Monday 9th May
Labour won in Brandwood by 1400 votes. I am no longer a councillor so I won't be updating this blog in the future. I have enjoyed being a councillor in Brandwood for 11 years but now have 2 kids so I decided not to seek re-election.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Vote Conservative
Thursday 5th May
Today is polling day for the local elections, vote Conservative. You have until 10pm tonight.
Today is polling day for the local elections, vote Conservative. You have until 10pm tonight.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
postal votes opening
Wednesday 27th April
I will be attending the opening of the postal votes. This will give us our first signs how we are doing in the local elections and if there is support in the referendum to change the voting system. Vote Conservative, Lesley Sutton, on 5th May and No in the referendum ie keep our current voting system rather than AV.
I will be attending the opening of the postal votes. This will give us our first signs how we are doing in the local elections and if there is support in the referendum to change the voting system. Vote Conservative, Lesley Sutton, on 5th May and No in the referendum ie keep our current voting system rather than AV.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Missed rubbish collections
Monday 10th January
Can I start by wishing you a happy new year, hope that you have a good one. If you had black bags that haven't been collected over the christmas period they should have been collected by yesterday. I know of several instances where this hasn't happened. If your black bags haven't let me know ASAP and I will organise for it to be removed.
Can I start by wishing you a happy new year, hope that you have a good one. If you had black bags that haven't been collected over the christmas period they should have been collected by yesterday. I know of several instances where this hasn't happened. If your black bags haven't let me know ASAP and I will organise for it to be removed.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Seasons Greetings
Wednesday 15th December
I have been quiet on the blog over the last week as I have been stuck at home with flu. To make matters worth my partner and two children have been ill aswell, so blog enteries haven't been at the forefront of my mind.
I have started to catch up with emails 311 and casework. I am going to my surgery tonight 6-7 St Bedes Church Hall, Doversley Road.
This will be last entry before christmas, not that the works stops, so can I take this opportunity off wishing you a merry christmas and happy new year.
I have been quiet on the blog over the last week as I have been stuck at home with flu. To make matters worth my partner and two children have been ill aswell, so blog enteries haven't been at the forefront of my mind.
I have started to catch up with emails 311 and casework. I am going to my surgery tonight 6-7 St Bedes Church Hall, Doversley Road.
This will be last entry before christmas, not that the works stops, so can I take this opportunity off wishing you a merry christmas and happy new year.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Full Council
Tuesday 7th December
Most of the day is taken up with Full Council. The main agenda items were the future of post offices, the report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Culture and all the mud throwing of question time. A more appropriate expression would be snow ball fighting as someone put on my facebook site.
Most of the day is taken up with Full Council. The main agenda items were the future of post offices, the report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Culture and all the mud throwing of question time. A more appropriate expression would be snow ball fighting as someone put on my facebook site.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Dropped Kerbs
Monday 6th December
During the day I have been catching up with case work. I have had a number of emails about parking on grass verges. The Council has started putting in the double kerbs such as at Broad Lane. It is illegal to park on grass verges. It is the police's responsibility to enforce parking on grass verges and the Council's to try and solve the problem.
During the evening, I have had our Group meeting which looks at upcoming decisions. We looked at the budget, council housing and the reduction is staffing levels.
During the day I have been catching up with case work. I have had a number of emails about parking on grass verges. The Council has started putting in the double kerbs such as at Broad Lane. It is illegal to park on grass verges. It is the police's responsibility to enforce parking on grass verges and the Council's to try and solve the problem.
During the evening, I have had our Group meeting which looks at upcoming decisions. We looked at the budget, council housing and the reduction is staffing levels.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Planning Application Alcester Road South/ Wynfield Gardens
Wednesday 1st December
There is a planning application proposed at 299A Alcester Road South Kings Heath, for construction of a 3 storey building (comprising a ground floor retail unit, with 5 residential units above), parking area and landscaping.
A number of residents have contacted myself, Cllr Neville Summerfield and Lesley Sutton, Conservative Candidate, expressing concern about a number of issues in connection with the proposals.
The proposed application will increase further problems with parking within the area. Currently there are already problems with parking on the junction of Alcester Road South and Wynfield Gardens.
There were Tree Preservation Order placed in the land adjoining 2 Wynfield Gardens, Kings Heath, which became effective as of the 11th September 2009. A letter was sent out (Reference Number: PM/CONS/RW/MB/TBO 1318) informing residents nearby of the Tree Preservation Order. What is happening to these trees ?
The design of the proposed building does not blend in with the design of the surrounding buildings as the planning application is for three stories, the rest of the residential buildings are two stories.
In the houses next to the proposed building they will have south facing windows, which would look straight into the gardens and houses, thus invading the privacy.
There is a planning application proposed at 299A Alcester Road South Kings Heath, for construction of a 3 storey building (comprising a ground floor retail unit, with 5 residential units above), parking area and landscaping.
A number of residents have contacted myself, Cllr Neville Summerfield and Lesley Sutton, Conservative Candidate, expressing concern about a number of issues in connection with the proposals.
