Thursday, August 30, 2007

plans of proposed Moseley and Kings Heath stations now on-line

I've uploaded the full report on the proposed re-opening of Camp Hill railway line to passenger services.

see -
http://www.martinmullaney.co.uk/images-transport/camp-hill-railway-line-study-full.pdf

The report is 221 pages long. On pages 217 and 218 are the initial sketches of possible Moseley and Kings Heath stations.

The cost of re-opening the railway line to passenger services is approximately £40million - this covers the construction of a railway link at Camp Hill and the stations.

A bid has gone into the government for this proposal as part of the West Midland Councils bid for Transport Innovation Funds. Some funds may be available in Network Rail Control Period 4 budget (2009 to 2013) to help fund the compulsory purchase are land in Camp Hill for the railway link.

The importance of this report is that is now protects the land for the construction of the railway stations and the Camp Hill link.

I've also asked the Council to investigate the possibility of widening the Kings Heath High Street railway bridge - cost £1million. This would enable bus stops to be located at the entrance to a future Kings Heath station, allow a designated right turn on the High Street into Valentine Road, plus allow a left filter lane from the High Street into Queensbridge Road, plus provide a decent width pavement here.

The re-opening of these stations is dependant on government financing, but the earliest these stations could re-open is 2017.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

New YouTube video - Selly Oak graffiti park

see http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fKwLkwwBlEc

I explain the history of Selly Oak graffiti park. The difference between graffiti tagging and graffiti art......and show examples of graffiti art by Moseley based graffiti artists

Sunday, August 26, 2007

weekly report back from Moseley Street Wardens - w/e 24th August 2007

Below are details of what our two Moseley Street Wardens did during week ending – 24th August 2007

Moseley Street Wardens are funded by public money granted by the Ward Committee, which consists of the three local Councillors. Moseley Community Development Trust manage the Wardens.

There are two Wardens who focus geographically on Moseley

PROBLEMS/MATTERS
Comments
Monday 20th August
Patrollled village
Lamp 33 Trafalgar Rd dayburning - reported to Street Lighting
Patrolled village / Route 2
Car park / grassland @ jct. Cromer Rd / Moseley Rd - reported to Xtra cleaning
Black bag opp. xxx Park Hill. ID recovered - reported to Env Warden
Black bags @ jct. Edgbaston Rd East / Edgbaston Rd. ID recovered - reported to Env Warden
Bags @ 23 Edgbaston Rd East - reported to Malcolm Dalley
Leaking water from road @ 128 Park Hill - reported to Severn Trent

Tuesday 21st August
Patrolled village
Walkabout with Arron Hayes (environmental warden)
Broken boarding / wood outside 69 Chantry Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag outside Fivelands veterinary centre, Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Coffee table top / Door shutter / box / bin liners on Edgbaston d in between Mary Street / Strensham Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Patrolled village / Route 5
Bin liner outside 54 Grove Avenue - reported to Contact Birmingham
Fridge freezer / wood outside Laurel Court, 25 Oxford Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham

Wednesday 22nd August
Patrolled village
Cleared graffiti from Sandhurst Rd / Hillcrest Rd / Alcester Rd
Can bank full on Moseley car park - reported to Recycling
Patrolled village / Route 6
Graffiti walls / fences - reported to Laurence Turner
Blue bag outside 63 Cambridge Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
car xxxxxxxx no tax , outside xxxx Clarence RD - reported to Contact Birmingham
Lamp post number 4 Blenheim Rd dayburning - reported to Street Lighting
Somerfield trolley at jtn Blenheim Rd / Clarence Rd - reported to Somerfield

Thursday 23rd August
Patrolled village
Missed collection @ Rushbrooke Close, Trafalgar Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Grevis Close name sign damaged ( @jct. Trafalgar Rd ) - reported to Highways
Bag of rubble @ jct. Kingswood Rd / Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag of rubble @ 68 Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liner @ Moneywise (from xxxxxx shop - manager warned)
Lamp 19A Alcester Rd dayburning - reported to Street Lighting
Bags @ jct. Brighton Rd / Kingswood Rd. ID recovered. - reported to Env Warden
Wood / headboard @ 2-6 Newport Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bags of soil / green wast @ Smokeys, St. Mary's Row - reported to Contact Birmingham
Patrolled village
Remove graffiti from village area

Friday 24th August
Patrolled village / Route 3
Graffiti street furniture
Patrolled village / Route 4
Bin full of rubbish @ 24 Tudor Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag of rubbish @ 12 Tudor Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
car xxxxxxxxxxx,no tax @ xxx Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham

Crime & ASBO
Monday 20th August
Crime statistics/hotspots
Speak with mother of children who have been graffiting street signs, cable boxes, bus stops etc from childrens home at xxxx Sandhurst Rd

Tuesday 21st August
Drinkers on village green - reported to Police
Call from Martin Mullaney regards drinkers in pocket park, Trafalgar Rd - reported to Police

Wednesday 22nd August
Took lost bank card to police - reported to Police
Community / other

Wednesday 22nd August
Assisted man with bonnet of car that wouldn't shut
Gate kicked in on alleyway on Chestnut Rd - reported to land lord
Dog left in car on Moseley car park - reported to Left comment card

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Kings Heath votes for a Business Improvement District

KING'S HEATH BID PRESS RELEASE
23 August 2007 - FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

City’s Fourth Successful BID

Following in the footsteps of Broad Street BID, the City Centre’s Retail BID & Erdington BID, businesses in King's Heath have voted in favour to become Birmingham’s fourth Business Improvement District (BID) area.

