FLY TIPPING ON THE INCREASE.

One of the worst side effects of good weather and lighter nights is the return of the fly tipper.
I have had reports from the Atlantic Road area for example this is going on in a fairly big way in rear access ways.
Sadly most of this fly tipping happens where residents do not lock their rear access way gates and travelling fly tippers find easy access.
The lesson must be LOCK YOUR REAR ACCESS WAYS. and remember this land is usually the resents own responsibility to protect..
If you see any fly tipping going try and note any details type of vehicle, registration No and any description and inform the Council or Police. ( The Police have informed me they will be monitoring the situation)

There is no excuse for fly tipping as the Holford Drive Salvage department is free to use and is only minutes away from anywhere in Oscott. The fine for fly tipping has increased but evidence is needed to prosecute.

IT MAY BE HOT BUT DO NOT GO IN THE QUESLETT RESERVE LAKE

On the rare occasions when we have hot weather it may be tempting to go into open water. In the case of the Questlett Nature Reserve Lake do not be.
This water is not treated and may cause stomach bugs or skin infections.It is also not safe to swim in. The water could be dangerous so keep well away from it and do not let dogs enter it either.
Be safe be careful and leave well alone.

METROPOLITAN COLLEGE UPDATE

Work to demolish the old College out building to help create an extra 74 car spaces on the college site is now well underway.
I know from speaking to local residents the work cannot be done fast enough. Everyone  really does hope these extra car spaces will make a big difference to the limited street parking in streets nearby.
The creation of extra college car spaces is certainly something I have been pushing for for years.




Also see post dated 8th April

MISSED RECYCLING WHEELIE BINS IN OSCOTT

A number of residents have contacted me to inform me their recycling Wheelie bin has not been emptied this week.

I have as a result informed the Local Salvage Manager who has assured me this will be corrected and where possible these bins will be collected the next day (THE BINS SHOULD BE LEFT OUT)

It would appear there have been some problems during this first week of picking up and emptying Recycling Wheelie bins clearly this is not good enough, I have however I have been assured a number of lessons have been learnt and I have been asked to pass on an apology for any inconvenience.

JOINT MP AND COUNCILLORS SURGERY SAT 6TH JUNE

There will be a joint Perry Barr MP (Khalid Mahmood) and Oscott Councillor (Tristan Chatfield) advice surgery tomorrow (Sat) at the 610 Community Centre (10.30am)

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS ENJOY TRIP TO BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group enjoyed a great day out at the Botanical Gardens yesterday.

The weather was good and there tour of the gardens was enjoyed by all who went. Sadly I was unable due to prior commitments able to go as a volunteer but I am sure I was not missed.

Maureen Byrne Chair of the OERG told me it is a lovely place interesting but peaceful at the same time.

The OREG hold regular meeting where they have a good get together for fun , company and entertainment, every third Wednesday in the month at the 610 Community Centre.
 (11.15am ) Kingstanding Road.
 Light refreshments are available at a small cost.

They also attend advise sessions with  Oscott Residents Association and from time to time the Oscott Neighbouhood Police Initiative group leaders on the first Saturday in the month at the 610 Community Centre at 10.30am.

For further information please ring 675 2349

OSCOTT'S FIRST WEEK WITH WHEELIE BINS

As may have been expected during the first week in Oscott where the Wheelie Bin collection has started there have been a few problems.
In some roads the wrong information leaflet packs was given out leading to bins being put out on the wrong day.
In some cases bins have not bin collected and in others promised assistance has not been given.

Clearly none of this is good enough but in the cases I have been aware of and where I have informed the department mistakes, have been for the most part put right or should be for next week.
Over all in the vast majority of cases the service worked well enough it would seem, even with the unusually high winds we have had.

Clearly there will always be some residents who do not like wheelie bins (there are many who do) but most seem satisfied to try and get used to them and many of the horror stories predicted have not come to fruition.
 For those who are really struggling with them there will be an opportunity to inform the Salvage department after a few weeks and giving them a reasonable try, to ask for another look at the situation.

If you still have genuine concerns in July send me an email and I will support your request for a review of the situation where possible.

THE BATTLE FOR BETTER TREE PRUNING IN OSCOTT GOES ON

Sadly I have now received confirmation that some of the petitions I have handed in for Oscott residents calling for trees in various Road to be pruned more vigorously and in some cases replaced with more suitable varieties have been rejected.
With this in mind I am calling on the authorities to re look at the various policies involved as they need to be changed. I have also asked our MP to look into the issue nationally.

I have always indicated getting better tree pruning in Oscott would not be easy and could take some time but I am willing and will to continue the battle.

If you want to continue the battle and want to help in my campaign to get the trees in Oscott pruned better (trees can be see picture above) please email me.

A Public meeting on the subject is being arranged for later in the summer.

