Friday 29th May
I have had a number of residents contact me regarding problems of reliability with the 35E bus service, this was particularly so in the first week of the service. Following my contact with the operator, Diamond, I have got a response from them. They admit that they had problems with the introduction of the new route but these have now been resolved. They have now put 1 of their staff on the route to monitor usage, check reliability and timings of the service.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Land clean up infront of Millpool Church
Thursday 28th May
A fence was erected by the council at the land in front of Millpool Hill Church, Alcester Road South. Unfortunately it is stil attracting rubbish particularly empty cans and take away detritus. As a result I have organised for it to be cleared by the cleaning team within the ward.
A fence was erected by the council at the land in front of Millpool Hill Church, Alcester Road South. Unfortunately it is stil attracting rubbish particularly empty cans and take away detritus. As a result I have organised for it to be cleared by the cleaning team within the ward.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
More from the Mountaineer Pub
Wednesday 27th May
Following various complaints from local residents about the disturbances from the Mountaineer pub over the weekend I have contacted the council and police again to take stronger action.
At the moment the police and licensing officers from the council are trying to agree a series of voluntary measures to control the disorder. However agreement has not so far been reached. Amongst the measures being discussed are installing CCTV, having door staff on special function nights; and for staff to regularly patrol the car park to deter outdoor drinking and disorder.
However the incidents of disorder that occurred this weekend will now trigger a review of the license. This review will compel the licence holder to appear before a licensing committee made up of city councillors. The outcome of this review could be to impose strict conditions it may involve reducing the closing time back to 11pm or may even involve removing the license.
Following various complaints from local residents about the disturbances from the Mountaineer pub over the weekend I have contacted the council and police again to take stronger action.
At the moment the police and licensing officers from the council are trying to agree a series of voluntary measures to control the disorder. However agreement has not so far been reached. Amongst the measures being discussed are installing CCTV, having door staff on special function nights; and for staff to regularly patrol the car park to deter outdoor drinking and disorder.
However the incidents of disorder that occurred this weekend will now trigger a review of the license. This review will compel the licence holder to appear before a licensing committee made up of city councillors. The outcome of this review could be to impose strict conditions it may involve reducing the closing time back to 11pm or may even involve removing the license.
Customer First
Tuesday 26th May
Been to discuss the pilots for Customer First, a way of hopefully improving the speed and efficiency of housing and council tax payments. A new centre is being trialled in New Town. If this is successful, it will be rolled out across Birmingham .
Been to discuss the pilots for Customer First, a way of hopefully improving the speed and efficiency of housing and council tax payments. A new centre is being trialled in New Town. If this is successful, it will be rolled out across Birmingham .
Campaign Trail
Monday 25th May
Another day helping with leaflet delivery across the Selly Oak Consituency. This was led by Nigel Dawkins, our Parliamentary Candidate. We were joined by our local Government Candidate Derek Johnson and various helpers. We got several thousand done.
Another day helping with leaflet delivery across the Selly Oak Consituency. This was led by Nigel Dawkins, our Parliamentary Candidate. We were joined by our local Government Candidate Derek Johnson and various helpers. We got several thousand done.
Litter pick at Brandwood End Cemetery
Sunday 24th May
Another lovely day, surely it cannot be a bank holiday. The Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery organised a litter pick for the morning. About 12 people turned up including Derek Johnson, our Local Government Candidate for 2010. I did a litter pick around the Catholic and Muslim graves.
Another lovely day, surely it cannot be a bank holiday. The Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery organised a litter pick for the morning. About 12 people turned up including Derek Johnson, our Local Government Candidate for 2010. I did a litter pick around the Catholic and Muslim graves.
Election campaigning
Saturday 23rd May
What a lovely day. Didn’t really make the most of it as I spent the day campaigning for the European Elections and helping out with a Local Government bi-election in Lozells & East Handsworth. I am going to be voting, are you ? I am sure that you can guess who I am going to be voting for! I am expecting the turnout to be very low as judging from the canvassing that I have done, people are fed up with MPs and their expenses.
What a lovely day. Didn’t really make the most of it as I spent the day campaigning for the European Elections and helping out with a Local Government bi-election in Lozells & East Handsworth. I am going to be voting, are you ? I am sure that you can guess who I am going to be voting for! I am expecting the turnout to be very low as judging from the canvassing that I have done, people are fed up with MPs and their expenses.
