OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP AND DISABLED GROUP NEED NEW MEMBERS

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group along with the Oscott Disability Group are looking for new members. Our groups campaign for better things for the elderly and disabled and we also try to have fun. We hold a drop in session (over a cup of tea or coffee on the first and fourth Saturday of the month at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.At 10.30am all are welcome. At these sessions we hear about issues of concerns from members and usually have the opportunaty to meet with Oscott Councillors. We also hold coffee mornings on the third Wednesday in each moth at the 610 Community Centre at 11.45am. At these we hold raffles, have a good chat and from time to time have extend execise classes,coach trips and guest speakers like Councillor Keith Linnecor. If you would like to join or have a friend or relative over 55 who is interested please ring 675 2349

ELDERLY RESIDENTS TRIP TO WESTON SUPERMARE

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group including the Oscott Disability group had a great time in Weston Supermare earlier this month. The group trip was mainly self funded with a little top up from Oscott Councillors through the Oscott community Chest. Brian Brookes said. Thanks to the brilliant organising of our Groups Chairman Maureen Byrne and the ever helpful Oscott Councillor Keith Linnecor we had a great and cheerful time in Weston Supermare. It allowed many to see the sea for the first time for a long time. it was just a shame the weather was so bad.

AUBREY LONGE R.I.P

It is with great sadness the we members of the ORG's learn't of the passing of Aubrey Longe. Aubrey has been a true champion for the Oscott community for many years. He was the Chair of the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum. He was also a Bus Passenger Champion and a Considerate Contractor Lay Assessor. His walm, Charm and genrous nature will not be forgotten. We would like to express outr sympathy to all his loved ones at this time.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP COFFEE MORNING

The next Oscott Elderly Residents group (Chair Maureen Byrne) coffee meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th march. Anyone over the age of 55 is welcome. There is tea and light refreshemnts a chance to have a chat, take part in a raffel, listen to guest speakers and so on. These meetings are held at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road on the 3rd WEdnesday of the month at 11.15am.

RESULTS OF OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS AGM's

Following the 3 AGM's held on the 9th March these were the results Nigel Quinn was elected Chair of the ORA Maureen Byrne was elected Chair of the OREG and George Hough was elected Chair of the ODG There were also discussions relating to- Wheelie bins (No finale decisions have been made in regards to many of the questions being asked however it was a worth while exchange of views. Dog Fouling initiatives are being planned to try and deal with this. Council trips, there are not that many these days and most are sponsored Green waste charging may lead to fly tipping. It was a shame the Great Barr Observer did not publish the meeting details and other issues. The Police were in attendence (Seargent Tomlinson) as was Councillor Keith Linnecor For copy of minutes please ring 675 2349

WHEELIE BINS

The oscott resident groups have had a mixed reaction re this subject. many older resident simply do not want them. They believe they are hard to store and to handle because of things like steps and lack of space. Residents do not like the idea of having to pay £35 to have green waste moved either. However some resident think having wheelie bins will reduce street litter caused by split black bags and will help people to recyle.Many other local authorities have had wheelie bins for many years. The Government have given the Council money to introduce wheelie bins and to keep rubbish collections on a weekly basis. Councillor Keith Linnecor has for months been taking the views of residents and passing them on to those who are in charge and we would recommend you contact him with your views.

DONT FORGET THE OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS AGM MEETING MARCH 9TH

The Oscott Residents Groups will be meeting to hold their AGM's on Saturday 9th of March at 10.30am. The Venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. The Oscott Residents Association The Oscott Disability Group & the Oscott Elderly Residents Group will be holding their AGM's. These groups are looking for new member and Committee members. There will also be an opportunity to ask your local Councillors Questions and find out what is happening in the area The Police and other community leaders have also be asked to attend. This is a good opportunity to ask Oscott Councillors about issues related to Oscott and to hear more about the Oscott Residents groups

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 14TH

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Ward Committee Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring on March 14th at 7pm. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. You can hear what is happening in the Oscott area from Council officers. (This included what is happening about the oscott Community Chest) and their is an oppotunity to ask questions.

MEETING HELD ABOUT ALDRIDGE ROAD SAFETY

The Chair of the Oscott Residents Association has met with a Senior Director of the Transportation department and Councillor Keith Linnecor to discuss road safety issues regarding the Aldridge Road. The meeting took place on the Aldridge Road and the Director Mr Blakemore agreed to go away and look at what possible measures could be considered. The Oscott Residents Association continue to support calls by Councillor Keith Linnecor and the other Oscott Councillors for Road safety measures to be introduced.

OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS TO HAVE AGM'S MARCH 9TH

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Residents Association. Oscott Disability group and the Oscott Elderly Residents Group on Saturday March 9th at the 610 Community Centre (It will be their AGM's) THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30am AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE I have been informed anyone wishing to be considered for any post in the above groups should contact 675 2349 one week in advance of the AGM's for further details. The above groups campaign on issues such as the Environment, Community Safety, Matters of concern to disabled residents and the elderly. in the Oscott area. If you would like to be involved please cont the number above we would love to welcome you into our groups we need to know what residents are concerned about. Help improve you local community

SAY NO TO COLD CALLING

The Oscott NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE INITIATIVE are fully behind Councillor Keith Linnecor and his campaign to stop cold calling by unkown company respentatives and bogus callers.The NPI are also pleased to see the Police are looking into this. We would like to see no Cold Calling Zones set up in Oscott. Along with Councillor keith Linnecor we now are giving out advice regarding this issue and also FREE door stickers on request. Remember to check the ID of callers Never let any on in with checking them. If they will not go away call the Police. Do not be destracted by these callers when in your house keep them in sight at all times. If in doubt ask a friend to come in with you. Play it safe. -------------------------------------- For further details or to request a free sticker please ring 675 2349 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian Brookes NPI

THE OSCOTT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Chair O.R.A Nigel Quinn---- The Oscott residents Association Chair Nigel Quinn says " We need newmember from accross the whole of the Oscott ward to help us help local residents. The ORA lobbies the Council (we work well with our Councillors)the Police and other ageny's. Some of our concerns Road safety The environment Health issues Planning issues Policing Anti social behavior Transport issues We work closely with other local groups as part of the Oscott Resident Groups and we hold informal meeting (pop in for a chat and tell us your concerns) most Saturday mornings at 10.30am at the 610 Community Centre Kingstading Road (tel 464 2268) It is our aim to try and make everyone concerned Oscott and its people matter." For information Tel 675 2349

WHY NOT JOIN THE OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUP

If you would like to join any of the Oscott Residents Groups or their associated groups please ring 675 2349 for details.

COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR RECIEVES COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM LOCAL GROUP

We were pleased to learn that Councillor keith Linnecor has recieved an award for Community Leadership from the event organisors of the Oscott Games 2012. Keith helped arange a visit from the Lord Major and was a judge at some of the events which took place. Well done Keith ------------------ Maureen Byrne OERG Chair

SAFETY SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

The Oscott Residents association working with Local residents have handed in a large petition calling for urgent road safety measures to be introduced to the Aldridge Road, to our Local Council (and supporter) Councillor Keith Linnecor Keith who has been campaigning with us on this issue for many years has kindly presented it to the council for us. The Aldridge Road / Greenholm Road/ Thornbridge Avenue is a well know black spot. Many school children also cross on their way to Greenholm School at this juction. WE are also calling for safety measure for the whole wtretch of road. Many thanks to all who signed the petition or helped collect it. Nigel Quinn Chair Oscott Residents Association