BOWMAN ROAD , CADDICK ROAD HOUSING ESTATES WALK ABOUT TODAY

I attended the Housing Estates Management walk about today in Bowman and Caddick Road.
It was good to see residents took the time to take part along with Council Housing officers.
A number of issues were raised and will be looked at including fly tipping, flooding, when will Booths Lane be completed, trees needing replacement or pruning and speeding vehicles.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE IS LOOKING CLEAN AND TIDY

Along with NPI members I carried out a mini litter pick on the Queslett Nature Reserve.
we were also looking for signs of vandalism or anti social behaviour)
I was pleased to see the litter bins and signs are all still in place and the site was already generally tidy. However it is important that dog owners bag and bin their dogs mess.
What a difference regular litter picks make to the reserve.
The next full FQNR activity day is due to take place in July  date T.B.A

FURTHER REASONS WHY A NUMBER OF TREES IN THE OSCOTT AREA NEED FURTHER PRUNING

Following today windy weather in a number of locations in Oscott Old Oscott Lane and Warren hill Road for example a number of large branches have fallen from overgrown street trees narrowly missing residents and cars.
Once again I am calling on Amey to prune overgrown trees more vigorously and in some instances replace these old large trees with more suitable ones.
Like a number of residents I an very concerned what may happen should we have a full on storm when we have so many trees in Oscott which need to be pruned much more.

GREENHOLM ROAD SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

While meeting some  Greenholm Road school parents and school Crossing attendant recently I was shocked to see some parents driving and parking on the verve opposite the school entrance completely disregarding the safety of the children crossing the road with the Crossing attendant.

I have since insisted the District Transportation Engineer see the situation for himself and he has now agreed to have some bollards installed on this verge to protect the Crossing attendant and the children he crosses over the road.

It is very sad that we the rate payer have to pay the cost of the actions of a few parents who feel the need to park in such a dangerous way.

Double yellow lines to be located near local road junctions are also being considered.

OSCOTT WHEELIE BIN COLLECTION SERVICE STARTS NEXT WEEK

For most Oscott residents (and the collection crews) Tuesday 2nd June will be the first time the wheelie bin collection wheelie bins will be in operation. As is often the case when any thing new happens there may be a few mistakes made by all parties so please be patient for the first couple of weeks and the system may take a little time to get used to. Other areas of the city I have been told have found the new system to be a success once it settled down.

All new Wheelie bins which have been delivered should have with then an instruction leaflet/pack which needs to be read carefully.

It should be noted in particular for some Oscott residents their collection day has altered. (Please note the calender in the instruction pack)

You can keep your old recycling and dustbins if you wish (they make excellent compost bins) or the council will take them away for you (see instruction pack)

OSCOTT TREE MAINANCE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

I am still waiting for some petitions to be sent to me however I am working closely with my ward colleagues Councillors Tristan Chatfield and Barbara Dring to try and organise a Public meeting to discuss the tree pruning program in the Oscott area. MP Khalid Mahmood has already indicated his willingness to attend. The meeting is likely to take place in early July.

POLICE NUMBERS TO FALL IN THE OSCOTT AREA

A number of residents have contacted me alarmed at the possibility of there being a significant cut in Police numbers in the Oscott area.
Sadly this has been on the cards for some time as a result in the governments planned cuts to the West Midland Police Forces funding.
I am afraid it is one of those things that public have been warned about before the elections and now in most areas we will see the changes taking place.
W have already seen the Kingstanding Police Station front doors having to remain shut to the public and now we hear even more cuts are to be made.

Locally I am still working closely with the Local Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative volunteers and some Neighbourhood Watch Groups but it is clear that residents will have to do more to protect their property and them selves. However by working together and with groups like those named above we can all help prevent crime.

COUNCILLOR CHATFIELD OSCOTT LABOUR CAMPAIGN TEAM COORDINATOR

The Oscott Labour Team understand the unprecedented challenges ahead as we try and help Oscott residents face the  problems faced by cuts in the Councils funding by the government




Councillor Tristan Chatfield has become the Oscott Labour Parties Campaign Team lead co coordinator.
In this role he will be campaigning as part of the Oscott Labour Team harder than ever in order to help residents overcome the problems they will face as a result of the governments cuts effecting the Councils activities and services.

The huge governments cuts effecting Birmingham will take some getting used to and will effect many Oscott residents for some years to come, but the Oscott team will do what it can to help residents facing the cuts and Tristan will be at the forefront of our efforts.

RAY HASSALL NEW LORD MAYOR OF BIRMINGHAM

 

Congratulations to Ray Hassall on becoming Birmingham's Lord Mayor.
Ray who has been a Councillor for the Perry Barr Ward for many years deserves the title and will do a great job with his normal sense of humour and pride in the city.

COOKSEY LANE PAVEMENT REPAIRS TO TAKE PLACE AT LAST

 At long last after months of lobbying by Councillors Tristan Chatfield , Barbara Dring and myself Amey have announced the start date for much needed Pavement improvement works for Cooksey Lane.

PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN COOKSEY LANE

 Start Soon

What’s Happening, Where and When?

