THE NEXT FQNR ACTIVITY SESSION WILL BE 16TH MARCH

There will be an activity session taking place on Saturday 16th March at 11.30am for those who want to do more than talk about trying to help wild life and the environment in Oscott please join us at the Old Horns entrance *
Children welcome if supervised by a suitable adult.
Please ensure you where the appropriate clothing and shoes. *
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The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve environmental group carry out small scale litter picks in the Oscott area as well as group activities, litter picking and light pruning in the Reserve.
We are looking for volunteers prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with us in a down to earth way.
We provide basic tools and when possible have ranger on hand to help us with these basic but much needed jobs in the reserve.
*If you care about the environment and wild life in Oscott please email me for more details. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham

HELP THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE HELP THE ENVIRNMENT IN OSCOTT

It is really pleasing to see so many children expressing their concerns about climate warming and ecological issues.
The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve environmental group carry out small scale litter picks in the Oscott area as well as group activities, litter picking and light pruning in the Reserve.
We do what we can in a practical to encourage people to care about wild life and the environment in the Oscott Ward.
...

We are looking for volunteers prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with us in a down to earth way.
We provide basic tools and when possible have ranger on hand to help us with these basic but much needed jobs in the reserve.
If you care about the environment and wild life in Oscott please email me for more details. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.Gov.uk.
Chair FQNR

I would like to thank the following for their efforts.
Brenda, John. Bob, Brian, James, Lee, Tony, Linda, Ian, Chris and various others over the last year or 2.

WE NEED TO GET ANY KNIVES BEING CARRIED ON THE STREET OF oSCOTT OFF THEM

I will be asking the Local Police again to consider introducing a knife amnesty day for the Oscott area. Anything that may help reduce the amount of knife's being carried has to be worth a try.

OSCOTT COUNCILLORS SURGERY 6TH MARCH

The next Oscott Ward Councillors Surgery will be on Wednesday 6th March. The venue will be the 610 Community centre Kingstanding Road and the time 7pm.

There is no need for an appointment and my Ward Colleague Councillor Barbara Dring and I will do what we can to help residents with their concerns

THE FREE TV LICENCE FOR THE OVER 75'S SHOULD BE KEPT

When out and about in Oscott meeting older residents one of the concerns I regularly pick up on now is the governments proposals to cut the free TV license for the over 75's.. I know my Ward Colleague Barbara Dring is also picking up the same concerns.
This is a particularly hard hearted idea which only this uncaring government could  come up with.
Many younger residents already think the current TV license which has gone up again is not value for money any longer .?
...

The prospect of having to pay for it is worrying to many elderly who are on a tight budget
I will be lobbying our MP asking him to challenge any dropping of the free TV License for the over 75's

SADLY THE NEED FOR A FOOD BANK IN OSCOTT GOES ON AND ON.DESPITE AUSTERITY BEING AT AN END !!!

I was please to be able to find time again to pop into the Emanual  Church and speak to a number of residents who are using the food bank there.
Some of these residents are coming from quite a distance and sadly have no idea who their Councillors are and I have been happy to supply this information. I have also tried to help out some in need who live locally.
The volunteers who help out at this food bank are simply wonderful. Also well done Elim Church.

Please spare a thought for those residents who through not fault of their own are in financial distress mainly due to an incompetent, shameful, uncaring, governments Austerity polices.

SADLY THERE HAS BEEN MORE FLY TIPPING IN OSCOTT

Sadly there has been another case of fly tipping in Oscott by some dirty people who instead of simply taking their rubbish to the tip at Holford Drive which is a free service they have off loaded it  out of a vehicle into a rear access way and a near by road.

If you see anyone fly tipping if you can take a photograph ( do not draw attention to your self and the registration number please report it.

If you would like to be more pro active in deterring this sort of selfish anti social behaviour who may wish to consider joining the Police initiative called Street Watch. If you would like more details please contact me.

No sympathy should be shown to people like this and if they are fined I would hope it is a heavy one.

This fly tipping has been report but it may take some time to deal with ?

OSCOTT RESIDENTS THERE IS STILL TIME TO DO THE BIRMINGHAM BUS SURVEY

https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/economy/bus-survey/
There is still time to have your say about the buses in Birmingham. Why not have your say.!
I will be out and about during the next couple of days in Oscott helping some of our residents who may have problems doing the survey.

PROPOSED TEMPORARY 2 DAY WASTE BIN COLLECTION LATEST INFORMATION

Please note the latest information I have regarding the Waste Collection dipute
See below from the Council Webb site

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Check your collection day

Waste collection updates

We apologise for any disruption to your waste collections as a result of the current industrial action.
To provide you with greater certainty about when your waste will be collected we will temporarily be moving to a fortnightly service.  We will update this page when a start date for the revised plan is finalised.
This will mean that we will collect both your household and recycling bins on the day you usually have your recycling collected.  As part of this we are asking residents to:

• Put both household waste and recycling bins out for collection fortnightly on the day your recycling is usually collected - Check your collection day
• Leave your bins out until a collection is made - we will be collecting seven days a week, between 6am and 10pm
• Continue to separate your household waste and recycling.

