Friday 26th June
Bellway Homes have recently submitted an application to the City Council to build apartments on the green space between Monyhull Hall and Monyhull Church.
Brandwood Conservatives’ Local Campaigner Derek Johnson, Cllr. Mark Hill, Cllr. Neville Summerfield, and Parliamentary Spokesman Nigel Dawkins object to this application and have contacted the Planning Department to register their opposition.
If permission to build is granted, a valuable open space used for community events and local children will be lost forever. In addition, the picturesque scene of the church, its grounds, and Monyhull Hall will be destroyed. The new flats will bring more motor vehicles into the area and will add to the already established problem of speeding traffic around the estate.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Management Team Away Day
Thursday 25th June
I attended an away day with the management team of the Council in my role as Scrutiny Chairman. There were a number of important issues that were covered particularly around improving services within the current difficult economic and budgetary pressures so that we can keep the council tax increase at 1.9% since we have been the ruling group on the council. This is 1 of the lowest in the country.
I attended an away day with the management team of the Council in my role as Scrutiny Chairman. There were a number of important issues that were covered particularly around improving services within the current difficult economic and budgetary pressures so that we can keep the council tax increase at 1.9% since we have been the ruling group on the council. This is 1 of the lowest in the country.
Kings Heath South Police Tasking Meeting
Wednesday 24th June
I attended the Kings Heath South Police Tasking Meeting. A number of issues were raised relating to problems of rubbish collection within Brandwood Ward and on-going problems with the Mountaineer Pub and anti social behaviour on Grove Road.
The Mountaineer Pub has seen some recent changes over the last few weeks. The people running the pub have left and it is now in the hands of Enterprise Inns. They have agreed to remove the entertainment license and close the pub by 11pm. This is good news, lets hope this will help reduce the problems that have been experienced by people within the area.
I attended the Kings Heath South Police Tasking Meeting. A number of issues were raised relating to problems of rubbish collection within Brandwood Ward and on-going problems with the Mountaineer Pub and anti social behaviour on Grove Road.
The Mountaineer Pub has seen some recent changes over the last few weeks. The people running the pub have left and it is now in the hands of Enterprise Inns. They have agreed to remove the entertainment license and close the pub by 11pm. This is good news, lets hope this will help reduce the problems that have been experienced by people within the area.
Selly Oak Working Neighbourhood Fund Group
Tuesday 23rd June
I attended an interesting meeting about the working neighbourhood fund for the Selly Oak Constituency. This covered the bidding process for local groups to provide services to help reduce unemployment or, as the Government now call it, worklessness. Selly Oak Constituency (covering Brandwood, Billesley, Selly Oak and Bournville Wards) has £113,000 to allocate. The deadline we are looking at is 31st July 2009 . Funding will be available upto April 2011.
I attended an interesting meeting about the working neighbourhood fund for the Selly Oak Constituency. This covered the bidding process for local groups to provide services to help reduce unemployment or, as the Government now call it, worklessness. Selly Oak Constituency (covering Brandwood, Billesley, Selly Oak and Bournville Wards) has £113,000 to allocate. The deadline we are looking at is 31st July 2009 . Funding will be available upto April 2011.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Dispersal Orders
Monday 22nd June
You may be aware that the Police are currently putting together a case for a Dispersal Order to operate within the area where you live. This Order will give them the power to remove groups of individuals if they are causing a nuisance in a public place. Local Conservatives Cllr Mark Hill, Cllr Neville Summerfield and Local Campaigner Derek Johnson all support this proposal.
The use of a Dispersal Order means that a Police Officer can within a given area and time, yet to be decided, order groups of 2 or more to leave a location where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that intimidation, harassment, alarm, or distress is taking place. If an individual or group returns to the area within 24 hours they can then be arrested without a warrant.
In addition, between 9pm and 6am, people believed to be under the age of 16 and not under effective control, can be taken to their home address. No timescale has yet been set for the duration of the Dispersal Order.
You may be aware that the Police are currently putting together a case for a Dispersal Order to operate within the area where you live. This Order will give them the power to remove groups of individuals if they are causing a nuisance in a public place. Local Conservatives Cllr Mark Hill, Cllr Neville Summerfield and Local Campaigner Derek Johnson all support this proposal.
The use of a Dispersal Order means that a Police Officer can within a given area and time, yet to be decided, order groups of 2 or more to leave a location where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that intimidation, harassment, alarm, or distress is taking place. If an individual or group returns to the area within 24 hours they can then be arrested without a warrant.
