tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198777662012-01-26T04:46:25.827ZCampaigning for Selly Oak and Selly ParkRobert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.comBlogger3341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-47719892580217656562011-09-07T08:11:00.001+01:002011-09-07T08:11:00.202+01:00

The digital TV switchover has arrived in Birmingham. By the end of the month the analogue TV signal to your aerial will be switched off and only the digital TV signals will remain. Cable and satellite TV services will not be affected.From today BBC2 will stop being broadcast in analogue from the Sutton Coldfield transmitter. We will all need to retune our TVs and set top boxes to ensure that we

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-73760950356842463682011-06-03T22:42:00.007+01:002011-06-03T22:59:30.170+01:00

Lib Dem councillors Alistair Dow and Dave Radcliffe have announced new arrangements for advice surgeries in Selly Oak and Selly Park.From 1 June 2011 the advice surgery times for local residents are:First Monday of each month (except during August and on Bank Holidays)7pmSports Centre, Selly Park Technology College for Girls, Pershore Road entrance (Location Map)Third Monday of each month (except

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-1385730549014386832011-05-06T10:24:00.004+01:002011-05-06T10:43:56.097+01:00

This is just a quick post to say thank you to everyone who voted for me in yesterday's council election. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a councillor for the Selly Oak Ward over the last seven years, but unfortunately I was not re-elected.I know that we have achieved a lot together over that period and I have been very grateful for the warm welcome and kind words that I have

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-89553526588085324032011-05-02T23:02:00.002+01:002011-05-02T23:38:49.494+01:00

On Friday I took up an invitation to drop into the royal wedding street party on Eastern Road in Selly Park.My fellow councillor Alistair Dow and I found a very interesting wedding veil in the shape of a beekeepers' hat!It was great to see so many local residents enjoying themselves. It was a great opportunity for local residents to meet old and new friends and I understand that the party went on

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-2119008812058717282011-04-26T17:58:00.003+01:002011-04-26T17:58:00.201+01:00

Police in South Birmingham are opening the doors of Bournville Lane Police Station for a community open day on Saturday 7 May 2011. The open day will start at 10.00am and run through to 2pm.This is an opportunity to meet local officers, see inside the police station and among other things:Visit the cell block and have your fingerprints takenJoin the Big Lottery Outdoor Play - scale the climbing

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-76823276403045432072011-04-24T19:10:00.004+01:002011-04-25T00:56:48.672+01:00

As well as voting for local councillors on 5 May 2011, we will also be voting in a referendum on whether the altervative vote should be used to elected MPs in future. Many people have asked me what the alternative vote system is and how it would be different, so I thought that this explanation by TV historian Dan Snow might be helpful:

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-87375268154185156252011-04-14T22:17:00.004+01:002011-04-14T22:54:25.206+01:00

The "I Love Selly Oak" Doorstep Challenge returns to the Bournbrook area of Birmingham as announced today:"Gardening has never been more on trend as Birmingham holds its “I Love Selly Oak Doorstep challenge”, giving its residents the opportunity of winning numerous prizes. The event is run by Birmingham City Council’s Selly Oak constituency and The University of Birmingham’s Guild, and will

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-66160824775523641092011-04-08T23:01:00.001+01:002011-04-09T19:59:13.439+01:00

There is a great review of Selly Oak Park and the new nature trail and play equipment in today's Birmingham Mail:"Recent developments at this expansive, open park are bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘going for a carvery’. "Here, nature and history are combining on the Selly Oak Park Nature Trail to provide rare added value."You can read the full story online at: Walk In The Park: Selly

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-88959059593171237382011-04-07T12:13:00.002+01:002011-04-07T16:29:39.438+01:00

Birmingham City Council's Selly Oak Constituency is holding its second Arts Trail Exhibition and Competition this spring.It is open to everyone and includes the following categories: Photographs, paintings and drawings - Adults 17+Poetry - Adults 17+Photographs, paintings, drawings and poetry - Young people, 12-16 yrsPaintings and drawings with a ‘Birmingham' theme - Children, 0-11 yrsThe

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-23852804276535889282011-04-03T23:02:00.004+01:002011-04-03T23:12:52.007+01:00

Members of the Selly Oak Neighbourhood Policing Team will are holding regular meet and greet sessions every Saturday in April. This is an opportunity for local residents to meet the Policing Team and discuss issues of local concern.The sessions will take place between 1pm and 3pm on Saturdays at the Bournbrook Community Safety Project, 33 Dartmouth Road, Bournbrook B29 6DR.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-88055559491617108252011-03-31T23:40:00.002+01:002011-04-01T00:23:39.713+01:00

Earlier this evening I attended the first public meeting of the Selly Oak St Marys Neighbourhood Forum. There was a good turnout from local residents and it was encouraging to see so much support for the new Forum, which will build on the good work of existing residents groups such as the Friends of Selly Oak Park and the Friends of Westhill Playing Fields.Neighbourhood Forums are independent

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-14975356081028320182011-03-31T17:52:00.001+01:002011-03-31T17:52:01.182+01:00

The agenda for the City Council meeting to be held at 2pm on Tuesday 5 April 2011 has now been published.Items on the agenda include:the annual report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (pdf, 95KB) (which has recommended another freeze in the level of councillors' allowances);oral reports from the Lead Members on Constituency Committees;the Vulnerable Children Overview & Scrutiny Committee's

