£60 FINE FOR OBSTRUCTING A DROPPED CURB.?

It is unusual I admit but the Birmingham City Councils Transportation department seem to have done something right. They have now identified that cars parking over a drop curb is an offense which could lead to a £60 fine.
If you are troubled by vehicles parking over your dropped curb try ringing the Transportation department on303 7799 to seek advice.
It will be interested to see how officers of the Transportation department react. Just Quote Councillor Len Gregory (Cabinet member for Street Services report to the Birmingham City Council 3rd Nov 09.)

PUDDING AND PINT UPDATE

There appears to be a rumour going around that the Pudding and Pint public House Kingstanding, is going to convert to a place of worship of some description. I am not sure where this rumour has come from but it is certainly not on the cards.
Although it is not in the Oscott Ward, I have spoken to the relevant Council Planning Officers and they have had no approach from anyone, accepting a speculative approach from a consortium wishing to convert the site to a nursing home.
The current Pudding and Pint site only has planning permission for retail,Office, restaurant or public house use and any other type of operation would need a change in Planning permission with all the difficulties that could entail. I am also sure any Planning permission Changes would be closely looked at by the Planning department not to mention Kingstanding Councillors.

(For confirmation please see note below.)


Hello Councillor

Just to confirm our telephone conversation earlier - there are currently no planning applications for the premises.

The previous use was as a drinking establishment (use class A4), which can change to a shop (A1), financial & professional services - such as a bank (A2) and restaurants & cafes (A3) without the need for planning permission. Any other use would require planning permission for a change of use.

I hope this is of assistance.

Kind regards

Pete Barton
Constituency Planning Officer - Erdington
03.11.09

SPEED REDUCTION MEASURES NEEDED IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

Kettle House Road and Bandywood Road have also seen more than thee fare share of road accidents over the last few years. But yet again the Current Council administration will take no action in introducing sensible traffic calming measures. As a local resident said to me recently "why is it Kingstanding and other areas can get things like mini islands to slow the traffic down and yet we can not?".
I may be wrong I admit, but I think those islands were put in during the life time of a previous administration?
I have handed in petitions and and put in numerous complaints but to no avail. But be assured I will continue to try and get the Transportation department to take up its responsibility to its residents.
I will also be asking the Police to look at using the community speed watch equipment (which will be paid for by the Oscott Ward Committee next year) in the Kettlehouse Road area.

DIVERTING FROM ONE DANGER TO ANOTHER

I would like to thank a Mr S who pointed out to me the Police through no fault of their own are often having to divert traffic off the Queslett Road following a accident, into Booths Lane with all the potential danger that may bring, especial at this time of year with the early dark nights.
Certainly if you ride a motor bike it is not the safest road to ride along and I am sure many a cars roads springs must earn their keep.
I have brought this to the attention of the Police but in all fairness there is little they can do.
It is time the Birmingham City Council took action and either repaired the unadapted section of Booths Lane or better still adopted it.

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE QUESLETT ROAD

There has been another serious accident on the Queslett Road. This time on the opposite dide of the Queslett Road to the Nova Court junction.
Sadly an Amberline Ambulance Car with a Doctor on board, hit the motorway bridge or post. Ambulances were called and passengers taken away. The car was in a very bad state.
I am sure I can speak for Councillor Dring when I say these accidents are becoming too regular on this stretch of road.
I have now called YET AGAIN on the senior officers of the Birmingham City Council and the Director of Sandwell Councils Transportation department to urgently re look at this stretch of road and work together to introduce road safety measures including traffic lights at the Nova Court junction to this stretch of road following this most recent accident.
Many residents including Maureen Byrne (who lives near this accident black spot) and Mr Wilde who have campaigned for years with me to get this stretch of road sorted out and we will continue to do so. The Great Barr Observer have also in the past done their bit to highlight the problem.
Action must be taken sooner or later to deal with this stretch of Queslett Road perhaps this accident will act as a "Wake UP CALL" to those resposible for this road

STILL NO ACTION FOR MOOR LANE

How many more Moor Lane residents cars need to be damaged by speeding passing vehicles, before the Councils Transportation department takes action?
Despite numerous requests for action and petitions this Council seem uninteresting in resolving the problem.

MY ADVICE BUREAUX

Along with Councillor Barbara Dring I operate a rota system in regards to advice Beaux's*

Every Saturday of the month, 10.30am
610 Community Centre, Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 (Induction Loop Available)

1st Thursday of the month, 3.00pm*
Kingstanding Library, Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham.

1st Wednesday of the month, 7.00pm*
610 Community Centre, Kngstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 (Induction Loop Available)

Should you have genuine mobility problems we are happy to make house visits by appointment.

I can also be contacted by the following methods

By
letter -- Council House Victoria Square Birmingham West Midlands UK B1 1BB
E. Mailmailto:Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
Telephone(0121) 360 6486 or 0121 303 2039 (Message service)

WALK ABOUT IN TEMPLETON ROAD.

During a Councillors walk about in Templeton road yesterday Councillor Barbara Dring and I really got to what residents thought about.
Fore instance there is a lot of concerns about the state of the carriage ways and pavements in the area as you may expect. Residents can not understand why the council does not have a program of works to deal with these problems.
Residents are also concerned that requests to deal with speeding in the area have been turned down by the Council. We were glad to hear however the introduction of the 375 bus route in the road has not been a particular problem.

REDUCTIONS IN BULKY WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE

Fly tipping like this in Booths Lane will only get worse next year due to the Councils cuts in the Bulky Waste Service.

Due to cuts being made by the current Council Administration, from January you will only be able to request up to 3 Bulky item collections free of Charge in one year. It you would like have between 3 and 6 you will have to pay £15 and for more than 6 it will cost you £60 for each collection. We are told other author ties charge more for the same service but we are a bigger authority and residents in Oscott relate to this service when they pay there council tax.
Also as can be seen from Booths Lane residents from other authorities are not afraid to dump rubbish in Oscott and this fly tipping will only get worse when Birmingham residents are forced to pay.
one hundred and fifty thousand residents use this service up to 6 times a year and only a hand full abuse 30 times as it as claimed.
Sadly as many people have foreseen we are now feeling the long awaited for cuts in services.

