ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND TO HAVE A UPGRADE

The Aldridge Road Recreation Ground is to have new gates fitted to its Shady Lane entrance. Other improvements to the site will be an extra barriers at the Randwick Grove entrance (something I have campaigned for for some time to help stop motor bikes using this entrance which can be very dangerous) and the path between Shady Lane and Randwick Grove is to be upgraded. (re Tar maced) .
I am pleased to see the current Councils Leisure Services department have finally got around to funding improvements to some of the open spaces in the Oscott area as well as other areas in the city.
It is my understanding this funding is not new but part of their existing city wide strategic infrastructure allowance used to keep our open spaces in good condition.
I will be battling to get even more of the Cities Leisure Services resources spent in the area as there are many other things which need to be done and it is time we had our fair share of any funding available.

NO PROMISES NO PLEDGES

This is the time of year everyone starts thinking of making New Year resolutions or in the case of many politicians, pledges / promises to residents.
I may be making a few personal resolutions for myself but I will certainly not be making fanciful promises and pledges ( I leave that to others) to Oscott residents. Well perhaps the same one (and only one) I always make.
" I make no promises but I will do what I can to help Oscott residents and to make Oscott a better place". It will not be easy the way things are these days but I will do what I can.

If you have any views on what is happening in Oscott or any concerns you think I may be able to help you with please contact me by ringing 303 2039 (messages) or by e. mailing me on keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

SEASONS GREETINGS

MAY I WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP GRAND RAFFLE DRAW WENT WELL

I was very pleased to be asked along to the Oscott Elderly Group Coffee morning today to draw the raffle ticket for their Grand hamper prise.
This group have done tremendously well this year and its members are always very active a welcoming.
If you would like to know more about the year around activities this group undertake please ring 303 5502.

THE BANDYWOOD FAMILIES PROJECT

For a number of years now Oscott Councillors along with members of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (who help us decide what funding to give who?) have donated funds to the Bandywoodwood Famililies Project to help with their various projects. (They also recieve funding from a number of other sources.)
The project which is based on the Bandywood Estate give a lot of help to the local community there and also have had a member on Oscott WAB for many years.


Some of the things the project does are (and many of the projects are F.O.C)

At Saint Marks Church Bandywood Crescent

• Pre School Stay and Plays
• Baby Massage
• Cookery Skills - both adult and families cooking together
• Youth Activities - including fortnightly swimming, weekly judo and a weekly youth club for 10-1 4yrs.
• Arts, Crafts, Cookery & Sport Family Fun sessions in the school holidays (Thurs, Fri & Saturdays) plus other themed and special events
• Credit Union - Safe savings scheme. Wednesday mornings at Kingsland School
• Toy Library - Open Thursdays, Fridays and whenever we are operating family learning events on Saturdays & in the holidays

At Kingsland School Kingsland Road

• Pre-school stay and plays
• Bookstart Rhymetime (songs, rhymes & stories)
• Baby Group (for carers with babies 0-1 2mths)
• Pre-Nursery sessions for children preparing for nursery (from after Easter until the end of the Summer term) Places are limited and must be booked
• A wide range of adult courses with crèche facilities
• Fitness Classes
• ‘SHARE’ - parent craft activities which support children’s learning in school
• Community Advice and Signposting to other services such as benefits, jobs, housing, pregnancy advice (POWS), homestart etc.

For further information see below

Reg. Charity No: 1121184

Office Hours Mon to Fri 9am - 430pm

Telephone: 0121 360 1884

Email: bandywoodproject@aol.com

BOOTHS LANE FLY TIPPED RUBBISH HAS BEEN REMOVED

Its good to see most of the fly tipped rubbish has been moved from the unadopted section of Booths Lane at last after constant pressure on all concerned to get it done.
If you see any fly tipping please ring 303 1112.
Fly tipping is a blight on our environment. We all need to try and prevent it.