In addition, between 9pm and 6am, people believed to be under the age of 16 and not under effective control, can be taken to their home address. No timescale has yet been set for the duration of the Dispersal Order.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Parker House/ Marsham Road
Friday 19th June
I have made a request to the Housing Liaison Board for Druids Heath to improve a fence between Parker House, off Manningford Road and the rear of Marsham Road, as it gets full of rubbish around there as it is used as a cut through. Currently there is a wooden fence. If it is upgraded to a metal fence it will hopefully prevent the youths climbing over, would help reduce antisocial behaviour in the area and improve the lives of many residents.
I have made a request to the Housing Liaison Board for Druids Heath to improve a fence between Parker House, off Manningford Road and the rear of Marsham Road, as it gets full of rubbish around there as it is used as a cut through. Currently there is a wooden fence. If it is upgraded to a metal fence it will hopefully prevent the youths climbing over, would help reduce antisocial behaviour in the area and improve the lives of many residents.
Easterton Croft
Thursday 18th June
Some residents are developing the idea of a community garden at Easterton Croft. They organised for the land to get cleaned up about 1 year ago. I am concerned that it has become overgrown again with the summer months still ahead. I support what they are trying to achieve for the site. The scheme seems to have stalled around land use and ownership so I have contacted the council to try and get the information.
Some residents are developing the idea of a community garden at Easterton Croft. They organised for the land to get cleaned up about 1 year ago. I am concerned that it has become overgrown again with the summer months still ahead. I support what they are trying to achieve for the site. The scheme seems to have stalled around land use and ownership so I have contacted the council to try and get the information.
Cafe – 301 Broad Lane , Kings Heath
Wednesday 17th June
We have been notified by the Council that the Café situated at 301 Broad Lane , Kings Heath, Birmingham , B14 5AF has applied for Sunday opening times between 8:00am – 2:00pm. I and Councillor Summerfield have been contacted by various constituents, who have raised concerns around noise and parking issues. We would like to hear your views regarding this matter. If you have any comments please let us know.
We have been notified by the Council that the Café situated at 301 Broad Lane , Kings Heath, Birmingham , B14 5AF has applied for Sunday opening times between 8:00am – 2:00pm. I and Councillor Summerfield have been contacted by various constituents, who have raised concerns around noise and parking issues. We would like to hear your views regarding this matter. If you have any comments please let us know.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Domestic Violence
Tuesday 16th June
Today I met up with someone from the Lantern Project that deals with domestic violence. It was an interesting meeting which gave me further insight into some of the issues relating to domestic violence. A couple of years ago I lead a review of domestic violence in my role as Local Services Chairman. One of the interesting findings in the evidence gathering was how rare it is for a Ward to have local domestic violence groups. We have two in Branwood Ward at the Allens Croft Project and Bells Farm Community Centre.
Today I met up with someone from the Lantern Project that deals with domestic violence. It was an interesting meeting which gave me further insight into some of the issues relating to domestic violence. A couple of years ago I lead a review of domestic violence in my role as Local Services Chairman. One of the interesting findings in the evidence gathering was how rare it is for a Ward to have local domestic violence groups. We have two in Branwood Ward at the Allens Croft Project and Bells Farm Community Centre.
Brandwood Ward Committee
Monday 15th June
Today I attended the Brandwood Ward Committee and was re-elected Chairman as it’s the first meeting of the new municipal year. Also I was appointed to the Allens Croft Project as the Council representative.
There was a lot covered at the meeting - the main items of discussion was the Section 106 money that is given to local projects when there are major planning applications. We also had the ward based cleansing representatives who dealt with issues about rubbish collections within the area. The grants for the Neighbourhood Forums were approved, as was new street lighting for Taylor Road.
Today I attended the Brandwood Ward Committee and was re-elected Chairman as it’s the first meeting of the new municipal year. Also I was appointed to the Allens Croft Project as the Council representative.
There was a lot covered at the meeting - the main items of discussion was the Section 106 money that is given to local projects when there are major planning applications. We also had the ward based cleansing representatives who dealt with issues about rubbish collections within the area. The grants for the Neighbourhood Forums were approved, as was new street lighting for Taylor Road.