While I accept a small number of residents may abuse the current free system of bulk collections but this draconian response is very unwelcome and when this is added to the reduction in the Ward Environmental officer time allowed in a ward it will result in an increase in fly tipping.

SKATE BOARD AND BMX CENTRE A STEP NEARER

A planning application to build a top class BMX centre and Skate board park on the Aldridge Road side of Perry Barr park, was agreed today at the Councils Planning Committee.

Councillor Dring has campaigned long and hard for this and I am delighted to see it take a step closer to being built. The youngster in Oscott and the surrounding area should be enjoying these recreation facilities by the middle of next year if not before.

It is an ideal location given its proximately to Oscott via all the main bus routes as it is near the College road site of the park just yards from the Oscott boundary. The building work should begin in a matter of months.

LETS SUPPORT THE DISABLED ELECTIC SCOOTER USER

Having been given the opportunity to see for my self the problems those disabled residents who have to use an Electric scooter have, I can only say I am pleased to support demands for better pavements and drop curbs.
It is only when you use an electric wheel chair (or the standard wheel chair) you realise how badly users are effected by poor standards in out pavements. It is not only the bumpy ride (just what you do not want when you have a bad back) but also the lack of enough disabled drop curbs. Having to use somebody drive and go out on the road is just not on.
It is time this Council prioritised areas like Oscott where there is a high proportion of elderly residents when it comes to maintaining pavements.
I will be calling on the Council Administration to do just that. The Government have put forward a package of credits for the Council to improve our roads and pavements.I t is time they got on with it.

It is also time , shops, community buildings and offices did more to assist those who have to use electic scooters.
If you are an electric Scooter user or some one who uses a wheel chair and if you know of a bad stretch of pavement please let me know. Tel 360 6486.

MEETINGS ARRANGED TO DISCUSS PARKING PROBLEMS AROUND THE JAMES WATT COLLEGE

The delays in getting something done to sort out the dangerous parking near the James Watt College are a disgrace.
This is why Councillor Dring and I have not let up on trying to resolve the issue. I am as the Chair of the Oscott Ward Advisory Board, calling on all the parties involved, the College, the Planning Department, the Transportation department, the Police and Community leaders, to come along to the next Oscott Ward Advisory board, to discuss the issue and hopefully move it on.
Councillor Dring who is the Chair of the Oscott Ward Committee, is also calling the same parties to the Oscott Ward Committee which takes place a couple of weeks after the Oscott WAB meeting. This will enable the public to hear for their selves what is or not being done by those concerned and to air their veiws.
It is time for action to be taken and the excuses to stop.

DYAS ROAD RESIDENTS UNHAPPY WITH JUCTION

I met a number of residents yesterday in what ended up as a walk about in Dyas Road yesterday.
One of the issues which was of some concern to many of these residents, were cars parking in a way to obstruct the views of motorists using the Days Road, Aldridge Road junction.
There is currently a road safety consultation process being carried out regarding this issue by the Council and I have passed on residents concerns.

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON ALDRIDGE ROAD NEAR GREENHOLM ROAD

There has been yet another accident near the junction of Greenholm Road and Aldridge Road. I am not aware of any injuries but certainly it did the cars involved no good.
I will continue to request that traffic lights or some other similar road safety measure is put in place at this junction. The new signs have been a help but more is needed.

MOOR LANE TO BE CLOSED FOR 3 DAYS

Moor Lane will be closed to traffic accept Plant and to frontages for 3 days from the 14th of November. This is due to much needed and request resurfacing of the carriageway.
Now they have grant requests to resurface the carriage way I will keep trying to get them to look at introducing sensible road safety measures, signage and so on, you never know they may do something one day.

COUNCILLOR DRING LEADS CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE COOKSEY LANE

I am pleased to be able to support the good work Councillor Barbara Dring is doing on behalf of the residents in Cooksey Lane. Today she will be presenting a petition to the Council on behalf of local residents concerning the state of the carriage way in the road. The Council turned down the last petition lets hope we have better luck this time.

INTERGRATRATED TRANSPORT AUTHORITY MEETING ?

At a meeting of the Integrated Transport Authority business improvemnt Committee ( I know it is a real mouthful) for once a number of interesting issues came up.
For example they were trying yo mull over why Bus patronage has fallen 4% across the West midland area over the last 12 months. I explained in my view it does not help to keep passangers when buses like the 655 are withdrawn from service.
There was also a discussion about the well know Transport Users Forums (TUFTS) especially the Birmingham one.
Again I tried to explain to our Tory / Lib Coalition in charge of the ITA that it may be helpful if they told people what these Forums were. If you look back at some of my old posts you will see I have tried to. I may do so again in the future but for now if unlike most Councillors in the WestMidland you would like to know more about a body supposedly set up to inform Transport users ,what is happening in the way of service provision and so on give me a ring on 0121 360 6486.

RIGHT OF WAY CLEANED ALREADY

The Councils Deep Clean Squad should change their name to Superman. Why because "faster than a speeding bullet" they have now cleaned up the Right of way (see last post) between Birkenshaw Road and Birdbrook Road.
I am impressed well done. I now look forward to seeing this being claimed in a political leaflet by someone WHO CLAIMES THE WORK HAS BEEN DONE BY THEM???

COMMITMENT TO GET BIRKENSHAW RIGHT OF WAY CLEANED

Over the last few weeks a number of residents living in Birkenshaw Road have been asking if I could get the Council to clean up the right of way, between Birkenshaw Road and Birdbrook Road.
I am now pleased to say the Council have now agreed to carry out the clean up and hedge cutting required required, to make this right of way, pleasant to walk through. They have promised to do the work shortly.