What:              Footway Maintenance Works

Where:            Cooksey Lane

From :            Queslett Road East to junction at Norbury Road

When:             Expected start during week ending  29/5/15       

How long:      Approx.  8 weeks between the hours of 0800hrs to 1800hrs

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

Parking and Property Access

Access to your property will be restricted. Amey must ask that vehicles are not parked on the pavement during the works. Vehicles obstructing their works will be removed by the City Council and a charge levied for release.  Amey understand that vehicle access may be essential for some medical / personal reasons.  If you need to get a vehicle to your property during these works please ask their personnel on site or call 0121 303 6644 (Option 2).  Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Works Information

The condition of the existing pavement has been assessed and repairs based on a localised footway treatment will be taking place.

This means that we will only be repairing sections of the footway that have been identified as having the defects that do not meet the minimum standards required.

The opening description in this letter details the section of the footway where the localised repair works will be taking place as we do not always include the whole pavement length.  

Amey wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this necessary highway maintenance and will will endeavour to complete the work with as little disruption as possible. Thank would like to thank you for  your patience.

Discounted Footway Crossing

 PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A ONE OFF OPPOTUNITY SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF IT

                                                                                         

 The installation of footway crossings are available at a discounted rate whilst Amey complete works to the pavement within this road. Footway crossings consist of three flat kerbs and two sloped kerbs and can be applied for up to two weeks before the commencement of the scheme start date specified above.

Please contact   0121 303 6644 – Option One to apply for a quotation request.

No applications for discounted footway crossings will be accepted if received after this date.

                                               

             

                                                                                   

WHY RESIDENTS IN OSCOTT ARE FACING CUTS IN THEIR SERVICES

I  would not usually quote an article in a local paper but in this case it helps me answer the  question I am being asked all the time " why are cuts being made to our services in Oscott"
Please read the article below.


GOVERNMENT CUTS BIRMINGHAM

 THE BIRMINGHAM POST 13.05.2015

The Labour-dominated Midlands faces another five years of pain after the General Election.
New analysis shows for the first time the extent to which council cuts have been targeted most heavily in areas where Labour's vote has continued to hold up.
Typically those areas also have far higher than average levels of deprivation, meaning they can least afford to lose council-funded services such as libraries, SureStart centres and social care for vulnerable children and adults.
Since the coalition took power in 2010, councils have repeatedly seen huge sums cut from their budgets.
But the amount by which so-called 'spending power' has dropped varies wildly across the country.
Birmingham has suffered the fourth biggest reduction in the country, seeing a 16 per cent drop in its budgets from £1,265.1 million in 2010/11 down to the £1,062.1 million it has been earmarked for 2015/16.
Liverpool has seen the biggest, with its spending power falling 18.1 per cent.
At the other end of the scale, a number of councils in leafy southern shires have seen their spending power go up.
They include Surrey (up 8.6 per cent), Wokingham (up 7.7 per cent) and Dorset (up 7.3 per cent).
The analysis only includes English councils and 'top-tier' councils with the biggest budgets.
It does not include smaller district councils in areas which also have a shire authority.
WORST HIT
Liverpool -18.1 per cent
Knowsley -17.4 per cent
Blackburn with Darwen -16.1 per cent
Birmingham -16 per cent
Manchester -15.9 per cent
Southwark -15.5 per cent
Newham -15.3 per cent
Kingston-upon-Hull -15 per cent
Hartlepool -14.8 per cent
Rochdale -14.7 per cent

BEST OFF
Isles of Scilly +12.5 per cent
Surrey +8.6 per cent
Wokingham +7.7 per cent
Dorset +7.3 per cent
Buckinghamshire +6.4 per cent
West Sussex +6.3 per cent
Cheshire East +6.1 per cent
Richmond-upon-Thames +5.8 per cent
Central Bedfordshire +5 per cent
Poole +4.9 per cent

Liverpool has seen the biggest, with its spending power falling 18.1 per cent.
At the other end of the scale, a number of councils in leafy southern shires have seen their spending power go up.
They include Surrey (up 8.6 per cent), Wokingham (up 7.7 per cent) and Dorset (up 7.3 per cent).
The analysis only includes English councils and 'top-tier' councils with the biggest budgets.
It does not include smaller district councils in areas which also have a shire authority.

PROBLEMS WITH AMEY NEED RESOLVING

I signed in as a Councillor yesterday afternoon so I am officially a councillor for Oscott again.
Mind you I have not since I have been elected stopped doing case work and I am still receiving case work that was sent before election day.
Many issues are related to Amey Highways and complaints about the state of pavements carriage ways and yes trees.
I am doing what I can to get Amey to resolve the issues I am passing onto them from residents and there have been some successes..

In the case of trees and their replacement or pruning however there seem to be a big difference in what residents and Oscott Councillors want and expect and what Amey are doing. With my Oscott Councillor Collueges I am doing what I can to resolve a number of issues related to the subject of trees but it is very very hard going and I cannot pretend it is easy.

If you have an issue you would like me to take up with Amey please let me know and I will do what I can to help.