Friday, 12 June 2009
The Pathway
Friday 12th June
Birmingham City Council is going to be carrying out a consultation exercise with local residents to find out their views about The Pathway and Tunnel (between Allenscroft Road and The Worthings). The main question is what would you like to do with the Tunnel? The suggestions are: Inter-generational art project on the walls inside the tunnel, pink lighting underneath the tunnel, the removal of bollards (Allenscroft Road entrance) – to be replaced with retractable posts, and CCTV cameras. Do you have any other suggestions?
Birmingham City Council is going to be carrying out a consultation exercise with local residents to find out their views about The Pathway and Tunnel (between Allenscroft Road and The Worthings). The main question is what would you like to do with the Tunnel? The suggestions are: Inter-generational art project on the walls inside the tunnel, pink lighting underneath the tunnel, the removal of bollards (Allenscroft Road entrance) – to be replaced with retractable posts, and CCTV cameras. Do you have any other suggestions?
Brandwood Sports Ground/ TASCAS, Tunnel Lane
Thursday 11th June
I went to the Neighbourhood Tasking Meeting at St Bedes today. People were generally happy with the progress of issues within the area. One issue on which I managed to update the meeting was regarding a one month temporary licence (until 3rd July) that has been granted for model car racing at Brandwood Sports Ground/TASCAS. The first that I knew about this was following an email to tell me that this has been granted. I am against this proposal and I am sure the residents will be as they have had problems on this site for years with motorbikes
I went to the Neighbourhood Tasking Meeting at St Bedes today. People were generally happy with the progress of issues within the area. One issue on which I managed to update the meeting was regarding a one month temporary licence (until 3rd July) that has been granted for model car racing at Brandwood Sports Ground/TASCAS. The first that I knew about this was following an email to tell me that this has been granted. I am against this proposal and I am sure the residents will be as they have had problems on this site for years with motorbikes
What Can Be Recycled?
Wednesday 10th June
Several residents have recently contacted me asking what can and cannot be recycled. Things that cannot be recycled are juice and milk cartons, jiffy bags, foil, plastic tubs and yoghurt pots.
I contacted the Council and the main points from the response were that the yoghurt pots and other products that have been diligently 'recycled' will have been removed from the recycling stream during a sorting process at the waste plant. The good news is that they don't end up in landfill - instead they are used as a fuel at the Energy from Waste Plant at Tysley, which produces sufficient energy to power over 20,000 homes in the City. In fact Birmingham has one of the lowest landfill rates of all Local Authorities in the country, with less than 15% of all waste ending up in landfill. The Council would like to recycle more products but will only be able to do so if the recycling sector has the plant and processes in place to allow us to do so economically.
Several residents have recently contacted me asking what can and cannot be recycled. Things that cannot be recycled are juice and milk cartons, jiffy bags, foil, plastic tubs and yoghurt pots.
I contacted the Council and the main points from the response were that the yoghurt pots and other products that have been diligently 'recycled' will have been removed from the recycling stream during a sorting process at the waste plant. The good news is that they don't end up in landfill - instead they are used as a fuel at the Energy from Waste Plant at Tysley, which produces sufficient energy to power over 20,000 homes in the City. In fact Birmingham has one of the lowest landfill rates of all Local Authorities in the country, with less than 15% of all waste ending up in landfill. The Council would like to recycle more products but will only be able to do so if the recycling sector has the plant and processes in place to allow us to do so economically.
Mountaineer Pub
Tuesday 9th June
I have had 6 meetings today in the ward and around Birmingham, relating to council matters. The meeting about the Mountaineer Pub was particularly difficult to manage because the problems coming from the pub are making the residents’ lives very difficult. It didn’t help that the people responsible for the running of the pub didn’t turn up. The police, council and residents are compiling evidence to present to the Licencing Committee.
I have had 6 meetings today in the ward and around Birmingham, relating to council matters. The meeting about the Mountaineer Pub was particularly difficult to manage because the problems coming from the pub are making the residents’ lives very difficult. It didn’t help that the people responsible for the running of the pub didn’t turn up. The police, council and residents are compiling evidence to present to the Licencing Committee.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Counting of votes
Sunday 7th July 2009
The counting of votes has finally taken place at the NIA. The Conservatives have done well despite the surge in the UKIP vote. We have returned 2 Conservative MEPs for the West Midlands: Phil Bradbourn and Malcolm Harbour . Nationally the vote is:
Conservatives 28%
UKIP 17%
Labour 16%
Liberal 15%
Unlike the rest of the work force I am thinking thank goodness it is Monday - now the elections are over I can get on with the real task in hand of helping to improve our area.