IMAGINE GETTING HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS

Last week as part of the Oscott Ward Committee I was pleased to be able to grant £1.000 funding for the Imagine group. This is a voluntary self help group who work with people with a mental health illness.
The funding will help pay for trips and to keep the groups Independence when it comes to meeting together to help one another.

If you would like more details about this group please ring 464 1869

WHERE ARE THE MISSING LITTER BINS?

I have been requesting replacement litter bins for some time now for locations across the Oscott Ward.
Litter bins are at the moment on order and waiting for placement I am told.
It is a great shame that so many litter bins are being vandalised at the moment as they for fill a useful role in keeping rubbish and litter off our streets which helps improve our environment.
If you know of a liter bin that has gone missing please let me know. Tel 360 6486

YET ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE QUESLETT ROAD

Eye witnesses have informed me that there was yet another accident on the Queslett Road near the Nova Court Junction (opp0site) on Saturday evening. An ambulance was called to the scene.

It would appear that the Birmingham and Sandwell Council seem unconcerned about the dangerous on this stretch of road and are far more interested in avoiding their responsibility which is to introduce road safety measures there.

MORE HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OSCOTT

I was pleased along with the other Oscott Ward Committee Councillors to agree that more funding from the Oscott Community Chest be given to those supporting our youngsters in the area.
Recently funding was agreed for, Out door play provisions for the Goodway Nursery and the Elim Church towards football coaching for children.

AGE CONCERN GETS FUNDS FOR GARDENING PROJECT

Age Perry Barr will be able to carry on with their elderly residents gardening scheme thanks to the Oscott Ward Committee agreeing to a £3.000 funding request by Age Concern.
This will mean elderly resident in the area will be able to get their gardens maintained on a one off basis byAge concern
Many elderly resident find it difficult to keep their gardens under control and this initiative which is a continuation from last years should help that.
For more details please give me a ring on 360 6486.
(he Oscott Ward Committee comprises of Councillor Barbara Dring, Grahm Green and myself.)

3 LOCAL RESIDENT WE SHOULD ALL THANK

JEAN BAKER, PAULINE ALDER, MYSELF AND WELL KNOW PERRY BARR HOUSING LIASON BOARD REP MAUREEN INGER.

I was really honour to along with Councillor Barbara Dring be asked to award a certificate of honour to local residents yesterday at a Social gathering.
The well deserving recipients were Jean Baker, Pauline Alder and Pauline Cooke.
All three have behind the scenes in a no fuss sort of way really battled for their local community.
Jean has for many years (until recent ill health) been connected with the Oscott Housing Liaison Boards and the Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum.
Pauline A has been a champion for the elderly for many years. She has been a member of the Friends of Witton Cemetery and also a local residents group for many years.
Pauline C helped set up the Old Oscott Community Centre many years ago and has been very active in local residents groups.
I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to residents like these and their selflessness should inspire those of a younger generation.

OSCOTT HOUSING LIAISION BOARD AGM RESULT

After a hard fought battle Car0le Dempster was re elected as Chair of the Oscott Housing Liaison Board last night. Carole who is well know for her battling qualities on behalf of residents won a clear majority in the end.
Alan Wolverson also had a clear Marjory when being elected as the vice chair.
I hope everyone will put aside their differences and have the good grace to get behind these 2 and work for the local community.

NIGHTMARE PARKING GOES ON

The parking at the end of Burnham Road and Birdbrook Road where it joins onto the Aldridge Road slip road is getting worse by the day. Since the College opposite reopened as the James Watt metropolitan college, it has been a nightmare for local traders and residents. There are dozens of extra students parking all over the place on corners of the roads (even in Courtenay Road) on grass verges and on pavements.
It is time the Highways department took control of the situation. They should stop delaying and take action before a serious accident occurs.
I am disappointed that neither the James Watt College or Mitchells and Butlers estates have got back to me regarding my idea that they use the disused Drakes Drum car park, to take some of the parking off the road.
I am in constant touch with senior Highways engineers and the Police over this mater and will continue to press on them the importance of taking action.

MARY VALE PROJECT GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

I was delighted to be asked by the Maryvale Project to attend their Ist anniversary celebrations. They are doing a terrific job for the elderly and other members of the local community.
There was good entertainment for elderly residents including an exelant Steel drum band from the Cardinal Wise man School. Here's to a successful second year for them.

PENSIONER CONVENTION STILL DOING NICELY

I went along to the Perry Barr Pensioners Convention today. It was good to see that these meeting are well attended and informative. Chairman Les Phillips and his team do a good job motivation the elderly in the area and they are always very welcoming. These meetings take at the Great Barr Leisure Centre.
If you would like more details ring Ken Smith 624 6981

MARHALL GROVE RESIDENTS TELL US WHAT THEY THINK

Councillor Barbara Dring and I did another of our regular street walk abouts yesterday, this time in Marhall Grove. A number of residents there told us of their concerns about Council cut backs, the poor sate of the pavements and the increase in litter in the area.
We will be looking to the Council to take action in these areas.

TRAINNING WORK ON QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Along with other dedicated Queslett Nature Reserve, I attended the first of a series of Training sessions where members received training for Parks department Rangers.
Today's session was all about tool handling their use and how to work safely with them.
It will now be up to Reserve members to try and pass on their newly acquired knowledge to other members and hopefully build up a pool of members who can work with less supervision on the reserve.

COUNCIL CAN NOT AFFORD A ROAD DIRECTION SIGN

It was recently pointed out to me that there was no sign telling any one where the Queslett nature Reserve was. I checked and this is in fact correct. I then contacted the Highways department only to be told we do not do these signs for free and it would cost £300 to have one made and erected. "could the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve ( voluntary group) pay for one?"
Well what a sorry state of affairs the Council seem to have got them selves. It would appear they can not even afford a information sign, giving directions to one of their own Nature Reserves.