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-79015492777565448842011-03-28T23:29:00.003+01:002011-03-28T23:44:56.854+01:00

The 2011 census is important. The amount of money that Birmingham City Council and other public bodies will receive to spend on services over the next ten years is directly influenced by how many people are counted in the city and the information the government gets on the needs of Birmingham's residents and communities.For lost or missing forms, or for extra help and advice, you can call 0300

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-17831405113710585332011-03-23T12:49:00.006Z2011-03-23T22:31:38.837Z

Earlier this month the Council announced that a funding package had been agreed with the NHS to continue offering Birmingham residents free swimming, group exercise classes and gym sessions (the Be Active Scheme).The agreed Be Active hours for the leisure facilities in the Selly Oak Constituency (including Tiverton Pool & Gym) from 1st April 2011 are set out below.Gym Monday to Sunday - 1.00pm –

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-26257536926476366442011-03-16T13:17:00.006Z2011-03-19T01:24:25.995Z

I am delighted to report that the Council's Licensing Committee has today agreed that the Westhill Playing Fields should be granted Village Green status, which will help protect them from development. This success is largely due to the hard work and commitment of local residents who formed the Friends of Westhill Playing Fields and have been campaigning for Village Green status.Today's decision

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-59708941406192415402011-03-13T20:14:00.003Z2011-03-15T20:25:51.793Z

Following the strikes and "work to rule" that disrupted rubbish and recycling collections over the Christmas period, the Council has announced that staff in the Council's Fleet & Waste Management department have accepted a deal to avoid further industrial action.The four Trade Unions involved - UCATT, GMB, Unite and Unison - signed a Collective Agreement with the Council after a ballot of their

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-59719833276053903812011-03-11T19:14:00.004Z2011-03-11T23:07:40.690Z

Earlier today I was delighted to be able to officially open the new nature train in Selly Oak Park. Tracey Hewitt, who on top of her day job with the Council is the Neighbourhood Manager for Selly Oak St Marys, has done a great job in pulling together the trail and its many wood sculptures and information boards. In doing so, she worked closely with the Friends of Selly Oak Park and many

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-92036515177018022422011-03-01T21:55:00.007Z2011-03-06T23:28:40.479Z

Members of the Selly Oak Neighbourhood Policing Team will available for you to meet and discuss local issues every Saturday throughout March between 1pm and 3pm at the Bournbrook Community Safety Project, 33 Dartmouth Road, Bournbrook B29 6DR.They will be able to inform you about events going on the local area (including the Neighbourhood Tasking Meeting), provide crime prevention advice and

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-80256423965828497152011-02-26T18:03:00.001Z2011-02-28T23:23:18.281Z

The agenda for the City Council meeting on 1 March 2011 has now been published.This is the annual budget meeting, which sets the budget and Council Tax levels for the following year (although, in practice, the vast majority of Birmingham City Council's income is determined by central Government - only about 10% comes from Council Tax). The City Council will receive general Government Formula

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-88637370926950467192011-02-20T18:15:00.003Z2011-02-21T23:58:01.184Z

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Constituency Committee will be held at 7pm on Thursday 22 February 2011 in the Brandwood Centre, 157 Allens Croft Road, Brandwood B14 6RP.The agenda has been published.Items on the agenda include:a presentation by Matt Roebuck, Participation Sports Manager, on Birmingham's Playing Fields and Sportshall and Facilities Strategies;an update on the proposed

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-59579337606968949452011-02-16T22:55:00.006Z2011-03-01T22:15:48.804Z

Today saw the official opening of the new canal adqueduct in Selly Oak. The new aqueduct carries the Birmingham to Worcester Canal over the £16m Selly Oak New Road development.The aqueduct has been named ‘Ariel Aqueduct’ after the Ariel Factory on Grange Road that produced bicycles, motorcycles and cars. The factory closed in 1963 after being established for over 100 years.Developed by

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-50002324107403029522011-02-15T00:07:00.002Z2011-02-17T01:26:13.490Z

Following the earlier Budget consultation, details have now been published of the proposed Council Budget for the next financial year (2011/12). You can download a copy of the Council Plan 2011+ that incorporates the budget (pdf, 2.31MB) or read the press release.This is clearly a challenging year for many Council. Birmingham City Council's plans are being based upon 7 principles (although not

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-25545773987057295132011-02-11T23:32:00.002Z2011-02-11T23:49:18.682Z

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee is at 7pm on Tuesday 16 February 2011 in the Elim Church Centre, Exeter Road, Selly Oak, B29 6EU. The agenda is now online.Agenda items include:a proposal for a Cumulative Impact Policy for the Bournbrook area to restrict the growth and operating conditions of new and existing licensed premises (a representive of West Midlands Police will attend

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-65791546987820843512011-02-08T15:27:00.005Z2011-02-11T23:32:08.508Z

Every six months the Council delivers a roll of 26 refuse sacks to homes in Birmingham. You should receive the next roll by 9 March 2011 if you live in south Birmingham (some people may already have received one because distribution started at the beginning of this month).Since someone recently asked me when they would be receiving the next one, I thought that I would share the answer with

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-73656075209228156432011-01-25T09:31:00.003Z2011-01-25T09:50:18.044Z