FATHER CHRISTMAS ATTENDED ELIM CHURCH SPECTACULAR EVENT

I popped into the Great spectacular Christmas event held at the Elim Church, Warren Road on Saturday.
I was really pleased to see how well organised it was and how many people were there enjoying themselves.
There were refreshments, Carole singers, face painting and my favourite a chance to meet father Christmas in he's Grotto..
During my chat with him and some of he's Elves, he assured me all those children (and some adults) who had been good this year will get a present for Christmas.

It was a splendid event and the work those from the Elim church volunteers do and not just at Christmas time must be admired.

ITS NOT TO EARLY TO PREPARE A BID FOR COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING FOR NEXT YEAR

Many people get mixed up when it comes to dealing with Councils and their time scales. They work in financual year time frames. April to April.

With This in mind Councillor Barbara Dring as Chair of the Oscott Ward Committee has asked me to let you know, it is not to early to start preparing a bid for the next round of Oscotts Community Chest funding. (unless the Council gets rid of it)

Application forms should be sent out from April in onwards and notices will go up in Libraries, in time for the summer dead line.
However now is the time whether you are a local organisation or an individual to consider how to put your bid together. The actual process of decision making can take some time so the sooner the bid goes in the better.

Bids are assessed by a Oscott Ward Support officer for suitability and then put to the Oscott Ward Advisory Board (which is made up from Community Group leaders, councillors, the Police and other organisations). who then, scrutinise the bids before prioritising them and recommending them to the Councillors on the Ward Committee. Sadly because of limited funding some bids have to be rejected although those making the bid make be advised to look at more suitable funding from other quarters.
Finally the Ward Councillors make a decision regarding the recommendations' in public at a Ward Committee meeting.

If you want to know more about how to make a bid and what can be funed please contact the Oscott Ward support Officer on 303 5502.

WATCH OUT FOR THE FLY TIPPERS OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

Probably because the festive season will soon be upon us I have been asked by a few people recently when the Holford Drive Household Recycling Centre is open over the next few weeks.
Please see below for the answer and also other sites in the City.

The Household Recycling Centres are located at:

Tameside Drive, Castle Bromwich, B35 7AG
Tameside Drive location map

Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, B30 3JJ
Lifford Lane location map

Holford Drive, Perry Barr, B42 2TU
Holford Drive location map

Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB
Norris Way location map

James Road, Tyseley, B11 2BA
James Road location map

Maps kindly provided by MultiMap.co.uk.

Opening hours (every day except Christmas Day/Boxing Day):

Months	Weekdays	Weekends
1 March – 31 October	8am – 8pm	8am – 4.30pm
1 November – 28/29 February	8am – 6pm	8am – 4.30pm

ALL INFORMATION FROM THE BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL WEBSITE as displayed on 20 January 2009 – check there for more info and any changes. Phone 0121 303 1112 for information.

Given the above information there is no excuse for anyone to fly tip because its the holiday period. If you see anyone fly tipping make a note of their details and contact the above Telephone Number.

BIRDBROOK PHONE BOX NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

The battle to persuade BT to replace their enclosed style telephone box which is located in Birdbrook Road with an open canopy style one goes on. Since BT rejected a residents petition calling for this box to be removed because it attracts some drug taking youngsters, I have repeatedly been in touch with BT.
Only this week I have requested they revisit the subject and consider the more open type of phone box where youngsters are more easily observed when they use the phone.

I will keep you informed about the results of my latest discussions with BT.

HAWTHORN ROAD IS LOOKING FESTIVE

On my way home from an entertaining end of the year meeting of the Hawthorn Traders Association where many issues relating to the Hawthorn Road were discussed I noticed again how festive the Christmas lights are along the Hawthorn Road. some of the shops have also made a big effort with their shop fronts to make them look more attractive to customers at this time of year.

Traders and Residents are working together well to try and put the Hawthorn Road shopping area on the map. However there does need to be more variety of shops and the recent change in policy making it more difficult to gain planning permission to have a Take Aways where there is already a glut of them in a shopping area is a good move.
There are also a number of other issues that continue to need to be resolved in the Hawthorn Road area such as the need for tree pruning better pavements and road safety. Along with other Councillors who attended I will do what I can to help try and resolve some of these issues.

THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE SENIOR YOUTH CLUB.

I was in the 610 Community Centre on Friday evening and was really impressed when I saw how many youngsters were there.
Youngsters were playing table tennis , pool and just enjoying chilling out generally.
The staff were doing a great job helping out.
The 610 Community Centre hold Senior youth club meeting on Monday and Friday Evenings for youngsters from 13+ and if you or someone you know wants more information about the different activities that are on offer ring the 620 Community Centre on 464 2268.

THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE
610 KINGSTANDING ROAD
B44 9SH

ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

There has been yet another accident on Kettlehouse Road. A car allegedly been driven at speed as completely demolished a bus shelter at the junction of Norbury Road and Kettlehouse Road.

Luckily at the time no one was in the bus shelter and the driver, although taken away by the Police is not believed to be injured.

I have been in touch with Council chiefs and have again put forward some possible solutions to the problems this road in regard to road safety as the problem needs to be dealt with urgently. For example I think an island could be created at the junction of Norbury Road and kettle House Road which would help slow down the traffic

I have also passed on a suggestion from a local resident that land near the Bandywood Crescent be used to create an island to slow down the traffic.

The current vehicles activated sigh is due to be re sighted next year and other signage is to be introduced but I have pressed that the work is carried out as soon as possible.

HAWTHORN ROAD SHOP WATCH UP AND RUNNING

The Hawthorn Traders and the Police have now started a Hawthorn Road Shop Watch Scheme.
This is where shop keepers on the Hawthorn Road have agreed to contact each other at the first sign of any suspicious activities by shop lifters or people acting in an anti social way.
They can also call out the Police for assistance.
Signs are now in place on lampposts in the area warning potential trouble makers they are now in a Shop Watch area and may be under observation.
Well done to Nina, Heather and Jeanette, Sargeant Bebb and many others for getting this scheme underway and I am just pleased to have been of assistance.

OSCOTT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INVITED TO MEET ME ON SATRUDAY 17TH DECEMBER

I would like to invite any young people who live in the Oscott who have an issue or concern about the Oscott or anything else, to come along to see me when I hold YOUNG PERSONS COUNCILLORS SURGERY on Saturday surgery on the 17th of December. (10.30am at the 610 Community Centre.)
I would like to give you the opportunity to tell me what you think about the Oscott area and how I may be able to help improve the area for young people.

There will also be a chance to meet with Maureen Byrne the Chair of the Oscott Elderly Residents group who is always interested to listen to the views of young people in order to get a better understanding between the different age groups in the area and to have a free mince pie.

If you can not get to the surgery but still have a concern please send me an email
Keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk and I will try to help if I can.

ITS TIME TO HAVE A THINK ABOUT OUR LOST TREES

Its time this council really got to grips with the loss of trees due to new planning developments.
I sit on the Birmingham City Council Planning committee meeting, hearing planning applications where many trees are being destroyed to make way for houses or other buildings.
On occasion we will here that there will be some replacement of the lost trees on the development site but I for the most post there is a hefty net loss.
It is interesting that when a tree is removed from one of our streets there is a policy which states 2 others have to be planted somewhere in the area.
I am calling for Planning and Regeneration department to call for similar policies where developers are allowed to chop down tree on private land
There is a case in my view in saying if a private developer cuts down a tree they should pay to have 2 new trees planted. If there is no room on the actual development site itself they should be planted on open spaces owned by the Birmingham City Council either within or out side Birmingham

ABOUT THE MARY VALE YOUTH CLUB

Maryvale Youth Group is a catholic youth group located at Maryvale Community Centre in the Oscott ward.