In the meantime, until a start date is confirmed for the revised plan, please continue to leave your bins out on your current scheduled collection day.
During the industrial action we will collect a reasonable amount of side waste (2-3 sacks), if presented alongside bins.
As part of the contingency plan, our crews will dispose of rubbish and recycling in the most effective way possible to keep streets clean.  This may mean that on occasion household waste and recycling are disposed of together, but only where a separate service is not possible.
The city’s five household recycling centres will be open on all days.


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Oscott's nearest Household Recycling Centre is Holford Drive. It is best to avoid peak times.

LITTER JUST NOT STAY ON THE PATHS IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Managed to find a bit of time to do a little litter picking of the Queslett Nature Reserve.
The main paths were clean enough so I went off the beaten track to do a bit.
Sadly litter louts often throw litter into bushes and paper can blow all over the reserve


 I still met up with a number of residents using the reserve which was nice.

WHY NOT JOIN THE RSPB

we need to protect birds.

If you enjoy wild life and especially bird why not join the RSPB.
While I have been a member for many years I seldom get the time to enjoy the activity of bird watching  as much as i would like I would however recommend it.
They have a wonderful centre near the Sandwell Valley.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/join-us/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpaunlsKs4AIVSrTtCh2QxQ0nEAAYASAAEgI8iPD_BwE

HOW CLEAN ARE THE BUS SHELTERS IN OSCOTT

Following a complaint about the state of some of the bus shelter in the area I have had a mini tour.
Out of the dozen I inspected only one had an issue for the most part they were free of litter and so on.

If you have an issue in the Oscott area with a bus shelter or stop please let me know and I will pass on those concerns

FIGHTING ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL MUST BE STOPPED

I have been in touch with All the larger schools in the Oscott Ward recently as they have all had incidents of " groups of Children" from their schools causing major concerns out on the streets. Fighting and bullying each other and annoying local residents. The Schools are doing what they can to deal with the situation but more needs to be done collectively.

  I have also been in contact with the Police who are trying to deal with these issues.

These incidents need to be stopped, parents should also do their bit by ensuring their children to not get envolved with these incidents and warning of the danger of serious injury if they get out of hand.

COUNCILLOR BARARA DRING AND I WORKING FOR OSCOTT RESIDENTS

I have had a busy day carrying out Planning Committee related duties and meeting up with Councillor Barbara Dring to deal with some important issues at the Council House.

Barbara and I were also pleased to speak to a number of Oscott Community leaders yesterday to discuss Local Governance  and local issues and priorities.

OUT AND ABOUT ON LOCAL BUSES

I have been out and about again today on a number of buses in the Oscott Kingstanding Sutton Coldifield a Walsall areas.
It was nice t have a chat with a few of my fellow bus using travellers

With regards to using the buses users are mostly concerned with the fares some want all the fares to be the same rather than favour app users. The other issue of real concerns was the buses being reliable

All the bus shelters I used were clean as were the buses.

Don't forget you can do the Birmingham Bus survey on line.

Buses today 5, 71 110, 997 28 and 907

WE SHOULD ALL CONSIDER CAR SHARING TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

With the cost of bus fares and petrol today it makes sense to car share where possible.
Giving or receiving a lift from work colleagues or friends makes economic sense.
I am encouraging the Birmingham Councillor with Cabinet responsibility for Transport which also covers issues like air quality to do more to promote car sharing.

Firms, and Supermarkets and other organizations can play a part by promoting the idea with their staff. I will be bringing up the subject at the next... Oscott Problem Parking and road safety working party which I chair asking that school staff and parents be reminded of the benefit of car sharing (giving each other a lift. It helps reduce the numbers of cars space is need for to park, it reduces the numbers of cars on the road reducing car emissions and its also more economic.

The Birming Council does have a view on car sharing clubs. Car clubs can provide a variety of benefits, both for the individual member and within the wider community. They have a proven record of influencing travel behaviour as they provide the opportunity to reduce overall dependence on the car. This can result in a reduction in car ownership and people making better choices about how to make their journeys

Where possible Public Transport is to be recommended but there is nothing wrong with offering or receiving a lift and car sharing. Car sharing can be fun with friends.