The counting of votes has finally taken place at the NIA. The Conservatives have done well despite the surge in the UKIP vote. We have returned 2 Conservative MEPs for the West Midlands: Phil Bradbourn and Malcolm Harbour . Nationally the vote is:
Conservatives 28%
UKIP 17%
Labour 16%
Liberal 15%
Unlike the rest of the work force I am thinking thank goodness it is Monday - now the elections are over I can get on with the real task in hand of helping to improve our area.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
The day after the night before...
Friday 5th June
Pleased that the elections are finally over. During the final week of campaigning you feel that all you do is knock on doors, telephone canvass and deliver leaflets. I have picked up a lot of case work during the campaign, so I will be catching up on this today.
From the verification stage of the count it seems that the minor parties are the big winners, particuarly UKIP. The results declared so far show that Labour have lost the last 4 Councils that they controlled - all to the Conservatives. The Conservatives have 38% of the national vote, Lib Dems 28% and Labour 23%.
Pleased that the elections are finally over. During the final week of campaigning you feel that all you do is knock on doors, telephone canvass and deliver leaflets. I have picked up a lot of case work during the campaign, so I will be catching up on this today.
From the verification stage of the count it seems that the minor parties are the big winners, particuarly UKIP. The results declared so far show that Labour have lost the last 4 Councils that they controlled - all to the Conservatives. The Conservatives have 38% of the national vote, Lib Dems 28% and Labour 23%.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Polling Day
Thursday 4th June
Today is polling day for the European Elections the day that all parties have been working towards over the last few months. I will be spending the day encouraging people that have pledged their vote to the Conservatives to actually vote.
Today is polling day for the European Elections the day that all parties have been working towards over the last few months. I will be spending the day encouraging people that have pledged their vote to the Conservatives to actually vote.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Delivering Pledge letters
Wednesday 3rd June
I spent most of the day campaigning, delivering pledge letters which are encouraging people to vote for the European Elections tomorrow. People I spoke to were fed up with MPs over expenses. I am concerned this will lead to the BNP doing well and them winning seats. When BNP politicians are elected they are hugely devisive and have a poor track record of getting things done in the area they represent. I will be voting. I am sure that you can guess who for. Will you be voting ?
I spent most of the day campaigning, delivering pledge letters which are encouraging people to vote for the European Elections tomorrow. People I spoke to were fed up with MPs over expenses. I am concerned this will lead to the BNP doing well and them winning seats. When BNP politicians are elected they are hugely devisive and have a poor track record of getting things done in the area they represent. I will be voting. I am sure that you can guess who for. Will you be voting ?
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
street lighting
Tuesday 2nd June
Following some new street lights being put up in Granton Road that we allocated through the £30,000 minor improvement programme, I have contacted the council as the contractors have left the area looking untidy, with barriers left around and holes in the pavements. Residents have told me it has been like this for several weeks so I expect it to be sorted ASAP.
Following some new street lights being put up in Granton Road that we allocated through the £30,000 minor improvement programme, I have contacted the council as the contractors have left the area looking untidy, with barriers left around and holes in the pavements. Residents have told me it has been like this for several weeks so I expect it to be sorted ASAP.
Postal Votes
Monday 1st June
I spent most of the day campaigning. I have been telephoning postal voters to see if they have sent back their postal votes and seeing how the counting of the postal votes was going. This is done on a ward basis so I could see how well we are doing in Brandwood. From the sample that I saw, Conservatives were quite well ahead of Labour. Both parties were some way ahead of the other main parties BNP, UKIP, Liberals, Greens, who all had a similar share of the vote. All the other parties had a very small number of votes. I am expecting turnout to be low based upon the negative comments about MPs expenses and also expect the smaller parties to do well.
I spent most of the day campaigning. I have been telephoning postal voters to see if they have sent back their postal votes and seeing how the counting of the postal votes was going. This is done on a ward basis so I could see how well we are doing in Brandwood. From the sample that I saw, Conservatives were quite well ahead of Labour. Both parties were some way ahead of the other main parties BNP, UKIP, Liberals, Greens, who all had a similar share of the vote. All the other parties had a very small number of votes. I am expecting turnout to be low based upon the negative comments about MPs expenses and also expect the smaller parties to do well.
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