PERRY BARR SPEED WAY PLANNING APPLICATION DEFFERED FOR 0NE YEAR.

You may well have heard the news but just in case you have not! The Perry Barr Speed way planning application has been deferred for 1 year.
It was felt by some of the Planning committee this would give the applicants time to see how the new style exhaust silencers work and if they help reduce the noise problem which some local residents have complained about so much.

I have my reservations as to whether 1 year is enough time to see if the new technology involved with regards to these new silencers works, but I could find no agreement to my suggestion that the decision should not be taken for 2 years instead.

I now hope that the applicants can resolve the noise problems and that Speed Way with all the obvious advantages it bring to Perry Barr and Birmingham will, succeed at the Perry Barr stadium and eliminate the perceived noise problems we are told about.

NEW CCTV FOR GREAT BARR LEISURE CENTRE AND ALDRIDGE RECREATION GROUND

I was really pleased to see a new CCTV camera has been placed in the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground area. This will give almost complete coverage of the recreation ground and will supplement the one Councillor Dring and I fought so hard to get as part of the arrangements for the children's play area on the site, some years ago.

PERRY BARR SPEED WAY PLANNING APLICATION

I have received dozens and dozens of emails and letters concerning tomorrows Planning application for the Perry Barr Speedway Stadium. As a member of the Committee looking into the application I have to remain neutral and not comment on the subject until after it has been fully aired at tomorrows Planning Committee.
What I can say is I have endeavored to read as many of the emails and letters as I could and have taken on board the comments made in them.
Any one still with a view on the matter needs to contact the Planning department ASAP before tomorrows planning committee meeting.

375 BUS ROUTE CHAOS

Following a week of un announced chaos for those living in the Milnes Walker Court and Oscott School Lane area, I have managed to get the Choice Bus Company, Centro and the Bus Commissioners to arrange to reintroduce the service to Oscott School Lane. This follows both Councillor Barbara Dring and I having to deal with a number of elderly residents waiting for none existent buses to arrive at bus stops on Oscott School Lane.
Why Centro and Choice did not let people know about their change in route is beyond me however I have been informed there will be publicity for the new change will will come into operation on Monday.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve are still looking for new members to join them in their battle to improve the Quslett Nature Reserve, The Aldridge Recreation Ground and the local environment.
The hold activity days (designed for those who want to do more than just talk about improving the environment, litter picks, bush clearance work, tree and bush planting and so on. They also actively campaign for a better nature reserve and local environment.
Membership is free please think about joining.
For more information please ring 360 6486. (also please note there is a Queslett Nature Reserve blog see my link)

NEW FENCING SUCCSESS

it is very pleasing to see that the new fencing along the the Kingstanding Boundary of the Burford Road Playing Feilds has all been completed. Residents have already told me they are really happy about this and it was money well spent.
There has also been a section of new fencing put in on the Oscott School Lane boundary of the Aldridge Recreation Ground and we will continue to look for funding to replace the rest.

HMS DARING GETS THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM

I was pleased to be able to attend the ceremony to announce that HMS Daring and her crew have received the freedom of the city today.
It was a very good spectacle and it is good to see our armed forces receiving the honours they deserve is a wonderful thing. We all owe a large debt of gratitude to our armed forces.

LATE LATE YOUTH CLUB ARE DOING WELL

I popped in to see the members of the Late Late Youth Club who operate from the 610 Community Centre on a Tuesday morning, yesterday. It was good to see they seem to be doing well as a group, unfortunately how ever due to another commitment I was not able to take up their kind offer to have a game of Countdown with them.
For more information about this group ring 464 2268

NO MORE AGENDA'S AT MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL?

Apparently so I am informed, Ward Committees and District Committees (meetings held in front of the public to inform them of what is happening and to hear the public's views) are now not to be allowed to give out agena's to the public.
This decree has come down from the Council Administration to save money apparently?.

I would have thought letting residents know what is going on is worth the money.
However if this is going to happen?, I have suggested a copy of the various agenda,s be shown at meeting on a overhead projector of some kind. Perhaps this may help make meetings understandable to those resident who attend?

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCING TO BE ERECTED THIS WEEK?

I have been reliably informed that the new fencing intended for the Kingstanding Road Boundary of the Burford Road Playing Fields is to be erected this week. Lets hope so.

STOP PRESS THE WORK STATED 8am Tuesday 8th.

UNDERGROUND RECYCLING BINS A SUCCESS

Underground recycling bins are a success is the message I have been receiving from residents recently. Oscott have two such sets of underground recycling bins located near the Kingstanding Library and on the corner of Birdbrook road and Old Oscotthill.

These bins have done away with the need to see unsightly vandalised above ground bins and over the years they have been there they have proved very successful.
These bins really compliment the door step collection service and were certainly money well spent.

NEW BUS SHELTER FOR SHADY LANE

Residents informed me they were pleased to see a new mini bus shelter be erected near the Aldridge Road end of Shady Lane. This follows a petition I presented to Centro on their behalf about 4 years ago. I have been pressing ever since for one of the mini shelters as they do not attact anti social youngsters like the larger shelters.

SPEEDING BUSES ON COOKSEY LANE

I am still receiving a number of complaints about the way some bus drivers are speeding down Cooksey Lane. This is not only potentially dangerous but also it can lead to vibration in residents homes which causes them a lot of annoyance. It does not help either that the council wont repair any of the sunken trenches in the carriage way and apart from filling in the odd pot hole are taking no interest at all. I have been in touch with Centro and the Transportation regarding the issue trying to get them to take action

CAR PARK CLEAN UP

I am pleased to report that following weeks of trying to get the small car park belonging to the Drakes drum public hose swept of glass and rubbish it has now been done. There have also been over hanging tree branches cut back.

I have also asked if the Council would act as a go between for the Drakes Drum and the college opposite to see if this car par can be used once again by students for parking their cars and I understand the college has agreed to litter pick the car park if the Drakes drum allow it to be used as a car park for their students.

