Tuesday 28th April
I have received a copy of the latest unemployment figures for Birmingham, which are very worrying indeed. As of March 2009, the unemployment rate in Birmingham was 11.8%, compared with 8.2% a year ago. This is apparently one of the fastest increases in the country by a major city. This compares with the national average of 5.5% and the West Midlands average of 7.1%. The Council is trying halt this by working with large employers, developing an apprenticeship scheme for young adults not in training or employment and expanding the benefit advice service.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Sunday 26 April 2009
Dome Hawk Cameras (CCTV)
Monday 27th April
As reported previously, we have given £10,000 from the community chest fund for mobile dome hawk cameras (CCTV) to help improve people's safety and hopefully help catch criminals. I have had a number of requests for these to be put around the ward which I have passed on to the police. The dome hawk cameras need to be near an electricity source and on a suitable poll/lamp-post. If you have any suitable locations please let me know.
As reported previously, we have given £10,000 from the community chest fund for mobile dome hawk cameras (CCTV) to help improve people's safety and hopefully help catch criminals. I have had a number of requests for these to be put around the ward which I have passed on to the police. The dome hawk cameras need to be near an electricity source and on a suitable poll/lamp-post. If you have any suitable locations please let me know.
Ash Meadow development
Friday 24th April
I have spoken with various members of the public about the proposed nursing home on the site of the Ash Meadow Pub. Residents are generally supportive, they feel that it is better than the housing proposal that was there, and that it will provide a valuable resource to the local community - particularly as there are a number of elderly people that live within the immediate area.
I have spoken with various members of the public about the proposed nursing home on the site of the Ash Meadow Pub. Residents are generally supportive, they feel that it is better than the housing proposal that was there, and that it will provide a valuable resource to the local community - particularly as there are a number of elderly people that live within the immediate area.
Friday 24 April 2009
Improving Employment Prospects in Brandwood
Thursday 23rd April
Selly Oak Constituency (which Brandwood Ward is part of) has been given some funding to help improve employment prospects within the area. One bid that I am keen to get approved through this funding is the Benefits Advisor who works at the Brandwood Centre. Another idea that was suggested was to get large companies within the area to work with the unemployed, to help them back into work. If you have any ideas for helping employment let me know.
Selly Oak Constituency (which Brandwood Ward is part of) has been given some funding to help improve employment prospects within the area. One bid that I am keen to get approved through this funding is the Benefits Advisor who works at the Brandwood Centre. Another idea that was suggested was to get large companies within the area to work with the unemployed, to help them back into work. If you have any ideas for helping employment let me know.
Neighbourhood Offices
Wednesday 22nd April 2009
In my role as Scrutiny Chairman of Local Services I have to question and challenge services that the council provides. I am looking at doing a piece of work about neighbourhood offices which have been in existence for about 20 years and need to be kept modern. Some of the problems that people have raised to me about the offices are that they are often shut due to staffing shortages, don’t have standard opening times and give inconsistent advice. What is your experience of your local office?
In my role as Scrutiny Chairman of Local Services I have to question and challenge services that the council provides. I am looking at doing a piece of work about neighbourhood offices which have been in existence for about 20 years and need to be kept modern. Some of the problems that people have raised to me about the offices are that they are often shut due to staffing shortages, don’t have standard opening times and give inconsistent advice. What is your experience of your local office?
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Bus Lanes
Tuesday 21st April
Today I received a communication from the council about a trial of Powered Two Wheelers (PTW, e.g. motorcycles) which began in November 2007. The trial covers bus lanes along the A435 Alcester Road corridor, between the Inner Ring Road and the Maypole, and is currently in operation on an experimental basis until 15th May 2009. Prior to this date, the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services will make a decision on its future. What are your views, should it be extended?
Today I received a communication from the council about a trial of Powered Two Wheelers (PTW, e.g. motorcycles) which began in November 2007. The trial covers bus lanes along the A435 Alcester Road corridor, between the Inner Ring Road and the Maypole, and is currently in operation on an experimental basis until 15th May 2009. Prior to this date, the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services will make a decision on its future. What are your views, should it be extended?
