ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC MEETING

ORG leaders meet with Khalid Mahmood MP's senior assistant to express concerns

The Oscott Residents Groups Pulic meeting which took place on the 5th of December was judged a success despite the press not publishing the event for us.
There were a range of topics discussed and Councillor Keith Linnecor and Khalid Mahmood MP attended to answer Questions put to them.
There is still a lot of concern about fly tipping, dog fouling and the poor state of the pavements in the area. Other issues raised included the state of Booths Lane, the lack of action at the Nova Court Junctions and the Aldridge Road, Greenholm Road junction. The reduction of the Free bulky waste service was widely condemned. A number of other issues were later taken up with the Perry barr MP and his assistant.

NO ORG MEETIGS OVER CHRISTMAS

The Oscott Residents Groups will not be holding our regular informal meetings at the 610 Community Centre on Saturday the 20th of December and Saturday the 26th of December due to the Christmas close down.

POOR TREE PRUNING IN OSCOTT

The ORG have been concerned to see how poorly the tree are being pruned in the Oscott area. For example Courteney Road.
The trees in this area need to be fully pruned and half measures are not worth the effort.
WE are calling upon the Birmingham City Council to get the job done correctly.

NEW PARKING BAYS FOR PROBLEM JUNCTION

The ORG are delighted to see work is being carried out to widen the Aldridge Road / Bird brook Road slip road. We well remember the work we along with Councillor Keith Linnecor in particular put in to organise a public meeting about this junction a few years ago. We are pleased out local Councillors are keeping up the pressure on this issue.
Thankfully things are at last now moving on.
The new parking bays being put on the island at this junction will help widen the road and make it easier for motorist to use this junction.
What we now need is for the James Watt College to get on and increase the numbers of car spaces on their site for their pupils like they have promised.

ORG PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCED FOR DEC 5TH

There will be a public meeting of the Oscott Residents Groups on Saturday 5 December at the 610 Community Centre. The meeting will start at 10.45am. Khalid Mahmood MP for Perry Barr and Oscott Councillors Barbara Dring, Graham Green and Keith Linnecor have been invited to come along and listen to the views of local residents.
The Following Groups are working together on this meeting
The Oscott Residents Association.
The Oscott Elderly Residents Groups.
The Oscott Disability Group.
The Neighbourhood Police initiative.
Also invited Neighbourhood Watch, Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve, Neighbourhood Forums.

There will be a free mince pie for those who attend.

you can be fined for letting your dog foul the pavement

Even thought the council are cutting right back on giving out free Pooper scoopers as part of their Cost Cutting exercise? you can still be fined for letting your dog fopul the pavement. Please use carriers bags if you can not afford the proper scooper bags.

XMAS LIGHTS GO ON IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Xmas lights were switched on last night. ORG are very pleased to support this initiative as we believe it not only cheers local residents up but it also helps to bring extra trade to the area.

GOOD TIMES AHEAD FOR THE COOKSEY LANE PLAYING FIELDS

The Oscott Residents Association were pleased to be present at the Cooksey Lane Playing Field public meeting recently. It was a well attender meeting with local resident, Community representatives, Sport club representative along with Councillors Dring, Green, Linnecor and Kane attending.
At this meeting we heard from maximums who hold the lease that they were investing in the site. In the short term more improvements to the club house were taking place and the site would also be improved. On a longer term astro turfing part of the field and starting up a boxing club is under consideration. A committee will be set up next year.
All this bodes well for the young people in our area and we wish them well.


