PLEASE KEEP YOUR REAR ACCESS WAY GATES LOCKED

In the Oscott ward many properties have rear access ways at the back of them. Many of these access ways have gates which should be locked when not is use.
Locking these gates helps reduce crime, fly tipping and gathering of those intent in carrying ASB.
Always lock these gates.
If you do not have a pad lock along with the Oscott neighbourhood Police Initiative I may be able to supply a heavy duty combination pad lock on a first come first served basis.
Please email me if I can help.
It is also a good idea to ensure your boundary fencing is in good condition and your garages and sheds are locked. You could also try planning prickly bushes by your fencing.

Please note rear access ways in most cases are private and the responsibility of residents the Council is not responsible for them. Neighbour should try a cooperate over their maintenance.

PLANTED TREE AT THE AGE UK OLD OSCOTT LANE CENTRE IS STILL DOING WELL AND THE SITE IS NOT CLOSING

When I popped into the Age Uk Community Centre the other day that the tree I helped plant a few years ago is still going strong.

Sadly there are changes at the Centre where those groups using the centre will now have to arrange their own clubs finances to pay Age concern to rent rooms.

For more details there is someone on site most Wednesdays or ring  437 0033 The Centre is not closing

 

THINGS DO NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING BETTER DESPITE AUSTERITY ENDING?

I have been out and about again meeting Oscott residents and listening to THEIR concerns.
I have had an increase in residents contacting m since the New Year and its clear that despite the Government telling us their Austerity led policies are over things are not getting any better.

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

 managed to get some time to have a patrol of the Queslett Nature Reserve today. I remind a young man on a motor bike he should not be in the reserve with a motor bike and he understood and left.
sadly even though there are litter bins in the reserve there are still some people who would rather dump litter a few feet away rather than using these bins.
The Nature reserve is a pleasant place to be please take your litter home or use a litter bin.

WHAT BUS USERS THINK

I carried out a mini survey of my fellow bus users ( mainly in the Oscott area but other areas to.)during the summer of last year.

CONCERNS BUS USERS HAVE

Price                                               28   %

Reliabilty                                       31    

Cleanliness                                    14

Distance to bus stop                      15

Safety                                             12

 

A larger survey is being promted by Councillor Waseem Zaffer and others, is underway . See webb below for details
The survey is live from Thursday 24 January and will close on Friday 1 March. 

https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/economy/bus-survey

" HOT TOPICS" ARE DISCUSSED AT THE CEDAR CHURCH EVERY TUESDAY AT 10.30AM

I popped into the Cedar Church on Lambeth Road this week. If you would like a chance to debate a " Tot Topic and enjoy bit of company and some light refreshment why not pop in there. They hold these friendly debates on a Tuesday at 10 10.30am.
there is also a chance to chill out and make new friends

OUT AND ABOUT ON GRIT BIN PATROL IN OSCOTT

For the first time this year I have been out and about checking on grit bins in the Oscott area making sure there is grit in them.
I cannot check all of them so if you see an empty one please let me know.

Don't forget in the interests of safety to every one only use the grit for our icy carriage ways

DONT FORGET THE ELDERLY NOW THE FESTIVE SEASON HAS ENDED

At this time of year for a lot of elderly Oscott residents it can be even loneler than ever. The festive season is over and those who popped in to see them then may have found other things to do.

This is why I try to pop in and see elderly residents or give them a ring when I can at this time of year.
 Its not all about politics but more an opportunity to have a chat with some of our older residents. Having said that they are not slow coming forwards with any concerns they have.

If you have a elderly relative or neighbour this is the time during the dark nights and cold miserable day to contact them to see if they are alright. It does not need to be the festive season to say hello.

ELIM CHURCH FOOD BANK KETTLEHOUSE ROAD IS NEEDED MORE THAN EVER

I have been out and about today dodging the sleet and rain. I was please to be able to pop into the Elim Church Food Bank in Kettle House Road and offer my assistance to some there who had Council related issues. it is at this time of year following the festive season many in need of help may be forgotten but hopeful in my small way I  may be able to help?

Those using the food bank are usually referred by doctors and social worker for example and through no fault of their own are suffering from hard times.

The Food banks wonderful  volunteers also offer advice and tea and biscuits for those in need.
To find out more pop in and see them

The food bank is open Tuesdays 11am to 2pm.

