This has been sent in;

"Station Road alley way going to the rear entrance to the flats from 40 - 50 Station Road. The path has real bad uneven ground where I have slipped a couple of times and even sprained my ankle, its a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt there also due to no lighting around the area makes it even more difficult to use" - www.fixmystreet.com/report/612312

Complaint About The Nature And Standard Of Repair Works To The Pavement - Update

From Erdington Conservatives;

Big Centre TV is the new local TV channel for Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull and The Black Country. It broadcasts on Freeview channel 8 or free online - www.bigcentre.tv/watch-live

Trees Being Pruned on Goosemoor Lane
The contractor Amey is doing it. A few years back another contractor managed to sever lots of the BT phone-lines along the street whilst doing it! Here is hoping for no repeat

Erdington Court Bowls Club on Bowling Green Close quoted almost £3,000 - for the Council to fit road signs worth less than £350 - http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/erdington-court-bowls-club-quoted-8616716

A new fish and chip shop has just opened on Flackwell Road at the junction with Witton Lodge Road

From Erdington Conservatives - "NEW SPEED SIGN - Gareth, Robert and Bob have secured a second speed sign on Court Lane, following the tragic car crash last year."

A cycle path is being put in Bleak Hill Recreation Ground at the bottom of Court Lane - http://bikenorth.birmingham.gov.uk/navy-route/

At the junction of Gravelly Hill and Wheelwright Road, the road floods after a small amount of rain. Cars drive through it at speed and soak pedestrians as they walk past - www.fixmystreet.com/report/566276

Pot-hole near the Sycamore Road junction (outside 178 Goosemoor)

Motorcycle Accident - Goosemoor Lane/Kirkwood Avenue junction
Sunday 14/12/2014 around 1pm. It was a male rider, collided with a white van at the junction. The injured man was treated at the scene and went to hospital with suspected leg injury and for full medical assessment. A passing neighbour attended the scene and administered first aid and kept injured safe and as comfortable as can be until police, ambulance and fire services attended.

Lorry hits Summer Road railway bridge - causing rush hour travel chaos

From Amey re the dodgy paving repairs;

Action Plan for Erdington - by Erdington Conservatives
Cllr Robert Alden has teamed up with Cllr Gareth Moore, Tyburn campaigner Clifton Welch and Kingstanding campaigner Andy Rudge to launch their Action Plan for Erdington and Kingstanding. Have your say on the future of our local area by filling in the petition below and help decide what will help make our home even better for local residents - www.erdingtonconservatives.org.uk/news/action-plan-erdington

More Diseased Trees To Go
More trees on Goosemoor Lane now have removal notices on them due to disease or structural faults. Another one has already now gone (a second of the large brick-foundation ones right at the junction with Court Lane which dates from the 1930's and is in pictures on the History Page from that time).

The Council does plant others in their place, but it is sad to see some notable ones go.

There Was A Bad Accident On Gravelly Lane
On the pavement down by the shops at the Gravelly Lane/Station Road junction in Erdington there's an uprooted phone-box and mail-box next to it also uprooted, there were workman taking the phone-box away

That was indeed the result of a car mounting the pavement and striking them both (late on Sunday 13/7/2014). Somehow the car missed the bus-shelter very nearby.

The driver was ok apparently.

Would be serious impact to knock over a phone-box and mail-box too.

Boldmere Road/Church Road junction shut after collision involving a lorry and a car

Erdington councillor Robert Alden to be appointed leader of Birmingham Conservative group - http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/coun-robert-alden-appointed-leader-7197985

A number of issues have been sent in, my comments are underneath each in brackets;

"Somerset Road - There are a number of front garden walls which look like they are leaning towards the pavement at a worrying angle and there is one in particular which looks ready to collapse at any moment. I don't know if there is an inspection of walls in Birmingham, but it does raise the question of preventing injury to folk walking by."

(I've checked some of these walls - yes some lean out slightly but none are actually in any danger of toppling over it seems. Each is only about a yard high too - a danger to cats and poodles if anyone).

"Gravelly Lane - I reported this one to a PCSO twice within the last 2 years and even paid a visit to the Police Station. There is a large black cable of about 18 inches outside a garden wall which snakes along the pavement about an inch or two from the wall. It seems like it is only a matter of time before someone trips and hurts themselves."

(This is a botch job by Virgin Cable when leading the cable from the pavement to a house etc. In theory it is a tripping hazard to someone who is partially sighted).

"Metal rails by steps at the start of the gully between Somerset Road and Jarvis Road have been missing/stolen for about 2 years also. These rails were invaluable to the older folk, especially in the bungalows, who have difficulty walking as this is the main route to get to the shops on Gravelly Lane."

(I assume the metal railings in that alley have been nicked the same way that everything metal is nicked these days. Replacing them with something non-metallic is one idea).

"Another thing I have noticed is the sound of Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade Sirens around Erdington which have increased 1000 fold I feel, in recent years and has definitely made a huge noise impact on the ambience of the area day and night. I am not disputing that these are emergency vehicles perhaps on a life or death incident, but I do wonder why the huge increase? You can almost guarantee meeting one of these vehicles rushing by on every trip or outing you make in this area, especially at the Chester Road junction with New Summer Road, in fact it does make that junction very dangerous due to the frequency and perhaps a road sign could be put up regarding this danger spot, as the road into Sutton has been narrowed into a two into one lane as you turn left at the lights going into Sutton, this junction gets very busy at rush hour and I have witnessed emergency vehicles going in different directions from two approaches at this time."

(We are not far from Erdington fire station and Erdington police station, so will always have them rushing about the area - I'll try to find out if the sirens are louder now though. I have noticed the 2 - fire and police - trying to both cross junctions in a rush at the same time in the area and getting in each other's way - such as at the Station Road/Sutton New Road junction - but I don't know what can be done).

Missing Bus Stops And Wobbly Bus Stops - Update
There is now a new 66A bus-stop post by the electricity substation on Goosemoor Lane from the Erdington to Sutton way. Some of the existing bus-stops posts on Goosemoor Lane are wobbly.

Reported to Centro - response;

"Thank you for your email received the 5 February 2014, regarding the bus stops on Goosemoor Lane. We are aware that the flag which was originally installed on a lamppost on the 66A route travelling towards Erdington is missing, and are looking to rectify this. The bus stop at this location has 'And Opposite' arrangement in place, meaning that bus services should stop on both sides of the road.

We have however received feedback from passengers that this is not always the case, and that on occasions drivers have not been stopping on the opposite side of the road. It is therefore our intention to install two new stops at this location, meaning the bus stop flag would no longer be installed on a lamp post. Prior to a bus stop being installed we have to ensure the location meets with the Highways Authority's strict road safety criteria and hence need be located in a safe environment for passengers to board and alight vehicle. Therefore we have arranged for a member of our team to carry out a site survey to find a suitable location for the stops to be installed.