Of those voting, 74.4% voted in favour of the BID (53.6% by rateable value). The BID will generate approximately £120,000 each year for the next five years which the BID Company will use for projects that will deliver a cleaner, safer, greener and more welcoming King's Heath and help sustain its status as a 'vibrant urban village'.

The King's Heath BID opportunity was proposed by the King's Heath Business Association and supported by Birmingham City Council.

Stan Hems, Chairman of King's Heath Business Association, said: "I and my fellow business association members are delighted that businesses in King's Heath feel passionate enough about our centre's future to support this initiative".

Graham Kay, Business Improvement District Facilitator, said: “this is a great opportunity for the businesses in King's Heath to directly influence their trading environment. King's Heath has become only the second local centre in the United Kingdom to achieve this status".

End.

For more information contact:

Graham Kay
Business Improvement District Facilitator
King's Heath Centre Partnership
07970 85 17 17
grahamkay@kingsheathbid.info

or

Stan Hems
Chairman
King's Heath Business Association
0121 444 4344
stanhems@kingsheathbid.info

Additional notes for Editors:

A BID is a partnership between the business community and other local stakeholders to develop and take forward action to benefit the trading environment and the public realm such as cleanliness, safety, greening and marketing.

Businesses lead the process and identify the areas and the issues which they feel need addressing.
A BID Proposal pla is contructed and voted upon by eligible businesses within the defined BID area.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

weekly report back from Moseley street wardens - w/e 17th August 2007

Below are details of what our two Moseley Street Wardens did during week ending – 17th August 2007

Moseley Street Wardens are funded by public money granted by the Ward Committee, which consists of the three local Councillors. Moseley Community Development Trust manage the Wardens.

There are two Wardens who focus geographically on Moseley

PROBLEMS/MATTERS
Comments
Monday 13th August
Patrollled village
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Gravel obstructing pavement and road @ xxx Oxford Rd - reported to Highways
Beatsweeper required School Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bags on pavement @ Pat Kavanagh side entrance, Trafalgar Rd - reported to Beth Peters
Large pile mattresses, sofas etc at rear of Express Life, Woodbridge Rd - reported to Beth Peters
Rubbish at rear of Select and Save, Alcester Rd - reported to Beth Peters
Land adj. 48 School Rd Litterpick required - reported to Martin Mullaney
Patrolled village / Route 2
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Computer monitor outside 19 Chantry Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag cat litter outside 2 Augusta Rd East - reported to Contact Birmingham
Drain blocked outside 96A Park Hill - reported to Highways
Drain blocked outside 62 Park Hill - reported to Highways
Boxes of leaflets dumped naxt to re-cycle bin on car park - reported to Beth Peters

Tuesday 14th August
Patrolled village
Cleaned up boxes of wet leaflets at paper re-cycle unit on car park
Flats at Laurel Court, Oxford Rd not received bin bags - reported to Contact Birmingham
Rubbish on top of Moneywise building - reported to Martin Mullaney
Patrolled village
Graffiti walls / street furniture - reported to Heartlands / L.T.

Wednesday 15th August
Patrolled village / Tidy recycling area
Progress Report
Patrolled village

Thursday 16th August
Patrolled village / Route 4
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Bin liners outside 5 and 7 Sandhurst Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Blue bag outside 35 Leighton Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Stop cock leaking / furniture various locations on Woodnorton Drive - reported to Yardley Neighbourhood Office
Footpath next to Queensbridge school and grassland needs clearing - reported to Martin Mullaney
Footpath next to 1 Sandhurst Rd needs weeding - reported to Martin Mullaney
Patrolled vilage / Route 2
Missed collection @ Moneywise 112 Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Graffiti street furniture
Rubbish / fridge on frontage of 45 Edgbaston Rd - reported to Beth Peters
Box/bags / furniture on edgbaston Rd near jct. Mary St - reported to Amer Khan

Friday 17th August
Patrolled village / Route 1
Bin liners outside Moneywise, Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners opposite 7 Rushbrooke Close - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners jtn Church Rd / Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Garden table top / childs toy outside 1A Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liner outside 14 Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Patrolled village / Route 1 Alt
Grey / Green bin liners opposite xxx Woodhurst Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham + I.D. Found / Beth Peters
Bin liners / box / fax machine outside 25 Merton Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Mattress / lino opposite 42 Queenswood Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Fire guard outside 27 Merton Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners / carpet outside 127 Sandford Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners opposite 14 Belle Walk - reported to Contact Birmingham
Car tyre jtn Cotton Lane / Wake Green Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners outside 68 Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Metal channel outside 59 Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bags garden waste opposite 1 The Hawthorns, Woodbridge Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Hedge obstructing footpath side of xxx Kingswood Rd (hedge on Chestnut Rd) - reported to Highways
Sandbags on footpath outside 33 Merton Rd - reported to Highways
Sandbag on footpath outside 145 Sandford Rd - reported to Highways
Bin liner of cement outside 4 Belle Walk - reported to Highways
Illuminated bollard down outside 50 Wake Green Rd - reported to Highways
Cleaned up around community bin on Kingswood Rd

Crime & ASBO
Monday 13th August
Call from Oulsnams re; drinkers in car park at rear - reported to Police
Witness xxxx (drinker) intoxicated buying drink from Express Life store, Woodbridge Rd - reported to Police
Drinkers on green - reported to Police

Wednesday 15th August
Police Surgery
Three drinkers at flats on Woodbridge Rd - reported to Police

