Friday 31st July
The Cocks Moors Woods play area has been opened. It was a 3 year project funded through Section 106 monies, relating to the developemnt at Sunderton Road. There was some other funding from Cocks Moors Woods/Billesley Better Open Access To Services towards the boat in the play area. This is a support group of parents with children with disabilities committed to working in partnership to promote inclusive practise. The play area is fully accessible to all children and consultation was undertaken with local children by Cocks Moors Woods on the type of equipment.
Thursday 30 July 2009
Cafe on Lindsworth Approach/Monyhull Hall Road
Thursday 30th July
The cafe on Lindsworth Approach/Monyhull Hall Road has got a planning application to remove a condition that was attached to application forbidding the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises but allowing for extended opening hours for a period ending in April 2010. My only concern with this is the impact that it could have on the parking problems that already exist within the area.
The cafe on Lindsworth Approach/Monyhull Hall Road has got a planning application to remove a condition that was attached to application forbidding the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises but allowing for extended opening hours for a period ending in April 2010. My only concern with this is the impact that it could have on the parking problems that already exist within the area.
Tuesday 28 July 2009
All Saints Road
Tuesday 28th July
A number of residents have been in contact with me about improving the top end of All Saints Road by Vicarage Road. A resident has informed me that the Kings Heath Clean Partnership are happy to donate £500 from their budget towards a tree and general planting budget. It is hoped that the owners of the building and Sainsbury's and maybe some of the other shops could donate money to help with planting.
A number of residents have been in contact with me about improving the top end of All Saints Road by Vicarage Road. A resident has informed me that the Kings Heath Clean Partnership are happy to donate £500 from their budget towards a tree and general planting budget. It is hoped that the owners of the building and Sainsbury's and maybe some of the other shops could donate money to help with planting.
Constituency matters
Monday 27th July
The main meeting of the day was with Ifor Jones, Director of Constituencies, but also a local resident. We mainly covered the financial pressures that constituencies are under, sharing successful best practice and looking at operating pilot schemes to encourage innovation.
Canvassing in the evening which is important for councillors to keep in contact with residents whom they represent and help them address issues of concern.
The main meeting of the day was with Ifor Jones, Director of Constituencies, but also a local resident. We mainly covered the financial pressures that constituencies are under, sharing successful best practice and looking at operating pilot schemes to encourage innovation.
Canvassing in the evening which is important for councillors to keep in contact with residents whom they represent and help them address issues of concern.
Gardens Open for Charity
Sunday 26th July
Sundays are often spent with the family or catching up on campaigning. It's been a busy day with delivering leaflets around Lindsworth Estate, attending a Conservative Party fund-raising party and attending an event in Poston Croft called Gardens for Charity Event. The garden was lovely, it was like going into a tropical garden. The idea of the event is that members of the public can open their gardens to raise money for charities. This helps raise £2.5 million for charities each year.
Sundays are often spent with the family or catching up on campaigning. It's been a busy day with delivering leaflets around Lindsworth Estate, attending a Conservative Party fund-raising party and attending an event in Poston Croft called Gardens for Charity Event. The garden was lovely, it was like going into a tropical garden. The idea of the event is that members of the public can open their gardens to raise money for charities. This helps raise £2.5 million for charities each year.
Thursday 23 July 2009
Phoenix Members Club, Druids Heath
Friday 24th July
Following complaints from several residents on Druids Heath about recent loud noise that was coming from the Phoenix Members Club in the early hours of the morning I reported this to the enforcement team of the Council. I cannot really say anymore other than they will be taking action/ monitoring the situation.
Following complaints from several residents on Druids Heath about recent loud noise that was coming from the Phoenix Members Club in the early hours of the morning I reported this to the enforcement team of the Council. I cannot really say anymore other than they will be taking action/ monitoring the situation.
Mountaineer Pub House
Thursday 23rd July
I have recieved notification that the The Mountaineer Pub has formally applied to change its hours of operation to as follows:
*Hours premises are open to the public - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2330
*Late night refreshment - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2330
*Recorded music – Monday to Sunday 1200 -2300
*Sale of alcohol by retail (both on & off the premises) - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2300
Lets hope this will help reduce the problems that have been experienced by people within the area.
I have recieved notification that the The Mountaineer Pub has formally applied to change its hours of operation to as follows:
*Hours premises are open to the public - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2330
*Late night refreshment - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2330
*Recorded music – Monday to Sunday 1200 -2300
*Sale of alcohol by retail (both on & off the premises) - Monday to Sunday 1200 -2300
Lets hope this will help reduce the problems that have been experienced by people within the area.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Licensing Application, Druids Heath
Wednesday 22nd July
Further to my recent post about Jay's Convenience Store, Druids Heath applying for an alcohol license there is an update.