All telephone enquiries can be made to:

Paul Chawner
07711-440831

They meet on Friday evening in school term time between 7pm and 9pm. Mary vale youth club began it's life in 2006 and quickly began to grow to a youth group which now caters for a large amount of children. Ages of the children range from 9 up and they have junior youth leaders who are 17 and 18.
They enjoy various activities including football, basketball, table tennis and other games and also go on outward trips
I was delighted to be part of the Oscott Ward Committee that awarded £2.000 pounds from the Oscott Ward Community Chest recently to help fund various activities

If you would like your children to be part of the Mary Male Youth Club youth group please go along on a Friday evening and they will give you the relevant forms for your child or children to join up.

PARKING AROUND SCHOOLS NEEDS TO BE SORTED OUT.

I went out today with members of the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Tasking Group (NTG)volunteer members to look at parking problems around the Perry Beeches and Great Barr Schools.
Along with the Police, we spoke to a number of residents and are trying to help with a number of parking issues.
Sandy Lane and Malthouse Lane are roads which are suffering a lot from cars being parked there while parent collect their children from the near by schools.
I have again called on the Birmingham City Council to look again a considering a residents parking scheme in the area as something more needs to be done to sort out these parking problems.
The Oscott NTG will certainly be looking at these parking issues as a priority to see what can be done. I would like to thank all those who took part today and the many residents who let us have their views and concerns.
Other schools in the area also face major parking problems and Councillor Barbara Dring and I will continue to ask the Transportation department to keeping trying to come up with some suitable solutions although we no there are no easy solutions.

30MPH SPEED SIGNS NEEDED FOR COLLEGE ROAD AND KINGSTANDING ROAD

As you may have noticed the campaign to get the speed limit on some of our roads in Oscott down from 40mph to 30mph is beginning to pay off.
Both the College Road and Kingstanding Road, from the Kingstanding circle to the College Road are now 30mph.
This has followed a lengthy period where I have handed in petitions and letters from local residents to the Council, amongst other things.
However what the Council has not done is put up enough signs letting resident know these roads are now 30mph.
You can be ensured I am urgently requesting 30mph signs are put up at least on a temporary basis. This should help motorists who used to the old speed limits, know what is going on.
I would also like to thank the Oscott Community Speed watch team for volunteering their time to monitor and deter speeding drivers in the Oscott area.

PERRY BARR CONSTITUENCY COMMITTEE THURSDAY 8TH

THERE WILL BE A MEETING OF THE
PERRY BARR CONSTITUENCY COMMITTEE

On Thursday, 8 December, 2011
At the Welford Primary School, Lozells, Birmingham, B20 2BL
7pm

TO BE CHAIRED BY COUNCILLOR BARABARA DRING
AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES PARTICIPATION
CONSTITUENCY COMMUNITY ARTS, CULTURE AND EVENTS
WILLMOTT DIXON REPAIRS
PERRY BARR/BIRCHFIELD/A34 CORRIDOR STRATEGIC REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
DRAFT SHOPPING AND LOCAL CENTRES SPD
TO APPOINT A “COUNCILLOR CHAMPION” for the Perry Barr Constituency.

Residents from the Perry Barr Constituency are welcome to come along to find out what is going on in the area.

OSCOTT'S CONTROVERSIAL PLANNING APPLICATION LIKELY TO BE REFUSED

I have now been informed (see below) by the Birmingham City Council that they are minded to refuse the proposed Planning application for a mast at the rear of 43 Bowman Road.
I am sure all those residents who have taken the time to sign the petitions against this planning application (which I have submitted on their behalf) will be delighted to hear this news.
However the finale decision has not been made yet and I would warn local residents about getting their hopes raised to early.
Local residents, Councillors and the Planning Department have done all they can however to stop this ugly mast blighting the properties of home owner if the local area.