Community / other
Monday 13th August
Home Energy Efficiency Questionnaire - reported to Billesley Lane

Tuesday 14th August
Office duties

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Update on Kings Heath Centre project

KINGS HEATH CENTRE AND STUDY AREA 2007/08- SUMMARY NOTE

1.0 PRESENT FOCUS FOR AGREEING SCHEME PROPOSALS IN 2007/08
(subject to finalisation of assessments, District/Member agreement and Cabinet Member Approval)

1.1 Traffic signs/poles-
De-clutter and rationalisation of traffic/direction signs and redundant poles, where appropriate.
Also included is a review of all existing TRO related signs inorder to replace faded signs and removing those that are duplicated or out of date (to be carried out inconjunction with review of existing TRO lining).
Constituency Engineer to identify particular signs that need to be removed (such as any signs to local destinations that may have become outdated).

1.2 Network Integrity improvements-
Carry out further Network Integrity improvements as identified by officers and public (further identified locations are welcome).
Read in relation to “General Public and Private Street Furniture co-ordination” on page 2.

1.3 Side road crossing improvements-
Carry out further dropped kerb and tactile paving improvements on the side roads along the route and in the study area, as necessary, inorder to assist the visually impaired, wheelchair users and pedestrians with prams).

1.4 Centro/ Bus access pedestrian improvements-
Agree with Centro a possible funding contribution towards pedestrian related improvements, where agreed, inline with their assessments.

1.5 Traffic Regulation Orders (see “Kings Heath TRO Improvements and Traffic Sites- Summary Note”)-
TRO sites have been assessed as shown on the Summary Note referred to above, for consultation and implementation in 2007/08 (depending on results of Consultation).

1.6 Area Traffic Study (see “Kings Heath TRO Improvements and Traffic Sites- Summary Note”)-
Traffic sites have been assessed as shown on the Summary Note referred to above, for implementation in 2007/08.
This note also identifies possible future improvements at various sites in and around the study area inorder to inform future funding decisions in a comprehensive and considered fashion.

1.7 Jet Washing -
This would need to include the addition of weed suppressant when replacing bonding sand, in the same way as carried out in Moseley area.
A. Colella to liaise with Jeremy Shields to acquire an estimate from the company that carried out the washing in Moseley.
Costing to be acquired for footways between Institute Road and Grange Road (as the core area) and also for footways between Library/Police Station and Mossfield Road.
AC to update all after information received for consideration of funding source.


2.0 Other areas of potential improvements that have previously been raised, which are considered to require District co-ordination with other service areas/Partners for possible separate funding and actioning:-

2.1 General Public and Private Street Furniture co-ordination/Shared Space-
Coordinated agreement to a future street furniture theme, in the same way as in other Local Centres, including that on private areas (i.e., Gala Bingo, etc).
The above and the potential for “Kensington/Chelsea High Street” approach would need to be considered inconjunction within any Planning led initiatives/funding (e.g. Business Improvement District (BID), Local Centres Strategy, Capital Investment Funding, etc). This would need to take account of present Transportation Policy directions.
It is understood that this is being addressed by BCC’s Landscape Practise Group, inconjunction with Planning.

2.2 “A” Board Advertising-
Areas where such boards are located have been referred to Constituency Engineer for possible action.
Any replacement advertising/finger posts would need to be considered from district.
It is understood that will be linked to the BID and no advertising boards are to be removed at present.


Update on Kings Heath TRO

I had a meeting two days ago to get an update on the Kings Heath Centre project. Attending the meeting was the Highways project leader, our Constituency Engineer and Ward Support Officer.

This update will come in two parts:
Part 1 - this e-mail - the current list of proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) alteration + highway improvements
Part 2 - following e-mail - update on the overall scheme.

This e-mail

Below is the current list of proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) alteration + highway improvements.

Please note the following update:
a) Woodbridge Road, Moseley TRO is removed as it is being carried out as part of a package of TRO Improvements for Moseley.b) Avenue Road (whole length) is now to be looked at for possible whole route traffic calming (in addition to the specific assessments of its junctions with Station Road/Grange Road and Vicarage Road).

KINGS HEATH TRO IMPROVEMENTS AND TRAFFIC SITES- SUMMARY NOTE (read inconjunction with “Kings Heath Centre and Study Area- Summary Note”)

1.0 TRO Improvements

Heathfield Road-
Site investigations do show that vehicles park both sides, half on/off the footways between High Street and the service driveways on both sides of the road. Whilst on site, I discussed the situation with a trader of the Foam Upholstery shop who has confirmed that larger vehicles do have problems accessing the service yard at the rear of the High Street shops.
However, from this discussion and observations it would not seem to be suitable to install double yellows on both sides due to loss of customer parking.
Present proposal would be, therefore, to install double yellow lines on nearside to cover approach and access to rear of shops service yard and introduce a limited waiting restriction on the length of parking directly on the opposite side of the road (just up to the access on that side).
This would strike a balance in removing obstructive parking on the nearside but create a turn-over of parking on the other side to suit traders/shoppers and ensure that vehicles park within a marked bay instead of half on/off the footway, as present.

York Road
Loading from the exiting double yellow lines at the High Street junction creates a pinch point.
However, this is prohibited during morning/afternoon peaks and as such creates a pinch point only during the off peak times.
The only way to remove this pinch point would be to prohibit loading completely, which would probably be unfavourable to local trader loading requirements.
Further comments from Councillor Mullaney (07/08/07) indicate a request from local traders for a 2 hour Limited Waiting lengths to be introduced, to provide greater turn over and prevent all day parking.
Further discussion required with Con. Eng.