JUST SOME OF MY LOCAL ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK

Amongst other things this week I have been out and about in Brackenfield Road, Norbury Road, Hathersage Road and Old Oscott Lane meeting various residents. I have als met with residents at the ASDA store.

As a result I have taken up a number of local activities.

If you are an Oscott Resident and would like to discuss an issues with me ( or just let me know Please Email me on Keith.Linnecor@bimingham.gov.uk.

THE LATEST COUNCIL STATEMENT ON CHANGES TO THE WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE

Sadly the industrial dispute effecting the waste service collection appears to be intensifying.
I am continuing to urge all sides in this dispute continue to negotiate with an aim to come o a settlement ASAP.
I certainly fully understand the frustration felt by everyone regarding this matter.

The most  up to date state from the Council is shown below.

Changes are being made to the contingency plan drawn up for bin collections in Birmingham as industrial action continues.

The impact of the action has been monitored, and to ensure reliability of service until the dispute is resolved, a fortnightly service will be temporarily offered, starting as soon as is practicable.

Once the date is finalised, it will be publicised widely.
Under the revised plan when operational, citizens should present both of their bins on the day their recycling bin is normally collected. Anyone unsure of their collection day can find out when this is by visiting the council website “check your collection day” page.

The bins should be presented in the usual way (recycling in the recycling bin, household rubbish in the general waste bin).

As part of the contingency, crews will dispose of the content of the bins in the most effective way possible to meet the number one priority of citizens – clean streets.
This may mean the general waste and the recycling are mixed and put into the back of the same collection vehicle, but only where a separate service is not possible.
The waste will be collected any time from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so residents are advised to leave their bins out if they not picked up by the usual collection time.

The city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) offer an alternative option for citizens to dispose of all types of waste including recycling. Before any visit, residents can check opening hours and view the queues at their nearest HRC by clicking here.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are determined to resolve the dispute and have had extensive talks with Trades Union colleagues via ACAS.
“But until we reach a resolution we need to do everything we can to minimise the disruption to the people who live in Birmingham.

“Based on the effect of the dispute so far, we have reviewed our original contingency and are now putting forward a plan that fits with the staffing resource we have available.
“I know the fact that we may not be able to recycle as much as we did before will be of concern to residents who are keen to do their bit for the environment, but our top priority has to be that of citizens overall – clean streets for Birmingham.

“We thank those who are committed to throwing away as little waste as possible and look forward to ending this dispute so they can resume their recycling.
“I would like to apologise for any missed collections that anyone has experienced so far. We are determined to get back to delivering the first-class refuse service the citizens of Birmingham deserve.”

OUT IN OSCOTT WITH THE OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICIE INITIATIVE SENIOR CO ORDINATOR

I have been out and about today with Brian who is the senior Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative co Ordinator. discussing issues of concern regarding crime and ASB.

It is hoped that the new Street Watch Initiative where local residents help keep an eye open in our streets by carry out patrols. They would be observing and reporting issues of concern to the Police and this will help check the lack in Police numbers caused by the awful cuts made in the Police budget by the Government.
Every one can help reduce crime by reporting any thing they see that is suspicious to the Police.
For further information about Street Watch please email me.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HAVE THEIR FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR

Really pleased to be able to attend the Oscott Elderly Residents Associations first meeting of the year.
They had a film showing life in the 30ies and fifties which was very good. The lack of cars in those days really made the streets look that much cleaner and it was noticeable how residents cleaned the area outside their homes in those days.
I was able to inform the meeting about localisation and also other important Council issues before holding a question and answer session.
I was also pleased to with their raffle.
If you would like more information about this group please ring Maureen 681 1826

UPDATE WASTE DISPUTE

Sadly the current industrial depute concerning waste collection goes on.
I would continue to urge all involved to continue to negotiate and work together to resolve this dispute. It should also be remembered that the governments Austerity cuts have inflamed the situation.

As far as I am aware the current situation for residents is. ( I would advise keeping an eye on the internet for any changes

A contingency plan for waste collections has been finalised following the announcement from Unite regarding its intention to take industrial action within the council’s Waste Management service.

The industrial action is due to begin on Saturday, 29 December 2018 – and the plan prepared by the council aims to minimise disruption caused by the action as far as possible.