Whilst I cannot give you a confirmed decision at this time I can advise you that we will endeavour to install stops here as quickly as possible, subject to receiving highways approval.

I hope this information helps, and thank you for taking the time to contact Centro.

Kind regards

Shelley Lewis
Customer Relations Officer"

www.centro.org.uk

Motorcyclist sent 'flying through the air' in Erdington crash
A motorcyclist had a lucky escape after witnesses described him ‘flying through the air’ following a crash on Short Heath Road early on Monday evening (19/5/2014). The bike collided with a car at the junction with Turfpits Lane just before 6pm.

More - www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/motorcyclist-sent-flying-through-air-7142696

Vegetable plants for sale at Court Lane Allotments
"We have a large selection of vegetable, fruit and herb plants for sale through the shop at Court Lane Allotments. The plants have been grown from seed by our own plot holders. They are in the netted area near the main car park by the shop. The shop is open to everyone on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.

Please come along and help to support us to raise funds for our site.

Thank you"

Court Lane Allotments - www.courtlaneallotments.com

There was a car accident on the junction of Chester Road and Church Road during the night of Thursday 8th May
The car mounted the pavement and demolished the brick wall of the house on the corner of Chester Road and Church Road in Boldmere. There was a spillage of engine coolant on the path which was also littered with broken glass, and pieces of broken car bumper.

The Spinney - from Erdington Conservatives;
"We have contacted the Council demanding that the Spinney on the corner of Witton Lodge Road and Court Lane is cleared up (below).

The site is owned by the City Council Housing Department and so they have an obligation to keep it clean. It is in desperate need of being cleaned up and so we have asked them to send a cleaning crew down to clear the site."

Erdington Conservatives letter to the Council;
"I have been contacted by a number of residents regarding the state of the Spinney on Witton Lodge Road at the junction of Court Lane. I have been out to look at it and once again it is been used as a dumping ground almost. The site is full of litter which has been thrown over the fence. As this land is owned by the City Council housing department please can we get a cleaning crew out on site to get it cleared up for local residents. In addition part of the fence has been damaged please can we look at this and see if we can get it repaired as well please."

Pavement (Chester Road and Sutton Road junction) to 687 Chester Road is littered with broken glass - www.fixmystreet.com/report/452115

(That is not the first fatal road-accident in living memory at that location. They'll be official statistics held somewhere. The nearest pedestrian crossing is about 100 yards away serving Perry Common Recreation Ground and crossing over to the Maxted Road junction).

Road Accident - Witton Lodge Road
Wednesday 2/6/2010 around 6.30pm. At the Flackwell Road junction, two small cars collided. Didn't look like anyone was hurt.

Teenager Injured In Collision With Car On Streetly Road - 65 Bus Was Diverted 
From the Sutton Observer website at www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

"A TEENAGER was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday (26/5/2010) after being injured in a traffic collision.

The boy, who is thought to be 15 years old, was hurt in an accident with a car on Streetly Road, Erdington around 4pm. He suffered back and leg injuries. The driver of the car was uninjured.

The Midlands Air Ambulance airlifted the boy to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where staff were on standby."

The 65 bus service was diverted due to that road being blocked for some time. One bus driver then tried to make up time later on - and simply caused ANOTHER road accident by colliding with a car at speed on Slade Road! No-one hurt in that one.

(Less haste - more speed).

Road Accident - Station Road/Gravelly Lane Junction - Friday 14/5/2010 - More   
 / From the Sutton News;

"A car and a taxi collided at a notorious blackspot in Erdington last Friday. Police and paramedics were called to the traffic lights at the junction of Gravelly Lane and Station Road a about 10pm. A Sutton Coldfield police spokesperson told The News there were no serious injuries to either driver."

Road Accident - Witton - Disrupted The 7 Bus Route   
 / A major road accident blocked Witton Road in Aston at the junction with The Broadway, Thursday 6/5/2010 around 6.30pm. The road was blocked for some time in both directions whilst the Fire Service cut a person (or people) free from a car.

Several 7 buses were held up in a long line, so if you were waiting for ages for one in Erdington that evening - that's what happened.

I have no more details about the road accident itself, it was a very serious one though.

  New Gates - Top Croft Estate /  
 /      You may have noticed more new iron gates surrounding the Large Island www.goosemoor-lane.com/largeisland.htm, this from Erdington Conservatives; /

     "Over the last two years we have managed to get gates on alleys in Dunvegan Road, Fern Road, Orchard Road, Mason Road, Hart Road, Holiday Road, and Topcroft Road." /

Grit Bin For Jerrys Lane
From Erdington Conservatives;

"Jerrys Lane can be very dangerous in the snow and so we are delighted to have secured this extra bin for the area."

Court Lane Death - Foul Play Ruled Out
From the Birmingham Mail website at -

`DETECTIVES investigating the death of a woman in Birmingham have ruled out foul play.e ruled out foul play.

The body of the 54-year-old, who has not been named was found in her Erdington flat on Friday evening when worried neighbours raised the alarm after not seeing her for several days.

The block of flats on Court Lane was cordoned off for much of the weekend while scenes of crime officers in white suits carried out a fingertip search for clues.

However, a post-mortem examination found she had suffered injuries consistent with a fall.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said that her death was no longer being treated as suspicious and added that the case had been referred to the city coroner.

Shocked neighbours yesterday told the Birmingham Mail of their sadness at her death. She had lived here for about 15 or 16 years and was very quiet but always said hello and smiled when she went past, said one neighbour.'

Gravelly Lane - Erdington Businessman Claims He Lost Out On £4,000 Takings Due To Roadworks

`A BIRMINGHAM businessman wants compensation after the city council started roadworks at just 48 hours’ notice.

Ken Thompson, who runs Square Deal Car Spares, on Gravelly Lane, Erdington, said he has lost up to £4,000 in takings since Birmingham City Council closed the road for resurfacing work over the last two weeks.

All lanes were closed off by workers between 9.30am-4.30pm every day since February 2 and work is expected to finish today (Feb 12 2010).

Businesses were given two days’ written notice of the disruption, but a council spokesman today insisted this was due to the work being subject to an "emergency reschedule".

Mr Thompson, who has run the store for 18 years, said access issues caused by the roadworks meant small traders on Gravelly Lane were hit hardest.

"The council’s attitude and the way they have dealt with us has been pathetic," the 63-year-old said.

"We only had two days’ notice, so I didn’t have time to tell my customers what was happening, so I’ve probably lost nearly £4,000 because of this."

He said stock deliveries had not reached him since work began, and that trade had slumped at his busiest time of year.

He said: "I will be writing to the Council to give them my thoughts and I’m going to ask for compensation. This could damage repeat business, because if people have trouble reaching us, then they can easily go elsewhere."

A council spokesman said: "We apologise for the short notice. We usually like to give people two weeks’ notice, but in this case the programme of works was subjected to an emergency reschedule and became a larger project due to the recent bad weather."'