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Poice Tasking Bells Farm
Monday 20th April
The main council issue today is that a Labour Councillor has resigned in Lozells & East Handsworth. This will result in a bi-election. This is a safe Labour seat, so we don't have much chance of winning but you never know.
I attended the police tasking meeting at Bells Farm Community Centre. This covers Druids Heath. The police reported that crime on the area has generally been low but warned that, with the lighter evenings, members of the public need to be more careful. The main issues that arose were quad biking on the estate, patrols that had been done in the tower blocks to reduce anti social behaviour and five drug raids had been carried out across the estate.
The main council issue today is that a Labour Councillor has resigned in Lozells & East Handsworth. This will result in a bi-election. This is a safe Labour seat, so we don't have much chance of winning but you never know.
I attended the police tasking meeting at Bells Farm Community Centre. This covers Druids Heath. The police reported that crime on the area has generally been low but warned that, with the lighter evenings, members of the public need to be more careful. The main issues that arose were quad biking on the estate, patrols that had been done in the tower blocks to reduce anti social behaviour and five drug raids had been carried out across the estate.
Buses
Saturday 18th April
Diamond buses are making a tour of the new 35E bus route this Saturday and next Saturday, so I took this as an opportunity to meet them to discuss the buses within the area.
I welcome this service, as I think will other people in the area. It is due to start on Monday 27th April. Whilst there, I took an opportunity to discuss the problem of some bus drivers being rude to passengers, and the problem of the 50 terminus.
Diamond buses are making a tour of the new 35E bus route this Saturday and next Saturday, so I took this as an opportunity to meet them to discuss the buses within the area.
I welcome this service, as I think will other people in the area. It is due to start on Monday 27th April. Whilst there, I took an opportunity to discuss the problem of some bus drivers being rude to passengers, and the problem of the 50 terminus.
Saturday 18 April 2009
Allens Croft Primary School
Friday 17th April
I have been working with the council and school to try and resolve the issues of parking around Allens Croft Primary School. Here’s an update on some of the things that are planned or in progress:
· To enhance the safety of school children, and to guide them across the road at designated crossing points, 44 metres of standard guard rail has been arranged. The guard rail will be installed outside the school from the park side entrance to the bus shelter in the next couple of days. · To cover the remaining frontage of the school about 30 metres of additional guard rail will be required. A request has been made for this from the ‘Safer Routes to School’ budget. · A scheme for the construction of a lay-by, to provide a drop area for parents outside the school, has been submitted to the central council budget for consideration.
I have been working with the council and school to try and resolve the issues of parking around Allens Croft Primary School. Here’s an update on some of the things that are planned or in progress:
· To enhance the safety of school children, and to guide them across the road at designated crossing points, 44 metres of standard guard rail has been arranged. The guard rail will be installed outside the school from the park side entrance to the bus shelter in the next couple of days. · To cover the remaining frontage of the school about 30 metres of additional guard rail will be required. A request has been made for this from the ‘Safer Routes to School’ budget. · A scheme for the construction of a lay-by, to provide a drop area for parents outside the school, has been submitted to the central council budget for consideration.
Friday 17 April 2009
Police Neighbourhood Meeting
Thursday 16th April
The main item of interest today was the neighbourhood tasking meeting held at St Bede’s Church. This is a partnership between the Police and the City Council. Members of the public can raise concerns at these regular meetings attended by Councillors, the Police, and representatives from the council’s housing and street cleaning departments.
The main points that were raised at the meeting were:
The problem of graffiti at Dawberry Fields Park - the police are in the process of organising a graffiti clean up day. The council has recently removed some graffiti through the cleaning team.
Mobile CCTV is going to be installed. Some of the locations will be Brandwood Park Road, Brandwood Pool and Boatmans Reach.
The speed of traffic down several roads - the police have carried out some enforcement work and will soon be in Alcester Road South.
If you would like further information about attending these public meetings, or if there is an issue you would like to raise please feel free to contact me.
The main item of interest today was the neighbourhood tasking meeting held at St Bede’s Church. This is a partnership between the Police and the City Council. Members of the public can raise concerns at these regular meetings attended by Councillors, the Police, and representatives from the council’s housing and street cleaning departments.
The main points that were raised at the meeting were:
The problem of graffiti at Dawberry Fields Park - the police are in the process of organising a graffiti clean up day. The council has recently removed some graffiti through the cleaning team.