The agenda for the next City Council meeting at 2pm on Tuesday 1 February 2011 includes:the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Housing (pdf, 272KB);the annual report of the Chairman of the Planning Committee (pdf, 890KB);the annual report of the Chairman of the Licensing Committee (pdf, 101KB); andthe annual report of the Chairman of the Public Protection Committee (pdf, 220KB) - the Public

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-24683026173922458092011-01-13T19:45:00.003Z2011-01-13T23:57:41.874Z

Following talks earlier this weekj, it was announced yesterday that an agreement has been reached between Birmingham City Council and the Trades Unions which will see the suspension of the industrial action currently affecting the city’s rubbish collections. Talks are continuing with a view to reaching a successful conclusion to the dispute that will have to be subject to agreement by both

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-57308709980090318322011-01-11T08:58:00.001Z2011-01-25T09:25:52.876Z

The agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday 11 January 2011 included:the annual report of the Deputy Council Leader (212KB) (Cllr Paul Tilsley (Lib Dem, Sheldon Ward)) [there is also an audio recording of his speech]; the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families (pdf, 390KB) (together with the Executive Member for Children's Social Care - a new post that

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-84761816622643620952010-12-24T11:10:00.008Z2011-01-13T23:44:29.727Z

This Christmas will see a major step forward in the construction of the Selly Oak New Road - the installation of the railway bridge.From midnight on Christmas Day until the early hours of Wednesday 29 December, the contractors (Birse) will take possession of the cross-city railway line at Selly Oak and:move the track and overhead lines itself; excavate and prepare the ground along the route of

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-47292956831139339832010-12-21T23:24:00.003Z2010-12-21T23:47:30.298Z

As a general rule, the only two days on which Birmingham City Council does not operate scheduled rubbish collections are Christmas Day and Boxing Day - neither of which are weekdays this year.However, the weather has already started to disrupt rubbish collections and this, as well as industrial action, may mean that rubbish is not collected on the usual day. If this happens, the Council has

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-83145515216708550662010-12-07T22:11:00.001Z2010-12-09T00:32:53.597Z

Birmingham City Council has launched a budget consultation on how the Council can meet the current financial challenge while protecting the key priorities for the city. Views and comments from service users, residents, businesses and staff are being invited. A consultation document (pdf, 825KB) sets out an overall view of the financial situation, details of the proposed approach Birmingham City

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-36693837595380992782010-12-05T20:06:00.004Z2010-12-09T00:11:12.447Z

On Saturday I attended a tree planting event in Selly Oak Park organised by the Scouts (and even lent a hand, or should I say a foot!, with some of the digging). Around 30 trees have kindly been donated by the 1st Ariel Scout Group.Representatives of the Friends of Selly Oak Park were also present and they are running a park users' survey on their website at www.friendsofsellyoakpark.org.ukIf

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-81948903334216291142010-12-01T23:38:00.003Z2010-12-01T23:59:20.879Z

The next City Council meeting will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 7 December 2010 and the agenda has been published online.Items on the agenda include:the annual report (pdf, 430KB) of the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture - Cllr Martin Mullaney (Lib Dem, Moseley & Kings Heath Ward);the annual report (pdf, 267KB) of the Lead Member on the West Midlands Police Authority - Cllr Ernie Hendricks

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-39947089950490889482010-11-17T22:05:00.007Z2010-11-19T21:13:11.723Z

The Council has informed me that there will be a break in garden waste collections over the winter period. No collections will take place after Friday 26 November, but they will resume on the normal fortnightly schedule after Sunday 6 February 2011.You can check your own collection dates by telephoning the Council on 303 1112.If you are interested in composting in your own garden, you can find

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-40147866232650851162010-11-07T20:30:00.004Z2010-11-24T00:26:00.269Z

Amey (on behalf of Birmingham City Council) will be resurfacing Pershore Road between Dogpool Lane and Cartland Road from Monday 8 November 2010.The work will last for up to 6 nights and will take place between 22.00 06.00am. Pershore Road will be closed during those times, but pedestrian access will be maintained as will access for emergency vehicles. Residents living on or just off that

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-64455506030050491572010-10-27T20:02:00.002+01:002010-10-31T20:19:45.994Z

The next City Council meeting will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 2 November 2010 and the agenda has been published online.Items on the agenda include:the annual report (pdf, 349KB) of the Cabinet Member for Finance (a new role created this year);the annual report (pdf, 751KB) of the Audit Committee (chaired by my fellow Selly Oak Ward councillor Dave Radcliffe);a Scrutiny report on Project Champion (

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-67642686353204788812010-10-21T11:49:00.000+01:002010-10-22T00:00:57.999+01:00

This Sunday (24 October 2010) will again see the Birmingham Half Marathon using the Pershore Road. Unlike last year runners will be running out to Bournville and back along the Pershore Road - less roads will therefore be affected than last year. The full route is available online and Pershore Road should be re-opened to traffic by about 2pm.Local residents should already have received

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-31608049766993069392010-10-18T23:48:00.004+01:002010-10-26T23:14:02.247+01:00

On Monday 18 October I joined other local residents from the Selly Park South Neighbourhood Forum to take part in a Community Speed Watch in the Dogpool Lane area during the evening rush hour. Using detection equipment supplied by the Police we were able to measure the speed of individual vehicles.Support for the Community Speed Watch was provided by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-29905420466151318732010-10-17T23:09:00.002+01:002010-10-17T23:38:02.928+01:00

