Birmingham City Council Acocks Green Ward Meeting
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BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL ACOCKS GREEN WARD MEETING WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 7PM FOX HOLLIES FORUM GREENWOOD AVENUE ACOCKS GREEN B27 7RA MEETING NOTES Present : Councillor John O’Shea and Councillor Roger Harmer Officers : Kay Thomas - Community Governance Team (There were 8 residents present) Cllr O’Shea in the Chair 1. NOTICE OF RECORDING The Chairman advised that members of the press/public may record and take photographs except where there were confidential or exempt items. 2. APOLOGIES Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillor Stewart Stacey, David Tredwell MBE and Pat Whyte 3. NEWS/UPDATES FROM COUNCILLORS The following updates and announcements were given:- - National Express Changes to Bus Routes – consultation had re-opened with different proposals and residents were encouraged to submit their views via the National Express website, South Birmingham Bus Consultation. A circular route for the No.1 service was proposed as well as changes to the 31 route. A proposed bus to the QE hospital would be welcomed. - Parliamentary Boundary Changes – consultation was now open for comments on the proposed changes. Acocks Green would no longer be part of the Yardley constituency which would stretch from Aston Expressway to the airport. The shape of the proposed new constituency would cross many other administrative boundaries and would inevitably affect work with partners. West Midlands Fire Service Update - Arson rubbish fires had reduced since the resolution of the bin strike - The speed camera was currently in use elsewhere but when released it would be moved to Olton Boulevard - Fire officers had helped with In Bloom 1 - Safe & Well visits – residents were encouraged to let the service know of anyone who would benefit from a visit, in particular vulnerable people or people at risk. The number to ring – 0800 3895525. Consideration was being given to linking with GP’s and pharmacies as a way of reaching vulnerable people. - Fireworks - Millennium Green – WMFS had no jurisdiction over the use of fireworks but were involved in licensing inspections, safety and storage in connection with sales. Officers did provide safety talks to schools. Action: All to Note 4. RESIDENTS UPDATES, ISSUES AND CONCERNS - Acocks Green In Bloom had achieved a gold Community Achievement Award. The new calendar had been produced and showed photographs of Acocks Green some of which had been sent in by the community. During October 1000 daffodil bulbs and some tulip bulbs had been planted. Currently the group was wildflower planting at Oak Meadow. Work was ongoing with the BID and shops were involved in selling calendars. Amey had offered to assist in digging out a bed at the ‘triangular’ traffic island and bench repairs. - Green Waste Collection – missed collections were reported in Malvern Road for the third time and there was concern that a further collection would not be made as the green waste collections were coming to the end for the year. The Chair advised of a proposal to offer £12 off the cost of the service next year in view of the disruption but that if residents had reported 3 missed collections they would receive the service for free in 2018/19. - Planning application Wyford Road – concerns raised at the Focus Group. The Chair advised this was for a small residential home for up to 3 young people and would be staffed. There were a number of these premises around the city. - Road Sign – new road signs had appeared on the The Avenue – one reading The Avenue and the other The Ave. Action:- Chair to investigate the reason for the alternative spelling - Litter Yardley Road – litter bins were overflowing along the road and there were numerous dumped black bags. The street cleaner had not been seen in the area for some time and the litter was mounting up. Request made for a replacement street cleaner. Action: Chair to investigate. - Question submitted on behalf of David Tredwell in respect of city by-laws and Birmingham Corporation. The Chair said he would respond to Mr Tredwell but advised that the recent Local Government Act had given local authorities power of competence which enabled them to do things old corporations had in the past. It would be a useful tool but government permission would need to be sought and funding was an issue. The City Council was looking into operating an energy company. - Litter – the local environment had fallen far below the standards that were acceptable and it was queried whether there were trends that made the situation different to 10 years ago. Houses on Westley Road had been converted into properties of multiple-occupation and there were over flowing bins causing litter on the street and due to more cars parking for those properties the street cleaner was unable to clean properly. The land lords were not being held to 2 account. An increase in take-away premises was also adding to the problem and therefore creative solutions, possible by-laws etc were needed to address. Local services were needed for the area, driven by local knowledge through active citizenship was key. The Chair referred to the budget consultation currently taking place and that the council was faced with making cuts to real services. He encouraged residents to take part in the consultation. - The meeting was advised that the city council was looking at extending private rented sector licensing and Soho and Stockland Green wards were being used as pilot wards in the first instance with a view to it being rolled out to other areas. There was also a policy to limit take away premises to 10% in a defined area but where a planning application was refused and appealed the Planning Inspector generally over turned the decision where there were empty shops. - The rear of Bet Fred was reported as being a dumping ground for black bags, tubs of fat etc. Residents undertook to send photographs to Mark Croxford to action. - It was suggested that Acocks Green centre become a dementia friendly village and that the BID could assist. The Alzheimer’s Society and Age Concern were willing to arrange training for those interested and local businesses/staff could also be involved. Action: Chair to contact the BID. Action: All to Note 5. REVIEW OF ACTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING Consideration was given to the summary of residents issues/concerns raised at the last meeting, and the actions required:- (See Notes/Outstanding Actions List attached) The Chairman provided the following update on action number 13 – Section 106 monies – - There was a total of £500,000+ in Section 106 monies available to the ward. - A large amount of that sum from the Reddings Lane/Olton Boulevard West Eaton factory site would be used for housing/school (£421,000) but was not yet due. When the money became due the ward boundaries would have changed and therefore consideration would have to be given to where the public open space was situated. - £48,000 was due from the British Legion building, Botteville Road for use in Fox Hollies Park. - Money from the old laundry site was due but would not be available until building work started, probably 2019 - The redevelopment of Hall Green Greyhound Track would generate some S106 to be earmarked for Fox Hollies Park - S106 money from The Greet pub would be earmarked for Greet recreation ground and £17,050 from The Willows and £41,000 from Beeches Avenue for recreation/sport facilities It was agreed that the action be DISCHARGED 3 Action: All to Note & Action re S106 to be discharged. 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS None raised. 7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wednesday 24 or 31 January 2018, 7pm, Fox Hollies Forum – to be confirmed. Action: All to Note 8. AUTHORITY TO CHAIRMAN AND OFFICERS Noted and Agreed that:- “In an urgent situation between meetings, the Chair, jointly with the relevant Chief Officer has authority to act on behalf of the Committee”. The meeting closed at 8.50pm 4 .