Residents should continue to present their bins in the usual way (recycling in the recycling bin and household waste in the regular rubbish bin) and collection crews will dispose of the contents in the most effective way as per the contingency plan.
The waste will be collected any time from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so residents are advised to put their bins out for the regular collection day but if not picked up for whatever reason, leave them out until a collection is made.

For residents wishing to continue to recycle, the city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) offer an alternative option for citizens to dispose of all types of waste including recycling. Before any visit, residents can check opening hours and view the queues at their HRC by clicking here.

The Council would like  thank those who are committed to throwing away as little waste as possible and look forward to swiftly resolving this dispute so they can resume their recycling – and if there is any disruption,
“Both the council and Unite want to end this dispute as quickly as possible and continue to deliver the first-class refuse service the citizens of Birmingham deserve.”
For more information on how to best manage your household waste, visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk/waste

THE ELIM LIFE CHURCH FOOD BANK CAN HELP THOSE IN NEED

I still find it difficult to believe that in just 10 years due to a failed austerity policy Oscott now has residents in need of a food bank. When will this shame end.? How lucky we are that the Elim Life Church has volunteers able to help.

For your information

Elim Life Church Food Bank has moved from Warren Road and is now located at 31 Kettlehouse Road, Kingstanding Circle, B44 9JH

Open from 11.30-1.30 pm every Tuesday.

Hunger is not just a developing countries problem thousands of miles away.  People pass you every day – families, children, the vulnerable, the unemployed…

In Kingstanding many people are living on the edge of poverty. National statistics show that 34% of households in Kingstanding with dependent children have no adult in employment – this is more than double the national average. 31% of adults are claimants of main benefits and 50% have no qualifications.
All it takes is a sudden, unexpected event – a bereavement, illness, redundancy – to throw people into a genuine crisis.  This is where the food bank can literally be a lifeline to families and individuals who find themselves in this situation.
The food bank provides people with the essentials at a time when they need them most, filling the gap of days – or sometimes weeks – before other parts of our social infrastructure can come into play.  We receive donations of dried and tinned food (also toiletries) mainly from churches, our own church members, schools and local residents.
Food parcels are made available to local families and individuals sent on referral. Referrals come from registered professionals including schools, doctors, health visitors, church pastoral workers, advice centres and social workers.
Food bank can also provide toiletries such as toilet rolls, soap, shower gel and toothpaste as well as nappies and baby food.
Kingstanding Life Café – Every Tuesday, while food bank is running, enthusiastic and committed volunteers run our Life Café for food bank clients.  This is an opportunity for clients to have a hot cup of tea or coffee and some signposting help if needed.  The Café is not restricted to food bank clients and welcomes anyone who is in need of some company to drop in and have a cuppa and chat.  It is important to us to help meet the need of the whole person and to show God’s kindness in many different ways.
Christmas Meal – we are planning to put on a 3-course meal for our food bank clients on 21^st December with a small gift for the family.  Christmas can be a hard time for those in need and so we want to bless them in this way.  Tickets are available from food bank life café.
What can you do?
If you would like to donate food or toiletries to food bank it can be brought to Kettlehouse Road between 11.30 and 1.30 on Tuesdays or deposited in collection points at:-
Tesco Express, Hawthorn Road
Co-Operative, Hawthorne Road
Asda, Perry Barr & Queslett Road

Our food bank is supported by Heart of England Community Foundation.

DONT FORGET THE COUNCLLS RECYLING CENTRES ARE FREE TO RECIEVE MOST THINGS

Popped a few bags down the recycling centre today in and out in under 10 minutes helpful staff as usuaL

HELP KEEP THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE CLEAN DURING 2019

I managed to find some time to have another walk around the Queslett nature reserve taking in the peace and quiet and looking at various issues.
Have been pleased that yet again Brenda and her team have been out litter picking and tidying the reserve they do a wonderful job, but we need more volunteers.
We also ask those using the reserve to report any ASB they may see.
If you cab help email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve would also like to remind all those who use this reserve please use the litter bins their or better still take your litter home.

THE MARY VALE ELDERLY GROUP MEETS ON A TUESDAY

I was pleased to able to wish a Happy New Year to members of the Mary Vale Elderly Group yesterday. They were all enjoying a splendid buffy and were looking forward to more meetings.

If you want to know more they meet on a Tuesday Lunch Time at the Mary vale Centre.

