I was pleased to see ASDA Old Horns have replaced some of their paper banks with easier to use ones.
ASDA do have a range of recycling banks paper, shoes and clothes near their petrol station.
This makes it easier to re-cycle and should be welcomed.
...

I have used this facility before or after shopping for some years and would encourage others to do the same.

TROUBLE SHOOTING AT THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

I was pleased to meet up with some of the Local Parks Management Team on the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Amongst other issues we spoke about the treatment of some knot weed on the site, widening and slightly amending some of the paths ( fire breaks) and the work to be carried out on Saturday by the Friends of the Queslett Nature Environmental Group.

The team were impressed by how litter free the reserve is these day and acknowledged in particular the efforts of FQNR members John and Brenda.

It was also pleasing to see one of our local schools using the reserve for some of their cross country running activities.


There will be an activity session, Litter picking and light pruning on Saturday 21st ,11am at the Old Horns Entrance.

OSCOTTS LITTER BINS SHOULD BE USED CORRECTLY

Litter bins are meant for litter which residents are carrying with them when walking on the street not for general household waste.

A number of bins in the Oscott area are having bottles and other rubbish( INCLUDING BULK ITEMS)  which should go in residents normal wheelie bins ( OR TAKEN TO THE RECYCLING CENTRE) dumped in litter bins leaving little space for their correct use.
Some resident are piling their house hold rubbish into litter bins or at the side of bins this needs to stop as constant abuse like this may lead to the bins being removed which is unfair to those who use the bins with common sense.
Dumping at the side of a litter bin is fly tipping and anyone caught can expect a heavy fine.

THE MARYVALE ELDERLY GROUP WAS WELL ATTENDED

Popped into see residents at the Mary Vale Elderly group. It was nice to see them socialising with each other enjoying a raffle sing song and clothes show.
It was also good to see the volunteers and staff looking after and supply lunch for their members.

THERE WILL BE A FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ON THE 21ST JULY

There will be another Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve environmental  group ACTIVITY DAY on Saturday 21st July( weather permitting)

the time will be 11.00 am and the meeting place THE OLD HORNS CRESCENT.

There will be litter picking, light pruning an update on the reserve and a ranger will try to be on hand to answer any questions.

Member and friends of the reserve are welcome

Please come prepared for the weather for example bring water if it is hot and  wear stout foot ware.
Children are welcome under the supervision of an adult.

Any tools will be provided.

For further details please email Brenda Wilson <brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca> who is doing a great job organizing this event.

LOOKING AFTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

As Chair It was nice to meet up with Brenda the Friend of the Queslett Nature Reserve Environmental Group secretary and  key activist.
We enjoyed combining looking at issues in the reserve, planning future activities and having a pleasant walk in the reserve.

The FQNR need more active volunteers who care about wild life and the local Environment to help our aim to keep the reserve an attractive safe environment for wild life and a pleasant place for people to go and relax.

The work we do is never ending and we need people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help.

If you can help please email  <brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca>

LETS STOP FLY TIPPING

Be warned!! Anyone found guilty of flytipping in Oscott could have their vehicles seized and put to community use for the benefit of citizens or even crushed!!!

Please let your friends and neighbours know and spread the word that Birmingham is now getting tough with those who are blighting our streets!

Flytipping is a criminal offence, and we shouldn't have to pay to pick up the bill due to a few selfish individuals!

Rubbish can be taken to the Holford Drive Salvage department only minutes away from anywhere in Oscott.

WHY NOT SET UP A RESIDENTS GROUP IN OSCOTT

Over the last 20 years I have helped set up a number of resident community groups in Oscott. (who have a range of interests)
If you would like help and advice in how to set one up for example a street association please let me know and I will help if I can. It does not have to be hard or complicated to do.


These groups can, meet,  work and liaise with similar groups. They can  lobby collectively large organizations like the Police, The Birmingham City Council,  and can have regular help and advise from Councillor Barbara Dring and myself for example.



If you would like to join the Oscott Residents Association please email Robert Wild <oscottresassoc@gmail.com>

ITS HOT IN OSCOTT

It looks like it is official we are going through a heat wave in Oscott with tempretures around the 30 degree mark.
This being the case please, if you can, check on any vulnerable people – such as older neighbours – and relatives


Plus here are some everyday top tips for staying cool in a heatwave:

• Place a bowl or tray of ice in front of a blowing fan
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
• Eat small meals regularly: your body warms up processing larger ones.
• Where lightweight cotton – and keep summery with whites and creams, which are more likely to reflect the sun away and keep you cool
• Good old water: drinking cool glasses of it throughout the day can be enough to bring your temperature down
• Hot air rises (as we are all aware when we watch parliament on the TV:) but seriously consider sleeping  on the floor – or even head downstairs – if you’re getting desperate to escape the heat
• Rinse your wrists: washing either your wrists or feet with cold water before you hit the hay can really help
• In fact, there are plenty of pulse points around the feet and ankles: so dunking your feet into an ice bucket can help take your temperature down quickly
• Remember to try and keep you pets cool and give the plenty of water.

Out side the home

•  Try and keep in the shade for example use the shade of street trees when going for a walk.
•  Use sun cream.
• Wear a hat.
• Be careful if using areas like the Queslett Nature reserve where a discarded cigarette can cause grass fires.
• Never use a barbeque or lite in the Queslett Nature Reserve of a similar nature
• Don't swim in the Queslett Nature Reserve lake.
• Never leave your dog in a hot car even for a few minutes.
• Don't let your dog go in the Queslett lake it can be dangerous.
• Take a bottle of water with you when you go out.

We do not get that much hot weather in Oscott so lets try and keep safe and comfortable when we do.

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.