The applicant has been in consultation with the West Midlands Police and has agreed to amend their application as follows:
(a) The hours for the sale of alcohol will now be from 08.00am to 20.30pm
(b) All staff will be trained to at least BIIAB Level 1 and certificates
will be displayed
(c) All staff will use the "Challenge 25" rule as opposed to the
"Challenge 21" rule and Challenge 25 posters will be
displayed at the premises
(d) Staff may be required, when necessary, on request of the police, to
attend Aquarius Training.
Further to my recent post about Jay's Convenience Store, Druids Heath applying for an alcohol license there is an update.
The applicant has been in consultation with the West Midlands Police and has agreed to amend their application as follows:
(a) The hours for the sale of alcohol will now be from 08.00am to 20.30pm
(b) All staff will be trained to at least BIIAB Level 1 and certificates
will be displayed
(c) All staff will use the "Challenge 25" rule as opposed to the
"Challenge 21" rule and Challenge 25 posters will be
displayed at the premises
(d) Staff may be required, when necessary, on request of the police, to
attend Aquarius Training.
Borad Lane Cafe
Tuesday 21st July
I would like to advise you that I and Councillor Summerfield have had a mixed response from residents about this. We found that residents, who live in close proximity to the café, were not supportive of the proposed new opening times, as there were concerns of noise, litter and parking problems. While on the other hand, those further a field showed their support and believed that the café provided a valuable service.
I have been informed by the Planning Department that an application was received on the 21st December 2007, which approved for a temporary period of one year (expiring on the 20th December 2008), that permitted the café opening on Sunday between the hours of 10:30am – 14:00pm.
I would like to advise you that the Planning Committee have considered the proposal to increase the Sunday opening hours to 08:00am – 14:00pm are unacceptable. However, the existing hours of 10:30am – 14:00pm are deemed acceptable.
I would like to advise you that I and Councillor Summerfield have had a mixed response from residents about this. We found that residents, who live in close proximity to the café, were not supportive of the proposed new opening times, as there were concerns of noise, litter and parking problems. While on the other hand, those further a field showed their support and believed that the café provided a valuable service.
I have been informed by the Planning Department that an application was received on the 21st December 2007, which approved for a temporary period of one year (expiring on the 20th December 2008), that permitted the café opening on Sunday between the hours of 10:30am – 14:00pm.
I would like to advise you that the Planning Committee have considered the proposal to increase the Sunday opening hours to 08:00am – 14:00pm are unacceptable. However, the existing hours of 10:30am – 14:00pm are deemed acceptable.
Secured Sites
Monday 20th July
Our allocation for Secured Sites in Selly Oak Constituency during 2009/10 is £13,500. It has been split equally between each of the 4 wards (£3,375 per ward).
The following sites have already been identified as potential sites for this project in Brandwood Ward
Toilet block - side of 299a Alcester Road South - Awaiting revised costings
Marsham Road (rear of shops of Alcester Road South) - £1,216.72
If you have any further sites let me know by 7th August.
Our allocation for Secured Sites in Selly Oak Constituency during 2009/10 is £13,500. It has been split equally between each of the 4 wards (£3,375 per ward).
The following sites have already been identified as potential sites for this project in Brandwood Ward
Toilet block - side of 299a Alcester Road South - Awaiting revised costings
Marsham Road (rear of shops of Alcester Road South) - £1,216.72
If you have any further sites let me know by 7th August.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Recycling Centres/ Tips
Friday 17th July
An item which has been raised by several residents within the last few weeks was over the use of council recycling centre/ tips. Birmingham residents are not allowed to use tips in neighbouring authorities. We in Birmingham thought that rather unfair as the city allowed everyone to use our facilities. From July 14th, residents from neighbouring authorities will no longer be able to use our facilities. From that date, visitors to the sites will be asked to provide their postcode details. By doing this, it is hoped Birmingham can reduce the amount of waste and there will be less queues.
An item which has been raised by several residents within the last few weeks was over the use of council recycling centre/ tips. Birmingham residents are not allowed to use tips in neighbouring authorities. We in Birmingham thought that rather unfair as the city allowed everyone to use our facilities. From July 14th, residents from neighbouring authorities will no longer be able to use our facilities. From that date, visitors to the sites will be asked to provide their postcode details. By doing this, it is hoped Birmingham can reduce the amount of waste and there will be less queues.
Anti social behaviour Bicknell Croft
Wednesday 15th July
I have been contacted by some residents regarding underage drinking near the garages at Bicknell Croft and throwing empty bottles/cans. Also litter being dropped and graffiti. People are scared to go to the shop because of gangs sitting on the wall. I have written to the council and police about these matters.