INFORMATION REGARDING CURRENT BIN COLLECTIONS

Sadly the New Year has brought industrial action regarding our bin collections.
I am urging all parties evolved to carry on negotiating and do their best to resolve the issues.
I will also continue to urge our MP to continue to press the government to end their cuts to the Birmingham City Councils funding.

The Council has issued the following information.

A contingency plan for waste collections has been finalised following the announcement from Unite regarding its intention to take industrial action within the council’s Waste Management service.

The industrial action is due to begin on Saturday, 29 December 2018 – and the plan prepared by the council aims to minimise disruption caused by the action as far as possible.
The contingency replaces previously announced plans for the Christmas and New Year period.
In simple terms, the new plan will see citizens receive one collection of all waste types per week, rather than separate pick-ups for household rubbish and recycling on your current collection day.
Residents should continue to present their bins in the usual way (recycling in the recycling bin and household waste in the regular rubbish bin) and collection crews will dispose of the contents in the most effective way as per the contingency plan.
The waste will be collected any time from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so residents are advised to put their bins out for the regular collection day but if not picked up for whatever reason, leave them out until a collection is made.
Services previously scheduled for New Year’s Day have been cancelled, meaning anyone with collections scheduled for that date will next have their bins picked up on January 8.
For residents wishing to continue to recycle, the city’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) offer an alternative option for citizens to dispose of all types of waste including recycling. Before any visit, residents can check opening hours and view the queues at their HRC by clicking here.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Waste and Recycling, said: “Our immediate priority is to minimise the disruption to the people who live in Birmingham.
“We have a contingency, but there will be alterations to the way we process waste that is collected.
“I know this will be of concern to residents who are keen to recycle as much of their waste as possible, but our top priority has to be that of citizens – clean streets for Birmingham.
“We thank those who are committed to throwing away as little waste as possible and look forward to swiftly resolving this dispute so they can resume their recycling – and if there is any disruption, I would like to apologise in advance and assure you that we will get to your bins as soon as we can.
“Both the council and Unite want to end this dispute as quickly as possible and continue to deliver the first-class refuse service the citizens of Birmingham deserve.”
For more information on how to best manage your household waste, visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk/waste

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR OSCOTT COUNCILLORS

On behalf of your Oscott Councillors Barbara Dring and myself I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SEASONS GREETING TO ALL

Happy Christmas and New Year To all Oscott residents and reader of my blog.

Lets all hope the next year we finally brings an end to all these years of pointless Government  Austerity policies we have had to put up with.

DONT GIVE AN ANIMAL FOR CHRISTMAS UNLESS IT WILL BE CARED FOR

Sadly there are still some who give animals as unexpected Christmas presents and many of these are unwanted animal, some of which  end up abandoned and living in misery.
Always check that the person receiving the animal wants one and can care for it. If in doubt find a none animal present to give.

ITS GOOD TO SEE THE BIRD LIFE IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE DOING WELL.

I was pleased to note when I popped in on one of my regular inspections of the Queslett Nature Reserve to see the swans and other wild life seem to be doing ok this winter so far. The lake was free of ice and the bird life seemed content.
If you wish to feed the bird in the reserve please do not feed them bread as it is not a healthy food for them.
I you are unlucky and see any ASB when in the reserve please report it to the Police.

ANOTHER EXCELLANT CHRISTMAS DINNER ORGANISED FOR MEMBERS OF THE OSCOTT ELDERLY GROUP.

Pleased to have popped in with Councillor Barbara Dring at the Oscott Elderly Groups Christmas Dinner.

These dinners are always well organised by the OERG Chair Maureen Byrne and her helpers well done again for such a luverly " do".

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Below are some useful number you may need over the festive season

 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS.

 

Housing repairs                                 0121 216 3300

Gas emergency                                  0800 111 999

Seven Trent Emergency                   0800 783 4444

Child  Line                                           0800 1111 

Drug Helpline ( Frank)                      0800 77 66 00   

NHS Direct  ( advice)                         1111

Crime Stoppers                                  0800 555 111

Police non urgent                              101    

OLD OSCOTT COMMUNITY CENTRE FACE AGE UK RESTRUCTURING

Sadly it would appear changes are afoot at the Age UK Old Oscott Community  Centre. It is to be confirmed but it appears Age UK may be restructuring and ceasing their activities at the Centre.
I have been informed they intend to still rent the building to those groups wishing to pay them rent.
Councillor Barbara Dring and I would like to offer our support to any of these groups who need representing.
It is hoped may of the groups using the Centre will carry on under their own steam.
 There are still more details needed.