Nigel Quinn

Chair ORA

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP COFFEE MORNING 11TH NOVEMBER

There will be another Coffee morning organised by Maureen Byrne and the Oscott Elderly residents Group on Wednesday the 11th of November. It will take place at the 610 Community Centre at 11.15am. There will be tea and biscuits and an opportunity to relax and socialise with other people.
Councillor Keith Linnecor is hoping to pop in and chat with the group.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD TASKING GROUP TAKES TO THE STREET IN OSCOTT

A number of NPI. Neighbourhood Watch and ORG members were out on Patrol with the Kingstanding Neighbourhood Police Tasking group on Wednesday.
The Bandwood Estate was chosen for this patrol and a number of residents were contacted about policing and other issues during the patrols which took place.
Brian Brookes senior NPI Coordinator said" this is a good way for those of us trying to help the Police prevent crime, to get to know some of the problems in the area. I was pleased that during our patrols one youngster received a warning about using drugs." Maureen Byrnes another on patrol said it " it was also good to see Counillor Keith Linnecor and officers of the Council on patrol as there were a number of other none Police issues raised by the public."

SPEED WATCH IN OSCOTT

The ORG are pleased to support the new, Oscott Speed Watch initiative. This is where local residents will patrol streets know to have a speeding problem, with speed recording equipment.
This initiative is likely to start early next year.
If you would like more details or to get involved please ring 464 1869 0r 360 6486

COOKSEY LANE PLAYING FIELD MEETING

There will be a meeting to discuss the Cooksey Lane Playing fields on Wednesday. You may be assured that representatives from The Oscott Residents Groups will be attending and will report back on this blog if necessary

POLITICAL INTRIGUE AT THE OSCOTT HOUSING LIASION BOARD

It is with regret that the ORG has learnt that the Birmingham City Council Housing department with no consultation has made the recent election meeting of the Oscott HLB Committee Null and Void. It would appear that a few of those who were unable to get their candidate elected have called foul after the election and the Housing department have bowed down from pressure from the Council Administration in charge. ?
It seems to us that there is an unsavoury aspect to all this and that those elected at the recent meeting have a right to feel aggrieved.

QUESLETT ROAD BLACK SPOT HAS ANOTHER VICTIM

Due to what appears to be constant bickering between the Sandwell and Birmingham Councils the much requested road safety work needed on the Queslett Road near the Nova Court junction has not been carried out.
Over the weekend a car ambulance has been written of in those stretch of the Queslett Road and diversions were needed.
The ORG call upon these 2 Councils to stop arguing and just for once put the safety of those using the Queslett Road first.

The Oscott Residents Association Chair Nigel Quinn said " How many more accidents must there be before something is done?. We fully support Councillor Keith Linnecor in his attempts to get these Councils to do something"

SKATE BOARD AND BMX TRACK GET GO AHEAD

The Oscott Residents Groups were pleased to hear that the proposed Skate Board area and BMX track, to be located in Perry Barr Park near the Oscott border, has received planning permission.
This is just what youngsters in the area need. It is right on their door step and has the added plus point in that it should not effect local residents unduly. We would like to say well done to Councillor Barbara Dring and the other Councillors for pushing this project forward.

BULK COLLECTION SERVICE CUT BACK

The Oscott Residents groups were disgusted to find out that there has been a cut in the popular and much needed Bulky item removal Service.
From January resident will only be able to use this service free of charge 3 times. After that there will be a £25 charge followed by a £60 charge. This will clearly lead to an increase in dumped rubbish in the area.

NEIGHBOURHOOD TASKING MEETINGS

NTG is the initials for the above meetings. These are meeting where Council officers, the Fire brigade, Community Representatives and the Police meet to discuss issues of concern regarding crime and anti social behavior in Oscott.
What is different about these meeting is we also try and look at ways we help resolve problems.
We have received training in problem solving and so on.
On occasions we as a group take part in walk abouts in the area to get a better picture of some of the problems.

Maureen Byne
Chair Oscott Elderly Residents group

MEETING TO DISCUSS PARKING OUT SIDE THE JAMES WATT COLLEGE

The Oscott Residents Groups welcome calls for a meeting between, the James Watt College, the Police, Tranportations and Planning departments, Local Councillors and Community Groups Reps at the next Oscott Ward Advisory Board to duscuss parking at the James Watt College.
As we all know parking near this college is completley out of hand and some needs to be done.
ORG understand a public meeting will be held on the issue at a later date.