I have been contacted by some residents regarding underage drinking near the garages at Bicknell Croft and throwing empty bottles/cans. Also litter being dropped and graffiti. People are scared to go to the shop because of gangs sitting on the wall. I have written to the council and police about these matters.
Customer First
Tuesday 14th July
The Council is undertaking a business transformation programme which aims to update and modernise the working of the council. 1 of the programmes is called Customer First. This aims to make customer enquiries more effective. I had a meeting about this. I suppport this programme, however, 1 concern that I have with this is that as the process is centralise local knowledge and sign posting will be lost.
The Council is undertaking a business transformation programme which aims to update and modernise the working of the council. 1 of the programmes is called Customer First. This aims to make customer enquiries more effective. I had a meeting about this. I suppport this programme, however, 1 concern that I have with this is that as the process is centralise local knowledge and sign posting will be lost.
local services committee
Monday 13th July
After giving blood for the 27 time I went on to Chair the local services and community safety committee. We had a full agenda today the main items were the drug and alcohol review, food standards and an update on progress of the domestic violence review that I lead on last year. Within the report we made a number of recommendations, we were tracking these. Progress has been made but more needs to be done.
After giving blood for the 27 time I went on to Chair the local services and community safety committee. We had a full agenda today the main items were the drug and alcohol review, food standards and an update on progress of the domestic violence review that I lead on last year. Within the report we made a number of recommendations, we were tracking these. Progress has been made but more needs to be done.
Monday 13 July 2009
Parking Lindsworth Approach
Sunday 12th July
I have been contacted by some residents regarding the parking on the pavements in front of the shops at Lindsworth Approach. I have been informed by the council that part of the pavement is a private frontage, so they have no enforcement measures. They have advised me that access to the private frontage was provided to facilitate deliveries to the shops. A suggestion by the council is that a controllable access could be organised to address the problem, such as a collapsible bollard with some form of locking device or maybe consider a gating access.
I have been contacted by some residents regarding the parking on the pavements in front of the shops at Lindsworth Approach. I have been informed by the council that part of the pavement is a private frontage, so they have no enforcement measures. They have advised me that access to the private frontage was provided to facilitate deliveries to the shops. A suggestion by the council is that a controllable access could be organised to address the problem, such as a collapsible bollard with some form of locking device or maybe consider a gating access.
Friday 10 July 2009
Brandwood Road
Thursday 9th July
Following an accident on Brandwood Road last week. I would like to update my blog readers about a couple of things that are happening within the area. We are going to have some temporary flashing speed signs put up on Brandwood Road . I have submitted some proposals for road improvements on Brandwood Road and Yarningale Road . The ones on Yarningale Road are going to be done very soon. These will include road markings so the residents from Denford Grove and Delvern Grove will be able to pull out more easily. The other proposals that have been submitted are for works on the traffic island at Woodthorpe/ Brandwood Road .
Following an accident on Brandwood Road last week. I would like to update my blog readers about a couple of things that are happening within the area. We are going to have some temporary flashing speed signs put up on Brandwood Road . I have submitted some proposals for road improvements on Brandwood Road and Yarningale Road . The ones on Yarningale Road are going to be done very soon. These will include road markings so the residents from Denford Grove and Delvern Grove will be able to pull out more easily. The other proposals that have been submitted are for works on the traffic island at Woodthorpe/ Brandwood Road .
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Missed refuse collections
Wednesday 8th July
I have contacted the council about the on-going problems of missed refuse collection on the Monyhull Estate. This has been on-going for far too long, so a number of people are not recycling. I have asked the Council to have a word with the refuse men and to distribute the calendars telling residents when to put out the different sorts of recycling.
I have contacted the council about the on-going problems of missed refuse collection on the Monyhull Estate. This has been on-going for far too long, so a number of people are not recycling. I have asked the Council to have a word with the refuse men and to distribute the calendars telling residents when to put out the different sorts of recycling.
Full Council
Tuesday 7th July
We had a fairly light agenda at Full Council today, but it still didn't stop the meeting lasting 6 hours. My main contribution was to propose an amendment to a Labour motion about localisation. The main points that I made were that Conservative run constituencies are managing to keep to their budget, unlike several Labour constituencies, and that we are improving services whilst keeping council tax at 1.9%. I must have done something right because the Labour Leader was getting very over-excited.
We had a fairly light agenda at Full Council today, but it still didn't stop the meeting lasting 6 hours. My main contribution was to propose an amendment to a Labour motion about localisation. The main points that I made were that Conservative run constituencies are managing to keep to their budget, unlike several Labour constituencies, and that we are improving services whilst keeping council tax at 1.9%. I must have done something right because the Labour Leader was getting very over-excited.