I hope now the owners of the Drakes Drum will be able to see their way forward to helping the local community in regard to the problems there have been in the area as a result of too many student cars being parked in the area.

NO TO MOOR LANE PETITION

The Birmingham City Council have turned down a petition from Moor Lane residents calling for road safety measures in their road which I presented for them.
Residents are fed up coming out in the morning to missing wing mirrors and scratched cars due to speeding traffic. This road needs some form of traffic safety measures introduced. Signage and narrowing would have been a help. Still they will have to try again and lets also hope there are no more accidents.

A LEVEL SUCCSESS.

I would just like to say well done to all those youngsters who have worked so hard for their A. level results. More and more youngsters from Oscott are getting better results.
I am not one of those who down play the work these youngsters do by saying it is easier to pass these days. I think our youngsters deserve better than that.

IS THERE ANY THING FOR THE KIDS TO DO IN OSCOTT DURRING THE SUMMER! YES THERE IS?

At this time of the year half way through the holiday desperate parents and their chidren often ask me "is there any thing for the kids to do in Oscott"
Well the answer is "yes there is".
There are a number of Council and voluntary groups keeping youngsters occupied all year around in Oscott. Many of these are supported by the Oscott Community Chest.

For example there is the Mary Vale youth group ( for details ring 07711 44 0381)
The Great Barr Leisure Centre has a number of activities for young people (for details ring 464 0104.
The 610 Community Centre has youth clubs and many other activities youngsters can get involved in (ring 464 2268 for details)
There are also a whole range of other actives for youngsters being held across the Oscott Ward and surrounding area. These are being organised by the Councils youth services Ring 675 6717 for details.

AGE CONCERN DESERVE ALL OUR SUPPORT

Age Concern to an awful of work for pensioners in the Oscott area. They have a Handy Man scheme, a gardening scheme give out useful information and also hold befriending sessions.
I like to pop in to meetings which they hold every Thursday at the Emmanuel Church Kingstanding Road 2pm to 4pm. when I can o see if any one needs any advice.
They hold a range of activities at these meeting, for example when I popped in last Thursday, they were watching a film about Cadburies in the past.
On the next three Thursdays they are doing the following.
27th August A Talk by Jeremy Shields from the City Council about recycling
3rd September Its a bingo session
10th September There will be a road safety talk.

There are also trips being organised and other activities such as extend exercise classes.* these are in various locations accross the ward.

If you or anyone you know wants to get out of the house to meet other elderly residents why not contact Age Concern on 358 0309

CONCERNS ABOUT THE NHS EXPRESSED AT KINGSTANDING PENSIONERS CONVENTION MEETING

I was pleased to be asked to attend a meeting of the Kingstanding Pensioners Convention today.
I went along with Councillor Barbara Dring to listen to the concerns of a number of pensioners in the area. There main concerns were about whether the free bus pass will be retained, why some people are attacking the NHS and the need for a new bus shelter on the college road,

I was able to assure member of the KPC that the bus pass is safe in the hands of the current government, many of those attacking the NHS were just giving their own political view (hopefully not shared by mainy of their political allies?) on the subject. Most agreed our NHS is vital to the elderly and it should not be got rid of after the next general elections. I am also working with the KPC Chair, to try and resolve the bus shelter issue. I had to admit however, Kingstanding residents and Councillors are opposed to the idea.
Councillor Barbara Dring answered a number of questions about Social Services and health commissioning. Khalid mahmood MP sent a representative (Tristan) to feed back to him as he (KM) was in London..
As ever it was an enjoyable meeting well chaired by Les phillips with the help of Ken Smith.

OSCOTT PUBLIC MEETING GOES WELL

I was pleased to be able to fit in attending the Oscott Residents Groups public meeting today.
It was as usual an interesting meeting with a number of challenging questions being put as part of it. There were a number of Questions which were parking related, questions about the progress of the new proposed skate Bord centre and well as questions about anti social behavior. Khalid Mahmmod MP was there as the special guest speaker along with Police Sergeant Kearns.

KINGSTANDING ROAD / GREENHOLM ROAD PARKING STILL NEEDS SORTING OUT

That old chess nut the pavement and parking on the Kingstanding Road near the corner of Greenholm is still causing concern to residents. The problem is that customers and staff from the near by shops park at an angle on the pavement at this location. This on occasions obstructs the pavements and damages them.
The Council has an a few occasions come up with plans to try and deal with this situation but on each occasion these plans have not been well received. It is partly a result of the Current Council not wishing to commit the adequate funds to do the job properly in my view. This will not be an easy situation to sort out and in fairness over the years Councillors from all parties have had a go at it.
I have been in touch recently with the Transportation department recently asking them to review the situation. I have also reminded the Police to keep an eye on the parking situation so it does not get out of hand.
If you have a view on the situation please give me a ring on 360 6486.

MORE HARD WORK PLANED FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

I had an interesting site meeting with Local Parks Managers today and members of the FQNR ,on the Queslett Nature Reserve. Many reserve related issues were discussed and future plans laid.
Although the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve a fairly small in number they make up for it in their commitment to the Reserve and the Local Environment.
A practical works program has now been planned for the coming six months and it is hoped that at the end of that time continuing improvements to the reserve will be noticed.
The Council itself will however have to take some responsibility for some of the work they have already undertaken which needs finishing of and I will do what I can to see this work is done.
Councillor Barbara Dring who also came along to today's meeting has also given her backing to improving the reserve.

If you would like to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in to help improve the reserve for the wildlife and the users of the reserve give me a ring on 36o 6486

KING GEORGE PLAYING FIELDS NEW FENCING IS NOW IN PLACE

While I am on about giving credit for things being done in the ward, I think it is appropriate to thank Brian Stevens who is a member of the Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum and the Oscott Housing Liaison Board for all hos efforts helping to get funding from the Council to finish off having new fencing put up on the King George Playing Fields (Oscott site.)
Brian with the help of the Oscott HLB, Councillor Dring and myself have after at least 4 years finally got this new fencing erected. It will mean added security for local residents who back on to the playing fields and there will be added protection for the Cooksey Lane playing Fields.