Nigel Quinn spokes person ODG

BEWARE OF BURGULARS

Brian Brookes on behalf of the Neighbourhood Police Initiative would like to remind you.

BEWARE OF BURGLARS

THERE HAS BEEN A SPEIGHT OF BURGLARIES IN THIS AREA RECENTLY. WITH THE DARK NIGHTS ON THEIR WAY IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO BE VIGILANT AND ENSURE YOUR HOME IS PROTECTED. PLEASE REMEMBER THE 12 SIMPLE WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF TO HELP PREVENT CRIME (SEE BELOW)

12 COMMON SENSE WAYS TO PREVENT CRIME

ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS WHEN YOU GO OUT AND LEAVE A LIGHT ON AT NIGHT.
SECURITY MARK YOUR VALUBLES (USE YOUR POST CODE AND HOUSE NO.)
DO NOT LET ANY ONE YOU DO NOT KNOW INTO YOUR HOME WITHOUT CHECKING THEIR I.D.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS HOME WHEN THEY ARE AWAY. ASK THEM TO DO THE SAME FOR YOU.
KEEP GARAGES, SHEDS, AND GULLY GATES LOCKED
LOCK YOUR CAR WHEN YOU LEAVE IT AND DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS IN IT ON DISPLAY (Sat Navs, bags etc)
AVOID BADLY LIT ALLEY WAYS AT NIGHT.
KEEP YOUR WALLET/ PURSE SECURE WHEN SHOPPING.
RING 999 IF YOU SEE A CRIME HAPPENING
RING THE POLICE O845 113 5000 FOR NON EMERGENCIES.
IF YOU WISH TO GIVE INFORMATION TO THE POLICE IN CONFIDENCE USE THE CRIME STOPPER NO 0800 555 111.
JOIN THE N.P.I. OR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

MOTORISED SCHOOTER USERS CALL FOR BETTER PAVEMENTS

Many residents in the Oscott area are elderly and have problems walking. AS a result they have bought motorised electic schooters.
The problem is due to the Councils neglect of the pavements in the area these schooter often give their users a rough ride.
The Oscott Disability group have contacted Councillor Linnecor and asked for his help in putting pressure on the council to improve our pavements.

Goerge Hough

Chair Oscott Disabilities Group

THANKS TO 3 OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUP MEMBERS

ORG were delighted that 3 of its member recieved recognition for all the work them have put into the community over many many years. Khalid Mahmood MP and Councillors Keith Linnecor and Barbara Dring were among those at a recent Oscott Social gathering.

Councillors Linnecor and Dring presented certificates to.

• Jean Baker, Pauline Alder and Pauline Cooke.All three have behind the scenes in a no fuss sort of way really battled for their local community.Jean Baker has for many years (until recent ill health) been connected with the Oscott Housing Liaison Boards and the Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum.
• Pauline Alder has been a champion for the elderly for many years. She has been the Vice Chair of the Oscott Elderly Residents group a member of the Friends of Witton Cemetery and also other local residents groups for many years.
• Pauline Cooke helped set up the Old Oscott Community Centre (along with her husband Burt), many years ago and has been very active in local residents groups.

The ORG think we all owe all a gratitude to residents like these and their selflessness should inspire those of a younger generation.

LITTER LOUTS SHOULD BE SORTED OUT.