Mobile CCTV is going to be installed. Some of the locations will be Brandwood Park Road, Brandwood Pool and Boatmans Reach.
The speed of traffic down several roads - the police have carried out some enforcement work and will soon be in Alcester Road South.
If you would like further information about attending these public meetings, or if there is an issue you would like to raise please feel free to contact me.
Thursday 16 April 2009
Ash Meadow Pub
Wednesday 15th April
I have a look through the planning applications and see that there is 1 for the conversion of the Ash Meadow Pub to a nursing home with 30 single rooms (planning application number S/00541/09/FUL. This is a new application, the old 1 was for residential use. I have the Evening Mail onto me about the planning application. I tell them I think residents will welcome that something is going to happen on the site due to constant vandalism and it being an eyesore.
If you want further information or pass comment this can be done on www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline.
I have a look through the planning applications and see that there is 1 for the conversion of the Ash Meadow Pub to a nursing home with 30 single rooms (planning application number S/00541/09/FUL. This is a new application, the old 1 was for residential use. I have the Evening Mail onto me about the planning application. I tell them I think residents will welcome that something is going to happen on the site due to constant vandalism and it being an eyesore.
If you want further information or pass comment this can be done on www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline.
Catch Up
Tuesday 14th April
After the Easter break back to the endless emails, letters and phone calls. I spend the day catching up. I get about 30 resident enquiries a week. Some are reasonably easy to sort and can be done with a phone call ie missed rubbish collections other take months eg housing transfers and then I cannot get the response I would want on behalf of the residents.
After the Easter break back to the endless emails, letters and phone calls. I spend the day catching up. I get about 30 resident enquiries a week. Some are reasonably easy to sort and can be done with a phone call ie missed rubbish collections other take months eg housing transfers and then I cannot get the response I would want on behalf of the residents.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Delivery
Saturday 11th April
Spent the morning delivering leaflets in the ward. I was delivering leaflets in Kings Heath on behalf of our Parliamentary Candidate, Nigel Dawkins. I was joined by our local Government Candidate Derek Johnson, Nigel Dawkins and various helpers. We got several thousand done.
Spent the morning delivering leaflets in the ward. I was delivering leaflets in Kings Heath on behalf of our Parliamentary Candidate, Nigel Dawkins. I was joined by our local Government Candidate Derek Johnson, Nigel Dawkins and various helpers. We got several thousand done.
Thursday 9 April 2009
Endless meetings
Thursday 9th April
I seem to have spent most of the day in meetings, whilst trying to catch up with all my resident enquiries before the Easter break. Still have two more residents' meetings to attend tonight.
I am still getting enquiries about the bus services within the ward. National Express say at the moment, the turning of the 27 service bus will occur in Wheelers Lane, and layover to be taken on the Alcester Rd. The final position of the 27 service will be determined through the framework of the South West Birmingham Review.
There will be a new bus service 35E, which will be operated by Diamond, 6 days a week, between approximately 7am-8pm. The route for this service will be from the City Centre to Kings Heath High Street, along Vicarage Road, down Grove Road, then along Brandwood Road and on to Pool Farm. I have been advised that this service will be running every 20 minutes, and that timetables will be distributed to residents in due course.
I seem to have spent most of the day in meetings, whilst trying to catch up with all my resident enquiries before the Easter break. Still have two more residents' meetings to attend tonight.
I am still getting enquiries about the bus services within the ward. National Express say at the moment, the turning of the 27 service bus will occur in Wheelers Lane, and layover to be taken on the Alcester Rd. The final position of the 27 service will be determined through the framework of the South West Birmingham Review.
There will be a new bus service 35E, which will be operated by Diamond, 6 days a week, between approximately 7am-8pm. The route for this service will be from the City Centre to Kings Heath High Street, along Vicarage Road, down Grove Road, then along Brandwood Road and on to Pool Farm. I have been advised that this service will be running every 20 minutes, and that timetables will be distributed to residents in due course.