LETS GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

It was with sadness I learnt how poorly both Jean Baker and Pauline Alder are at the moment.
Both of these ladies have worked very hard for a number of years for the local community in Oscott.
They have been behind the scene in many cases trying to help the local community organising trips, looking after people and campaigning on a number of local issues.
Both Jean and Pauline have also been keen activists on a number of community organisations like Forums Housing Liaison Boards, the Friends of Witton Cemetery and the Kingstanding Neighbourhood Police initiative amongst other things. They have certainly kept me on my toes at times with their demands on behalf of local residents.
They certainly deserve more credit than they have received and I hope their health improves in the future

WORK ON THE AREAS NEW SKATE BOARD PARK MAY START IN MARCH.?

Councilor Barbara Dring who is leading the campaign for a new Skate Board facility in the area has told me " It is hoped that the New Skate Board Centre for local youths will start being built in March. I have a number of youngsters on to me' who can hardly wait.!"
This new centre will be even better than originally thought as new funding is going into it.
Despite a few people who are in opposition to its location we find most people like the place it is going to be put on the Perry Barr Park (on the Oscott side) as it is on main bus routes (997 994,107, 33) and not to close to residents home. There is also a Ranger service for Perry Barr Park and the security of all concerned should be a lot better as a result. BMX tracks are also going to be placed near by and the whole thing will complement the Alexander Stadium which is on the other end of the park. This will be a major youth facility for the area
I am sure Barbara 's campaign will bring a lot of enjoyment to local youngsters.

STILL NO ACTION IN KETTLEHOUSE ROAD

Some months ago now at a site meeting in Kettlehouse Road with residents and council officers, it was shown how dangerous the pavement in Kettlehouse Road can be near the HSB ATM. While we were there drivers were "bouncing up the curb narrowly missing pedestrians, to get as close to the bank as possible. This is amassing given there is a free car park with a few yards of the bank.
Transportation engineers agreed to extend guard railings and to reduce the amount of taxi ranks in the area to help prevent motorist driving on the pavement. However still nothing has been done and in fact due to a taxi rank poll being removed it is even easier to get onto the pavement. Why this Council Administration take so long even to carry out simple improvements is a real mystery. I will keep on to them about this issue however.

WEST MIDLAND POLICE WEBB LINK

I popped in for a long Chat with Inspector Leavesley at Kingstanding Police Station today.
During the course of our conversation I was assured that the Police are keeping up with crime in the area. There is also a WMP webb were residents can keep up with the activities of their local Police. Just log in then go through the Sutton Cold Field Station Link Neighbourhood Policing.
If you want more details or have a complaint you want me to pass onto the Police give me a ring on 360 6486
(And do not forget the Police will be attending the Oscott Residents Groups Public meeting Sat 15th August 10.45am at the 610 Community Centre.)

LOG BENCHES PUT IN RESERVE AT LAST.

The Queslett Nature Reserve activity day went well on Thursday.
Council officers with a team of students as well and FQNR members, cleared more scrub, cleaned rubbish out of the lake, put in 5 new basic log benches for people to sit on and littered picked on the site. Luckily the weather stayed OK and I would like to thank all who helped.

PUBLIC MEETING CALLED BY OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS

I have been asked to attend a public meeting of the Oscott Residents Groups on Saturday 15th of August (10.45am at the 610 Community Centre) and I try and attend as many public meetings as possible as they help me understand the problems residents have and in most cases questions are asked which keep you on your toes. I will certainly try and get to this one as the Oscott Resident Groups work hard organising these meeting.
I hope you will be able to attend but if you do have any issues you want to raise with me and can not get to this meeting please give me a ring on 360 6486.

HOST CORPERATION GOLF COURSE GOES INTO ADMINISTRATION

I was sorry to hear that the Host Corperation who own the 9 hole golf course in Booths Lane have gone into administration.
Although Councillor Barbara Dring , most of the local community and myself have had a number of issues between us (mainly the condition of the unadopted Booths Lane) I am sorry to see the company in such trouble.

I have grave concerns for the future of the site and will do what I can to ensure the site is maintained for Leisure purposes. My main concern however is for those who use the Booths Lane unadopted section. I have been in touch already with the Council asking them to reconsider adopting this lane and to consider using some of the new PFI funding made available by the government. I am now calling on the Councils Transportation department to have a complete re think on this issue.

YET MORE DELAYS FOR THE NOVA COURT TRAFIC LIGHTS

Despite promise after promise the Birmingham City Council have yet again announced a delay in having traffic lights put in place at the Nova Court Junction of Queslett Road. Apparently the Sandwell MBC are objecting to some aspects of the proposals. You would have though after all this time the Birmingham and Sandwell Council could have sorted out their differences. They need to stop stalling and get on and do the work.
you can be assured at least Councillor Barbara Dring and I will keep the pressure on to get these lights erected ASAP.

NEW PUBLIC CENTRAL LIBARY

As part of my Planning Committee duties I had to go to Alpa Tower today to look at the latest plans for the 190 Million pound new Central Library.
Although I can see potential in the new designs the Comments of one of the Conservatives on the Committee who like the others have to agree the New Library is wonderful, said "it looks a bit like a lot of bed springs". I can see what he means. (I have told him I will not name him in public so his secrete is safe with me)
IT IS JUST A GREAT SHAME SOME OF THE MONEY INVOLVED COULD NOT BE SPENT MORE IN THE SUBURBS OSCOTT.

