BOOTHS LANE TIME FOR ACTION

Since my recent post a number of residents have contacted me indicating that the condition of the Booths Lane Carriage way is causing them a lot of concern.
Both local residents and my self are in constant touch with senior Council Officers trying to find a solution to this problem.
The Government Transportation departments have AGAIN indicated that the Council Authorities have the power to take action, if the owner of this private carriage way does not and I think it is time the Council did something.
This problem has gone on for a number of years but clearly the state of the carriage way has got MUCH WORSE over the last year or so and if there is not to be an accident the Council, and the owner must do something, very soon to address the problem of the pot holes which are so bad in this lane.

NEW NURSING HOME MAY NOT BE BUILT?

As I understand it there may not be a new Old Peoples Nursing home built on the Aldridge, next to the existing empty one called the Valley Nursing home.
It now looks as if the application was meant more to increase the cost of the building land than any thing else?
I would not be in favour of a nursing home being built so close to the near by Motor way and the busy Boars Head Junction. I think the junction is very busy at peak times and the fumes from cars using the junction and the motor way would not be good for elderly residents.

Also my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring has been looking very closely into the reasons for the Valley nursing home, which is owned by the owners of the land, where planning permission was granted and also the opener's of the Valley Nursing home next door which had to close.

OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS MEET AT THE SIX 10 COMMUNITY CENTRE EVERY SATURDAY

The Oscott Residents Groups hold meetings on most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre.
At these meeting there is an opportunity to talk to them about any concerns you have over a cup of tea. (I try and pop in as often as possible to see if I can offer any advice).
ORG reps who are available include those from the Neighbourhood Police initiative, The Oscott Residents Association, the Oscott Elderly Residents Group and the Oscott Disability Group.
They meet every Saturday at 10.30 (not this Saturday however 28th March) as they will be meeting at the Oscott Activity day event on the Burford Road Playing Fields.

For further details ring 464 1869

TIME FOR THE COUNCIL TO TAKE ACTION IN COTLEIGH GROVE

How would you like to be trying to sell a house with the wall next to it having to be supported by beams as in the photo above.
For many years the ex owner and my self battled to get the Council to take responsibility for this wall but still they duck and dive to get out of doing so.
The problem is the roots of the trees above are pressing against the wall and although the Council did brace up the wall they now refuse to do any more. There are also problems with anti social behavior by youngster in the area using this wall to get into the land near by.
The passage way at the side of the house leads to other properties but has been impassable for years. It is time the Council bit the bullet and took responsibility for this.

BUSY BEES NURSURY NEED NEW HOME AND SOON

The Busy bees Nursery currently located at the Great Barr Campus SutonColdfield College are still no closer to resolving their urgent need for a new home. They are facing having to leave their current home due to the colleges future plans.
The staff, parents and youngsters face an anxious time while looking for new premises.
For the last few months I have been requesting the Council do all it can to help and to see of there are any potential sites available where the Busy Bees nursery can use. I am also enquiring what if any thing the Council is doing regarding the potential loss of nursery places in the area.

BOWMAN AND CADDICK ROAD HLB WALK ABOUT

Joined up with a Oscott Housing Liaison Board team doing a walk about in Bowman and Caddick Roads yesterday. These walk abouts are where Council Tenant's Reps and Council officers, walk down a street asking resident what residents problems are.
I found it interesting to do a walk about as part of a team for a change, however most of the questions and complaints seem to come to me for some reason anyway.

The main issues I picked were, like in other roads I visit, the pavements which have been allowed to deteriorate so much by the Council over the last couple of years, and how poor some of the Council Housing stock still is.

As you might guess however given the area involved many residents were disgusted at the state of Booths Lane and were calling on the Council and the owner to sort it out. It is very noticeable over the last couple of years how badly this road has become, before then it did seem to get some, if not enough repairs done.

NEW POLICE CHIEF IN POST

I had my first opportunity to meet with Chief Superintendent James Andronov yesterday.
I was very impressed with the way he is already settling down into his post in charge of the Policing in the D2 division which includes the Oscott area. He enthusiasm and knowledge will I am sure bring improvements to the Policing in the area.