Residents in Delhurst Road are fed up with all the litter in their street as result of youngsters from the near by sixth form college not using litter bins. Local residents and NPI Organiser Brian Brookes said. " schools and youngsters today are all ways going on about the environment and how we should improve it. They certainly do not practise what they preach. Youngster sit out side the college and chuck their rubbish everywhere and the shcool does not want to know. We resident have had enough"

NEW FENCING ON PLAYING FIELDS AND RECREATION GROUND

ORG are very pleased to see new fencing put up on the Burford Road Playing Fields and Aldridge Road Recreation Ground. Nigel Quin said. "We are pleased our work with local Councillor particularly Councillor Linnecor has paid off at last. Residents have told us they are pleased with the work that has been done. However more fencing is needed to finish off the job and we will continue to campaign for more fencing to be erected."

POOR PAVEMENTS IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Residents Association are still receiving loads of complaints about the state of the pavements in the area. Chair Nigel Quinn said " every day I am receiving complaints about pavements. The Council want to stop just marking pavements and put them right. Many elderly resident fall because of the uneven pavements and it 1s not good enough."

TEA AND BISCUIT MORNINGS GOING WELL

Last weeks Oscott Elderly Residents Group coffee morning went very well. Organiser Maureen Byrne said. I am please people are coming along. It is good to get out of the house and have a chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
If you want to know more about these meeting please ring 356 6894 and leave a message for Maureen.

OSCOTT DISABILITY GROUP TO WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE
& OSCOTT DISABILITY GROUP

JOINT STATEMENT


CHAIR; FQNR CHAIR; ODG
COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR GEORGE HOUGH


It has been agreed by the committees of our groups that the FQNR and the ODG should endeavour to work closely together to try and insure where possible disabled members (and their supporters) are encouraged to enjoy out door activities. With this in mind it has been decided that the members of the ODG are given joint membership with the FQNR (and vice versa.)
This does not mean these groups are merging as the committee will remain independent of each other, but it is intended that more co-operation will be expected.

It is the aim of this joint venture to encourage
· More disabled people to enjoy activities in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
· Activities such as guided walks (where practical.)
· Improve access to the reserve.
· Encouraging activities such as general gardening type activities such as light pruning/ and planting on the reserve. (As agree by the committee’s: ref parks management)
· To ensure wild life is safe guarded.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP COFFEE MORNING

The Oscott Elderly Residents groups held another successful coffee morning on Wednesday.
Chair Maureen Byne said " we had the Police, a reresentataive of Khalid Mahmood MP and Councillor Linnecor come along to listen to the concerns of residents.
This was followed by an old fashioned chin wag and some socialising over tea and coffee.
We also held a free raffle.
At next months meeting which will be held at the 610 Community Centre 11.15am (16th September) we hope to have a Representative from Ring and Road.

OSCOTT NORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM TO LOAN ORG SCOOTERS

The Oscott Disabilities group as part of ORG have been pleased to agree the loan of some of their fold up electric scooters to the Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum for there Black Country museum trip on Saturday. This will be a great help to disabled residents going on this trip.

This is what community cooperation is all about. It shows you do not have to be organised by the Council or any one else and when residents want to they can get things done.
Residents like Jean Baker and Brian Stevens ONNF organisers have ORGs full support for the good work they do for the community.

OSOTT PUBLIC MEETING SAT 15TH AUGUST

Our public meeting on Saturday seemed to go well. The committee was pleaseD to see Khalid Mahood M.P. Sergeant Kearns and Councillor Keith Linnecor attend our meeting and give us a talk as well as be prepared for a Question and answer session.
Regretfully both Councillor Green and Dring had to give apologies.

There were a number of issues raised and literally dozens of questions asked. Every one seem happy with the result and agreed it is important that we hold our representatives to account.

ORG PUBLIC MEETING TODAY

There will be a public meeting organosed by the ORG today at the 610 Community Centre. Oscott Councillors, the Police and the Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood have all been invited to attend.
This is a none political meeting to discuss issues relating to the Oscott ward.
All residents are invited. The meeting will take place at 10.45am.

WE WANT TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON THE QUESLETT ROAD NOW

The O.R.G think the Sandwell Council should be ashamed of them selves for not agreeing to have new traffic lights erected at the Nova Court / Queslett Road junction NOW.
Their lame excuses for not doing so speake volumes about their lack of interest when it comes to road safety on the Queslett Road.