2nd Suspected Suicide In Erdington In As Many Weeks
Oh dear - re the missing person appeal regarding Janice Adetoro of Erdington, read the Birmingham Mail report here;

www.birminghammail.net/body-found-in-brookvale-lake-in-erdington

Suspected Suicide - Jarvis Road - 25/1/2010
From the Birmingham Mail website;

`HORRIFIED residents have spoken of the moment they found the body of a mother-of-one who died after plunging 80ft from a Birmingham tower block.irmingham tower block.

Flowers and a candle marked the spot outside Stokesay House on Jarvis Road in Erdington where the 20-year-old was found lying on the grass, at 8.30am on Monday.

The Birmingham Coroner’s office have named her as Jolanta Wielgus, who was believed to be Polish. Neighbours said she was a lovely woman with a young daughter.

Dorothy Burrows, aged 63, was first on the scene when the woman fell from the ninth floor balcony of her two-bedroomed flat.

The grandmother-of-six said:

"I heard a scream and I looked out of the bedroom window and saw her lying there. It was as though she was asleep on her tummy. She wasn’t moving and was just about breathing. She was completely white. I asked her brother to take off his coat and wrap her in it. A lady from the first floor threw down a blanket. The cleaner called an ambulance."

Crews from the Midlands Air Ambulance battled to save the woman but she was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 9am. Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

Ms Burrows, who is also vice-Chair of Jarvis Towers, said:

"I’m still in shock. People all knew her in the block because she was a mom and there are other mothers here. I didn’t know her name. She was a very, very nice lady and spoke good English. She wasn’t married. She had been in the flat for two or three years and her daughter was getting ready for infant school. I think she worked as a carer but don’t know for sure."

A number of other tearful residents said they were too traumatised to talk but all said she was a wonderful woman.

Jarvis Road was cordoned off for most of Monday and a police tent was erected above the spot where the woman was found.

Helen Chambers, aged 53, who lives in the neighbouring Berkley House, said:

"Suddenly there was a lot of commotion and we had all sorts of flashing lights from the police and ambulance."

A force spokesman said: "Police are investigating the death and the Coroner has been informed."'

Useful websites;

Samaritans, www.samaritans.org.uk
Survivors Of Bereavement By Suicide, http://sobs.admin.care4free.net
Papyrus (preventing youth suicides), www.papyrus-uk.org
Shine On Shelly (bereavement by suicide), www.shineonshelly.org

For more Counselling websites, see the Links Page list here;

www.goosemoor-lane.com/links.htm#thingToJumpTo29

The Polish community websites are here;

www.goosemoor-lane.com/links.htm#thingToJumpTo224

Scrap-Dealers In The Area - Latest
From the Birmingham Mail website at www.birminghammail.net

`FED-UP Birmingham residents have declared war on noisy Rag and Bone men who have been waking them up on a "daily basis" from 7am.

The city council has written to at least 18 registered scrap collectors after Erdington residents started demanding action over the racket created by the modern-day Steptoe and Sons.

The new nuisance was blamed on the increase in scrap collectors who are thought to be cashing in on the higher value of metal.

Erdington councillor, Robert Alden (Con), said:

"It has become a daily occurrence. You can hear the noise echoing around the constituency as early as 7am. The rise in the price of scrap metal, coupled with the current economic climate is probably making it more lucrative. The real problem is the noise they make. The issue was raised at our last meeting by a number of residents who were fed up. They have advised by the environmental health officers that there are powers available. Officers urged residents to take down the registration details of the vehicles."

A spokeswoman for Birmingham City Council said:

"Over the last two years we believe there may have been a increase in scrap metal dealers plying their trade in north Birmingham. We have received an increase in complaints. However, this does not appear to be a citywide problem. The majority of the 18 vehicles identified to us recently are registered in the Walsall area. People should report the complaints and provide as much information as possible. Environmental health officers will investigate the complaint and take action if necessary. If they are using amplification, then the Control of Pollution Act 1974 makes what they are doing an offence. However, if they are just calling, shouting out, or using unamplified musical instruments, then there is no obvious criminal offence. We are currently collating complaints. Letters will continue to be sent to all scrap collectors as they are identified."

Erdington MP Sion Simon added:

"I always support enterprise and business. But, we have to ensure this does not impact on the lives of residents. If this has increased to the point when people are being woken up early in the morning on an almost daily basis, it is important the council uses legislation to tackle these problems."'

College High School Becomes "North Birmingham Academy"
From the Birmingham Mail website at www.birminghammail.net

`OUT with the old and in with the new! Pupils at a Birmingham school will start the year in a new environment - without moving out of their existing classrooms.

Youngsters at the former College High School in College Road, Erdington, are to start 2010 as students of the new North Birmingham Academy, which opens its doors on January 6.

The academy is the third to be sponsored by the Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust following those at the former Shenley Court Arts College in Selly Oak and The Heartlands High in Nechells.

All three have been taken out of local authority control, with three other Birmingham secondary schools earmarked as academies under different outside sponsors.

Pupils of the new North Birmingham Academy will be based in the existing buildings, but will move to purpose-built accommodation in 2012.

Extensive improvements have already been carried out while designs for the new building take shape.

Former College High head, and now North Birmingham Academy principal Kim Popratnjak, said:

"I’m delighted to be opening as a new academy. We have worked hard to prepare for implementing the new changes. This is an opportunity for us to provide an exceptional learning experience."

The academy will have a new school uniform, including the new academy logo which students helped to design.

Edutrust manages eight academies, including ones in London, Sheffield, and Leeds, with more due to open next year.

Director General Sir Bruce Liddington said:

"North Birmingham will join our other academies focusing on our vision of delivering educational excellence for all. Developing a new academy will make a real difference to the future of the students, as well as providing excellent new facilities to benefit the students and the wider community for decades to come."

Birmingham’s academy programme, which also includes two new 14 to 19-year-old institutions specialising in engineering and the performing arts respectively, is still being opposed by the Anti-Academies Alliance.'

Website - www.nbacademy.org.uk

Troubled Pub The Place 2B Sold
From the Birmingham Mail website at www.birminghammail.net

`THE pub that was owned by shamed TV presenter Ashley Blake when he attacked a teenage customer has been bought by the garden centre next door for £1million.

Blake, 40, was jailed in September after being found guilty of hitting teenager Greg Jones in the face with a large wooden pole outside The Place 2B, in Sutton Coldfield.

He was given a further six months in prison for attempting to pervert the course of justice, by throwing the pole into the garden centre next door, in Chester Road.

Mr Jones, who was 17 at the time of the incident on January 25, needed ten stitches and now has a permanent scar from his lip to chin.

The attack happened after violence broke out at the end of an 18th birthday party at the pub, which Blake co-owned at the time with his partner Jessica Hayes.