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 20 October 2010 at St Marys Primary School, Lodge Hill Road, Selly Oak.Items on the agenda include:an update on work on the Selly Oak New Road (a representative of Birse Civil, the contractor building the New Road (now named Aston Webb Boulevard) has been invited);an update on the Selly Oak Ward Community Chest;

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-83948646862436956622010-10-07T21:30:00.002+01:002010-10-07T23:51:24.790+01:00

The next City Council meeting will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 12 October 2010 and the agenda has been published online.Items on the agenda include:the Annual Report (pdf, 298KB) of the Cabinet Member for Adults & Communities (Lib Dem Councillor Sue Anderson (Sheldon Ward));the Annual Report (pdf, 142KB) of the Council's Lead Member on the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (Centro); a

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-23792635708375500562010-09-30T23:21:00.003+01:002010-10-01T01:33:26.871+01:00

Earlier this evening I and other councillors attended a presentation by Sara Thornton, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, on her review of Project Champion - the plan by West Midlands Police to ring Alum Rock and Sparkhill with number plate recognition CCTV cameras.Her full report is available online, but I think it is fair to say that she hasn't pulled her punches. Among the conclusions is

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-35974140111074666562010-09-26T22:43:00.006+01:002010-09-30T00:08:46.048+01:00

On Saturday 25 September 2010 I attended another successful Community Fun Day in Muntz Park. Organisations supporting the event included Birmingham City Council, the Friends of Muntz Park and Selly Park Recreation Ground, Raddlebarn School (as in previous years, the playgound was again pressed into use), the Police, local Scouts, the Bournbrook Community Safety Project and the Community Warden

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-73110930399181873972010-09-19T21:51:00.004+01:002010-10-10T23:47:37.384+01:00

The Friends of Selly Oak Park AGM will be held at 3pm on Sunday 26 September in the Scout Hut on Gibbins Road next to the junction with Harborne Lane.The agenda will follow the normal format and following reports from the existing committee will elect the committee for 2010/11.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-36065581861116292942010-09-17T22:30:00.006+01:002010-09-18T12:29:02.484+01:00

IThe next meeting of the Selly Oak Constituency Committee will be held on Thursday 23 September 2010 from 7pm to 9pm as usual.The venue will be St Andrews Methodist Church, Cartland Road, Stirchley (at the junction with Pershore Road).The agenda has been published.Items on the agenda include: Agenda items include:- the consultation on devolution and localisation;- Leisure Trust;- an update on

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-63178437148031978542010-09-02T19:57:00.004+01:002010-09-02T20:31:48.188+01:00

The next City Council meeting will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 7 September 2010 and the agenda has been published.Items on the agenda include:the report of the Leader of the Council on the State of the City;a Liberal Democrat motion welcoming the Coalition Government's decision to allow local councils to sell renewable energy to the grid and calling upon the Council to urgently develop a “Green

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-25521871474209939852010-08-23T21:24:00.003+01:002010-08-23T21:44:59.758+01:00

Birse Civils, the Council's contractors for the Selly Oak New Road, have announced that they expect to be working outside of normal working hours this week because of essential work on the canal aqueduct.The concrete pour to the aqueduct is scheduled for Thursday 26 August 2010, starting at approximately 5.00am and going on until 9.00pm. Birse Civils have apologised for any disturbance to

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-2426937423070237212010-08-19T21:07:00.003+01:002010-08-23T21:23:32.943+01:00

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is opening its Collections Centre for a free Open Day on Sunday 22nd August 2010 between 10.30am and 5.00pm. For this Open Day there will also be some extra activities for the whole family - free donkey rides for children, falconry displays, and children's trails.The Collections Centre is only a couple of miles from the city centre close to Duddeston Station or

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-86628264715303551572010-08-03T22:47:00.005+01:002010-08-04T12:56:30.770+01:00

Now that the school summer holiday is underway, birminghamnewsroom.com has a list of things to in Birmingham this summer.Ideas include summer events at libraries, the new mac in Cannon Hill Park and local leisure centres.There are also summer activities at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-72887432994001705332010-07-25T18:23:00.004+01:002010-08-03T14:29:18.269+01:00

If you need to visit Birmingham City Council's Planning Department for any reason, please note that it has now moved from Alpha Tower to 1 Lancaster Circus, Queensway, Birmingham B4 7DJ (a map is on the Council website).If you want to check details of current or historic planning applications then you can access the details online by visiting www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline You can view

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-28347277224740854092010-07-18T21:51:00.007+01:002010-07-18T23:25:45.497+01:00

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee is at 6pm on Thursday 22 July 2010 at the Selly Park Technology College for Girls (Pershore Road entrance). The agenda is now online.Bethan Flynn from the Environment Agency has kindly agreed to attend the meeting to discuss the flood modelling work that they have recently completed on the River Rea, the Bourn Brook and the Bourn. This will be an

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-62666171423953973362010-07-05T17:41:00.001+01:002010-07-05T20:05:08.048+01:00