Bank Street
Landlord requests Loading Bay on side of road adjacent to pub.
This is feasible and we are just seeking confirmation of required days/times, as present information is conflicting (indication that Loading Bay only required in morning but crates have been left in the road (to provide an informal loading bay area) during the afternoon also.

Avenue Road/Station Road Junction-
Request received from local residents that double yellow lines be provided either side of the junction on Avenue Road and for a short distance into Station Road.
This is to remove parked vehicles from the site lines of motorists looking to turn onto Avenue Road.
This will also allow for the Give Way lines (which are presently set forward from the kerbline) to be remarked back to the kerbline.
This seems feasible and is to be taken forward (see comments at bottom of overall note).

Station Road (between High Street and York Road)-
Existing No Entry at High Street end, rest of road is Two Way.
Motorists contravene the No Entry so that they can get into a two way road and look for parking or short-cut.
Request is for the length of Station Road between High Street and York Road to be made One Way.
Whilst this is feasible, the reason for the No Entry without a One Way was probably to prevent rat-running whilst not restricting residents to have to travel in certain directions only (with circuitous routes). This request, therefore, needs further discussion with Con. Eng. and possible consultation as to the requirements of residents.

Grange Road (between York Road and High Street)-
Existing No Entry at York Road end, rest of road is Two Way.
Similar situation as Grange Road in that motorists contravene the No Entry so that they can get into a two way road and look for parking or short-cut.
Request is for the length of Grange Road between York Road and High Street to be made One Way.
Whilst this is feasible, the reason for the No Entry without a One Way was probably the same as Grange Road, to prevent rat-running whilst not restricting residents to have to travel in certain directions only (with circuitous routes). This request, therefore, needs further discussion with Con. Eng. and possible consultation as to the requirements of residents.

Silver Street/Fairfield Road/Balaclava Road-
Request is to introduce parking prohibitions to keep junction clear.
However, there are existing waiting restrictions in place.
There is a “build-out” arrangement on the south side of Silver Street that has an advantage in slowing traffic by providing an informal give way arrangement.
Vehicles do park up to the existing double yellow lines at this “build-out” location, which does create a pinch point.
However, to remove these vehicles any further at this point would require the existing double yellow lines to be extended, which would affect parking spaces for residents and would be likely to meet with objections.
This is to be discussed further with Constituency Engineer before any further action can be recommended.

2.0 Traffic Sites

Highbury Road/Grange Road junction and Highbury Road/Station Road junction-
Site meeting with Councillor Hendricks and local resident discussed traffic situation at the Highbury Road/Grange Road junction.
At this time, the accident record does not show any history of related accidents at this junction as has been borne out during previous site meetings involving the Constituency Engineer.
However, it was felt that some local improvement could be considered in the form of introducing double yellow lines around the junction to clear vehicles from site lines and also allow dropped kerbs and tactile paving to be introduced to assist pedestrians in crossing (particularly crossing with an area free of parked cars).
Due to potential loss of resident parking spaces, this would require local consultation to determine the level of support for these measures.
The same scenario applies to the Highbury Road/Station Road junction.

Avenue Road/Grange Road Junction/existing Zebra Crossing-
Request to make existing Zebra more prominent.
Although accident record does not indicate an undue problem at this location the opportunity is to be taken to carry out a feasibility assessment of the possibility of replacing with a Pelican Crossing.
This will need to take into account local site conditions and Bus Stop locations.



High Street/Vicarage Road Traffic Signals-
into city approach, assessment of providing Left Turn Filter to allow left turn whilst vehicles are turning right/left out of Vicarage Road.
There are obvious benefits for left turners, however actual suitability and logistics are presently being assessed inconjunction with Urban Traffic Control signals staff.

3.0 Other Highway Sites requiring further investigation

Vicarage Road/Avenue Road Junction-
A number of accidents have occurred at the junction,
These require further analysis and further discussion with Constituency Engineer.

Avenue Road, whole length-
A request has been received from the District office and local member for the possible introduction of “traffic calming” along the whole length.
Accidents need to be checked for whole length.
The route is a “green” emergency route, which will require careful consideration of the type of measures proposed and consultation with emergency services.
Further analysis required and continuing discussion with Constituency Engineer.

Wheelers Lane, outside school-
Constituency Engineer has identified parent parking issues associated with school times.
To be further discussed with Constituency Engineer.

Poplar Road-
Constituency Engineer has identified this as a partial relief road to the High Street and has also received a request for a “School” flashing amber sign.
Constituency Engineer is to address this via the existing “Safer Routes to School Programme” along with the other roads in the vicinity.

Springfield Road-
Constituency Engineer has identified this as a relief road to the High Street and has also received a request for a “School” flashing amber sign.
Constituency Engineer is to address this via the existing “Safer Routes to School Programme” along with the other roads in the vicinity.

Valentine Road-
School Travel Plan Team has received comments from Paul Roberts of Fox Hollies Special School (on the Queensbridge School Campus) that it is difficult to cross Valentine Road and has requested a crossing refuge or something suitable.
Need to identify particular area of concern and whether it can be addressed by the existing “Safer Routes to School Programme”.
To be further discussed with School Travel Plan Advisor.

High Street/Valentine Road-
Request for provision of “Yellow Box” junction marking or similar (such as “Keep Clear” markings).
This will be assessed for suitability and any compliance issues.