Wednesday 8 April 2009
Druids Heath play area
Wednesday 8th March
Had a meeting with some local residents and officers with a view to applying for £50,000 of lottery funding for a play area at the end of Shrewton Avenue, Druids Heath. This will be a valuable resource for the children that live in the 15 tower blocks on the estate. The deadline for application is May 09, and they will make the announcement a few months after that with a view to it being built with 12 months. There will be consultation with those residents that will be affected before any work commences.
Had a meeting with some local residents and officers with a view to applying for £50,000 of lottery funding for a play area at the end of Shrewton Avenue, Druids Heath. This will be a valuable resource for the children that live in the 15 tower blocks on the estate. The deadline for application is May 09, and they will make the announcement a few months after that with a view to it being built with 12 months. There will be consultation with those residents that will be affected before any work commences.
Brandwood Centre Meeting/ Full Council
Tuesday 7th April
Had my daily exercise by cycling to the Brandwood Centre Meeting. When I turn up at meetings on a bike, I always find residents are slightly taken aback. The idea of a Conservative Councillor in a posh car rather than on a bike is a very outdated image.
The Brandwood Centre continues to go from strength to strength. This year they have raised approximately £30,000 from people using the centre. This will help it become self-sustaining. Through community chest funding we have provided money to the Centre for the Benefit Advice Service and Heart and Stroke Club - two of the many groups that are run from the centre.
Back on the bike, and to the city centre for Full Council. A fairly quiet meeting. The main cause of excitement was the Liberal motion about the current state of the economy, which is obviously nothing to do with Gordon - he took all the credit in the good times, but won't take any of the responsibility in the bad times.
Had my daily exercise by cycling to the Brandwood Centre Meeting. When I turn up at meetings on a bike, I always find residents are slightly taken aback. The idea of a Conservative Councillor in a posh car rather than on a bike is a very outdated image.
The Brandwood Centre continues to go from strength to strength. This year they have raised approximately £30,000 from people using the centre. This will help it become self-sustaining. Through community chest funding we have provided money to the Centre for the Benefit Advice Service and Heart and Stroke Club - two of the many groups that are run from the centre.
Back on the bike, and to the city centre for Full Council. A fairly quiet meeting. The main cause of excitement was the Liberal motion about the current state of the economy, which is obviously nothing to do with Gordon - he took all the credit in the good times, but won't take any of the responsibility in the bad times.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Group
Monday 6th April
The main meeting of the day was the Conservative Group meeting. This is a monthly meeting where we discuss council policy for Full Council the next day. There were good discussions about a possible Bank of Birmingham, LDV and the upcoming elections.
There was also an announcement that there will be an increase of £4 million for the road repairs budget following the recent icy spell. I have already reported pot-holes at the junction of Howard Road & Alcester Road South. If you spot anywhere that needs to be done let me know.
The main meeting of the day was the Conservative Group meeting. This is a monthly meeting where we discuss council policy for Full Council the next day. There were good discussions about a possible Bank of Birmingham, LDV and the upcoming elections.
There was also an announcement that there will be an increase of £4 million for the road repairs budget following the recent icy spell. I have already reported pot-holes at the junction of Howard Road & Alcester Road South. If you spot anywhere that needs to be done let me know.
Saturday 4 April 2009
Leaflet Delivery
Saturday 4th April
Spent most of the day delivering leaflets in the ward. We had about 20 people who came out to help so we managed to get a lot done. We were delivering a leaflet on Druids Heath about what we are doing in the area. Our local government candidate has been working hard to address residents' concerns. In other parts of the ward we were delivering a leaflet about our Parliamentary Candidate, Nigel Dawkins.
Spent most of the day delivering leaflets in the ward. We had about 20 people who came out to help so we managed to get a lot done. We were delivering a leaflet on Druids Heath about what we are doing in the area. Our local government candidate has been working hard to address residents' concerns. In other parts of the ward we were delivering a leaflet about our Parliamentary Candidate, Nigel Dawkins.
Drug and Alcohol Review
Friday 3rd April
At the Council Co-ordinating Committee I had to get formal approval for the Drug and Alcohol Review, that I am leading in my role as Chairman of the council's Local Services and Community Safety Committee. The review will focus on the services that are provided, what the role of the coucil should be in this, and what can be done at a local level.
At the Council Co-ordinating Committee I had to get formal approval for the Drug and Alcohol Review, that I am leading in my role as Chairman of the council's Local Services and Community Safety Committee. The review will focus on the services that are provided, what the role of the coucil should be in this, and what can be done at a local level.