The 2010 Birmingham Half Marathon has been officially launched and will take place on Sunday 24 October 2010 (you can see the video of the official launch above).The 2010 event will use Cannon Hill Park and the Pershore Road again, but it will not loop along Raddlebarn Road, which should reduce the inconvenience for local residents. You can download a pdf map of the route. Residents living near

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-61204120988443981742010-06-30T20:17:00.002+01:002010-07-06T20:19:20.307+01:00

The agenda for the City Council meeting at 2pm on Tuesday 6 July 2010 has now been published.Agenda items include:the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Transportation & Regeneration (pdf, 560KB);the Corporate Parenting Pledge (pdf, 30KB) in relation to the more than 2,000 children in the care of Birmingham City Council; anda report of the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Better

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-79633407087567843642010-06-27T20:10:00.002+01:002010-06-29T18:19:07.211+01:00

The Selly Oak Constituency Committee will meet at 7pm on Tuesday 29 July 2010 at Stirchley Community School, Pershore Road, Stirchley (to the rear of the Selly Oak Constituency Office).Items on the agenda include:the Community Safety Annual Report (double click link to see report and appendix);a number of Neighbourhood Management Annual Reports from across the constituency (again, double click

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-79949520762896039572010-06-27T18:18:00.002+01:002010-10-10T23:48:59.396+01:00

The Friends of Selly Oak Park organised a successful Selly Oak Festival on Saturday, coinciding with the visit of the Fair to the park.One of the attractions included a demonstration of woodcarving. On display was the pillar to the right, which will eventually be a permanent feature in the park. This and other carvings, many using wood from trees in the park itself, will introduced as part of a

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-12261357167559425882010-06-15T23:39:00.004+01:002010-06-15T23:54:55.273+01:00

On 16 June the Accident & Emergency department is moving from Selly Oak Hospital to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital building.Patients will be able to get to the new QE using the Selly Oak New Road from the roundabout on Harborne Lane. Road signs should be adjusted to direct you to the new hospital. You can find more details of how to get to the QE at www.uhb.nhs.uk/how-to-find-us.htm and there

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-58844720193381005042010-06-11T22:22:00.002+01:002010-06-15T23:36:05.285+01:00

The agenda for the Council meeting on Tuesday 15 June 2010 includes:the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources;a Liberal Democrat motion welcoming the introduction of an Energy Bill which will seek to provide a step change in the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes and business and put in place a framework to deliver low carbon energy supplies and fair

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-9497684814215636602010-05-20T23:10:00.003+01:002010-05-20T23:32:41.947+01:00

The Council's AGM will be held at 4pm on Tuesday 25 May 2010 and the agenda is available online (pdf, 26KB).Technically there will be two Council meetings on Tuesday - the first one being a short special meeting to create two Honorary Aldermen, including Lib Dem Jim Whorwood, a former Lord Mayor, who stood down from the Council this year. Jim's career is reviewed in today's Birmingham Mail.The

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-12965483826299693802010-05-12T23:05:00.001+01:002010-05-13T00:42:37.536+01:00

All day people have been asking me how I feel. It's as if I was a young mother who had just given birth for the first time. Although come to think of it, perhaps that's not far off the mark!So how do I feel? A little bit nervous and a little excited. Coalition Government is a huge opportunity to see Liberal Democrat policies implemented and to help create a fairer Britain. These policies

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-74320086190055663892010-05-10T22:58:00.004+01:002010-05-10T23:31:00.595+01:00

Named after Joseph Chamberlain, who became Mayor of Birmingham in 1873, the Chamberlain awards were created to recognise Birmingham City Council workers who go the extra mile to provide quality services.The 'People’s Choice for services to the community' category allows the general public to nominate their favorite council worker. If someone has exceeded your expectations, made something happen,

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-86935937312332213572010-05-08T12:10:00.004+01:002010-05-09T23:31:47.157+01:00

My fellow ward councillor Dave Radcliffe was re-elected on 6 May 2010 with an increased majority of 1,394. The full result was:Dave Radcliffe (Liberal Democrats) - 4,536 votes (42.5%) Labour - 3,142 votes (29.4%) Conservatives - 2,214 votes (20.7%) Green - 453 votes (4.2%) BNP - 230 votes (2.2%) Christian Peoples Alliance - 80 votes (0.7%)Turnout was 56.1%.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-79485399254830407222010-04-20T22:05:00.007+01:002010-05-09T23:08:58.963+01:00

West Midlands Police have been through a reorganisation. Instead of being covered by several different neighbourhood policing teams the Selly Oak Ward is from April 2010 covered by one team.The Selly Oak Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team is headed by Sergeant Sally Olsen and can be contacted by telephoning 0345 113 5000 or emailing sellyoak@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk. You can also find details

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-68977592808293032462010-04-07T22:42:00.000+01:002010-04-08T01:02:05.959+01:00

The agenda for the Council meeting on Tuesday 13 April 2010 includes the following items:the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (pdf, 144KB), which is recommending a freeze on councillors' allowances;the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Local Services and Community Safety - Councillor Ayoub Khan (Lib Dem, Aston Ward); anda Scrutiny review of partnership working to tackle gang

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-78164526927126625652010-04-02T19:27:00.002+01:002010-04-02T22:38:24.925+01:00