The proposed application will increase further problems with parking within the area. Currently there are already problems with parking on the junction of Alcester Road South and Wynfield Gardens.
There were Tree Preservation Order placed in the land adjoining 2 Wynfield Gardens, Kings Heath, which became effective as of the 11th September 2009. A letter was sent out (Reference Number: PM/CONS/RW/MB/TBO 1318) informing residents nearby of the Tree Preservation Order. What is happening to these trees ?
The design of the proposed building does not blend in with the design of the surrounding buildings as the planning application is for three stories, the rest of the residential buildings are two stories.
In the houses next to the proposed building they will have south facing windows, which would look straight into the gardens and houses, thus invading the privacy.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Ward Committee
Monday 29th November
I had a busy day of meetings with the Fire Authority in the morning, a few work commitments in the afternoon and the Ward Committee in the evening. The main agenda items were the playbuilder funding for a new play area on Walkers Health, section 106money to be spent on park improvements at TASCAS/ Brandwood park and a gating scheme for Camford Grove/ Marsham Road.
I had a busy day of meetings with the Fire Authority in the morning, a few work commitments in the afternoon and the Ward Committee in the evening. The main agenda items were the playbuilder funding for a new play area on Walkers Health, section 106money to be spent on park improvements at TASCAS/ Brandwood park and a gating scheme for Camford Grove/ Marsham Road.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Tree Planting
Thursday 25th November
I have been notified by Birmingham Trees for Life that they are looking at tree planting within Brandwood Ward. The area that they are considering is just north off Bells Lane, alongside the Chinn Brook, where some for the Millennium were planted. I have asked about other areas as well as I know a number of people have contacted me about these over the years but so far have drawn a blank.
I have been notified by Birmingham Trees for Life that they are looking at tree planting within Brandwood Ward. The area that they are considering is just north off Bells Lane, alongside the Chinn Brook, where some for the Millennium were planted. I have asked about other areas as well as I know a number of people have contacted me about these over the years but so far have drawn a blank.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Not seeking re-election
Wednesday 24th November
A number of people have contacted me over the last month to express disappointment that I won't be standing again in May. I have been a councillor in Brandwood Ward for 11 years all of which I have really enjoyed.
After much thought I have decided not to seek re-election in May 2011. Since my last election in 2007 I now have 2 young children and have found the time of council, work and family was hugely demanding also my partner works full time, so something had to give. I pledge my full support to my successor Lesley who I am sure will be an able successor if elected.
A number of people have contacted me over the last month to express disappointment that I won't be standing again in May. I have been a councillor in Brandwood Ward for 11 years all of which I have really enjoyed.
After much thought I have decided not to seek re-election in May 2011. Since my last election in 2007 I now have 2 young children and have found the time of council, work and family was hugely demanding also my partner works full time, so something had to give. I pledge my full support to my successor Lesley who I am sure will be an able successor if elected.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Public Protection Committee
Friday 19th November
I have been at a Public Protection Committee which is a regulatory committee of the Council. There were a number of topics covered including loan sharks, the Licensing Act 2003 and litter zones. In July 2009 Broad Street became a designated define consent zone which puts restrictions on the literature that can be disbributed. There was discussion around if this helped reduce litter or that it was another tax on business.
I have been at a Public Protection Committee which is a regulatory committee of the Council. There were a number of topics covered including loan sharks, the Licensing Act 2003 and litter zones. In July 2009 Broad Street became a designated define consent zone which puts restrictions on the literature that can be disbributed. There was discussion around if this helped reduce litter or that it was another tax on business.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Colmore J&I School expansion
Wednesday 17th November
Last week the Cabinet of the Council approved plans to expand Colmore J&I School. The Education Department/ School have been quick off the mark as they have already submitted a planning application for additional classrooms. The aim is to have the school in a position where they will be able to accept additional pupils from September 2011.
Last week the Cabinet of the Council approved plans to expand Colmore J&I School. The Education Department/ School have been quick off the mark as they have already submitted a planning application for additional classrooms. The aim is to have the school in a position where they will be able to accept additional pupils from September 2011.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Millpool Nursery Survives
Tuesday 16th November
After a lot of consultation and also lobbying by local residents, your Conservative Team led by Lesley Sutton, our local government candidate, next May we have managed to secure the future of the nursery. The outcome is that it will continue as a community day nursery funded by the mainstream budget. We know the importance of this local service and made and won the case on behalf of all those involved. A wider range of support services will be available and occupancy will be expected to rise to 90%.
After a lot of consultation and also lobbying by local residents, your Conservative Team led by Lesley Sutton, our local government candidate, next May we have managed to secure the future of the nursery. The outcome is that it will continue as a community day nursery funded by the mainstream budget. We know the importance of this local service and made and won the case on behalf of all those involved. A wider range of support services will be available and occupancy will be expected to rise to 90%.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Mobile Phone mast updates
Friday 12th November
The Broadmeadow application was turned down on the grounds of ‘visual amenity’.This in plain English means that it would be an eyesore and a blot on the landscape!(There is a right of appeal).