The cobbled area is on private land. Even so, it is a useful area for pedestrians to use if necessary. Therefore, negotiations will be entered into with land owners to seek change of surface.



Alcester Road (near number 67/69)
Constituency Engineer has had a request from Councillor Yaqoob for a Loading bay to be constructed, south of Addison Road.
Site constraints need to be taken into account.
To be further discussed with Constituency Engineer.

Alcester Road (opposite Library)-
School Travel Plan Team has also received comments from Paul Roberts (Fox Hollies Special School) regarding an area of decorative/cobbled paving adjacent to the Library (into city side).
It is a “pinch point” for pedestrians at this location and the nature of the cobbles makes it difficult to walk on this area when groups of pedestrians need to pass each other.

Drayton Road/Goldsmith Road, etc-
Residents parking problems have produced requests for a Resident’s Parking Scheme. Parking surveys carried out show that majority of parked vehicles are local workers. These would need to be catered for some how, or they would displace elsewhere.
Discussions between local member and Chris Haynes (Transportation Policy) as to a need for a multi-story car park at rear of Woolworth’s (incorporating a top floor for local workers.
It is considered that this would need to be in place before Residents Parking Scheme (i.e., not short term).

Addison Road-
Buses and residents parking problems.
This has previously been extensively assessed and is not to be revisited by “Kings Heath Centre”

High Street/Vicarage Road Signal Junction-
Request from cycling officer for cycle advance stop lines/reservoirs to be added to the existing layout.
Site to be assessed for suitability (as will the Queensbridge Road/Alcester Road signal junction)

Howard Road East/Howard Road-
Request for pedestrian phase/refuge at existing signals.
There has also been a request for a displaced Pelican Crossing to be installed on the southern section of Alcester Road South.
A full assessment of long term junction improvements for this location may be considered as part of the “Alcester Road South Bus Showcase” scheme.

Railway Bridge/Valentine Road/Queensbridge Road Junction-
Possible future consideration is for Railway Bridge Widening or New Footbridge- to provide additional road width for right turn lane into Valentine Road, estimated £1m and £250k respectively.
Redesign of Queensbridge Road junction to provide greater crossing benefits for pedestrians. Where vehicles may be disadvantaged by this, they will gain if railway bridge is widened. No cost available at present. These two could become one combined scheme (but more likely to be combined with the footbridge option at £250k).
The above two will need to take into account request for new northbound left turn lane into Queensbridge Road.
A full assessment of these requests may be considered as part of the “Alcester Road South Bus Showcase” scheme.

All the above three sections will be further discussed and agreed with Constituency Engineer and then local representatives fully appraised of the final agreed proposals, including timescales for carrying out local consultation and implementation.

The carrying out of this local consultation prior to entering into the legal processes of the TRO's, in particular, will be imperative in attempting to address any resident/trader issues before the requirement to legal advertise the TRO proposals, which includes a right to legally object.
------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Camp Hill railway line report is now available on-line

An 8 page summary of the Camp Hill railway line report is now available on-line at http://www.martinmullaney.co.uk/images-transport/camp-hill-railway-line-study.pdf

A detailed map showing the proposed railway chord at Camp Hill that would link the Camp Hill line into Moor Street Station.

see
http://www.martinmullaney.co.uk/images-transport/camp-hill-railway-line-map.pdf

A bid for the re-opening of this line has been included in the West Midlands Council's Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid - this went to government in July. The Camp Hill railway line re-opening is ranked in the number 1 priority projects.

The report says that it would be possible to re-open Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell railway stations by 2015, although I am informed that 2017 is a more realistic date.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Councillor update on Planning Applications of importance in Moseley & Kings Heath Ward – Sunday 12th August 2007

Below is my own personal list of planning applications that I am keeping an eye on, due to residents raising concerns with me or the applications clearly being contentious.

Drawings and further details on each of these planning application is available on-line at
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=67548&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=12189


The planning applications

S/01332/06/FUL, 7 Park Hill, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8DU - Retention of boundary walls to front and side. - Under consideration

S/01333/06/FUL, 7a Park Hill, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8DU - Retention of boundary walls to front and side - Under consideration

S/07597/06/FUL - 40-42 St. Marys Row, China Garden Restaurant, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8JG - Change of use of first floor from residential to restaurant with karaoke rooms ancillary to existing grd flr restaurant – Refused. Decision date - 14/02/2007

S/01392/07/FUL - Springfield Road, Moseley Golf Club, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7DX - Change of use of vacant land for the formation of golf practice area - Under consideration

S/01978/07/FUL - 34 Southlands Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9RJ - Erection of two storey side/ rear and single storey rear extension, installation of first floor rear balcony and t - Approve – Conditions. Decision date - 26/07/2007

S/02356/07/FUL - High Street, Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZ - Installation of retractable awning - Withdrawn. Decision date - 06/06/2007

S/02961/07/FUL - 120-126 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8EE - Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment - Approve – Conditions. Decision date - 10/08/2007

S/03295/07/FUL - 26 Moor Green Lane, Land to rear of, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8ND - Erection of 4 detached dwellings & associated works - Under consideration

S/03304/07/FUL - 33 Heathfield Road, Land at, Kings Heath, Birmingham, - Demolition of existing buildings & redevelopment of 3 storey building to provide 65 apartments, associated facilities - Under consideration

S/03314/07/FUL - School Road, Land at Nos 2-4, Moseley, Birmingham, - Redevelopment to form 39 sheltered apartments for the elderly, communal facilities landscaping & parking - Defer for Sect 106. Decision date – 02/08/2007

