LOOKING AFTER THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

As Chair It was nice to meet up with Brenda the Friend of the Queslett Nature Reserve Environmental Group secretary and  key activist.
We enjoyed combining looking at issues in the reserve, planning future activities and having a pleasant walk in the reserve.

The FQNR need more active volunteers who care about wild life and the local Environment to help our aim to keep the reserve an attractive safe environment for wild life and a pleasant place for people to go and relax.

The work we do is never ending and we need people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help.

If you can help please email  <brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca>

LETS STOP FLY TIPPING

Be warned!! Anyone found guilty of flytipping in Oscott could have their vehicles seized and put to community use for the benefit of citizens or even crushed!!!

Please let your friends and neighbours know and spread the word that Birmingham is now getting tough with those who are blighting our streets!

Flytipping is a criminal offence, and we shouldn't have to pay to pick up the bill due to a few selfish individuals!

Rubbish can be taken to the Holford Drive Salvage department only minutes away from anywhere in Oscott.

WHY NOT SET UP A RESIDENTS GROUP IN OSCOTT

Over the last 20 years I have helped set up a number of resident community groups in Oscott. (who have a range of interests)
If you would like help and advice in how to set one up for example a street association please let me know and I will help if I can. It does not have to be hard or complicated to do.


These groups can, meet,  work and liaise with similar groups. They can  lobby collectively large organizations like the Police, The Birmingham City Council,  and can have regular help and advise from Councillor Barbara Dring and myself for example.



If you would like to join the Oscott Residents Association please email Robert Wild <oscottresassoc@gmail.com>

ITS HOT IN OSCOTT

It looks like it is official we are going through a heat wave in Oscott with tempretures around the 30 degree mark.
This being the case please, if you can, check on any vulnerable people – such as older neighbours – and relatives


Plus here are some everyday top tips for staying cool in a heatwave:

• Place a bowl or tray of ice in front of a blowing fan
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
• Eat small meals regularly: your body warms up processing larger ones.
• Where lightweight cotton – and keep summery with whites and creams, which are more likely to reflect the sun away and keep you cool
• Good old water: drinking cool glasses of it throughout the day can be enough to bring your temperature down
• Hot air rises (as we are all aware when we watch parliament on the TV:) but seriously consider sleeping  on the floor – or even head downstairs – if you’re getting desperate to escape the heat
• Rinse your wrists: washing either your wrists or feet with cold water before you hit the hay can really help
• In fact, there are plenty of pulse points around the feet and ankles: so dunking your feet into an ice bucket can help take your temperature down quickly
• Remember to try and keep you pets cool and give the plenty of water.

Out side the home

•  Try and keep in the shade for example use the shade of street trees when going for a walk.
•  Use sun cream.
• Wear a hat.
• Be careful if using areas like the Queslett Nature reserve where a discarded cigarette can cause grass fires.
• Never use a barbeque or lite in the Queslett Nature Reserve of a similar nature
• Don't swim in the Queslett Nature Reserve lake.
• Never leave your dog in a hot car even for a few minutes.
• Don't let your dog go in the Queslett lake it can be dangerous.
• Take a bottle of water with you when you go out.

We do not get that much hot weather in Oscott so lets try and keep safe and comfortable when we do.

PERRY BARR MP NEXT SURGERY ALSO OSCOTT COMMUNITY LEADERS DROP IN SESSION

 I have been asked to remind Oscott residents that Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr  will be holding his next Oscott MP's Advice surgery on the 7th of June. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre at 10.30am.

No appointment is needed just pop in, he can help with a wide range of concerns.

There will also be an opportunity to meet a number of Local Oscott Community Leaders ( Oscott Residents Association, Neighbourhood Police Initiative and Oscott Elderly Group) at the same time and venue as part of their drop in sessions.

OUT AND ABOUT IN OSCOTT

I have been out and about again as part of the Oscott Labour team meeting local residents and reporting issues like speeding vehicle's Sundridge Road and fly tipped rubbish at the junction of Oscott School Lane and Old Oscott Hill.
 I also met up with Andrew from the Cedar Church Bandywood Road.
 Other issues raised with me were illegal car trading and tree roots.

The Oscott Labour Team works with you for you all year around.

NEXT OSCOTT WARD COUNCILLORS SURGERY JULY 4TH

Councillor Barbara Dring and I operate a rotor system for attending our Councillor Surgery.

I will be available on July 4th. If you would like to come along and let me know your concerns about the Oscott Ward and the Council. I cannot resolve all the issues I hear about but I am will to try and help if I can.

Our surgeries are
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm
610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44
(Induction Loop available and disabled access)
Home visits can be arrange for the elderly/disabled, please contact me.

DO NOT SWIM IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LAKE

Do not be tempted in this hot weather to try and swim in the Queslett Nature Reserve lake.
The lake can be dangerous and is not treated.
There are some under water obstacles and the safety ring near by is often removed by mindless vandals. The emergency services are also not easily available.

There are notices at the entrances to the reserve telling visitors not to swim in the lake.

It is also recommend due to the build up of some dangerous material in the lake not to let dogs swim or paddle in their either.

It is a case of enjoy looking at the lake but do not enter it. Why not sit under a shady tree to cool off instead or if you really need to swim pop into the Dulwich Road Centre or the Beeches swimming baths.

OSCOTT POLICE TASKING MEETING TO TAKE PLACE AT THE ELIM CHURCH IN THE KINGSTANDING WARD OFF HAWTHORN ROAD

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Police Neighbourhood Tasking group on the 25th of this month at 6.30pm. The venue will be the Elim Church Warren Road in the Kingstanding Ward.

I am currently requesting a similar meeting take place in the Oscott Ward but in the mean time if you have any issues you wish to inform the Police about please pop in and see them.

The venue is on the 28 route for those using public Transport.

TAKE A WALK IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

During this nice weather why not take a walk in the Queslett Nature Reserve. However if you do please take your litter home with you and respect the wild life.

 

 

 

 

 

To help those using the reserve feel more secure the Police do patrol the reserve from time to time

 

PARKING ISSUES NEAR SERVITE HOUSE SECTION OLD OSCOTT HILL SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE ROADS OWNER?

I must admit I was surprized that the Planning committee gave planning permission for bungalows to be build of the land near the Servicte House Complex. The access Road is a nightmare when it comes to parking re parent’s from Mary Vale school. You also have to feel sorry for the visitors trying to park while visiting their loved ones in the home.

I am sure my colleagues on the Planning committee had their reasons and at least we know now that the Council does not own the section of Old Oscott Hill in Question. Presumably now any problems,  parking or condition of the roads carriage way can be dealt with by the owner  Archdiocese of Birmingham through their agent telephone number 0121 236 2251?

I have asked the Planning department to try and get this section of Old Oscott Hill adopted.