Visit to alcohol and drug project
Monday 6th July
As reported previously on my blog, I am leading a review of drug and alcohol services within Birmingham . Today, with some of the other people on the review, we went to see a project in Erdington to meet some of the service users. These kinds of projects are so important to help steer people away from drugs and alcohol dependency and the huge social cost incurred. Every one pound spent on treatment saves about £10 on treating crime and disorder.
As reported previously on my blog, I am leading a review of drug and alcohol services within Birmingham . Today, with some of the other people on the review, we went to see a project in Erdington to meet some of the service users. These kinds of projects are so important to help steer people away from drugs and alcohol dependency and the huge social cost incurred. Every one pound spent on treatment saves about £10 on treating crime and disorder.
Sunday 5 July 2009
Parker House
Sunday 5th July
I have been in contact with the Council and the police about anti-social behaviour in Parker House, Druids Heath. This is particularly around noise and mess. The identified people will be visited and warned to be considerate towards their neighbours. A number of temporary residents live here which doesn’t add to the community spirit.
I have been in contact with the Council and the police about anti-social behaviour in Parker House, Druids Heath. This is particularly around noise and mess. The identified people will be visited and warned to be considerate towards their neighbours. A number of temporary residents live here which doesn’t add to the community spirit.
Saturday 4 July 2009
Alcohol License, Druids Heath
Friday 3rd July
I have been contacted by the Council about a new proposal to sell alcohol from Jays, Pound Road , Druids Heath. This was refused at the start of the year this was for between the hours of 6am - 11pm Monday to Sunday. The new proposal is between 6am - 8.30pm Monday to Sunday. We are concerned that this will lead to anti-social behavior and the selling of cheap alcohol. You can lodge comments until 8th July 2009.
I have been contacted by the Council about a new proposal to sell alcohol from Jays, Pound Road , Druids Heath. This was refused at the start of the year this was for between the hours of 6am - 11pm Monday to Sunday. The new proposal is between 6am - 8.30pm Monday to Sunday. We are concerned that this will lead to anti-social behavior and the selling of cheap alcohol. You can lodge comments until 8th July 2009.
Budget Meeting
Thursday 2nd July
I have been to a council budget meeting on the services that are covered by the Selly Oak Constituency these include neighbourhood offices, libraries and sport centres. I am pleased that we are keeping to the budget while increasing services. This is important in these difficult economic times that we live in when it is even more important that the council provides value for money as people have less money.
I have been to a council budget meeting on the services that are covered by the Selly Oak Constituency these include neighbourhood offices, libraries and sport centres. I am pleased that we are keeping to the budget while increasing services. This is important in these difficult economic times that we live in when it is even more important that the council provides value for money as people have less money.
Illegal Parking
Wednesday 1st July
I have contacted the police about on-going problems with illegal parking within the ward. One particular area that I have had several complaints about is on Brockworth Road , Druids Heath. Some cars and vans are parking on corners and on the pathways making it difficult for pedestrians, particularly with wheelchairs or push chairs.
I have contacted the police about on-going problems with illegal parking within the ward. One particular area that I have had several complaints about is on Brockworth Road , Druids Heath. Some cars and vans are parking on corners and on the pathways making it difficult for pedestrians, particularly with wheelchairs or push chairs.
Thursday 2 July 2009
South West Birmingham Bus Network Review
Tuesday 30th June
A briefing has been organised for councillors on the bus network review by National Express West Midlands. They have set out a vision on how to improve bus services with a key feature to review all bus services in the West Midlands to better meet current and future user needs. It is currently planned to introduce the new network some time in Autumn 2009, and consultation on the new network is essential to ensure it meets user needs. I have put over my concerns about the problems of the 35, 76 and 85 so National Express are aware of these.
A briefing has been organised for councillors on the bus network review by National Express West Midlands. They have set out a vision on how to improve bus services with a key feature to review all bus services in the West Midlands to better meet current and future user needs. It is currently planned to introduce the new network some time in Autumn 2009, and consultation on the new network is essential to ensure it meets user needs. I have put over my concerns about the problems of the 35, 76 and 85 so National Express are aware of these.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Sustainable Communities Act 2007
Monday 29th June
At the Council Cabinet today there was an item about the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. This is designed to improve the economic, social or environmental well being of the communities or promote participation in civic or political activity. The Act invited people either through the Council or Government to think of ideas to improve the local community through the above. A number of ideas were put before Cabinet including increasing local food production, keeping essential local services open eg post offices, promoting production of local renewable energy.
At the Council Cabinet today there was an item about the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. This is designed to improve the economic, social or environmental well being of the communities or promote participation in civic or political activity. The Act invited people either through the Council or Government to think of ideas to improve the local community through the above. A number of ideas were put before Cabinet including increasing local food production, keeping essential local services open eg post offices, promoting production of local renewable energy.
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