If you are looking for ideas on what to do over the Easter holidays, then you may be interested to know that Blakesley Hall, Aston Hall, Sarehole Mill and Soho House have all re-opened after the winter months.There are programmes of events over the Easter holidays for families and most of them are free. Activities include Easter trails, egg hunts and craft activities.Opening times are 12noon-

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-46465506557858512672010-04-01T22:44:00.003+01:002010-04-02T22:39:04.323+01:00

I have just returned home from the Lord Mayor's Charity Auction at the Council House. Initial indications are that this event successfully raised over £7,000 for the Lord Mayor's charities.Each Lord Mayor of Birmingham chooses a number of charities that he raises money for during his year of office. The current Lord Mayor is Councillor Mick Wilkes (Lib Dem, Hall Green Ward) whose four charities

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-20923024308308625142010-03-30T21:46:00.005+01:002010-03-30T22:06:48.221+01:00

As part of the ongoing development of the Birmingham City Council website, you can now create an online Customer Account that is intended to make it easier to access services in one place on the website. The online account is designed to allow users:secure access to request Council services any time of the day or week;the ability to fill out forms quickly by saving your personal details; andto

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-60694899596961454332010-03-23T11:30:00.004Z2010-03-23T11:38:11.902Z

The Selly Oak Constituency Committee will meet at 7pm on Tuesday 23 March 2010 at The Hub Hazelwell, 318 Vicarage Road, Kings Heath.Items on the agenda include:an update on local leisure services (double click to find all papers);an update on neighbourhood management (double click); andthe constituency budget for 2010/11 (double click).To see all the meeting papers please double click here.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-12240708841652197022010-03-22T22:36:00.002Z2010-03-23T10:47:18.332Z

Monday 22 March 2010 is World Water Day, designed to highlight how many people in the world still don't have access to the clean water and proper sanitation that we often take for granted in the UK. This affects over 2.5 billion people across the world and 4000 children under the age of five die every day from preventable water related illnesses such as diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera and

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-23237377851884342612010-03-18T23:47:00.006Z2010-03-19T00:35:46.288Z

A surprise guest at last night's Selly Oak Ward Committee meeting was the Council's Jeremy Shields, who came to talk about Birmingham's UK City of Culture Bid. He was keen to emphasise that the Bid is about all of Birmingham, not just the city centre, and was promoting the opportunity that residents have to put forward their own ideas about what they would like to see happen in 2013.You can

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-83013435601862802992010-03-10T23:48:00.003Z2010-03-19T21:34:54.055Z

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee is at 7pm on Wednesday 17 March 2010 at the 1st Ariel Scout HQ, Gibbins Road (next to Harborne Lane), Selly Oak.Items on the agenda include:an update on work on the Selly Oak New Road (a representative of the Council's contractor, Birse Civil, has been invited);a discussion about Selly Oak Park (a representative from the Friends of Selly Oak Park

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-77144542201369135062010-02-20T18:04:00.002Z2010-02-25T23:21:06.556Z

The main item of business at the City Council meeting on Tuesday 23 February is to approve the budget and Council Tax for 2010/11. A Council Tax increase of 1.9% is proposed.The proposed budget has excited a lot of headlines but while it does include proposals for restructuring to maintain investment in frontline services, the aim is to minimise the need for any compulsory redunancies.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-75746630620050697852010-02-08T18:08:00.002Z2010-02-08T18:08:00.144Z

It has been announced that the mac (Midlands Arts Centre) in Cannon Hill Park will reopen on 1 May 2010. There will be a series of events over the Bank Holiday, including free activities for everyone who wants to explore the new building.The £15 million redevelopment programme, part funded by Birmingham City Council, that has taken two years was designed to create a more integrated building as

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-8311927139881775372010-01-27T13:12:00.003Z2010-01-27T13:12:00.055Z

The agenda for the Council meeting on Tuesday 2 February 2010 has been published. Items on the agenda include: the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Housing (pdf, 113KB);the annual report of the Planning Committee (pdf, 67KB);the annual report of the Licensing Committee (pdf, 117KB);the annual report of the Public Protection Committee (pdf, 206KB);the annual report of the Audit Committee (

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-59634403773404269192010-01-25T20:33:00.004Z2010-01-26T23:11:04.877Z

A range of sports camps for young people are being organised in the Selly Oak Constituency for the February Half Term and Easter holidays.There are a range of activities for youngsters aged 8 to 15 years. Camps include activities such as netball, basketball, soft ball, dodge ball, football, rounders, team games, competitions, cricket, swimming, athletics etc. These include:a camp at Dame

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-27667034097090710912010-01-13T19:53:00.003Z2010-01-13T20:20:13.892Z

The campaign to retain the Staffordshire Hoard in the West Midlands (and Mercia!) has taken a big leap forward. David Starkey has helped to launch the £3.3 million appeal by The Art Fund, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke on Trent.The Art Fund has contributed an initial £300,000 to the campaign and Birmingham City Council and Stoke on Trent Council

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-47982517973786498322010-01-07T13:44:00.000Z2010-01-07T13:44:00.606Z

The agenda for the Council meeting on Tuesday 12 January 2010 has been published and items include: the annual report of the Council's Deputy Leader (pdf, 255KB) - Cllr Paul Tilsley (Lib Dem, Sheldon Ward);the annual report of the Lead Member on the West Midlands Fire & Rescue Authority;a Scrutiny Report on Reducing the Impact of Drugs and Alcohol in Birmingham (pdf, 598KB).