S/03570/07/FUL - 70 Station Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7SR - Change of use from single dwelling to 3 self contained apartments and communal area – Refused. Decision date 02/08/2007

S/03874/07/FUL - 191 Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8RR - Retention of front boundary wall and gate - Refused. Decision date - 09/08/2007

S/03887/07/FUL - 12a St. Marys Row, Elizabeth Of York P.H., Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8JG - Variation of condition C4 of permission S/02037/97/FUL to extend opening hours - Under consideration

S/04179/07/FUL - 41 Billesley Lane, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9QT - Erection of single storey side extension - Under consideration

S/04349/07/FUL - 51 Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8RS - Erection of a single and two storey rear extension, alterations to garage roof, conservatory & dormer to rear - Under consideration

S/04550/07/FUL - 10 Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7DB - hange of use from office accommodation to single dwelling house - Under consideration

S/04622/07/FUL - 19 School Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9ET - Erection of single storey rear extension and balcony above - Under consideration

S/04743/07/FUL - 72 Greenhill Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9SU - Retention of dormer window to front and new gable roof above existing flat roof - Under consideration

Xtra Service Team coming to Moseley and Kings Heath Ward week starting 20th August

The Xtra Service team are coming to Moseley and Kings Heath Ward on the week starting Monday 20th August.

They come every 5 weeks.

They will be here for the week and are specialised in de-weeding of pavements and alleyway, de-silting of pavements and removing graffiti. Examples of previous work can be seen at
http://www.martinmullaney.co.uk/xtra-services-2007-april.htm and http://www.martinmullaney.co.uk/xtra-services-2007-may.htm

The crew will find work that needs do, BUT there is an opportunity here to suggest locations that need a good clean. Please forward suggestions to myself and I will forward them to the team.

The crew will not remove dumped rubbish, this is done by the You Are Your Birmingham team who used specialised vehicles for the rubbish and visit the Ward every 6 months.

weekly report back from Moseley Street wardens - w/e 10th august 2007

Below are details of what our two Moseley Street Wardens did during week ending – 10th August 2007

Moseley Street Wardens are funded by public money granted by the Ward Committee, which consists of the three local Councillors. Moseley Community Development Trust manage the Wardens.

There are two Wardens who focus geographically on Moseley

PROBLEMS/MATTERS
Comments
Monday
Patrolled village / Route 5
Drain surround collapsed @ 8A Wake Green Rd - reported to Highways
Rubbish on frontage of 34 Wake Green Rd - reported to Env Warden
Plants in display @ K2 knocked over - reported to MoseleyInBloom
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Patrolled village / Route 6
Pile of sand obstructing road @ 76 Greenhill Rd - reported to Highways
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands

Tuesday
Patrolled village / Route 2
Cleaned up around bottle bank on car park
Graffiti street furniture / walls - reported to Heartlands / L.T.
Wood on Edgbaston Rd in between Mary Street / Strensham Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Excess litter on Cromer Rd and Edgbaston Rd East - reported to Contact Birmingham
Fridge / Boxes / Bin liners next to 1 Caroline Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Piece of fencing / bin liners at jtn Chantry Rd / Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Patrolled village / Route 4
Tree cuttings on footpath at jtn Moor Green Lane / Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Water leak in road outside 128 Park Hill - reported to Severn Trent

Wednesday
Patrolled village / Route 1 Alt
Veg oil can / household items outside 2 Cadbury Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Metal box outside 18 Cadbury Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners / plastic pipe / paint cans outside 3 Woodhurst Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Calor Gas bottle opposite 41 Cadbury Rd - reported to Calor Gas
2 Calor Gas bottles outside 32 Woodstock Rd - reported to Calor Gas
Litter / broken glass jtn Paton Grove / School Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Litter bin full opposite 30 Wake Green Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Central Networks barriers at Jtn Bloomfield Rd / Anderton Park Rd - reported to Central Networks

Thursday
Patrolled village / Route 1
Missed collection @ Rushbrooke Close - reported to Contact Birmingham
Broken mirror @ 94 Trafalgar Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag @ xxx Kingswood Rd. ID recovered - reported to Env warden
Lamppost 8 Kingswood Rd dayburning - reported to Street Lighting
Bag/box/timber@ 25 Newport Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Timber/bucket/table @ 42 Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
2 bags @ 68 Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Missed collection 6-10 Woodbridge Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bags garden waste / boxes outside Encore, St Marys Row - reported to Contact Birmingham

Friday
Patrolled village / Route 3
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Overgrown bushes / branches obstructing footpath opposite 52 Salisbury Rd - reported to Highways
Hole in road outside Bristol Street car dealers , St Marys Row - reported to Highways
Wooden pallet outside 129 Salisbury Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Plastic basket outside 33 Moorcroft Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Suitcase / bin liners / wood outside 67 Moorcroft Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners outside 4 Reddings Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
car xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, no tax, outside xxx Park Hill - reported to Contact Birmingham
Green waste bags opposite 1 The Hawthornes, Woodbridge Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bin liners outside 272 and 286 Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Can bank full on Moseley car park - reported to Recycling
Traffic lights twisted on column 10 at Salisbury Rd / Alcester Rd jtn - reported to Highways

Crime & ASBO
Tuesday
Drinkers on village - 2 new drinkers - reported to Police

Wednesday
Speak with residents / police regards alleyway being gated behind Corral bookmakers / incident night before

Thursday
Drunk unconscious on pavement Woodbridge Rd - reported to Police
Drinkers on village green - reported to Police

Community / other
Monday
Home energy efficiency questionnaire: Highfield Rd

Tuesday
Updated notice boards

Wednesday
Home energy efficiency questionnaire: Highfield Rd

Thursday
Home energy efficiency questionnaire: Ashdown Close

Sunday, August 05, 2007

weekly report back from Moseley Street Wardens - w/e 3rd august 2007

Below are details of what our two Moseley Street Wardens did during week ending – 3rd August 2007

Moseley Street Wardens are funded by public money granted by the Ward Committee, which consists of the three local Councillors. Moseley Community Development Trust manage the Wardens.