Friday, 22 May 2009
Brandwood End Cemetery emergency access
Friday 22nd May
Following my entry a few weeks ago about the fire at Brandwood End Cemetery I have got a response from the council. The trees which were alight have now been removed and the memorial kerbstones returned to the grave spaces to which they relate. We are currently in the process of arranging a 24 hour emergency contact number for display on the cemetery gates in order that keyholders within Bereavement Services can be raised where necessary. The cemetery fencing is currently being replaced in parts and we are planning to install CCTV at key points in the cemetery during this financial year. It is anticipated that these two security measures will reduce the volume of incidents of vandalism/ unauthorised access within the cemetery.
Following my entry a few weeks ago about the fire at Brandwood End Cemetery I have got a response from the council. The trees which were alight have now been removed and the memorial kerbstones returned to the grave spaces to which they relate. We are currently in the process of arranging a 24 hour emergency contact number for display on the cemetery gates in order that keyholders within Bereavement Services can be raised where necessary. The cemetery fencing is currently being replaced in parts and we are planning to install CCTV at key points in the cemetery during this financial year. It is anticipated that these two security measures will reduce the volume of incidents of vandalism/ unauthorised access within the cemetery.
Lamp post painting
Thursday 21st May
Following the Ward Advisory Board meeting a couple of months ago where the allocation of community chest funding was decided for this financial year, one of the bids which we supported for new lamp posts to be painted has been approved. I can now confirm the following will be done in this financial year: Poston Croft, Chanston Avenue , Jasmin Croft and Broom Drive .
Following the Ward Advisory Board meeting a couple of months ago where the allocation of community chest funding was decided for this financial year, one of the bids which we supported for new lamp posts to be painted has been approved. I can now confirm the following will be done in this financial year: Poston Croft, Chanston Avenue , Jasmin Croft and Broom Drive .
Brandwood End Cemetery security
Wednesday 20th May
A number of residents have raised concerns about the fencing at Brandwood End Cemetary. I have raised this with the council. The fence has been removed as part of the S106 works which are currently taking place at Brandwood End Cemetery as a result of the Sunderton Road housing development. The sections of the cemetery railings which are being replaced cover the area by the allotments, Brandwood Pool and a portion which forms a boundary with housing adjacent to the cemetery. The works should be completed by week ending 5 June 2009. Although the contractor and clerk of works walked along the planned line of the fence and looked at the housing boundary prior to removing the fence and were both satisfied that the gardens would remain secure due to the presence of a high concrete retaining wall and the private fencing on top of this, as an additional precaution temporary fencing panels will be erected to prevent access being obtained into private gardens.
A number of residents have raised concerns about the fencing at Brandwood End Cemetary. I have raised this with the council. The fence has been removed as part of the S106 works which are currently taking place at Brandwood End Cemetery as a result of the Sunderton Road housing development. The sections of the cemetery railings which are being replaced cover the area by the allotments, Brandwood Pool and a portion which forms a boundary with housing adjacent to the cemetery. The works should be completed by week ending 5 June 2009. Although the contractor and clerk of works walked along the planned line of the fence and looked at the housing boundary prior to removing the fence and were both satisfied that the gardens would remain secure due to the presence of a high concrete retaining wall and the private fencing on top of this, as an additional precaution temporary fencing panels will be erected to prevent access being obtained into private gardens.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Mayor Making
Tuesday 19th May
Today is the Mayor Making where one of the current councillors becomes Lord Mayor. It is done on a rotational basis between the parties. This year Liberal Councillor Mike Wilkes has been chosen to be Lord Mayor. He is well respected by all parties. He is supported unanimiously by all councillors present at the vote. I wish him well in being Birmingham's first citizen and in the fund-raising for his good causes.
Today is the Mayor Making where one of the current councillors becomes Lord Mayor. It is done on a rotational basis between the parties. This year Liberal Councillor Mike Wilkes has been chosen to be Lord Mayor. He is well respected by all parties. He is supported unanimiously by all councillors present at the vote. I wish him well in being Birmingham's first citizen and in the fund-raising for his good causes.
Leadership Challenge
Monday 18th May
There has been much discussion in the local press about the leadership challenge by Councillor Randal Brew to Councillor Mike Whitby to be Leader of the Conservative Group and, as a result, Leader of the Council. It is the big day as it's voting at our Group Meeting. This has been done by the 49 Conservative Councillors. Mike Whitby won, Randal was gracious in defeat and wished him well.
There has been much discussion in the local press about the leadership challenge by Councillor Randal Brew to Councillor Mike Whitby to be Leader of the Conservative Group and, as a result, Leader of the Council. It is the big day as it's voting at our Group Meeting. This has been done by the 49 Conservative Councillors. Mike Whitby won, Randal was gracious in defeat and wished him well.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Mountaineer Pub
Friday 15th May
I have had a response from the Police and the Council over the Mountaineer Pub. The Licensing Officers for the area have met with the Mountaineer owners. The police have been monitoring the area. They have both reported that things have got a lot better. I hope this is the case.