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION

Your Ref: Application Number: 2011/07248/PA
Date: Monday 5th December 2011 Please quote this number whenever you contact us
about this application. For more information please
contact:
0121 303 1115
TO

Cllr Keith Linnecor
Oscott Ward
Labour
Email us at planning.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk
Dear Sir / Madam
Site: Bowman Road Yard, Rear of 43 Bowman Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 2RN
Proposal: Installation of a telecoms support pole supporting 6 antennas and 2 dishes (18.2m in
height in total) and ground based equipment. Secured by 2.1m high palisade fence.
I am writing to tell you that the Council has made a decision on the above application using powers delegated to it
from Planning Committee. The application has been accepted as needing prior approval and that permission be
refused. on 05 December 2011. Any related conditions or reasons for refusal can be viewed on the decision
document at www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline in the related documents section or by contacting us.
Please note that it may take up to 48 hours before the documents are available online.
If you had requested to speak at the Planning Committee, the guidance leaflet available on the web explained
that the application might be decided on behalf of the Council by myself and this has been the case on this
occasion.
In the case of a refusal by the Council, it should be borne in mind that the applicant has the right of appeal to
the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government against the decision of the Local Planning
Authority.
Please note there is NO third party right of appeal.
Plans and details of this and other applications are available to view at
www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline. Alternatively you could contact us as shown above or by email at
planning.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk
Yours faithfully
Waheed Nazir, Director of Planning and Regeneration

THE SAINT MARKS CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR TRYING TO RAISE THE ROOF

I attended the Saint Marks Church Christmas Fair today and was pleased to see so many there enjoying what was on offer. Khalid Mahmood the Member of Parliament for Perry Barr was also there helping to contribute to a good cause, raising funds for the church roof.
Sadly as usual although I had ago on a number of raffles my luck was out. never mind well done to all those who organised the event.

THANKS FOR CONTACTING ME

Many thanks again to all those who are emailing me with comments and concerns after reading my blog. keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

I would ask however to speed up my responses to you, that you include your details (name and address) when sending me a email. Unlike MP's and Councillors who have Cabinet responsibilities, I have to do all my own work (unlike some I do not want to overstretch the few officers who try and support Councillors) and your help with more of your details is appreciated.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you this blog is only one of the ways you can keep in touch with me.
I hold regular face to face surgeries with residents most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road, I carry out home visits for those with genuine mobility difficulties, attend as many residents meetings as possible and many of you will have had one of my cards through your door.

I never promise anything but I will always try and help you if I can if you contact me. I am also always interested in your views about the Oscott area.

My Tel no is 360 6486

OSCOTT'S HOUSING LIAISON BOARD MAY BE BACK NEXT YEAR

The prospect that Councillor Barbara Dring's campaign to have the Oscott Housing Liaison Board relaunched, looks to be a little closer to success.
Following a series of complaints I have now been informed that a newly appointed Housing department boss will be looking again at the issue of the axed Oscott HLB and hopefully as a result of this, a new HLB may be set up next year.
I just hope this time resident/ tenants will be allowed to have their say with less interference and control from the Housing department. The Housing department needs to allow residents to be on Housing Liaison Boards even if they do disagree with the Housing department and want to express their own views.

TAXI CAB BOOKING OFFICE PROPOSAL FOR THE OLD BOARS HEAD SITE

PLANNING APPLICATION 2011/07683/PA

There has been a Planning application submitted for the
Boars Head , 340 Aldridge Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 8BH

The proposal is for a Change of use from that of of ancillary office of public house (Class A4) to private hire taxi booking office
The above application was accepted by the Council on 25/11/2011 If you would like to make comment to the Planning department please ring 303 1115 preferably by the 21st of December or to let me know your views on this application please ring 303 2039 and leave me a message.

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER PETITION AGAINST THE PROPOSED MAST FOR BOWMAN ROAD

I have received another petition against the proposed Planning application for a mast to be erected near Bowman Road.
Given the residents in the area are so understandably upset regarding the issue I will be presenting this petition to the Councils Planning department today.

It will be interesting to see if the Governments much talked about "Big Society idea", much of which seems to be about listening and consulting more with residents, we be taken into consideration. In this case as it would appear Approx 99% of residents in the area are against this mast as are their 3 Local Councillors.