There are two Wardens who focus geographically on Moseley

PROBLEMS/MATTERS
Comments
Monday
Patrolled village / Route 5
Graffiti street furniture
Bottle / paper banks full on car park - reported to Contact Birmingham
Mattress opp. 131 Anderton Park Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Building site burning wood opp. 131 Anderton Park Rd - reported to Public Health
Speak with 13/15 Ascot Rd re: trade waste at rear
Litter bin @ jct. Oxford Rd /. St.Mary's Row full - reported to Contact Birmingham

Tuesday
Patrolled village / Route 2
Graffiti street furniture / walls - reported to Heartlands / L.T
Boxes outside 77 Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Fridge / boxes / Green bin liners next to 1 Caroline Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Patrolled village / Route 4
Graffiti street furniture / walls - reported to Heartlands / L.T
Door outside 8 Hillcrest Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Wood / plastic container outside 3 Leighton Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Glass broken on council information sign next to 326 Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bits of furniture in alleyway in between 7 and 9 Leighton Rd - reported to Martin Mullaney

Wednesday
Patrolled village / Route 6
Lamp post 7 School Rd dayburning - reported to Street Lighting
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands
Green bin liners on car park - reported to Contact Birmingham
Patrolled village / Route 1 Alt
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands

Thursday
Patrolled village / Route 1
Cobbles loose @ 95 Alcester Rd - reported to Highways
Dead pigeon in road @ 30 Brighton Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag @ jct. Chestnut / Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Wood/bag/toy/buckets etc @ opp. 45 Chestnut Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Carpet / lino @ bins @ jct. Chestnut / Kingswood Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Lamppost 6 dayburning Kingswood Rd - reported to Street Lighting
Land between 67 and 65 Church Rd - possible gating - reported to Martin Mullaney
Dead cat @ 10 Wake Green Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Tree @ jct. St.Mary's Row / Wake Green Rd is obstructing pavement - reported to Highways
Bin liners @ Moneywise, Alcester Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Broken mirror @ 94 Trafalgar Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Bag of rubble @ 6 Sandford Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Land adj. 22 Sandford rd - possible gating - reported to Martin Mullaney
Binbag @ jct. Chestnut / Church Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Blue box of rubbish adj. 3 Queenswood Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Graffiti street furniture - reported to Heartlands

Friday
Patrolled village / Route 3
Graffiti street furniture
Bag tiles opp. 47 Reddings Rd - reported to Contact Birmingham
Cable box open @ opp. 1C Russell Rd - reported to Cable

Crime & ASBO
Monday
Updated notice boards

Community / other
Wednesday
Delivered B 13 magazines to local shops

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Below is the monthly update from our re-employment project in North Moseley. As you can see we are still having problems getting Hamza mosque on the corner of Church Road and St.Albans Road to get involved with this project. The irony is that this project was originally created to help get members of Chachi Patan community in Kingswood Road back into employment, but has ended helping every community but the Chachi Patan commuity. If anyone can get Hamza mosque to work with this project it would help enormously

Councillor Martin Mullaney


Street Advisors Employment Project Update Report

Enterprising Communities: Kings Heath and Moseley Ward

Background

Resources
For August we are down to 4 members of staff as two staff members are on Annual Leave and one staff members is now on Maternity Leave. We are working hard to cover these staff whilst they are away but this does have obviously impacts on our capacity to register new clients.

Our ability to utilise the information we collect to the best possible benefit has however been increased by the addition in March of a bespoke Skills and Employment Database from Hanlon Skills Software, which has been fully operational since the middle of May. This software allows us to capture a detailed picture of clients’ aspirations, experiences and skills as well as our interventions with them. It also allows us to run searches on the vacancies our Employment Link Officers have been capturing from local businesses (over 230 to date).

Activity

Client support
Each Advisor now has a case load of over 100 active clients across the Enterprising Communities area. All of our team members have at least three Moseley and Kings Heath clients although the majority of the 114 clients engaged with are managed by Marianne Salmons, Sahra Mahamud, Roshan Singh and Liaqat Iqbal. As part of our management systems we have coded clients as Red, Amber or Green as a way to ensure we are signposting and supporting them appropriately.

Green: a client who is ready for employment: They have an up- to-date CV, have discussed job aspirations and are equipped with support to be notified of suitable vacancies to which they can apply themselves or be supported to do so.

Amber: a client who needs some support in up-skilling or who needs their confidence building and support building up a better awareness of the job market they wish to follow.

Red: a client who is some way from being job ready who are in need of basic skills support, most likely ESOL and communication needs are high. A client who is unlikely to have worked in the UK at all or who has been out of the labour market for a considerable time due to ill health or caring responsibilities.

Of the 114 clients for Kings Heath and Moseley the following are currently classified as:

3rd July 2007
2nd August 2007
Green:- 23
Amber:-34
Red:- 44
Green:- 35
Amber:-45
Red:- 34

101
114

This caseload has improved over the last two months and demonstrates the work that has been done by the team to bring their clients into a situation where they are job ready. This has mainly been done by hosting CV and Job search workshops and by spending time with individual clients building their confidence and experience base.