Councillor John Beadman R.I.P

I have been out of touch for a few days due to ill health and have only recently learned of the death of Councillor John Beadman (Sutton New Hall).
John was a lovely man and we hit it off when we first met while signing our Council papers back in 2000. We served together on a number of committees and rarely if ever had differences of opinion. John was one on those genuine Councillors who put his residents first. It was not Johns style to make cheap political points or have a go at some one for the sake of it and when he spoke you listened. He was a true conservative and a true gentle man.
All my sympathy goes out to his family at this time.

FLY POSTING ON THE INCREASE AGAIN IN

Sadly there has been a noticeable increase in fly posting in the Oscott area since the Council reduced the amount of time spent in the area by our Environmental Wardens.
Under our old warden Fly Posting was almost stopped, now you only have to go down any main road to see it. Not only is it unsightly but at times when it is put on road sign it can be quite dangerous.
I am already calling in fly posting complaint to the Council but if you let me know of any concerns they would be welcome. Tel 360 6486

COOKSEY LANE BUS SHELTER TO GO

A bus shelter near 70 Cooksey Lane is to be removed following a decision by Centro Bus Shelter appeals committee. The bus shelter near 70 Cooksey lane has been a long term magnet for antisocial behavior in the area. It has been used as a goal post for full scale street football matches and as a den for local youngsters. It has also been vandalised on a number of occasions. I also know the Police were concerned about the problems caused by this bus shelter.
While I regret that bus shelters have to be removed, there are times for the sake of local residents this has to happen.
Both Councillor Barbara Dring and I have worked with the residents for some time on this matter and recently Oscott third Councillor also got involved which enabled this matter to be considered by the Bus shelter committee (all three councillors in a ward must agree on a shelters removal)
The shelter is expected to be removed in a matter of months.
Lets hope those youths playing foot ball in the street and using this bus shelter will now start using the King George playing Fields for the football activities.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY DATE

The next Queslett Nature Reserve activity day will be Thursday August the sixth. The meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance at 10.am.
(for further details please ring 464 1869)

DUNEDIN ROAD UPDATE

I have had it confirmed today that the pavement in Dunedin Road will be rebuilt and replaced starting Mid January. When that is finished (approx 12 weeks) work should start on replacing the carriage way. I know many with suspicious minds may think this could be a simple electioneering tactic by the current Council administration, but I like to believe in coincidence and hope this is just what this is.
I am certainly pleased this work is to be carried out as I have been campaigning on this issue for many years as has my colleague Councillor Barbara Dring and others. Lets hope there are no more delays and this work gets done asap.

COOKSEY LANE CARRIAGE WAY INSPECTION TO TAKE PLACE

While out on a recent walk about in Cooksey Lane Councillor Barbara Dring and myself met yet more Oscott residents fed up with the Councils lack of maintenance on roads carriage ways.
Councillor Dring who is leading a campaign to improve the Cooksey Lane carriage way has already got the Council to agree to do a full inspection of it in August buts says if the Council does not take action after the August inspection she will intensify the campaign.

WELL MEANING RESIDENT TAKES ACTION

A resident without Council permission took action recently and pruned a tree on the island at the Oscott School Lane, Birdbrook Road junction. While I can not officially condone the actions of this well meaning resident, I can fully understand why he or she took action. The branches on the offending tree were badly obscuring the view of motorists at a well know accident black spot and there was an accident waiting to happen. For their part after a number of complaints they agreed to prune the offending tree by the end of this summer (a few weeks). This was still clearly not acceptable and I will be asking the Tree department to finish the job a soon as possible. I will also be asking the Council to take away the cut branches to keep the site tidy.

BEWARE OF FLY TIPPING

Fly tipping in Oscott seems to be on the increase again. These unpleasant and anti social acts need to be stamped out before they get to established. The latest target area appears to be the Centry Industrial Estate off Shady Lane but these fly tippers can strike any where.

If you see any fly tipping please contact 303 9900

BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM VISIT WELL WORTH WHILE BUT VERY TIRING

I was very pleased to be able to help out on a trip organised by the Oscott Disability Group, to the Black Country Museum. I have to admit how ever I did find it very tiring. You some times forget how much work careers have to put in. Some of them do this day in and day out and not like me, just on the odd day out.
The day itself although it rained went very well. The ORG's new fold up electic scooters had a few problems but nothing that could not be sorted out. Many of those who went on the trip told me "seeing the old shops and factories really brought back some old memories".
I would like to Thank George Hough and Nigel Quinn not just for organising the trip so well but also for allowing me to help out. It was a real pleasure and I do home elderly and disabled residents will be able do do more of these trips in the future.

GREAT BARR SCHOOL ICI MARK SUCESS

One of the Governers from the Grear Barr School has informed me of the following comments from a School ICI inpector

> The inspector is recommending Great Barr School for the ICT
> Mark award. Following a recent morning inspection.
His headline > statement started:
>
> " Great Barr school is at the cutting edge of innovation in
> ICT and E-learning"
>
> he went on to list a host of strengths with glowing
> statements which will be detailed in the citation.
>
> I would like to congratulate all concerned on their hard
> work and collective effort which will reap rewards for
> pupils, staff and the community.
>
> The inspector identified the school's momentum, shared
> vision and tangible energy around E-learning which will lead
> to great achievements;

----------------------------------------------------------------
I would just like to say Well done to all involved at the Great Barr School.

MORE NEW FENCING FOR BURFORD PLAYING FIELDS AND THE ALDRIDGE RECREATION GROUND

Looking at some damaged fencing on the Burford Road site with NPI organiser Brian Brookes.





New fencing for sections of the Burford Road Playing Fields and the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground has taken a step closer to being erected. At a site meeting yesterday with Officers from the Leisure services and local community Representatives some of the problem areas at these sites were considered. A number of residents have complained to both Councillor Barbara Dring and I over the years about the poor fencing on these sites and the associated antisocial behavior.
It is home more new steel fencing will be in place by the end of the financial year.