CHRISTMAS BIN COLLECTION TIME TABLE

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING.

The Christmas and New Year holidays bring changes to many routine services and events, including when to put the rubbish out.

Birmingham City Council has confirmed the dates of its Christmas 2018 bin collections.

It says there will be no collections of refuse or recycling in Birmingham on Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25) or Boxing Day (Wednesday, December 26).

Below you will find the dates when you need to put the bins out instead.

Read More

Usual collection day - next collection

Tuesday, December 25 - recycling (blue lid) - Saturday, December 29, 2018

Tuesday, December 25 - household waste (grey lid) - Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Wednesday, December 26 - recycling (blue lid) - Saturday, January 5. 2019

Wednesday, December 26 - household waste (grey lid) - Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Holford Drive, Perry Barr, B42 2TU WASTE CENTRE

OPENING TIMES

April to end of October

Mon to Fri: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 8am to 6pm

Sunday: 8am to 6pm

November to end of March

Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm

Saturday: 8am to 4.30pm

Sunday: 8am to 4.30pm

Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

MARY VALE ELDERLY PROJECT RESIDENTS LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CHRISTMAS DO

It was nice to be able to pop in again to meet residents at the Maryvale Elderly Residents project to see if I could help them with any issues. They are certainly looking forward to their Christmas do. The volunteers and helpers there do a great job

ELIM LIFE CHURCH FOOD BANK NEW LOCATION KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

I am sad to have to say that I popped into the Elim Church Foodbank today at its new location in Kettlehouse Road ( Emanual Church Building) Elim Life Church Community Hub.
I am sad because in 2018 there should be no need for food banks and those in power should be ashamed there is.
The Volunteers from both the Elim Life Church Warren road and some helpers from Nottingham were doing a great job.
...

As this location is fairly new I have made a note of its opening time which is on a Tuesday 11am to 2am. ( it will be closed from December 18th to January 15th.
If you need to go there will be refreshments but there will be a brief assessments of your needs. The organisers will give you the details.
For more details who can use the food bank and times when donations are received either pop in or use the internet http://www.elimlifechurch.co.uk/foodbank/

DONT FORGET THE ELDERLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.

Try and have a chat to an elderly resident, friend , Neighbour or relative< at this time of year especially if they live alone.

They may need a bit of company , help,  or even a bit of shopping done for the Christmas holidays ,which you could pick up for them?

If you are an elderly resident living in Oscott their are a number of elderly groups in the area looking for new members. For details give me a ring on 303 2039  ( messages) and leave your contact details.

JANAUARY OSCOTT COUNCILLORS Advice SURGERY CANCELLED.

Due to the holiday period the Oscott Councillors advice surgery at the 610 Community Centre in January has been cancelled.
If you need our help you can leave a message on 303 2039 or email us and we will try and help if we can.

BOTTLE BANKS REMOVED

The underground bottle banks which were located near the Kingstanding Library have recently been removed.
The banks were closed due to age related problems. Sadly this resulted in some individuals being unable to resist dumping rubbish at the location rather than simply taking it to the recycling centre just minutes away. I would encourage residents to do what they can to recycle as it improves our environment and altermatleey eases pressure on our fast warming climate

O.R.A, O.E.R.G AND N.P.I, DROP IS SESSIONS

BOB WILD CHAIR ORA

If you would like to know more about the Oscott Residents Association, The Oscott Elderly Residents group or the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative, they hold informal pop in sessions at the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding road. These are held on the first Saturday of the month at 10am.

PERRY BARR M.P OSCOTT SURGERY 1ST DECEMBER

Khalid Mahmood M.P for Perry Barr hold an Oscott Ward surgery on the first Saturday of each month, where you can discuss issues with him. His next meeting is surgery is on Saturday December 1st.
The venue is the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road and the time is 10.30am.

If you cannot make this time he has an office number where you can reach his team during the week. 356 8268.

OSCOTT WARD COUNCILLORS SURGERY DECEMBER 5TH.

The next Oscott Councillors surgery will take place on December Wednesday 5th at 7pm.
The location will be the 610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road.

If you are unable to attend you can leave a message for use 303 2039 but please leave your full details and we will try and help if we can.

TRYING TO KEEP THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE SAFE.

Part of what members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve Environment group do is carry out occasional unofficial patrols on the reserve.