The pub was taken on a short term lease after the couple left, but there was another tragic incident nearby in July, which resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to another.

The venue was put on the market by Punch Taverns and has now been bought by the family business that runs the garden centre next door. Robert Hall, senior partner of Hall’s Garden Supplied, confirmed he had taken possession of the keys this week and that it would be turned into a Christmas spectacular next year.

Mr Hall added: "The pub had been on a long-term lease to Ashley Blake and his partner Jessica. Acquiring The Place 2B will allow a natural progression to our current site adding both undercover showroom area and outside display space. The new addition to the garden centre will initially be open to the public in April with a new coffee shop, while other areas of the building will be opened later."

Blake, a former BBC Midlands Today and Watchdog presenter, had his challenge to his two-year prison sentence rejected by the Court of Appeal last week.

His legal team argued before sentencing that he had already suffered a severe punishment by losing his job. He was convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice by throwing the pole away into the garden centre in an attempt to conceal it from the police.

He later admitted to lying to officers on a number of occasions. He was dismissed by the BBC following an internal inquiry.

The pub was built in the 1920s and named The New Oscott Tavern. Hall’s Garden Supplies moved next door in the 1950s.'

Dire Warnings Over Youth Service Cuts In Erdington
From the Sutton News website at http://icsuttoncoldfield.icnetwork.co.uk

`ERDINGTON residents fear the Council’s cuts in youth spending will see the return of anti-social behaviour to their streets. At the Erdington Constituency Committee, which met at Stockland Green School on Monday night (14/12/2009), they dismissed the case made for the Council’s decision by the Head of Youth Service, Harry Fowler.

A full-time Youth Work post at the Malcolm Locker Centre will go and be filled by two trainee youth workers.

The Pype Hayes Community Focus will also close this month. Elsewhere a 17.5-hour-a-week post at the Green Door project, on Wyrley Birch, will end in April.

Linda Hines, chairman of the Kingstanding Neighbourhood Tasking group, warned Mr Fowler the cuts were a mistake.

She said the Green Door worker had helped reduce anti-social behaviour to five incidents a week from 40 a year ago. The 58-year-old said:

"Be prepared. If anti-social behaviour increases other services will have to come in to deal with it."

Area youth officer Jim Shand said in a report handed to the meeting:

"Staff will endeavour to do everything to make the required level of savings and to minimise the impact on services to young people."'

"Dunhill Gardens" By Kirkwood Avenue
If you look in the Birmingham A - Z, you'll see reference to "Dunhill Gardens" over by Kirkwood Avenue. However you'll see too if you actually go to that specific area that it doesn't actually exist! In reality it's merely a continuation of Kirkwood Avenue.

The answer to that mystery, from A-Z themselves;

"The name Dunhill Gardens is one of our copyright signatures which assist us in establishing copyright infringement. This name will be removed in future editions."

    A-Z Map Company, www.a-zmaps.co.uk /

Goosemoor Lane Bend - Speeding Vehicle Demolishes Anstey Wall - Yet Again!
For the THIRD time now a vehicle has again mounted the pavement and demolished the Anstey (Goosemoor Lane Playing Fields) brick wall where that has then been hit.

Same place (a few metres further along) that the same wall was hit a few weeks back. You can see the THREE separate places now along that stretch of wall.

It's only a matter of time before a pedestrian is hit along there I reckon, and with the force clearly enough to knock down a brick wall - oh dear.

The Council have inspected the Bend and have said the traffic-calming there is ok, I beg to differ though - and so does that brick wall knocked down 3 times now.

Road Accident - Chester Road - Police Appeal For Witnesses
By the railway station, Friday 27/11/2009 at 5.25pm. Call 0121 606 7845.

Tree In Park Collapses
So a lucky escape here, has fallen over in a little used part of Short Heath Park - at the rear of the electricity substation on Court Lane, the corner by the car-park.

I do report trees in the Park that are obviously a danger, difficult to check each tree for sure though since there are so many and with some it isn't obvious.

Birmingham Flat Blaze Man Dies After Being Rescued   
 / From Birmingham Mail website at www.birminghammail.net

`A MAN died after a flat fire in Birmingham, despite attempts by paramedics and doctors to save him. Firefighters carried him from a second-floor flat of a four-storey block, at Swan Gardens, in Erdington, at about 4pm yesterday. Sep 23 2009.

The man was taken to Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, where he later died. West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: The man was brought out of the building by firefighters and we immediately started advanced life support.

He was then taken on blue lights to Good Hope Hospital but was sadly confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

Today, fire investigators were probing the cause of the blaze.'

http://firekills.direct.gov.uk

Mysterious Iron "Drain" At The Spinney
All the recent rain has unearthed some puzzling iron thing on the floor by The Spinney. If you stand at the 7/65 to-city bus-stop, there's a grass verge of course. About 5 yards from the Cable box, part of the verge has sunk. An iron grated drain is actually there you can now see - was hidden under the verge.

Unclear how stable that area now is, the iron-grate has holes large enough for (children's) feet to become stuck in (kids do play on that verge - often when waiting for a bus - they could fall onto it too as it's presence is still not that obvious), and it's unclear what it's original purpose was or is - the pit below it MIGHT be deep, that's unclear too.

I've contacted the Council, so they can get to the bottom of it - excuse the pun.

Court Lane Speed Indicator Installed
Wasn't aware there was a problem there, but an electronic speed indicator has been placed on Court Lane near the Jerrys Lane junction. For traffic heading towards Short Heath Road.

From Erdington Conservatives;

"Local Conservative Councillors ....... have been campaigning against speeding traffic on Court Lane."

Area Behind The Woodyard - Still Appalling Drainage
This large grassed area is supposed to be for public open space, but after any rain it's still useless for days, you sink to your ankles. Should be like Short Heath Park. Can the drainage be improved? It has never been right in that regard since it's creation in the 1980's.

Blocked Drains - Goosemoor Lane/Gravelly Lane/Summer Road 
 / The recent heavy rain is showing where major blockages are;

On Goosemoor Lane at the junction with Top Croft Road, that big drain STILL blocks up. Work is forever done there and still fails to solve the problem.

On Gravelly Lane opposite the Mona Road junction, a blocked drain causes a HUGE puddle in heavy rain.

Just further up on Summer Road, under the railway bridge, passing cars sometimes get stuck in a big water pool that forms in that dip in the road - blocking traffic of course. The drains do clear the water eventually, but not quickly enough. So another drain needs putting there under that bridge - there are 3 big ones already but it's not enough.

All reported.

The Spinney News
From Erdington Conservatives;

"We have reported The Spinney at the junction of Witton Lodge Road and Court Lane to the City Council. We have asked the Council to clean up the inside, cut back the bushes that have become so overgrown it is now difficult to see out, and for the damaged fence sections to be repaired."

Major Road Accident - Gravelly Lane
Thursday evening 30/4/2009, by the Oliver Road junction, road was cordoned off. No more details available I'm afraid.