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-19342155980295910802010-01-06T13:24:00.003Z2010-01-06T13:30:31.045Z

The Council's website includes some information on recycling or composting Christmas waste.Now that Twelth Night has arrived and decorations have to be taken down, the information on Christmas tree recycling may also be helpful. Christmas trees can be recycled at the Lickeys, Woodgate, Sheldon and Sutton country parks. For more information call 0121 464 8728.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-53076587960754428432010-01-05T19:25:00.006Z2011-04-20T23:03:55.167+01:00

Snow came to Birmingham again today and I have posted a couple of pictures below. (For some, Selly Park became Narnia!)The Council is posting gritting updates on the Birmingham Newsroom website. The Council website also includes information and links on weather disruption and school closures.Dogpool Lane Bridge:Selly Park Recreation Ground:

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-48427431543029153142010-01-05T11:05:00.003Z2010-01-05T11:05:00.527Z

NHS South Birmingham has launched a new tool to help patients understand their current and future health risks. The Personal Health Assessment (PHA) is available online.A confidential questionnaire is used to help identify personal health needs. Information about your current health and lifestyle will be used to calculate a personal health risk score.This is all part of the NHS South Birmingham

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-6124054713364579972009-12-18T14:05:00.001Z2009-12-18T14:05:02.166Z

The only day on which rubbish and recycling collections will not take place is Christmas Day itself (Friday 25 December 2009). All other collections will take place as normal.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-23561137580890883732009-12-10T19:32:00.000Z2010-01-01T18:04:02.484Z

Oneplace, a new way of assessing and reporting on the performance of public services in an area, including Birmingham City Council, has now been lauched. The so-called Comprehensive Area Assessement (CAA) replaces the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).What does it say about how things are going in Birmingham? Lots of things seem to be doing well. The Council were praisedfor:Good

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-56269313590131302322009-12-07T00:24:00.002Z2009-12-08T00:30:33.454Z

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee is at 7pm on Wednesday 9 December 2009 at the Elim Church Centre, Exeter Road, Selly Oak.Items on the agenda include:a discussion on the issue of land contamination on the site of the former Birmingham Battery and Metal Company;an update on work on the Selly Oak New Road (a representative of the Council's contractor, Birse Civil, has been invited);

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-38406776612200355942009-12-05T19:33:00.004Z2010-01-01T17:04:43.459Z

At its last meeting Birmingham City Council adopted the "Birmingham Declaration" to make our city greener. Ahead of the Copenhagen climate talks, this was a commitment to use purchasing power and influence to promote green initiatives and provide new employment opportunities.Proposed by Councillor Paul Tilsley (Leader of the Lib Dem Council Group), the declaration received cross-party support.

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-67438642945164283292009-11-30T09:33:00.005Z2010-01-05T17:04:12.392Z

Over the weekend I took the opportunity to see the Birmingham Seen exhibition in the Gas Hall of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (located off Chamberlain Square on the far side of the Council House from Victoria Square).Lasting until 3 January 2010 [The exhibitions has been extended to 31 January 2010], this exhibition contains a wide range of photographs, plans and works of art showing the

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-9068313254582413812009-11-26T22:04:00.002Z2009-11-26T23:04:53.452Z

The agenda for the Council meeting at 2pm on Tuesday 1 December 2009 includes:the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture - Martin Mullaney (Lib Dem, Moseley Ward);the annual report of the Chair of the Coordinating Overview & Scrutiny Committee (large pdf, 2245KB) - my fellow Selly Oak Ward councillor Alistair Dow;a Lib Dem motion (pdf) reaffirming the Council's

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-48051550013653721362009-11-16T23:38:00.003Z2010-10-10T23:51:00.944+01:00

This Sunday (22 November 2009) is the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Friends of Selly Oak Park, which will be held at 3pm in St Marys Church Hall, next to St Marys Church off Bristol Road.At 4pm on the same day there will also be the inaugural meeting of a new Neighbourhood Forum for the Selly Oak St Marys neighbourhood (whose boundaries are the Bourn Brook to the north of Reservoir Road,

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-14605361194535954092009-11-04T22:58:00.004Z2009-11-04T23:12:17.720Z

As part of the development of Birmingham City Council's new website, a new geographical information service has been rolled out. "My Local Information" allows you to find your nearest Council facilities such as libraries as schools, your rubbish collection day and even your councillors! The intention is that more information will be added over time and that residents will be able to use the

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-35707582286009913702009-10-30T22:58:00.003Z2009-10-30T23:41:15.317Z

The agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday 3 November 2009 includes the following items:the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services; andthe annual report of the Council's Lead Member on the West Midlands Police Authority (Lib Dem Councillor Zaker Choudhry).