LOOK AFTER OSCOTTS ELDERLY RESIDENTS

There are a lot of elderly vulnerable residents in Oscott many well into their 80ies.
This weather can really be a problem for them. If you are friend or relative of an elderly resident please check they are ok especially in this very cold weather. Give them a ring or pop into see them

There are a number of elderly groups who meet each month and can be a great help in helping the elderly meet socially.
These groups include the Elderly residents group, the Late Late youth club, the young at heart  and the Mary vale elderly group.
If you want to know about these group pop into the Kingstanding Libray or let me know.

However in this weather many elderly residents prefer to stay in and not go out much.

If you know one of these elderly residents you may want to suggest to them

They
.Find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
•wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
•use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don't use both at the same time
•have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
•try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
•stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
•wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
•if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather.

Sadly the issues faced by vulnerable elderly residents does not make the news these day but it is an ongoing issue that we should all care about.

If you have fears about the safety of any elderly resident please contact the Birmingham City Council

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING AND I WILL BE OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN

I hope to be out about again next week as usual with Councillor Barbara Dring, meeting residents asking them out their concerns.
If we miss you please contact us and we will try and help if we can

I am always interested in what Oscott residents have to say their concerns and views about what is happening in Oscott and city wide. Clearly I cannot resolve all the concerns I hear about, especially in these tough times when government cuts in funding to the Council and the Police are doing so much damage. But I am always willing to try and help if I can.

KEEPING AN EYE ON OSCOTTS GRIT BEEN

I am still checking that the grit bins in Oscott have grit in them. I cannot check them all and with that in mind if you know a grit bin which is empty please let me know Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
Please only use the grit for the carriage way.

DO NOT WALLK ON THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVES FROZEN LAKE

URGENT
Please do not attempt to walk on the Queslett Nature Reserve lake when it is frozen over and do not let your dog walk on the frozen over lake either.
It can be dangerous.

OSCOTTS ELDERLY RESIDENTS NEED TO KEEP WARM

It may not be head line news but there are still many elderly people living in cold housing with no heating on.
If they are concerned about the cost of heating their home they could try Age UK to see if they can offer advice. are still many elderly people who are not using their heating and are very cold in their homes. They a frightened of future high heating bills to come

  If you have an elderly relative or friend remind them they must keep warm.
 They need to warm at least one room in the house to live in, wear warm clothes and have a hot drinks.

If they are worried about their fuel bills they could consider contacting Age Concern for example for advice.

Follow these tips on keeping well in the cold:

• find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
• wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
• use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don't use both at the same time
• have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
• try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
• stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
• wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
• if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather

OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN IN OSCOTT

I was pleased again to be out and about again today ) meeting Oscott residents especially some of the older ones during this cold weather.
I like to meet up with residents and to try and ensure some of the older ones are keeping well. Its also interesting to hear what they have to say. They are certainly not afraid to let me know what they think.
I have also been checking on some trip railing that was put in last year due to a campaign Councillor Barbara Dring and I carried out to save a grassed area from being turned into mud by parked cars

 

 

 

BOLLARD REPLACED IN BOWMAN ROAD NOW WAITING FOR A NEW FORGERS WALK SIGN

I have finally got the Damaged bollard in Bowman Road fixed. I have been informed that the Forger Walk sign will be replaced over next weeks.

OUT AND ABOUT IN OSCOTT DESPITE THE COLD

 

 

I managed despite the cold to carry out some home visits and walk about the Osoctt ward meeting residentsParking issues in Sandy Lane and Beeches Road are still a major problem.

 The nearby schools will all be invited to the next Oscott Schools problem parking and Road safety Working party which I chair and hopefully if they attend we can discus these issues in more detail.

I have been very sad to Learn Brian Stevens has passed away.
He was always very good to me when we worked together many years ago.
He has been a valued member of a number of Local groups and always had his say on behalf of local residents at meetings.
...

He was always a very caring person who cared about other local residents and the area.
I will miss him and my sympathy goes out to his loved ones and friends.
R.I.P Brian

CAR ACCIDENTS AND THEFTS IN OSCOTT

There has been a serious car / cyclist collision on the Queslett Road traffic is being diverted. The cyclist has been seriously injured ( Netherhall section of Queslett Road. My sympathy goes out to those involved.

A Police car chase  ended up with a car being dumped on the Aldridge Road near the Dyas Junction, An arrest has been made. There could have been a major accident given the amount of children in the area going to schools.
A witness told me he was horrified  a number of Police cars were involved and the idiot driving the car could have seriously hurt someone.
This is unrelated to the Queslett Road accident.

NO ONE SHOULD TRY AND LIVE IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Sadly while do a walk about in the Queslett Nature Reserve with fellow reserve watch members John and Brenda today  we came on some real nasty fly tipping.
 A settee and plastic material as well as cans and bottle. Someone may also have been living on the site as they have destroyed trees to make a den.

This is disgusting and  I have reported the rubbish to the Parks department. This sort of rubbish can also be damaging to the reserves wild life. There is no excuse.

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