POLICE TASKING MEETING IN OSCOTT

A number of issues came up at yesterdays Oscott Police Tasking meeting which included, the fact that with the light nights fast approaching garden sheds and garages will become more vulnerable but There are also now shed alarms available (Contact 464 1869 for details) from the Police.
Anti social behavior is a problem near the Great Barr Leisure Centre but the Police hope a greater presence there will help deter this.
The Police will be looking closely at speeding issues on the Kingstanding and Aldridge Roads.
I brought up the vexed issue of Parking around various schools in the ward again and the Police are going to liaise with the Councils Traffic Attendant section.

If you would like me to raise an issue with the Police at one of their tasking meetings please ring 360 6486

OSCOTT'S COMMUNITY FUN DAY 28TH MARCH

There is to be an Oscott Community Fun day on Saturday 28th March which will take place at the Burford Road playing fields.
The Police /Arm and Navy will all be there doing displays. There will also be marching bands, dance troops and things like inflatable obstacle courses.
Local Community Groups and the Hawthorn Traders Association will also be there to let residents know what they are up to. Khalid Mahmood MP is expected to join in the days entertainment along with a number of others.

If you would like more information please ring 464 1869 for details.

BOOTHS LANE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

I have finally given up trying to negotiate my way past the pot hole ridden Booths Lane ( un adopted section). I can no longer risk the damage that could occur to my car.

IT HAS GOT WORSE THAN EVER OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS!

I this think the Booths Lane problem is one which has been and will continue to be a difficult one to resolve. We have all heard various promises made and not have as yet been honoured.
I will continue and I am sure both the other Oscott Councillors will also try and get the Council to resolve this issue.
The only promise I can make on this issue is I will keep trying to help get it resolved.

PERRY BEECHES PARKING IS STILL A NIGHTMARE FOR SOME

Despite having some bollards put up to protect pedestrians at the corner of Chelmorton Road parking in the area, following a site visit I had there, the school start and close periods are still dreadful. Parents are parking over residents drives and some residents just can not get their cars out as a result.
Parents should park away from the Perry Beeches schools if possible and certainly not block residents drives even for a few minutes.
Beeches Road Chelmorton, Wingate and Sandy Lane resident all have problems with parents parking and blocking their drives.
I am still pressing the Transportation department to take action and push forward their promised plans for a further safer routes to school initiative. It is time action was taken now.

GIVE THE 610 SENIOR CLUB A GO

While on the subject of youth clubs I was glad to see the 610 Community Centre Senior club 13+ youth club really buzzing when I popped in yesterday. This club operates a range of activities such as music , Pool, chill out areas and trips out. It runs from 5pm till 9pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. There is more and more going on at the 610 ring 464 2268 to find out more.

MORE ACTIVITIES FOR OSCOTTS YOUNGSTERS

The Mary Vale Youth Club is really taking off. Youngsters who use the centre based in the Mary Vale Centre Old Oscott Hil are finding there is more and more for them to do.
Not only is there the traditional activities like football and table tennis but there are trips to go and soon there will be a rock climbing frame and biking in Sutton Park to enjoy.

It is really pleasing to be able to support this club and I know the organisers are very dedicated to finding more and more activities for the youngsters to do.

For further details ring Paul on 07711 440831.

WARM FRONT GRANTS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Warm front grants of up to £2.700 are available to private tenants and home owners.
To be eligible you have to be over 60 or have a child under 16.
You must also receive tax credit with an income of less than £15.050 or claim one of the following benefits-income support, Council tax benefit, job seekers allowance, pension credit or one of the various disability or care allowances.
If you are in one of the above categories you can get help with a package of heating or insulation grants for your home. If you would like more details contact my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring 360 7565.