Goosemoor Lane Bend - Speeding Vehicle Demolishes Wall
A vehicle has mounted the pavement and demolished the Anstey (Goosemoor Lane Playing Fields) brick wall where that has then been hit. You can still see the tyre tracks leading up to the wall!

Same place that a lamp-post was hit a few weeks back.

On the odd side of the road, as traffic speeds down from the direction of Court Lane and meets the roughly 70 degree bend. Often happens that vehicles leave the road there. Traffic-calming has been put in over the years - still not enough though.

So another dangerous incident, given that a brick wall has been demolished this time (Monday night I think - 27/4/2009. Probably in all that rain/hail we had).

The Council officially records only injury accidents, so the lamp-post and now the wall being hit might officially count as "no accident" if no-one was injured.

Bit of a farce if so, since lamp-posts and walls being hit and knocked down will soon be a person if nothing more is done.

Hazard - Gravelly Lane Junction Problem - Still Happening
(This problem probably not unique to this type of junction). There is a small traffic island at the junction of Goosemoor Lane and Gravelly Lane. 3 plastic keep-left signs are on that island.

Sometimes traffic coming down Gravelly Lane (from Chester Road towards Station Road) ignores them (or doesn't see them) and turns onto Goosemoor Lane on the WRONG side of that small island (i.e. using the first gap instead of the second).

Then running head-on into traffic leaving Goosemoor Lane onto Gravelly Lane (completely surprising both sets of motorists).

Happened around midday on Friday 25/4/2008 - but I'm now told it happens lots. e.g. Happened again on Sunday 19/4/2009 around 10.30pm.

The 3 keep-left signs are either too small, or no-entry signs need to be put where appropriate at that junction.

Jarvis Road News
News sent in by a resident re Jarvis Road, when I've looked into it all I'll add the responses.

"Just to mention that new large litter bins have appeared on Jarvis Road, they seem to look out of place to me, there's even one in the alleyway to Somerset Road.

The unofficial car space outside Alnwick House had metal railings put around it today, this seems a thoughtless move as this area has a shortage of car parking spaces and this will only add to them, can't help but wonder why they did not leave it as it was. The workers had to park their truck astride 3 parked cars in proper bays, thus proving the need for increased parking facilities. There is always lots of work being done by council workers and other service providers in this road which adds to the problem.

Considering Jarvis Road has a regular bus service up and down every 20 minutes or so, cars which have to park next to the kerbs risk having wing mirrors broke off or worse as the road has curves and is awkward and difficult for the bus drivers to navigate.

There should also be the addition of parking bays for the bungalows along this road as it gets more difficult for health workers such as Nurses, Doctors and Social Services to get to provide the services they need, there is plenty of room outside the bungalows for this work.

I have seen Ambulances and Fire Engines struggle to make their way along Jarvis Road with all it's obstacles and cannot understand why the Council does not improve parking facilities.

As we are now in Summertime it seems that children and adults think it is fine to play football outside the flats in this area, pounding the wall of the tower blocks and hitting cars parked nearby."

(There is a plan to build a park on the land between Jarvis and Topcroft, more on that as it comes in).

Speed Check On Chester Road Now
Almost certainly in response to the recent fatal accident (see Crime Page) a speed checker is now near the Lakehouse Road junction.

Planning Boss Nearly Arrested After Visit To Erdington Islamic School Site - Station Road
From the Birmingham Mail website at www.birminghammail.net

`BIRMINGHAM’S planning chief was almost arrested for causing an obstruction during a visit to the proposed site of an Islamic school and education centre.

A police community support officer took Coun Peter Douglas Osborn’s name and threatened to move him on as the Council planning committee chairman hosted a site visit to Station Road in Erdington.

The committee was viewing traffic and parking congestion in the area before considering proposals to convert vacant shops into an Islamic school and adult education centre for up to 30 pupils.

The councillor’s claims that it was an important public meeting cut no ice with the PCSO who wanted to clear the highway.

Coun Douglas Osborn (Con, Weoley) said: "He objected to us having a meeting there, but I felt the obstruction was a minor problem and it was an important that people could have their say."

The meeting was soon wrapped up and the small crowd allowed to disperse.

And planning committee members felt the obstruction and gridlock caused by their arrival in a minibus showed that the road could not cope with up to 30 people coming and going to attend classes, despite assurances from transport officers that it would not add to traffic problems.

The committee unanimously overturned the official advice and decided they were minded to refuse the application.'

Oscott College Dangerous Trees
Around the perimeter of the Oscott College (especially on Chester Road), over-hanging branches are falling into the road and onto the pavement in rough weather.

www.oscott.net

The Bend Is Tough For Lorries - Sat Nav Can Re-Direct Them?
Articulated lorries find The Bend in Goosemoor Lane VERY difficult to negotiate, but we have Cookes and Travis Perkins having to accept such deliveries of course. Can Sat Nav be altered so that when directing lorries to those two premises it's via the Court Lane end (Travis Perkins) or the Gravelly Lane end (Cookes) and The Bend is therefore avoided?

(Although thinking about it - when they've unloaded wouldn't they have to go round the Bend THEN to drive off - so IS there an overall solution? At least an empty lorry would find The Bend easier to drive round though).

Anger As Perry Common Phone Mast Is Approved
From www.thisisgreatbarr.co.uk

`Controversial plans to erect a 15-metre high phone mast on land near to a busy road junction in Perry Common have been approved. Fifty incensed residents put pen to paper and signed a petition calling on Birmingham City Council to throw out Orange's plans to install the mast at the junction of Witton Lodge Road and College Road.

But yesterday members of the planning committee gave the green light with some conditions.

They ordered that the mast be in the style of a mock telegraph pole, and that the number of cabinets be reduced from five to one and painted in anti-graffiti paint to combat vandalism.

Gary Sambrook, who lives in Plumstead Road, visited scores of homes asking people to sign the petition. He expressed anger at the committee's decision.

He said: "There are already enough phone masts in the area. We started a petition three weeks ago and this was handed in to the council. It is disgraceful that this phone mast has been allowed to go ahead, however we will be making sure they do not break the conditions of the permission."

The mast is expected to provide 3G coverage to the Perry Common, Upper Witton and Short Heath areas of the city.

Erdington ward councillor Robert Alden had supported the protestor's campaign. Speaking after yesterday's planning meeting he said: "We are glad that alterations have been made so that vandalism should be combated, however we are concerned that the committee, following planning legislation, isn't allowed to consider the health impact of a mobile phone masts."'

Fatal Road Accident - Perry Common - Police Appeal For Witnesses 
 /  (This will be moved to the Crime Page if dangerous driving etc is later proved).

From www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

`A man died after suffering serious injuries in a road traffic accident in Kingstanding today (Thursday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to College Road shortly after 9.40am.

An ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and the Warwick and Northants Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene where the 27-year-old was lying in the road with multiple injuries to his head, chest and leg.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said the man was involved in a collision with a vehicle and needed treatment at the scene before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

West Midlands Police closed Witton Lodge Road, Hawthorn Road and College Road around College High School while inquiries were made at the scene.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information is urged to contact the road policing unit at Castle Vale on 0845 113 5000.

Some initial reports from emergency services - including those received before the January 23 edition of the Great Barr Observer went to press this afternoon - suggested a child had been involved. That information was incorrect.'

The issue of traffic safety on College Road between the Beggars Bush and the One Stop Shopping Centre does keep arising at various meetings etc.

Linda Hines Of Perry Common Awarded An MBE 
 /  From www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

`A dedicated community worker who has helped tackle crime and improve housing in Perry Common has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Linda Hines, who is director of Witton Lodge Community Association, was awarded the MBE for her work in the community in north Birmingham.

Mrs Hines was named in the prestigious roll of honour for her steadfast work, which includes playing an integral role in setting up Perry Common Community Watch, which last year received praise from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The award is also in recognition of her work at Witton Lodge Community Association, a non-registered Housing Association which owns rented properties on the Perry Common Estate including an extra care sheltered scheme at Sycamore Court in Buxton Road.

Commenting on the honour, 57-year-old Linda, said:

"It is quite an honour it has been the hardest secret to keep as I have known about the MBE since November. When I received the letter I read it about 10 times to make sure it was correct. It is 18 years since I became active in the community and I have not won this award on my own, so many people have supported and helped me. I love a challenge and thrive on challenges. I do not know who nominated me but when I find out I will give them a big hug."`

Power Cut - Happy New Year 
 / The electricity went off across a wide area on New Year's Day! From around 1.20pm - 2.30pm. The last one in this area was February 2008 - is that too many in too short a space of time? I'll keep an eye on it.

Jarvis Road Electrical Rewiring Faults 
 /  Cllr Compton recently took possession of a petition from residents of Jarvis Road objecting to the quality of rewiring work carried out on their properties.

The Mystery Of The Small Water-Mains Cover Outside 118 Goosemoor Lane
Sometimes it's there, sometimes not and there's a hole in the pavement! Even those at 118 don't know why it vanishes and then re-appears!

(One possible explanation is it keeps being nicked - it is metal - and Severn Trent keep replacing it. How they know it keeps vanishing to replace it I don't know though!)

The Hanging Baskets Of Station Road
From Erdington Conservatives member Cllr Robert Alden;

"I was especially keen to see hanging baskets along the Sutton New Road and from Erdington train station to the High Street so residents and visitors could follow the flowers to the High Street."

Princess Anne Was In The Area Recently
From www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

`The Princess Royal officially opened a 'state-of-the-art' adult care centre in Perry Common yesterday (Thu 9/10/2008), accompanied by dignitaries from across Birmingham.

Her Royal Highness visited the Perry Tree Centre in Dovedale Road, the first of four pioneering care centres set to open in the city this year.

The princess was shown around the centre by manager Mike White and then met residents and their families, along with staff and partner organisations.

Princess Anne ended her visit by poignantly planting a perry tree in the award-winning landscaped gardens.

"The Princess Royal took a genuine interest in what we are achieving here in Birmingham," said Mr White.

"As patron for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers since 1991, she is working towards the same goals that we are – to support older people and their carers to remain independent for as long as possible."

The princess visited a rehabilitation and in-patient area on the upper floor, which were provided by Birmingham East and North Primary Care Trust.

Director of strategy and redesign for the trust, Tony Ruffell, said: "It was a real pleasure to be able to demonstrate these new facilities to the Princess Royal.

"They will make an enormous difference to people in east and north Birmingham who need our support to help them regain their independence."

The centre is at the cutting edge of support services for people with dementia and boasts assistive technology, rehabilitation services, a gym and therapy rooms.

Residents are accommodated in 64 en-suite bedrooms, including long-term care beds.

The centre's gardens, which are specifically designed to help people with dementia, won the special award category in the Celebrating Construction Awards 2008.

Councillor Sue Anderson, cabinet member for adults and communities said: "Our care centres will enable us to deliver a much higher standard of care to older people in Birmingham.

"They are also unique in the country and it is wonderful that Her Royal Highness is with us today to help celebrate all the hard work that has gone into making our vision a reality," she said.'

Fire - Repton House - Top Croft Estate 
 / From www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

(Repton House is the tower block with red brickwork at the top)

"An Erdington man is recovering in hospital after being rescued from a blaze in his seventh-storey flat.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, suffered a heart attack after breathing in fumes from a severe fire at his home in Repton House, Baldmoor Lake Road in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 16/9/2008).

He was resuscitated by the ambulance crew and taken to Good Hope Hospital.

The fire brigade was alerted to the scene about 1am after a neighbour heard an alarm and reported smelling smoke.

Another man in his 30s was treated for minor smoke inhalation."

Government Smoke Alarm etc Campaign - http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/firekills/

Loose Bricks Around Tree Bases - Goosemoor Lane 
 / There are trees with decorative brick bases on the odd-side by the Court Lane junction. The heavy rain has caused some bricks to become loose/dislodged though the trees are still safe. Can the brick-work be repaired please?

(A glance at the 1930's photos on the History Page shows that brickwork is historic and we have lost a couple of those trees already due to new driveways etc. So can the brick-work be repaired in the original style too please? Would look out of place if ordinary house-bricks were used).

Telegraph Pole Problem - Goosemoor Lane   
 / Outside the Anstey on the Bend on that odd-side sits a telegraph-pole. One of the lines attached has snapped. Is quite long and easily touched but is only a phone-line NOT a power line. Reported to BT for repair.

(When people switch to Cable, BT don't disconnect the physical phone-line to the house from their poles, so many are redundant so aren't noticed by residents or BT when they snap).

 Still Flooding Problems At The Top Croft Junction /  
 /     Council have spent all sorts of time and effort on this but EVEN now in heavy rain it STILL forms a huge puddle! Before it was because the camber was wrong, not it's because the drain just gets overwhelmed! /

Coin From 1822 Found On Maxted Road 
 / If you have a metal-detector you may want to get it out! A coin dating from 1822 has been found by someone walking on the grass-land on Maxted Road.

That land has never been built on and did belong to Oscott College;

www.oscott.net

Bears King George IV on it's heads-side with Britannia on the tails-side.

Coin isn't in good condition and has not yet been valued.

Full inscription as can be made out;

Heads - "Georgius IIII DEI GRATIA"

Tails - "Britannar REX FID DEF 1822"

(Seems a commemorative coin rather than currency - possibly celebrating his Coronation. Became king in 1820 having been Regent from 1810).