Members report any ASB or vandalism (without  putting themselves at any risk) however sadly the reserve is a big place and we cannot be everywhere.

If you would like to get involved please let me know.

To report any issues you come across in the reserve, please use the Police none emergency number

 101 unless it is an emergency, email the Council or inform the Council by ringing 303 1111.

The Police do when possible patrol the reserve but they need more eyes and ears to keep it safe.

Together we can help look after the reserve and its wild life.

MORE POLICING IS NEEDED IN OSCOTT

Along with Councillor Barbara Dring I have called for a meeting with senior Local Police officers to discuss the spiralling increases in both violent and petty crime in the Oscott area. I have also called on our MP and the WMPCC to do more.
This Governments cuts to the Police funding for the West Midland Police is a disgrace don't let other issues which are hitting the head lines at the moment side track you from this issue.
Barbara and I are picking up more and more complaints about the lack of a Police presence in the area.

WELL KNOW UNKEMPT BIRDBROOK PROPERTY TO BE SOLD NEXT YEAR

I am please to hear that after all the efforts put in to try and deal with the well know unkempt empty Property in Birdbrook Road it is finally being sold next year. I am sure the neighbours who have suffered so long will be pleased.
The buyer will have plenty to do, however the site has plenty of potential  and I wish them luck.

REMIND YOUR LOCAL OSCOTT SCHOOL TO ATTEND the next parking and road safety meeting

The next meeting of the Oscott Schools Parking near schools and Road safety working party  meeting which takes place on the 28th November.At the Great Barr Academy Aldridge Road Great Barr (by invitation)

All the School in the Oscott area have again been invited to send a representative to this meeting where issues of concern regarding parking near schools and road safety are discussed.

Also invited are senior Local Police Officers, Fire brigade representatives and also officers from the Birmingham City Council who deal with road safety issues.

As chair and with the help of our Council organiser PB Act District Director Mr De Costa of these meetings (and who works so hard to do so despite a lack of resources) I do not pretend there are any easy solutions to the problems being discussed, but every school can meet with other Oscott schools to discuss how they deal with road safety issues near their school and learn from others what they do.

The Police, Council Officers and Fire brigade, offer their advice and listen to the concerns of the various Oscott schools and by all working together in this way we try and resolve some of the issues.

There is no magic wand and we still face the continued cuts in funding but just sometimes good practice and an opportunity to learn from others can help.

The Police who like the Council have faced awful cuts in their numbers can also meet with a  number of schools at one time which helps save their stretched man power and ensures they hear the issues faced by local schools, together in one place.

I would urge all parents or, to remind the school that their children go to in Oscott, to send someone to the meeting. (Local residents living near one of the schools could also remind the school?)  Details have been supplied to all the various schools.

Members of the public are given an update on these meetings at Oscott Ward Residents Committees Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring. Residents are also encouraged at these ward meetings to discuss their concerns which are passed back to the Schools Parking and Road safety Committee.

VIOLENT CRIME MUST BE STOPPED

The growing national trend for violent crime including knife crime has sadly surfaced in and near the Oscott area.
Violent crime while not at epidemic proportions by any means in Oscott is simply not acceptable.

A year or so ago I suggested a knife amnesty for the area with a place ( Kingstanding Police Station) where weapons could be handed in. Sadly this was not taken up but with recent events in mind I have called for this again.

I understand the limitations on Police number due to Government cuts in their funding but I have appealed for more activity from them in places like ASDA and the Kingstanding Circle.

Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I are concerned about any rise in violent crime in the area and will do what we can to urge action be taken to prevent it.

YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE BIRMING CITY COUNCIL'S BUDGET PROPOSALS

Birmingham City Council has launched its budget consultation 2019+ and would like to hear your views on the proposals.
There will also be a chance to ask the co...uncil’s Cabinet questions during two live streamed meetings and a free public event.
The consultation runs until 31 December 2018. Find out more and have your say at http://bit.ly/brumbudget19. #brumbudget19

Don't forget most of the cuts which have or may take place are mainly due to the Governments failed austerity policy which has led to cuts in their funding to the Birmingham City Council.

WITTON LODGE COMMUNITY ASS AT KINGSTANDING LIBRARY

WITTON LODGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AT KINGSTANDING LIBRARY

 

An update

 1.      They have have continued with our their  at Kingstanding Library, ( help by previous funding organised by Councillor Barbara Dring and my self, focusing on jobs and skills, inc;
 - Providing 1-1 support and CV writing
- Helping to write job applications and prepare for interviews.

