Monthly Archives: September 2012
Highway works programme published
The latest version of the planned maintenance and improvement programme for street lighting, carriageways and pavements for the Hodge Hill District,which includes the Shard End Ward, can be found by clicking here.
The programme covers a five year period from 2012 – 2017. If you’ve got any queries or comments about the plans, please drop me a line!
Quad bikes: the police need your help!
The misuse of quad bikes is one of the main issues that residents across the ward are raising with me at the moment. There are real and understandable concerns over dangerous driving our streets and the abuse of some of our open spaces.
The police can and will act to deal with these problems, but of course they need evidence about who the owners and perpetrators are in order to do so. We can all help them by passing on any information about properties where these bikes are kept and the identities of those involved. I regularly pass them details that come to my attention and am also happy to do so on behalf of other local residents. Alternatively, you can pass information directly to the police via the new, non-emergency telephone number, 101.
Cole Hall Lane Traffic Calming
New traffic calming measures were put in place on Cole Hall Lane following the construction of the new road bridge last year. Since then, a number of residents and road users have raised concerns over the impact of these measures.
The Shard End Councillors have taken this matter up with Highways officials and we’ve now received a further update, which you can view by clicking here.
Some further work will be carried out by Highways and they will be reporting back to the next Ward meeting, which is due to be held at Castle Bromwich Methodist Church on 29 October. I’ll post more details on this site as soon as I have them.
Interested in youth work?
Our local youth service is arranging an exciting training opportunity for professionals and volunteers who are keen to get involved in youth work.
The Introduction to Youth Work course is being hosted by The Pump’s Outreach Team, in conjunction with Shard End Youth Centre. This is an 18 hour accredited programme and is being offered FREE of charge. The course is open to both staff and young people. Once completed, participants are eligible (with a satisfactory Enhanced CRB) to undertake voluntary youth work with Birmingham City Council and partner organisations.
To take part you will need to be able to commit to attending sessions on the following dates and times:
Sat 13th October 2012 10am – 4pm
Mon 15th October 2012 6pm – 9pm
Mon 22nd October 2012 6pm – 9pm
Mon 29th October 2012 6pm – 9pm
Mon 1st November 2012 6pm – 9pm
The sessions will alternate between The Pump and Shard End Youth Centre.
This programme will help professionals find new ideas for delivering group work and activities, but is also ideal for young people who wish to pursue a career in youth work or health and social care.
There are 15 places available on this course, so if you are interested, please get in touch with either Jules Lancaster on 0121 747 5533 or Dave Barrett on 0121 675 8384, as soon as possible.
Safer Routes to Schools
One of the initiatives I’ve been closely involved with since first being elected to represent Shard End Ward is the local Schools Forum. This brings together youngsters from primary schools across the area to discuss issues around personal safety, the local environment and how to be active citizens.
A frequent item raised by young people in our discussions is road safety outside some of our local schools. I’ve raised these with the Highways department and am pleased to report some progress. Reproduced below is the email I’ve received from Highways regarding some action that will be happening through this year’s “Safer Routes to Schools” programme.
It’s another step forward, although I’m aware that there’s still more to do, so I’m still on the case!
**********************************************************************************************************************
Dear Councillor,
As part of this years Safer Routes to School “No Stopping” TRO Program please find below a list for your information of schools in your ward where either a no stopping order will be introduced or existing incorrect markings will be corrected and made enforceable. On site the no stopping order will consist of “School Keep Clear” markings outside and adjacent to school entrances and relevant signage.
Gossey Lane Junior and Infant School – Gossey Lane
Hillstone Junior and Infant School – Hillstone Road
Our Lady’s RC Primary School – East Meadway
Timberley Primary School – Bradley Road
If you require any further information regarding these measures please contact me.
Mark Bricknell
Local Engineering – Highways
New opening hours for Shard End Library
New opening hours for Shard End Library come into effect from today. I’m pleased to confirm that the Library will continue to open all day Saturday and also for an additional hour on a Tuesday evening.
Here’s the details:
Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
