SMBC – LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
The Council’s draft plan has now been published and the report can be found here LDF_Draft_Local_Plan_-_Shaping_a_Sustainable_Future_lr(1) . You may find it easier to access maps etc via the Council’s website and the direct to the relevant pages are here http://www.solihull.gov.uk/ldf/default.htm
The plan has relevance to Blythe Ward as there are two areas included for planned development. I have posted the maps relating to Cheswick Green and Dickens Heath but maps for the whole borough can be viewed on the web site shown above.
Housing_Sites_Cheswick_Green Housing_Sites_Dickens_Heath
Please feel free to comment, either on this post or directly in response to the formal consultation.
NEIGHBOURHOOD REPORT – JANUARY 2012
I am pleased to post the latest report (Jan 2012) from the Council’s excellent Area 3 Neighbourhood Team. As usual the report includes activities undertaken by the Council and Police teams for the whole area (not just Blythe Ward). Also included are some dates the Environmental Champions will be undertaking schemes in the ward. Please feel to contact me if you want to get involved. Newsletter Jan 12
Neighbourhood Report for November
Please find posted the report for the month of November from Area 3 Neighbourhood Team, which covers the whole of the Meriden Sector. Again, we see some excellent work from the partnership teams. The reduction in crime is very welcome. Newsletter November 11
Candle Fire Safety Week: Snuff out the fire risk
Some useful advice for this time of year. Information taken from the Communities and Local Government web site: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/fire/2028896 )
Fire and Rescue Services across the country are asking people to take care this Candle Fire Safety Week and snuff out the risk of fire in their homes.
With the days growing darker and winter setting in, a few candles scattered round the room can lend a warm glow to an evening in or add some festive cheer to the season’s celebrations such as Guy Fawkes’ night, Eid and Christmas.
But with over fifty fires started by candles every day, the Fire Kills Campaign is asking people to take extra care with candles this winter.
In 2010, Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturers of Air Wick candles, reported that 70 per cent of annual candle sales were made between September and February. So it’s no coincidence that between October and February every year candle-related house fires rise sharply, peaking at more than double the summer average in December.
The most important steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe include making sure your candles are kept away from flammable materials like curtains and putting out candles when nobody is in the room.
The Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight said:
“Candles are increasingly used in many homes. But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just another decoration. Left unattended, the naked flame could result in a devastating fire.
“Over fifty fires are started by candles every day – make sure you don’t become a statistic. Place your lit candles carefully, away from curtains, pets and children and always remember to put them out when you leave the room, even for a moment.”
“Even with these precautions it’s crucial to be prepared should the worst happen. A working smoke alarm can give you the vital time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your alarm regularly and practising your escape routes.”
To help you enjoy your candles safely this Candle Fire Safety Week, Fire Kills is offering some top tips:
- Never leave burning candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night.
- Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
- Don’t move candles once they are lit.
- Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of draughts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.
- Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.
- Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur – practise your escape route.
Latest EXPENSES application
I have posted my latest expense claim, to cover the period from July to November 2011. You may know that I do not normally claim for travel incurred in the borough. This claim includes travelling to Birmingham for a seminar on planning and to London for a Safer Communities Conference. Previous expense claims can be found by clicking on the ‘Expense claims’ category.
MONKSPATH CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Please find posted the time-table of activities held at Monkspath Children’s Centre and at the satellite location, Oliver Bird Hall, Solihull. SEPT-DEC 2011 @ MONKSPATH OLIVER BIRD HALL SEPT – DEC 2011 (1)
The main centre adjoins Monkspath Junior and Infant School, Farmhouse Way, Monkspath, Solihull.
SAFEGUARDING ADULTS IN SOLIHULL
As with the post regarding Safeguarding Children, it is vital we ensure adults are protected. I have attached a report ‘What to do if you suspect an adult is being abused‘ as well as a link to other documents which you may find helpful. I have also provided a link to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s Adult Safeguarding pages. What-to-do-if-you-suspect-an-adult-is-being-abused.aspx Link to other NHS documents: http://www.solihull.nhs.uk/Help-and-advice/Safeguarding/Safeguarding-Adults-Leaflets-and-Posters Link to SMBC website: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/adultabuse/default.htm
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE AUTHORITY – Autumn Ezine
I have attached the Autumn edition of West Midlands Police Authority’s ezine for West Midlands councillors and MPs. It includes articles about the August incidents of disorder, The HMIC report ‘Adapting to Austerity’, the Continuous Improvement Programme and the introduction of the new 101 non-emergency phone number. Police Authority Autumn Ezine 2011
SPEED DATA – CREYNOLDS LANE, CHESWICK GREEN
I have eventually received the data from a traffic speed data check that was undertaken in Creynolds Lane between 9 and 16 February earlier this year. I have copied and pasted the report from a PDF file sent to me. I took the decision not to attach the whole report as it has private and direct dial telephone lines. I have though copied the data that relates to traffic travelling in both directions.
You will see that the average speed is under 40 mph, with 85% of traffic travelling under 44 mph. The maximum speed recorded is 68 mph in each direction. There is no indication as to the type of vehicle these were, but it is possible they could be emergency vehicles. CREYNOLDS LANE Speed Data
I would say that I am not surprised by these figures and are typical of a country lane with a 40mph speed limit. I would though use these figures to argue against any further (major) development in the Creynolds Lane area. Please feel free to add your comments here:
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
I have a massive interest in our children (I used to be one – my wife sometimes tell me I still am one). Seriously though, I try to put something back through being a school governor; having been at Monkspath Junior Infants School for 20+ years and the Federated Special Schools of Forest Oak and Merstone. In fact my route onto the council was through getting more and more interested in local politics via school governing meetings.
There have been too many cases of child abuse and here in Solihull it is taken very seriously. I have attached a few documents about safeguarding and how each and every one of us can get involved if we see something that we feel is wrong. If you see something that you think is wrong REPORT IT. No call is dismissed and thought of as time wasting. We would rather have too many calls than too few – a child may be free from abuse because of one call.
I have attached the Solihull Local Safeguarding Children’s Board Annual Report and a small poster that you may wish to print off and post on your work’s notice board. I have also provided a link to the council’s website where there is more information: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/staysafe/20495.htm LSCB Annual Report parentsposterA31
