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A bit more litter in Monkspath area
Monkspath is a great place to live in – I moved here over 28 years ago! It is clean and usually free of litter and graffiti and for this and the previous post I have had to go out of my way a little bit to find the litter. However, it is there if you look. In the sideshow (which I hope works as it is the first time I have used one on this website) you will see litter on the public footpath running from the bottom of Elmdbridge Drive to the rea of Tesco’s superstore. There is a problem with the amount of bags and other debris from the store, petrol station and the nearby McDonalds being strewn on the footpath by youths who walk through a gap in the fence at the petrol station. We are working with Tesco’s, asking them to erect a fence similar to that used on the other side by the Spire office site.
Other views of litter is of the hedgerow between the footpath and the main A45, just down from the petrol station. Also included is a few images of the grassed area between Tesco’s and McDonalds.
Please note: I do not show these images to name and shame, merely to point out that I have noticed the litter and help to show the state and location so that the council, Tesco’s and McDonalds can take action.
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Feedback re Hillfield Park walkabout
Thought I should share with you the positive feedback I have following the previous post, which saw over 160 visits to the website in just two days!
Attention is being given to the park and all litter and graffiti will be cleared up. Co-incidentally, there is a meeting of the Hillfield Park Users Group on Monday evening. I do intend to pop in and say hello but can not stay too long as I have a Finance and Personnel meeting at Monkspath Junior and Infant School at the same time (I have been a governor there for over 21 years).
Well done to to the swift response from the council departments. I need to ensure that there are regular inspections of the park by the contractors who provide the service to the borough.
Hillfield Park – Saturday Walkabout
I am taking part in a ‘Local Councillor Shadowing Award’ where young people shadow a local councillor and undertake activities contributing towards their award. There are seven young people taking part in the first pilot group in Solihull and a year 10 student at Tudor Grange has been assigned to me. Luke is very interested in the environment and we undertook a ‘ward walk’ last Saturday examining the environment of Hillfield Park, Monkspath, which is naturally in my ward.
It was great being with Luke because it made me open my eye’s more than I normally did. For instance, Luke was able to point out areas where he had identified litter, graffiti and other issues. I took several photographs and wil post them here as soon as some gremlins in the system have been sorted. Hillfield Park is an absolutely fantastic park but we must ensure litter etc is tackled as early as possible. I will update you as to how Luke is progressing during his Award. He has to complete a minimum of ten hours shadowing me. I did hope that a few hours could have been devoted to sorting my garden out but the award does not allow for that!
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