Ward Advisory Board
Thursday 2nd April
Today we had the Ward Advisory Board which consists of residents, councillors, voluntary organisations and other partners. The main agenda item was deciding community chest fudnding. This is the main way that councillors have direct control over money that is spent in the ward. It is £100,000 which isn't much out of a total £3 billion pound council budget for Birmingham.
These meeting are always difficult as everyone is fighting for their own corners. We approved part funding for most of the bids. Some of the bids approved were: an annual special collection of bulky household waste for all of the ward, domestic violence workers, lamp post painting, mobile CCTV, etc.
Today we had the Ward Advisory Board which consists of residents, councillors, voluntary organisations and other partners. The main agenda item was deciding community chest fudnding. This is the main way that councillors have direct control over money that is spent in the ward. It is £100,000 which isn't much out of a total £3 billion pound council budget for Birmingham.
These meeting are always difficult as everyone is fighting for their own corners. We approved part funding for most of the bids. Some of the bids approved were: an annual special collection of bulky household waste for all of the ward, domestic violence workers, lamp post painting, mobile CCTV, etc.
Thursday 2 April 2009
Sunderton Road
1st April
Went for a look around Sunderton Road to see how the development is progressing. There are a number of eco-homes which are some of the first in Birmingham.
Whilst in the area I went to look at Brandwood Pool because I have had numerous enquiries about youths gathering here. I have reported this to the police, who are monitoring the area and will take appropriate action against people causing damage. I hope this doesn't get worse with the holidays and lighter evenings.
Went for a look around Sunderton Road to see how the development is progressing. There are a number of eco-homes which are some of the first in Birmingham.
Whilst in the area I went to look at Brandwood Pool because I have had numerous enquiries about youths gathering here. I have reported this to the police, who are monitoring the area and will take appropriate action against people causing damage. I hope this doesn't get worse with the holidays and lighter evenings.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Neighbourhood Offices
Tuesday 31st Macrh
Had 6 meetings today covering a wide range of issues from Neighbourhood Offices to meeting residents. The main item of interest was the recent Audit Commission's report on housing. This was very favourable, but they felt that neighbourhood offices could be improved through standard opening times and having a mystery shopping element.
The only neighbourhood office within the Brandwood Ward is at the Maypole by Druids Heath. The office has recently moved to the library as the old building was in need of major repairs - this has proved successful in terms of user numbers.
Had 6 meetings today covering a wide range of issues from Neighbourhood Offices to meeting residents. The main item of interest was the recent Audit Commission's report on housing. This was very favourable, but they felt that neighbourhood offices could be improved through standard opening times and having a mystery shopping element.
The only neighbourhood office within the Brandwood Ward is at the Maypole by Druids Heath. The office has recently moved to the library as the old building was in need of major repairs - this has proved successful in terms of user numbers.
Constituency Committee Meeting
Monday 30th March
There was nothing hugely controversial discussed. The main parts of the meeting were the involvement of the Primary Care Trust provider within the local community, the good work that the wardens do in cleaning up the ward and the need for a safer crossing at Allens Croft School.
About a month ago I submitted a capital bid to have a crossing by Allens Croft School and improvements to the parking facilities/grass verges within the area. Lets hope we are successful at getting this.
There was nothing hugely controversial discussed. The main parts of the meeting were the involvement of the Primary Care Trust provider within the local community, the good work that the wardens do in cleaning up the ward and the need for a safer crossing at Allens Croft School.
About a month ago I submitted a capital bid to have a crossing by Allens Croft School and improvements to the parking facilities/grass verges within the area. Lets hope we are successful at getting this.
Post
Sat 28th/ Sun 29th March
Arrived back from holiday in Wales to approx 200 letters, 400 emails and various answer phone messages so you can guess what I spent the weekend doing as it takes ages to catch up. Councillors don't have an army of support staff like people think, so we do most of our own administration.
Arrived back from holiday in Wales to approx 200 letters, 400 emails and various answer phone messages so you can guess what I spent the weekend doing as it takes ages to catch up. Councillors don't have an army of support staff like people think, so we do most of our own administration.
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