W.c 16th March

Monday

Attended a mother and toddler group run at The Oaks School Druids Heath, a fantastic time, which I really enjoyed and managed to pick up a number of cases, which I have dealt with, some of them there and then.

Here is a link to the latest planning applications for Brandwood Ward

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/media?media_id=284867

Followed up my visit at The Oaks School, by doing a walk and drive around the ward, meeting up with local residents.

Tuesday

Tuesday HUROS day, not a great deal on the agenda for today's meeting, but what was surprising was that John Lines didn't show his face, which is quite unusual. I did have a go about the time being taken by the Councils housing contractors to turn around void properties, these are not properties which need a great deal doing to them, perhaps a piece of skirting board replaced, a few damaged tiles replaced or even a light switch changed. We, (that is Birmingham's residents) are loosing more than £1.5million a year in lost rents, not to mention the 30,000 on the housing waiting list needing a new home. I daren't mention the time being taken on "MAJOR" voids, which often takes more than SIX MONTHS to get back in to the system.

Later in the day attended Druids Heath HLB at Manningford Hall. I had to congratulate them on the wise choice of purchasing new litter bins and the planters look a real treat, with the new spring plants already in bloom. The new trip railing also paid for by the HLB, whilst not completed will be a boon to the localised area.

We discussed the maintenance of Manningford Hall, with the assistance of "The unpaid workers" service, which if approved will make the hall a beacon of light in the area.

Michael F. announced that on Sunday we had been cleaning up again Chinn Brook.

Wednesday

Made several house calls in the ward today, most of those I attended couldn't get to any of my advice centres and I do have a duty to them.

Thursday

Spent the morning with a post graduate, with whom I was in deep discussion with, about housing in Birmingham, some of the shortcoming and difficulties being experienced by residents, but more particularly those in my own ward.

The afternoon was taken up with one of my regular advice centres at Dell Meadow, this session wasn't as busy as some of them I have had, so was able to leave at 4:00pm.

Friday

Started the morning off with a walkabout, around Brandwwod Park Road and Waterside, with several council officers, managed to talk with several residents about their concerns for the area and what else needed doing. At long last The Ashmeadow PH is to be demolished, but the hold up now is that they have found blue asbestos, so are having to wait for a license and then to get an approved contractor in before anything more can be done. Our walk around Dawberry Fields Park continues to sent alarm bells ringing each time I visit. The skate bowl, whilst it does have two newly created steps in it, still doesn't have fencing all around so a youngster as sure as God made little apples will fall in there and come a right cropper. Talking to a couple of dog owners, I was amazed to hear that there isn't one waste bin in the park, which I brought to officers attention, there needs to be at least four if not five, all metal ones I must add.

Immediately headed over to Yardley Wood Bus Garage for a meeting with National Express over buses running around All Saints Road area, not a comfortable meeting I must add, but did say if I thought it possible we should have a public meeting and inform residents of proposals.

Very shortly afterwards started to had phone calls from residents about N.E. plans, so it's not looking hopeful.

The afternoon was taken up with the launch of youth activities at Cocks Moor Leisure Centre, paid for by the NHS Primary Care Trust for the area. The dance mats were brilliant, I managed to get almost all the councillors up, on them along with Police and other council officers, I think we all enjoyed them, whilst the experts, students from Bishop Challoner School laughed and giggled at our antics.

Saturday

Attended a public meeting at Kings Heath Cricket Club on anti social behaviour, in attendance was Steve McCabe MP, with representatives of BASBU, Council Housing, Police, Crown prosecution Service and an advocate of youth, Youthwise. This was a really good meeting, even though we heard some really difficult problems which some residents had and are experiencing.

That said and done, one resident spoke very positively about what they had achieved in a shortish time with the help of many of those on the top table.

At the close of the meeting almost everyone on the top table stayed behind and listened too and took details of current problems to action them, or at least start the ball rolling.