Outreach work
Since 3rd July four members of our team have been leading on outreach work in the Kings Heath and Moseley Ward. By outreach we mean distributing leaflets, door knocking or street walking in busy places. The team have been Roshan Singh, Marianne Salmons, Sahra Mahamud and Ragee Mohamoud. They have been out for a total of 40 Advisor hours over the following days: These have been mainly meeting clients on a one to one basis and providing group support at the Enterprising Community office in Sparkhill.

18th July 2007 – Jobs Fair at Moseley Community Development Trust.
This was a well attended session to which 35 people attended, 23 from the Moseley and Kings Heath Ward. Results for the Community Apprenticeships for clients in Moseley and Kings Heath can be seen at the end of the report.

Details of other events are attached with this e-mail.



Raising Awareness and Community Links
New marketing materials have been printed and are bow being distributed across the ward. During July they have been personally distributed by Advisors to:

Balsall Heath library

Balsall Heath Post Office

Moseley Post Office

Moseley CDT

Hamza Mosque

Subway

Muslim Students House (Moseley Rd)

Sage Food Store

New Agents St Marys Row

Mojams

Unique Tech Church Rd

…Post Office Church Rd


Community and Inter Agency Links

Hamza Mosque and Islamic Centre 88-90 Church Road Moseley
We have been unsuccessful so far in hearing back from the committee at the Hamza Mosque in relation to holding surgeries within the family centre and activities there. Initial contact in early March was hopeful when Raage Mohamed and Liaqat Ali attended and spoke to a senior Iman there. They were given a positive response but were told that confirmation was needed from the Mosque Committee. A call was made a week later after not hearing anything and Liaqat Iqbal and Tabriz Hussain – our Employer Link Officer have been twice over April and May in the day time to try and find a committee member to speak to. They were not successful either time. Helen Baglee went to the Mosque on the 17th July and gave some flyers to a gentleman from the committee who she met outside. We still haven’t heard anything officially from the Mosque or Community. Have you any contact names and numbers we can use please.

Kings Heath Job Centre
As many clients in the ward will be under Kings Heath (Institute Road) Job Centre we have given staff there our details and made links with the Lone Parents Advisor there. We are supporting three existing female clients from the streets at the bottom of Trafalgar Rd who are experiencing a certain level of stress in terms of the new obligations around claiming benefits and looking for work. Marianne and Sahra have held two 3 hours sessions at SBC College Womens Academy in Balsall Heath on 27th July to provide some time with these ladies to build their confidence and job search skills.









Profile for Kings Heath and Moseley as of 2nd August 2007


Table 1 Gender of Clients in Kings Heath and Moseley Ward

Gender
Numbers
%
Female
41
37%
Male
73
64%
Total
114
100%

Table 2 Ethnicity of clients in Kings Heath and Moseley Ward

Ethnicity (from client)
Numbers
%
White (British and Other)
10
9
Black African
26
23
Black Caribbean
7
6
Indian
4
3
Pakistani
26
23
Kashmiri
8
7
Asian (British and Other)
6
5
Dual Heritage
15
13
Refused
12
11
Total
114
100%


Outputs as of 2nd August 2007


Target 2006/2007
Achieved 31st March 2007
Achieved 3rd July 2007
Achieved 2nd August 2007
People Engaged
100
77
101
114
Customised Training or Education
40
7
15
21
Full Time, Part Time and Self Employment
30
12
14
19
Referrals and Other Activity
0
19
42
52


Community Apprenticeships


2nd August 2007
Community Apprenticeships application requests
28
Community Apprenticeship application forms completed
14
Clients shortlisted so far (3 jobs out of 60)
4

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

traffic speed results for School Road and Russell Road areas

Below are the speed results of recent surveys on roads in our Ward. At each locations a double pair of bars were laid on the roads for a week. I'm trying to get hold on the raw data on an Excel spreadsheet, so I can do my own analysis.

The speeds given are the 85th percentile results - 85% of traffic was either doing this speed or slower.

The School Road measurements were done to assist in drawing up School Travel Plans for Kings Heath Primary and Moseley CofE.

The Reddings Road and Russell Road measurements were done following requests from local residents concerned about high speeds on these roads

The areas of concern that immediately stand out from these results are:

1) Russell Road - traffic moving at 40mph. Accidents are a regular occurence at the mini-roundabout. More work is needed on what can be done here. Installation of vertical traffic calming would be limited, since this is an emergency priority route (ie a blue route)

2) School Road, close to Cotton Lane - concern that traffic is doing 30mph as it is getting close to a 20mph zone. Further work needed here.

The full results are as follows

School Road (Northbound): 30.2mph (nr Cotton Lane)
School Road (Southbound): 30.4mph

Reddings Lane (Northbound): 34.2mph
Reddings Lane (Southbound): 33.1mph

Russell Road (Northbound): 39.4mph
Russell Road (Southbound; 38.3mph

Other Surveys near approaches to the roundabout:
Springfield Road (Northbound): 24.8mph
Springfield Road (Southbound): 24.3mph

Cambridge Road (Eastbound): 27.5mph
Cambridge Road (Westbound): 28.6mph

School Road (Northbound): 24.6mph
School Road (Southbound): 24.6mph

Valentine Road (Northbound): 24.8mph
Valentine Road (Southbound): 23.9mph