The Lions Club mast was approved because it was a replacement mast and also hidden behind a building. (Planners cannot refuse on grounds of health issues given that risks are not considered medically proven). We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contacted us on the mast’s issues.
The Broadmeadow application was turned down on the grounds of ‘visual amenity’.This in plain English means that it would be an eyesore and a blot on the landscape!(There is a right of appeal).
The Lions Club mast was approved because it was a replacement mast and also hidden behind a building. (Planners cannot refuse on grounds of health issues given that risks are not considered medically proven). We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contacted us on the mast’s issues.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Bus Service Restored
Thursday 11th November
Subject to final confirmation, your Conservative team, working with Birmingham City Council and Centro, have been able to secure an offer of a bus service for the Brandwood area.
The service offered may not be as flexible as the previous No.69, but councillors and Birmingham City Council are sadly not in a position to demand or dictate to bus operators what they can and cannot do. We therefore endeavour to persuade and influence the bus operators using whatever means we can to secure the best deal for the residents we are so very proud to represent.
The new service will be No.649. It will be a one hour shuttle operating 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday - Saturday. It will be operated by Birmingham Community Transport. The length of the trial period and the exact details of the route have not emerged. The suggested start date will be 29th November 2010.
Subject to final confirmation, your Conservative team, working with Birmingham City Council and Centro, have been able to secure an offer of a bus service for the Brandwood area.
The service offered may not be as flexible as the previous No.69, but councillors and Birmingham City Council are sadly not in a position to demand or dictate to bus operators what they can and cannot do. We therefore endeavour to persuade and influence the bus operators using whatever means we can to secure the best deal for the residents we are so very proud to represent.
The new service will be No.649. It will be a one hour shuttle operating 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday - Saturday. It will be operated by Birmingham Community Transport. The length of the trial period and the exact details of the route have not emerged. The suggested start date will be 29th November 2010.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Fire Authority Meeting
Monday 8th November
What terrible weather today, it has pretty much rained all day. Luckily it didn't over the weekend as I was away walking in the Peak District.
I have been at a Fire Authority Meeting for most of the day. We had a presentation from the senior management about the finances following the comprenhensive spending review. They seem in good order as there has been a recruitment freeze over the last year and the pay award to staff was less than we budgeted for.
What terrible weather today, it has pretty much rained all day. Luckily it didn't over the weekend as I was away walking in the Peak District.
I have been at a Fire Authority Meeting for most of the day. We had a presentation from the senior management about the finances following the comprenhensive spending review. They seem in good order as there has been a recruitment freeze over the last year and the pay award to staff was less than we budgeted for.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Pedestrian Saftey by Colmore School
Wednesday 3rd November
I have recently given my support in a consultation to improve pedestrian safety by Colmore J&I School along Colmore Road. The proposals include installation of enhanced warning signs, introduction of a 20 mph zone, introduction of ‘school keep clear’ markings and associated ‘no stopping’ traffic regulation orders. Unfortunately
I have recently given my support in a consultation to improve pedestrian safety by Colmore J&I School along Colmore Road. The proposals include installation of enhanced warning signs, introduction of a 20 mph zone, introduction of ‘school keep clear’ markings and associated ‘no stopping’ traffic regulation orders. Unfortunately
Full Council
Tuesday 2nd November
Most of the day was taken up with Full Council. There were a number of interesting discussions around the economy, the finances of the council and the normal knock around of question time.
I think the most interesting debate was around the Scrutiny Review of Project Champion. Often Scrutiny Reviews are nodded through with a few speakers but this had a lot of interest. Project Champion was in the national news, as a number of CCTV cameras were put up to try and reduce terrorism without any real consultation and they were in largely ethnic areas. This caused outcry in the local communities. The police have since apologised for the problems this caused for community relations.
Most of the day was taken up with Full Council. There were a number of interesting discussions around the economy, the finances of the council and the normal knock around of question time.
I think the most interesting debate was around the Scrutiny Review of Project Champion. Often Scrutiny Reviews are nodded through with a few speakers but this had a lot of interest. Project Champion was in the national news, as a number of CCTV cameras were put up to try and reduce terrorism without any real consultation and they were in largely ethnic areas. This caused outcry in the local communities. The police have since apologised for the problems this caused for community relations.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Group Meeting
Monday 1st November
I have had Group meeting where we discussed some of the major policies that are coming up. This includes social care of children, police authority and school building programmes. I was amazed to discover that it costs social services an average of £25000 for each child that it looks after.
Nursery provision and school expansion are due to go to Cabinet on 8th November this effects Brandwood Ward with Millpool Gardens and Colmore School respectively.
I have had Group meeting where we discussed some of the major policies that are coming up. This includes social care of children, police authority and school building programmes. I was amazed to discover that it costs social services an average of £25000 for each child that it looks after.
Nursery provision and school expansion are due to go to Cabinet on 8th November this effects Brandwood Ward with Millpool Gardens and Colmore School respectively.
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