2.      They have also been providing a lot of 1-1 IT Support, ranging from;
- How to use Microsoft Word

- Setting up and using emails

               -Creating and using universal accounts

              - Scanning and sending documents via email e.g. housing and council tax benefit documentation.

       3.  They still hold a monthly Housing Advice Surgery and have helped residents to complete other online forms e.g. Birmingham City Council Housing applications.

       4. They have also helped the library staff by answering the phone, helping the library staff with their tasks and answering general enquiries.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I are at hand to offer any further support we can if you need their help just pop into the Kingstanding Library when they are there.

We are having to fight Government cuts but we are trying to help our residents where we can.

OUT ON LAMPOST PATROL IN OSCOTT

I have been out and about this evening on patrol looking for faulty street lights in Oscott.
If I see any I make sure they are reported. Cannot see all the street lights in Oscott so if you do see one either report it your self or Email me on Keith Linnecor@birmingham.gov .uk and I will report it on your behalf. ( I would need the exact location.
Mind you there are plenty of fire works about.

OLD BOTTLE BANKS ARE BEING REMOVED

It is good to see the efforts of Councillor Barbara Dring and I are paying off and the Old underground bottle banks located at the junction of Old Oscott Hill and Oscott School Lane are being removed.

These banks were in their time very useful sadly however they have developed faults and damage and have been out of commission for some time.
Despite signs letting people know they were not in  use some people have decided to fly tip at this location which is why they are being removed.

I NEED YOUR FULL DETAILS IF YOU NEED MY HELP

I would like to remind Oscott residents if they would like me to try and help with a concern they have when contacting me by phone ( if I am unavailable) or Email.

Please leave your

 Name

Address

and( if contacting me by phone) your phone number

If you leave brief details of your concerns I may not have to contact you for them before trying  to help.



If you have one of my cards please fill in the details before send it to me ( it is Free Post)


If you are leaving me a mobile number please ensure it has the full 11 number in it!

DONT FORGET TO WEAR YOUR POPPY

Wear your Poppy with pride I know I will

RATS CAN BE A REAL PROBLEM

Rats can be a real problem I have received a number of complaints about them recently which I am trying to get addressed. I fully understand residents concerns.

It's estimated that rodents are responsible for depleting one-fifth of the global food supply every year. And rats communicate and mark their territory by urinating pretty much everywhere they go.

Rats are considered a public health pest because they:

·         contaminate food intended for human consumption

·         carry diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weils Disease), Salmonella and Typhus (which can be fatal to people)

·         cause damage by gnawing, burrowing and digging

Rats are found in properties where there is a food and water source (e.g. cupboards, waste bags on the floor or left out pet food/ leftovers). They can also be detected by droppings, evidence of fresh gnawing and tracks.

Some estimates put the annual financial cost of soiled or damaged goods caused by rats at over £11 billion

The[ rat  UK population of brown rats is peaking at 15 million… and rising.

You can deal with rats yourself but many rats due to the over use of poisons that are used by residents are becoming immune and professional treatment can be expensive (it is best to shop around and check out the internet.).

You can help keep rats away by

• Avoid leaving food lying around either inside or outside your home;

• Place all household rubbish in bins with tight fitting lid;

• Keep bird food off the ground (or invest in a rat proof bird feeder); Feed early and not after dark.

• Do not store pet food in garages and sheds (or ensure that they are in galvanised containers) and cover drain pipe ends with chicken wire to help prevent rats climbing into roof spaces;

• Clear up fallen fruit from trees, leftover bird food and pet mess in your garden;

• Check buildings for access holes and fix any broken air bricks or gaps round pipes;

• Make sure gaps in walls and around pipes are closed as rats can get through a space as small as 10 millimetres

Also do not leave waste food out over night or fly tip bags with waste food in them.

Rats impact on our wildlife too, preying on insects, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and more. Ground-nesting birds make particularly easy targets. If you are using open spaces like the Queslett Nature Reserve, please put any litter or food waste in a litter bin for collection or take it home with you.

Rat infestation is a problem which changing weather patterns not helping. Rats should be taken seriously by all; the government also needs to do more with extra funding to help control the numbers of rats.

 

 

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 [CKL1]