Monday, 28 April 2008

ALDRIDGE ROAD AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

Many resident are complaining about speeding traffic on the Aldridge Road. Following representations from the Oscott Residents Association, the Police recently carried out some speed survey work between the Boars Head and Greenholm Road and it is hoped that this may help convince the Councils Transportation department to do something to deal with the problem?

N. Quinn ORA

Saturday, 26 April 2008

UNWARRANTED ATTACK ON COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE

There was an completely unwarranted attack on one of the Oscott Resident Groups leading members in the letter pages of the Great Barr Observer, (April 25th) by a local resident (MrF).
This resident condemned a previous letter by Mr Quinn (Chair Oscott Residents Association) published in the Great Barr observer, which pointed out that at a meeting, (see previous Post) Councilor Linnecor had informed members that they should get hold of an important Centro Document concerning Bus use in the future.
From the tone of the residents letter (we will not give him the satisfaction of naming him) political implications were made regarding Mr Quinns letter. To see that this was clearly nonsense ORG would recommend you read Mr Quinns letter for your self, (Great Barr Observer 18th April)
We tend to think in the letter attacking Mr Quinn, there is a give away line which talks about the resident who is complaining about Mr Quinn," only seeing Tory leaflets"
It is very sad when for what must be misguided "political reasons" those like Mr Quinn who try and help improve his local community, must have to put up with such nonsense. There were also comments made about the ORA not been known or advertised.
For the record there is information about the ORA in Local Libraries and Community Centres. There are also occasional news letters and of course this blog.
ORA and the ORG work with Local Councillors when it is appropriate but are non political and we are not under the control of the Local Council who ever may be in charge.

Monday, 7 April 2008

ORG EXECUTIVE REPORT APRIL 08


The ORG held its quarterly Executive meeting Saturday 3rd April. Councillor Keith Linnecor attended as our guest and informed us of the proposals by Centro to look at the future of the bus and its use in the West Midlands. Unfortunately there was only one Transforming Bus Travel in the West Midlands document available, as none of the community Groups had ever been sent one (is this consultation?). Councillor Linnecor went through the document with us and urged our groups requests these documents be sent to us by Centro so that we can look at them in more depth.
The lack of meaningful consultation by Centro is shameful. Thanks however to Councillor Linnecor now that the consultation period has been put back to June and we have been made aware of the document we can look into this issue. They have already got away with altering the 655 and the 376 bus routes we must keep any eye on them.
SOME OTHER ISSUES OF CONCERN.
ORG group leaders were also concerned about the lack of action by the Birmingham City Council with regards to speeding through out various parts of the ward. The Police have however been looking at the Aldridge Road near the Boars Head.
Although Anti social behavior is still a problem in some parts of the ward notably in Dormington Road,Policing in the area is generally quiet.
There is still however problems with cars using disabled drop curbs to drive and park on pavements in the area.

On a brighter note the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve is going from strength to strength and we would like to thank Councillor Keith Linnecor for his efforts as chair. Tree planting has been completed, bird and bat boxes are expected to be put up later this year and there will be wild flower planting and litter picking sessions also later this year.
There is another joint community groups leaflet being put out in parts of the ward and this has details of this blog on it.
The joint Saturday morning community drop in sessions every Saturday at the 610 Community Centre are still going well and a number of issues are been raised by local residents.

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

LOCAL BLOG WATCH

As bloggers our selves? We have decided to keep an eye on other local bloggers and give you a report on them.

Councillor John Cotton Oscott Blog details http://cllrjohncotton.blogspot.com/

Not a bad blog, nicely set out, plenty of links and plenty of pictures. Not updated to regularly though. Local and Council news and some comments regarding family matters.

Councillor Keith Linnecor Oscott Blog details
http://keith.linnecor.blogspot.com/

An active blogger with a blog which is kept well updated with plenty of pictures. Plenty of local news and some of a more general nature such as the activities of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve.

Conservative Candidate Graham Green. Oscott
http://www.myspace.com.grahamgreen/

Hard to say much as he has not bothered much with his blog. Nothing of interest on it at the moment and it has not been updated this year. Disappointing really.


Councillor Zoe Hopkins Kingstanding Blog details.
http://cillrzoehopkins.blogspot.com/

A well set out blog, nice and bight in colour, not many pictures. More political than the others, but there are a number of interesting posts and a number of links. Could be updated more however.