I have had a response from the Police and the Council over the Mountaineer Pub. The Licensing Officers for the area have met with the Mountaineer owners. The police have been monitoring the area. They have both reported that things have got a lot better. I hope this is the case.
New litter bins
Thursday 14th May
I have managed to get two litter bins - one sited by the bus stop on Monyhull Hall Road, near the junction with Earlswood Road, and the other in Brandwood Crescent, by the cycle route sign near the entrance to the new estate.
Two further litter bins have been ordered for Brandwood Park Road, to be located by the bus stops at either at the bottom of Yarningale, and another two to be located by each bus stop around the corner at the bottom of Allens Croft Road.
I have managed to get two litter bins - one sited by the bus stop on Monyhull Hall Road, near the junction with Earlswood Road, and the other in Brandwood Crescent, by the cycle route sign near the entrance to the new estate.
Two further litter bins have been ordered for Brandwood Park Road, to be located by the bus stops at either at the bottom of Yarningale, and another two to be located by each bus stop around the corner at the bottom of Allens Croft Road.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Yarningale Road/ Brandwood Road junction
Wednesday 13th May
I have been contacted by various residents in the past concerning problems of speeding along Yarningale Road by the Brandwood Road junction. I have been in contact with the Council regarding this. I have sent something out to affected residents. There will be carriageway markings at the junction of Denford Grove/Yarningale Road and at Dulvern Grove/Yarningale Road . The provision of give-way markings and a centre line on Yarningale Road should improve the situation for residents. This work will be carried out as soon as funding is made available to us for this financial year. If you have any comments please let us know.
I have been contacted by various residents in the past concerning problems of speeding along Yarningale Road by the Brandwood Road junction. I have been in contact with the Council regarding this. I have sent something out to affected residents. There will be carriageway markings at the junction of Denford Grove/Yarningale Road and at Dulvern Grove/Yarningale Road . The provision of give-way markings and a centre line on Yarningale Road should improve the situation for residents. This work will be carried out as soon as funding is made available to us for this financial year. If you have any comments please let us know.
Druids Heath Neighbourhood Management Board
Tuesday 12th May
I attended the Druids Heath Neighbourhood Management Board to discuss about improving the environment of Druids Heath. I raised an important issue: that the area can get money through a commissioning process to provide employment service to the residents through the Working Neighbourhood Fund. In another part of the ward we have tried to get the benefits advisor who runs sessions at the Brandwood Centre funded through this. If you have any ideas let me know.
I attended the Druids Heath Neighbourhood Management Board to discuss about improving the environment of Druids Heath. I raised an important issue: that the area can get money through a commissioning process to provide employment service to the residents through the Working Neighbourhood Fund. In another part of the ward we have tried to get the benefits advisor who runs sessions at the Brandwood Centre funded through this. If you have any ideas let me know.
Allens Croft Project
Monday 11th May
I was a bit late to the Allens Croft Project meeting, as my house and car keys ended up getting locked in an office. The main things that were covered are that the negotiations with the council seem to be going well over the problems with the rent. The council seem a lot more open to discussions around this. The Project are preparing their budget and have been successful in getting money from various sources. The Ward Advisory Board has given some money for the domestic violence and older peoples projects.
I was a bit late to the Allens Croft Project meeting, as my house and car keys ended up getting locked in an office. The main things that were covered are that the negotiations with the council seem to be going well over the problems with the rent. The council seem a lot more open to discussions around this. The Project are preparing their budget and have been successful in getting money from various sources. The Ward Advisory Board has given some money for the domestic violence and older peoples projects.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Recycling in Flats
Friday 8th May
The Council would like to offer recycling facilities to all flats which currently do not have them. There will be a site for a 360 litre wheelie bin by the entrance or exit to the flats or by the existing storage for residual waste. The council are looking for contacts at the flats who they can liaise with to assist in the process, so any help in this area would be gratefully received.
The Council would like to offer recycling facilities to all flats which currently do not have them. There will be a site for a 360 litre wheelie bin by the entrance or exit to the flats or by the existing storage for residual waste. The council are looking for contacts at the flats who they can liaise with to assist in the process, so any help in this area would be gratefully received.
Alcohol Restricted Zones
Thursday 7th May
I have recently had a number of enquiries about Alcohol Restricted Zones. All of Brandwood Ward is covered by this, which means that alcohol is not allowed to be consumed in public places. There are a number of signs up about this across the ward and some more will be going up on Druids Heath. Just because there isn’t a sign up it doesn’t mean that the police cannot enforce this. If there are any problems near where you live, let me know and I will ask the police to monitor the area.