  Rats On Sunday Nights - Foxes And Hedgehogs Now Too
 /     All sorts of wildlife is scurrying round the bin-bags left out for Monday morning refuse collections - try to leave putting them out until as near collection time as possible (e.g. Sunday afternoon seems a bad idea). /

Court Lane UK Youth Parliament Representative
From the Sutton Observer website - www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

`An Erdington boy will be among a party of 300 teenagers who will today (Friday 2/5/2008) debate major youth issues at the House of Lords.

In the hours after millions of adults cast their votes in the local elections, Andrew Marlow, 16, a member of the UK Youth Parliament for Birmingham, will take over the distinguished chamber. He will debate what issues should become the subjects of Youth Parliament campaigns this year, with three to be chosen from topics including public transport concession cards, university tuition fees, youth representation in the media and lowering voting age.

"We are pleased that young people's issues are now being taken seriously as evidenced by their access to the House of Lords chamber and we will continue to support young people to get their voice heard at all levels across the city," said Harry Fowler, joint acting head of Birmingham City Council's Youth Service.

The debate will be chaired by Lord Speaker Baroness Hayman.

She said: "I am very pleased to welcome Members of the UK Youth Parliament who will be coming from all over the country to debate important issues in the House of Lords chamber.

"It is vital that we engage with young people and understand their views and experiences in order to pass laws which are fit for the future."'

Founder Of Cookes Furniture Dies
From the Sutton Observer website - www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

"The funeral of a well respected Sutton businessman will take place next Friday (April 25). Ted Cooke, founder of Cookes Furniture, passed away last week, aged 83.

A service will take place at 12 noon at St Michael's Church, Boldmere, followed by a private service at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium.

Family flowers only are requested.

Donations to Mr Cooke's favourite charity, the Great Midlands Fun Run, can be made c/o Ian Hazel Funerals Ltd, 5 Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4AA."

Fire - Windsor House - Jarvis Road - No-One Hurt www.firekills.gov.uk
A fire occurred recently in the middle tower block - Windsor House - about halfway up the block. No-one hurt.

Fire - Abbeyfield Road - Sunday 9/3/2008 - Update - Was Subsequently Fatal www.firekills.gov.uk
(The top end of Witton Lodge Road). From the Sutton Observer website www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk;

`A woman is recovering in hospital after being dragged from her burning home at the weekend. The 49-year-old woman, who has not been named, was admitted to the intensive care unit at Good Hope Hospital following a blaze at her Erdington flat. She had to be pulled from the ground-floor property on Abbeyfield Road at around 3am on Sunday after neighbours saw smoke billowing from the kitchen door.

Her condition was thought to be life-threatening when she was admitted on Sunday, but further details were not being released to the media as the Observer went to press.

It is thought the fire started in the kitchen after food was left cooking in the oven.

Neighbours alerted the fire brigade after smelling the smoke from her home and then hearing her fire alarm.

"We were on the scene quite quickly, as were the paramedics," said Mick Walsh of Erdington Fire Station.

"It was quite lucky that the neighbours smelled the smoke and heard her alarm because of the double glazing.

"We say it enough but it really shows how important it is to get a proper, working fire alarm installed."

A spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The woman has suffered critical injuries after the house fire in Erdington. Crews immediately started resuscitation attempts. She was taken on blue lights to Good Hope Hospital where medics were on standby to receive her."

Fire investigations officers say they are not treating the blaze as suspicious.'

(As the updated headline says - this fire was subsequently fatal).

Court Lane And Madehurst Road Junction Clean Up   
 / From Erdington Conservatives;

"Your local Conservative Team cleaned up the rubbish around the junction ..... We managed to collect more than 5 big bags of rubbish and have reported the site to the Council so hopefully they will maintain it's current state."

Jarvis Road And Somerset Road Alley Clean Up   
 / From Erdington Conservatives;

"Local campaigner Jessie Holland carried out a litter pick and weed clearance along the alley ... a large amount of plastic bags containing dog mess were found along with a number of needles and foil.

Jessie says, `We have reported the mess to the Council Hygiene Squad ..... we have also reported the matter to the police ..... '"

Short Heath Park Clean Up   
 / From Erdington Conservatives;

"Robert (Alden) and Gareth (Compton) arranged for a Short Heath Park to be given a special `deep clean' following complaints from residents ...... The two-day clean up at the end of January has left the park looking better than it has in a long time."

Short Heath Park Clean Up
From Erdington Tories;

"The Council has agreed to carry out two special deep cleans of Short Heath Park ....... The first of these has happened already recently when the Council spent a day picking up litter etc. They will be doing this again in coming days ...... These are special clean ups in addition to the ones which happen normally during the month."

Rose And Crown Alley Clean Up
From Erdington Tories;

"This times it was the alley running between Goosemoor Lane and Gravelly Lane that was the target of a clean up. Between them the Conservative Campaign team managed to collect 12 bags of rubbish from along the alley. The rubbish ranged from beer cans and bottles to sweet and crisp wraps but also building parts from the contractors who have been working on the next door site. These have been reported to the Council and we are calling on the Council to take action against these contractors leaving dangerous items behind."

Failed Camber - Goosemoor Lane
The road-camber has failed on the odd side of Goosemoor Lane at the junction with Gravelly Lane (so a very large puddle forms in the rain). Reported for repair ages ago but not fixed. Reported again. /

Speeding Incident - Goosemoor Lane   
Many makes of car now have the spare-wheel attached underneath instead of in the boot, and we have those two "tippex islands". On Sunday night (6/1/2008) one speeding motorist decided to drive over instead of round the one by Top Croft Road - and tore the spare wheel clean off the bottom of the car and it bounced along the road behind the car for several yards!

It could have been quite a serious incident. Just as well the road was empty. They did stop and re-attached it underneath.

Alley Cleaned - Bottom Of Court Lane Area
From the Sutton Observer website www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk

`A neglected alley in Erdington got a new lease of life last week after volunteers pulled out all the stops to get it clear. The alley, situated between Marsh Lane and Summer Road, was dirty and neglected with litter and rubbish strewn about the place. But last week Stockland Green and Erdington Conservatives pulled together to make the alley - which is used by people walking to the High Street and rail station - spick and span.

"Residents had come to me expressing their concerns about the alley being so dirty and unsafe to walk along due to all the rubbish building up and becoming wet and slippy," explained Stockland Green Conservatives local campaigner Matt Bennett.

"I decided that I should ensure it was clean for the local residents. For too long Stockland Green and its residents have been ignored. I'm determined to ensure that doesn't continue and that the Stockland Green residents have the quality of life they deserve. That's why I am fighting to put the green back into Stockland Green."'