11pm IS TO LATE TO SELL ALCOHOL ON THE HAWTHORN ROAD

I attended the recent Hawthorn Traders Association meeting where one of the main concerns was the hours Tesco intended to request for permission to sell alcohol. They would like to sell alcolhol between the hours of 6am and 11pm. I have already placed on record I think due to the problems with anti social behavior on the Hawthorn Road 11pm is to late to sell alcohol. The issue is due to come before the Licensing Committee on the 22 July.

HASSOP ROAD COUNCILLORS WALK ABOUT.

Councillor Barbara Dring and I carried out another of our street walk abouts today. This time it was Hassop Road.
We heard a number of concerns from local residents such as , the way the Council had let grass verges in the road deteriorate. There were also complaints about parking and trees which need pruning or replacing.
Councillor Dring and I will ensure residents concerns are passed on and will see if the Council will take any action.

EXTRA HELP FOR THE DISABLED IN OSCOTT

I was really pleased when the Chair of the Oscott Disability Groups informed me that a funding request from Grass Roots, we had been trying to arrange, had come to fruition.
The ODG have now been given funding with which they have paid for 3 motorised fold up disability scooters and 2 wheel chairs with.
These scooters and chairs will help elderly or disabled resident to be able to go on trips with
the Oscott Residents Groups in the future.
ODG Chair George Hough told me "this will make a big difference to disabled Oscott residents who have not been able to go on coach trips in the past because of mobility problems. The Oscott Disability Group would like to Thank Khalid Mahood MP and Councillor Barbara Dring for their support as well."

BEECHES SCOUT GROUP IS DOING WELL

Scouting has always been an excellent way for young people to learn about life and also to give to the community. At the Glenmead school fate on Saturday and met some of the adults who help make Scouting work. They were dong a great job (in the rain) working on one of the stalls raising money for the Beeches Scout Troop.
Having met with one of their senior organisers I hope More funding can be found from the Oscott Ward.

RE LAUNCH OF THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUPS .

I was pleased to be asked along to the relaunch of the Oscott Elderly Residents Groups Coffee mornings today. The meeting which took place at the 610 CommunityCentre was well attended and those their enjoyed a good chat over a free cup of tea. coffee and biscuits.
These meeting help elderly residents socialise nd find out more about what is happening in their area. Well done Maureen Byrne for organising this meeting.
For more details about meeting in the future please ring 468 1869

HIGH STANDARDS ON THE INTERGRATED TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.

I attended a meeting of the Intergrated Trasport Authority Standards Committee on Monday.
At this meeting Nick Hughes one of the committees independant members was voted chair.
This is an important committee as it looks at any complaints made against Councillors on the ITA. Luckily these complaints are very rare.
If you want to no more about the ITA ( the old WMPTA) or the work of the Standards Committee, details are on the Internet.

MARY VALE AND GLENMEAD SCHOOL FATE'S WENT ON DESPITE THE RAIN.

Despite holding a busy Councillors Surgery yesterday I managed to attend both the Mary Vale and Glenmead school Fate's. I was pleased to see both were well attended and every one seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the rain. As usual I seemed to spend a small fortune in the process. Well done all those involved in running these fates

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE LITTER PICK CANCELLED

Due to rain the planned litter pick on the Queslett Nature Reserve July 11th has had to be cancelled. It is hoped anther will be arranged later this month.

I would just like to thank those members who are popping along to the reserve with a black bag on their own and giving the place a litter pick. Well done.

KING STANDING ROAD BUS STOP CONSULTATION

Residents who attended the Kingstanding Road proposed bus stop consultation (primarily near 496 to 502 Kingstanding Road) yesterday, have demanded drop curbs at a low prise, for their cooperation regarding this issue. I totally agree with them. If they are to be inconvenienced by the proposed changes to the bus stop area by their homes they should be given low priced dropped curbs.

NEW -OSCOTT WARD HOUSING LIAISON BOARD COMMITTEE ELECTED

At a baking hot meeting of the Oscott Ward Housing Liaison Board AGM I attended yesterday, a number of residents turned up ready to take on the role of being an HLB committee member. There was some debate as to whether the meeting was in order given a lack of notice, however it was deemed to be in order?
I am sure most of those there, will do a great job for the community and I look forward to continuing to work with the HLB.

COFFEE MORNING 15TH JULY

Chair OERG invites you to a Coffee morning on July 15th

There will be a chance to have a natter and a free cup of coffee and a slice of cake, at a coffee morning being organised by the Oscott Elderly Residents group, on Wednesday July 15th at 11.15am at the 610 Community Centre. Why not pop along and support the idea.

For more details contact Maureen on 681 1826

CONSERVATIVE CLUB TO CLOSE

You may not expect me to say this but I was saddened to hear that the Conservative club on Warren Road is to close. I have been to a number events there over the years, Neighbourhood Watch meetings and so on and have always got on well when I have visited the club.
I do not know what the future holds for the site but I hope a use is found for it soon.

CONSULTATION ABOUT SANDY LANE PARKING TO TAKE PLACE

After years of shilly shalling about I have now had it confirmed that consultations into new proposals to try and ease the problems caused by parents picking up and dropping off their children at the Perry Beeches schools will take place in the Autumn.
Residents living in Sandy Lane have for year had their drive ways blocked by parents in their cars and some needs to be done to sort this problem out.

DONT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR DURING THE HOT WEATHER

How many times do people have to be told do not leave your dog in a car in hot weather.
Sadly As seen on tv even the Police have not got the message.
Dogs can die in less than half an our if left in a hot car and can be very distressed if left for a lot less time.
I actually spoke to some one who was just about to go off and leave his dog in his car the other day, luckily he took my reminder the right way.

DANGER ISLAND TREES TO BE PRUNED

I am pleased to announce that the pressure put on the Councils Tree section has paid off and they are to prune back the trees on the half island at the junction of Birdbrook Road, Old Oscott Lane. and Old Oscott Hill.
This work will be done during the summer and I will continue to remind them to do it.