LAKES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Sadly one of the problems the Queslett Nature reserve has is the thoughtless acts by some antisocial people. Some time these acts have the potential for tragedy for example, when people throw life rings into the lake in the reserve.This happens over and over again in our city's Parke's and reserves and one day it could well lead to a real tragedy.Yesterday nearly 20 were recovered from the lake in the Queslett Nature reserve. Many of our lakes are dangerous so please leave life rings in their proper place,they are not play things.
I would also like to remind people the Queslett Nature Reserve lake, like most lakes is not suitable for paddling or swimming in.

THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE CALL IN THE ARMY FOR BIG TIDY UP

Well what a day the Friends of the Queslett Road Nature Reserve Activity day turned out to be!!
approximately 40 people turned up to help clean up the reserve and prune back undergrowth amongst other things.
Amongst the helpers were members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, a team of Army Cadets and local youngsters. Khalid Mahmood MP also came along to give his encouragement.
Dr Stephen Bodnar Birmingham Cities Bio Diversity officer (Who has appeared on Nature Watch) was there to supervise some much needed tree clearance work which when completed should improve the wild life in the reserve and improve the condition of the lake.
A team from the Barrows Lane Army Cadets under the supervision of local man Bob Turner worked tirelessly along with members of the FOQNR to tidy up the reserve.
Dozens of old shopping trolleys were removed as well as old bikes,plastic rubbish and all sorts of litter.
As Chair of the FOQNR I would just like to thank all those involved and I am sure in years to come the Reserve will really see the benefit.It was also very pleasing to see so many youngster prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

TRADERS HOLD WORKING BREAKFAST MEETING

I was pleased to be asked to attend the first of a series of early morning breakfast meetings. This is where Hawthorn Traders can get together over a Bacon Butty before they start work, to discuss issues.
I hope this idea catches on, not only can the traders discuss issues with themselves, Councillors and other officials but there is also a nice bacon butty to eat.These meetings are meant to compliment existing meeting and give traders who can not get to the estabished meetings an opportunity to air their views and concerns.
I would also like to thank the volunteers from the Elim Church for doing the cooking.

NEW SHOP FOR HAWTHORN ROAD

Heron the food shop chain are taking over the old Woolworth shop on Hawthorn Road.
This has the advantage of bringing jobs to the area and takes up an empty shop unit but, may cause problems with parking.
We need more variety of shops on the Hawthorn Road and we also need to consider the traders who are currently there.Lets just hope this new shops draws in customers for the Hawthorn Road shops generally.

OSCOTT POLICE TASKING MEETING

I attended another of the regular Police Tasking meetings today at the Kingstanding Police station. I have asked that the Police look into a number of issues which residents have brought to my attention recently.
For example noisy Quad bikes, (it really is time the law was tightened in this respect!)and the parking problems around a number of the schools in Oscott.
The Police have agreed to look at taking tougher action against those parents who park on double yellow lines and across entrance ways near schools. It will be interesting to see over the next few meetings if they actually do take any action?

COUNCILLOR BARBARA DRING A RUMOUR THAT CAN BE DISPELLED.

I heard an interesting rumour the other day, apparently some wise bird in the Political field thinks my Colleague Barbara Dring is standing down from her role as Councillor for Oscott?
This just shows how wrong the rumour mill can be. Councillor Barbara Dring will be fighting the next elections and rumours like this will make her fight even harder.
"Good for you Barbara" and for the record she will have the support of the Oscott Labour Party as her experience is well appreciated.

OSCOTT POLICE ACTIVITY DAY

I attended another Police Activity day on Saturday. The Police parked a Police information Centre on the Hawthorn Road and along with local resident groups representatives and my self who went along to help,spoke to a number of local shoppers about various issues.
Most of the resident I spoke to appreciated the Polices efforts and were pleased to see them activity consulting with shoppers, residents and traders alike.
Although many of the issues raised were of a policing nature, I did pick up a number of issues relating to the Council
These included the poor state of our roads, the increase in Council Tax,the lack of support for shopping areas like the Hawthorn Road, the possible closing Aldridge Road Day ,as well as other issues.
I understand there will be another Police activity day announced shortly.?