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-12095039986611522422009-10-28T22:45:00.006Z2009-10-29T00:43:17.508Z

I know that their have been some problems with the timely distribution of information about work on the second phase of the Selly Oak New Road. But information, including contact details and photographs of the work, can be found on a dedicated website at www.sellyoaknewroadphase2.co.ukPlanned work during November 2009 includes:Continuation of site clearance throughout the scheme.Continuation of

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-22032695961785714932009-10-18T23:24:00.003+01:002009-10-18T23:41:48.445+01:00

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Ward Committee is at 7pm on Wednesday 21 October 2009 at the Selly Park Technology College for Girls, Pershore Road, Selly Park (nearly opposite Dogpool Lane).The agenda includes:a representative from NHS South Birmingham will be attending to discuss the current comsultation on options for new dental contracts in the South Birmingham area;a verbal update on the

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-49258221825167022212009-10-18T22:22:00.008+01:002009-10-18T23:42:10.986+01:00

The next meeting of the Selly Oak Constituency Committee is on Tuesday 20 October 2009 at 7pm in Christ Church, 953 Pershore Road, Selly Park (almost opposite Hobson Road).The agenda includes:a verbal update on the Building Schools for the Future programme in relation to Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School and Kings Norton Boys School;a representative from NHS South Birmingham will be attending to

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-67404145961481280532009-10-15T00:00:00.005+01:002009-10-30T22:58:04.779Z

Following my earlier post about the consultation, changes to bus services serving south Birmingham will take effect from 25 October 2009. This follows the South Birmingham Network Review earlier this year.Locally, the current route of the 69 bus between Kings Heath and Selly Oak will be covered by an extended 76 service (which will travel from Solihull to the QE Hospital). The current 69 route

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-80785736883666419802009-10-09T17:46:00.002+01:002009-10-10T00:47:47.473+01:00

The agenda for the Council meeting at 2pm on Tuesday 13 October 2009 in the Council House includes the following items:the Scrutiny report on Protecting Children and Improving Social Care (pdf, 990KB) (a summary of the report (pdf, 53KB) is also available), which is likely to be the main item at the meeting and will considered immediately after Question Time;the annual report of the Cabinet

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-41403101043497707322009-10-02T11:15:00.006+01:002009-10-02T11:15:00.480+01:00

Staffordshire hoard excavation from Dan Pett on Vimeo.Artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard of Angl0-Saxon treasures are currently on display in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until Tuesday 13 October 2009. This has generated a lot of interest - there have been long queues round the side of the museum and news stories from around the world.There are over 1,500 objects in the Hoard, most

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-91810616745930502542009-09-29T22:28:00.003+01:002009-09-29T22:45:09.015+01:00

Thursday 1 October 2009 is the national UK Older People's Day. The aim of the day is to help bring older people together in Birmingham and Birmingham City Council has coordinated over 50 events across Birmingham to help celebrate it.The events range from Coffee Mornings to a Movie and Fish'n'Chip Supper. You can visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/acevents2009 to download a list of the events taking

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-35569763037465459582009-09-28T22:00:00.005+01:002009-09-29T00:22:10.376+01:00

Following my earlier post, residents living near the route of the Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday 11 October should now be receiving their second letter about the marathon and the road closures. (Although I do know that some residents (including me) have not received the first mailing, the second one is being sent by post.)Roads along the route will be closed between approximately 7am and 4pm

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-6183292792548870912009-09-17T16:55:00.000+01:002009-09-17T16:55:00.384+01:00

If you ever wanted to know what Birmingham's city centre looks like from the sky then you can now view this 3D fly through built by Digital Urban using Google Earth. It actually looks fairly realistic and I was able to recognise individual buildings (even from the unfamiliar angle!).And while we are on the subject of fly throughs... Thanks to the Birmingham Mail, you can also see a fly through

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-61872792585972082442009-09-14T11:32:00.001+01:002009-09-14T11:32:00.170+01:00

So, after much hue and cry, Birmingham City Council's new website has been switched on. The major difference is that there is now a working search facility (based on Google), which is a huge improvement. But, for now, the new website is basically the text on the old website (some of which has been updated or changed) with a new skin (although a lot seems have gone on behind the scenes to create

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-58023763182728006722009-09-11T11:43:00.003+01:002009-09-14T22:37:09.168+01:00

This weekend is ArtsFest - Birmingham's free arts festival. The blurb promises that it will fill the city centre with nearly 600 different events and performances - "From ballet to bhangra, dub poetry to indie rock, comedy to classical music and everything in between, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy."You can view the programme (by venue) on the official website. You can also

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-29901425046876702402009-09-10T22:51:00.005+01:002009-09-14T22:37:28.773+01:00

Morag Jackson from the University Hospital Birmingham Trust will be attending the next meeting of the Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum to talk about the future for the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital as it nears completion. Services will start to transfer to the new hospital from Selly Oak and the old QE in June 2010.Anyone wanting to find out more about the new hospital and the move is welcome to

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-59719732298028690432009-09-05T12:49:00.001+01:002009-09-14T22:37:47.051+01:00

The agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday 8 September includes the following items:the annual "State of the City" debate;motions on higher education funding and problems with the democratic accountability of multi-agency partnerships in the public sector;Scrutiny reports on Swine Flu Preparedness (large pdf) and Housing Provision for Older People (large pdf); anda report on future

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19877766.post-47262274177806316222009-08-23T17:43:00.002+01:002009-09-14T22:38:07.097+01:00

Further to my earlier post about the plans for a new central library, a planning application has now been submitted. The height has been reduced by one storey to reflect concerns raised during the consultation about its height and tiered steps are now suggested around the proposed ampitheatre in Centenary Square.Other aspects of the desgin include publicly accessible terraces at the third and

Robert Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05820575722519961055noreply@blogger.com0