I have recently had a number of enquiries about Alcohol Restricted Zones. All of Brandwood Ward is covered by this, which means that alcohol is not allowed to be consumed in public places. There are a number of signs up about this across the ward and some more will be going up on Druids Heath. Just because there isn’t a sign up it doesn’t mean that the police cannot enforce this. If there are any problems near where you live, let me know and I will ask the police to monitor the area.
Grove Road accident
Wednesday 6th May
It has been brought to my attention that an accident occurred at Tenbury Road / Grove Road junction. There is a school crossing site nearby which makes the situation even more worrying. I have written to the 'safer routes to school' section of the council to see if there is any funding to try and reduce the speed of traffic along this section of road.
It has been brought to my attention that an accident occurred at Tenbury Road / Grove Road junction. There is a school crossing site nearby which makes the situation even more worrying. I have written to the 'safer routes to school' section of the council to see if there is any funding to try and reduce the speed of traffic along this section of road.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Enforcement of illegal parking
Tuesday 5th May
I have had various complaints from residents about the problems of illegal and inconsiderate parking. I have contacted the police and the council about taking enforcement action. The council are responsible for trying to find a solution to the problem. The police are responsible where people park inconsiderately eg parking on verges. The police will give warnings first and if they are then ignored fixed penalty notices will be issued.
I have had various complaints from residents about the problems of illegal and inconsiderate parking. I have contacted the police and the council about taking enforcement action. The council are responsible for trying to find a solution to the problem. The police are responsible where people park inconsiderately eg parking on verges. The police will give warnings first and if they are then ignored fixed penalty notices will be issued.
European Elections
Monday 4th May
Spent the much of the day delivering leaflets in Kings Heath. No doubt residents are getting various communications through as elections are approaching. This year there are no local elections only European Elections. Polling day is 4th June. These elections are often seen as not being very important but so many decisions are made through Europe these days. Also this will be the last major test of the popularity of the parties before the next General Election.
Spent the much of the day delivering leaflets in Kings Heath. No doubt residents are getting various communications through as elections are approaching. This year there are no local elections only European Elections. Polling day is 4th June. These elections are often seen as not being very important but so many decisions are made through Europe these days. Also this will be the last major test of the popularity of the parties before the next General Election.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Dawberry Field Park
Friday 1st May
Following my recent enquiry to the council about various issues to do with Dawberry Fields Park I am pleased to announce that all the damaged and vandalised equipment will be replaced. A order has been placed and we are awaiting delivery. I imagine this will be installed over the next month or so. I just hope that the few mindless yobs that have ruined this facility don’t do the same again spoiling a excellent local facility.
Following my recent enquiry to the council about various issues to do with Dawberry Fields Park I am pleased to announce that all the damaged and vandalised equipment will be replaced. A order has been placed and we are awaiting delivery. I imagine this will be installed over the next month or so. I just hope that the few mindless yobs that have ruined this facility don’t do the same again spoiling a excellent local facility.
Mountaineer Pub
Thursday 30th April
It has been brought to my attention that there is anti social behaviour taking place at the Mountaineer pub, Kings Heath following its reopening four weeks ago. As a result I have contacted the licensing department of the city council and the police. I have asked that the licensing task force visit these premises as a matter of urgency. The task force is made up of police officers, environmental officers and licensing officers. I have also asked that they have their licence renewed.
It has been brought to my attention that there is anti social behaviour taking place at the Mountaineer pub, Kings Heath following its reopening four weeks ago. As a result I have contacted the licensing department of the city council and the police. I have asked that the licensing task force visit these premises as a matter of urgency. The task force is made up of police officers, environmental officers and licensing officers. I have also asked that they have their licence renewed.
Brandwood End Cemetery Fire
Wednesday 29th April
I have contacted the city council following a enquiry from local residents about a fire that occurred at Brandwood End Cemetery, luckily it wasn’t too serious. The incident occurred with a large tree just off the main drive being caught on fire. A group of local resident quickly phoned the fire brigade. It took the fire brigade a while to get in as the key that they had didn’t fit the main gate entrance. Thanks to the local residents helping out they managed to contact the parks department and they responded quickly allowing the fire brigade in and the fire was put out.
I have contacted the city council following a enquiry from local residents about a fire that occurred at Brandwood End Cemetery, luckily it wasn’t too serious. The incident occurred with a large tree just off the main drive being caught on fire. A group of local resident quickly phoned the fire brigade. It took the fire brigade a while to get in as the key that they had didn’t fit the main gate entrance. Thanks to the local residents helping out they managed to contact the parks department and they responded quickly allowing the fire brigade in and the fire was put out.
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