A REMINDER OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUPS TEA COFFEEE MORNING

The next Coffee morning being held by the Oscott Elderly Residents group will take place at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. It will start at 11.15.
There will be free tea/ biscuits and cakes and a chance to take part in a free raffle.
Why not come along and have a laugh and a chat with us.

ITS ALL FREE

For more details Ring Maureen Byrne 681 1826

T HE NEXT QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTION DAY

There will be a bush clearance and litter pick Action day at the Queslett Nature Reserve on August the 6th. Freinds of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be meeting at the Ashworth Road entrace at 10am.
For further details please ring 464 1869

NEW FENCING FOR BURFORD PLAYING FIELDS

The Kingstanding Neighbourhood Police Initiative have for years been calling for improved boundary fencing on the Burford Road Playing field.
Now thanks to the efforts of Councillor Keith Linnecor and his 2 Ward colleagues Barbara Dring and Grahame Green, the replacing of old fencing on the Burford Road Playing Field ( Kingstanding Road side) has taken a step in the right direction. Funding has been identified and measurements for the new fencing taken.
Brian Brookes Senior Coordinator NPI said. "Councillor Linnecor and I turned up on site on a wet day to help ensure the Council officers fully understood how important this new fencing will be. They have now taken the necessary measurements and will soon be pricing the much needed fencing"

TEA AND COFFEE WITH THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUPS

The next Oscott Elderly residents groups monthly Coffee morning will take place on August 19th at the 610 Community Centre at 10.45. All are welcome to this event organised by the OERG Chair Maureen Byrne and her friends. There will be light refreshments and a chat available.
And don't forget if you want to pop in and meet any of the Oscott Residents groups for advice or just a chat, they hold a drop in session every Saturday morning at 10.30 at the 610 Community Centre. Light refreshments are available and Councillor Keith Linnecor Pops in from time to time if you need his help.

BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM DAY OUT WENT WELL

Our trip to the Black Country museum was voted a great success by all those who went there.
Despite the rain and a few teething problems with the eclectic scooter every really enjoyed them selves and Nigel Quinn, George Hough and Councillor Keith Linnecor really did a good job organising the day trip.
George Said " I was so pleased that every one had a good time. For some their lack of mobility can be a real problem but the new fold up scooters and wheel chair did really well for them.
Some of those who went even ventured into the mine for a look around and the old shops and streets really reminded us of the old days".
"Nigel said I was very pleased that the day went so well it was good that both disabled residents and their careers had a good day out, they deserved it." Keith said I was pleased to be able to help those who went on this trip, have a good day it was tiring, but worth while."

R. Andew

OSCOTT ELDERLY TEA BISCUITS AND COFFEE SESSION RELAUNCHED

The Re launched Oscott Residents Groups Tea and Coffee morning sessions got off to a first rate start on Thursday 15th July. Every one seemed to enjoy themselves and Councillor Keith Linnecor came along to give us a talk about being a Councillor.
There were raffles and every one went home with a smile on their face.

NEW SCOOTERS ARRIVE

The Oscott residents groups are pleased to announce that through the Grass roots funding regime we now have bought 3 fold up electric scooters and 1 wheel chair. These will enable us to take disabled residents out on coach trips giving them freedom to do their own thing when we get to our destination.
George Hough Chair of the Oscott Disabilities Groups said. "I would very much like to thank Nigel Quinn, Councillor Keith Linnecor and Khalid Mahmood MP for their help looking for funding.
I would also like to thank other local Councillors for their support.
These scooter are light weight and maneuverable. They are just what we need".

WELCOME TO OUR UPDATED BLOG

welcome to our new (old blog) due to problems beyond our control our old blog finished on July 7th 2009. We hope to establish a link in order for any one to see our past posts.