Dropped Kerbs - More
This came up some months back, the Council wanted all of those with driveways for cars to have dropped kerbs installed on the pavement. Here is the Council page; /

Council dropped kerbs page, www.birmingham.gov.uk/droppedkerbs

  Minor Bus Crash - Court Lane - The Spinney
 /     (This might have involved a traffic offence - we shall see - so scant details here). Wednesday 13/6/2007 around 3pm. One of the "independent" buses was in collision with a car. Police were in attendance but I don't think anyone was injured. A very young child was aboard one vehicle. /

  Traffic Survey/Speed Check - Jarvis Road
 /     (Courtesy of Cllr Alden) Police conducted a speed check on Jarvis Road during the last week in April. Over all they found that only approx 5% of traffic speeds could be actionable. Although not as serious as elsewhere, they did admit that some cars were going very fast. /

  Suspected Drunk-Driver Arrested After Large Crash On Goosemoor Lane
 /     On Thursday night/Friday morning 26-27/4/2007 around 0.15am a driver was arrested by police after a road incident at the Kirkwood Avenue junction in which no-one was injured. More on this after any court proceedings. /

    Cllr Robert Alden is looking into road-calming. /

    (This report will be moved to Crime Page depending on those court proceedings). /

These Issues Have Been Raised By A Resident With Cllr Alden   - His Responses
 / 1. Rubbish left for weeks by the Council bin on Goosemoor Lane opposite the Church of Christ.. This is now causing more rats in the area.

"We have contacted the fleet and refuse department regarding this and asked that it be collected more regularly."

2. Rubbish bins being emptied at Cookes Furniture (twice a week) this is done at 6.00am, when the vehicles reverse they are fitted with reversing proximity bleepers, this is not a welcome noise at this hour!

"We have contacted the environmental health department and reported it as noise nuisance. They will now carry out some monitoring."

3. What is the criteria for a residents parking scheme? Whenever there is a "special event" at Cookes (e.g. a sale) then the road is chaotic with traffic.

"A residents parking scheme would require over 60% of the road to vote in favour ....... It would mean that residents would have to pay yearly for a parking permit. Schemes only guarantee ONE permit per house and therefore could mean that you would not be able to park all your vehicles on the road."

4. More traffic calming measure in the road the as current "spot islands" are not effective.

" ..... we collected a petition on this very issue a few months ago and it is currently being processed by the Transportation department ...... "

5. Finally can you find out what opening restrictions the restaurant has in Cookes as there seems to be people leaving the premises very late at night.

    "We have contacted the licence department regarding this to find out the details ........ " /

  Erdington Labour Party Info /    
They've actually started sending me stuff (must be an election coming - oh yeah, there is) and here is what is relevant to this area; /

    "We are liaising* closely with Erdington's policing team, and have worked in partnership to provide neighbourhood police stations in Rookery House and Jarvis Road. We also share your concern about the often poor-quality of local street-lighting, and as a result we are committed to upgrading street lighting wherever possible. As a result we have recently authorised a major street lighting improvement scheme in Goosemoor Lane." /

    * A word very often spelt wrong and they did - put liasing - I've corrected it ffor them above. Our schools are in safe hands then? /

  Man Found Dead - Gravelly Lane/Jarvis Road Junction - Yet More
 /     From the Sutton Observer, www.thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk /

`A middle-aged man lay dying, face-down on a grass verge at the side of a busy main road in Sutton. He was obviously in trouble, yet dozens of people walked on by. Their actions have sickened one of the two Sutton men who did stop to help.

Daniel Woodward, aged 23, who lives in Boldmere, was driving down Gravelly Lane last Monday (February 19) at around 12.30pm when he noticed a young man trying to get assistance from passers-by. Then he saw the older man lying face down on the ground near the junction with Goosemoor Lane and stopped in his tracks.

"I was on the way towards Erdington when I saw a man on his mobile phone looking shocked and worried and there was an older man lying on the ground," recalled Mr Woodward. "People were just walking past."

"I parked up and went over to help. We turned him over and he was blue and had stopped breathing. I quickly realised that all the time this guy had been dead on the floor."

Yet despite their obvious difficulties, nobody offered to help or to call an ambulance.

Mr Woodward continued: "Several people walked by and two men stopped, but when they found out he was dead they just ran off."

The ambulance arrived and the paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Police also attended and, after interviewing Mr Woodward and the other man, allowed the pair to leave.

Now Mr Woodward says he is 'sickened' by the behaviour of passers-by who chose to ignore their pleas for help.

"It was absolutely sickening," he said. "If that was a member of their family I'm sure they would like to think someone would help them.

"I've got no first aid knowledge at all but at least I tried to help. Everyone's got a mobile phone on them nowadays so they could have called 999 at least.

"Even if they thought he was drunk they could have seen what the problem was and sorted him out."

Steve Parry, spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, confirmed the incident, saying: "Ambulance paramedics did attend the scene at around 1pm.

"It was a male thought to be in his late 50s who had collapsed in the street.

"Paramedics certified the patient dead at the scene. It was natural causes."

    Now of course I wasn't there but this was right at the end of our road. Some Press accounts had people walking over the poor stricken man (I suspected that wasn't true). The most probable version would be, lying on that grass-verge by Jarvis Road is NOT that unusual - and when people saw others then helping and with a phone just left it at that. As for people running off - that's probably paranoia about the possibility of being falsely accused.  /

    (The number of times I'm warned over the website - that police might accuse me of doing the stuff I'm mentioning! And an idiot Council employee then did of course. Famously happened at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics too of course - a security guard found a bomb, was then accused of planting it! The real bomber then later found).  /

    So the area hasn't quite covered itself in glory, not quite what appeared in some quarters though. /

    More from later issues of the same newspaper. /

`The family of a man who was left lying on a busy street after he had collapsed has thanked the people who stopped to help him.

Cornelious Collins, known as Con, died of natural causes on Monday, February 19 after he collapsed on Gravelly Lane, near to his home. He was 51. Then, the Observer reported how most people walked by, but that he was helped by 23-year-old Daniel Woodward and an unknown man.

Now Con's sister, Eileen Hatfield, has contacted the Observer to publicly thank the people who helped her brother during his dying minutes.

"Con was a kind and generous man who fell on hard times towards the later days of his life," said Eileen.

"But we are sure that put in the same situation he would have been there offering assistance.

"Our family would like to thank Daniel Woodward and the unnamed person who stopped to help our brother.

"We thought it was really kind and we just wanted them to know."'

Spinney Now Cleaned Up   
(The fenced off woodland at the junction of Court Lane and Witton Lodge Road - the 7 and 65 bus terminus).  / From Cllr Robert Alden

"It's not perfect but much better than before. We are asking for it to be regularly cleaned from now on to stop it getting back to the situation it was in. Also we will be starting a campaign for a bin to put there as it clearly needs one for all the people getting on and off buses there."

  Parking On The Pavement - Gravelly Lane
 /     I got a complaint about cars parking on the pavement between the Oliver Road and Station Road junctions (both sides). Cars half on and half off the pavement. Very few houses there have garages. The pavement is often obstructed to buggies etc. /

    This has now been passed onto police by the Council. /

    However; /

    Be aware that situation allows Gravelly Lane at that stretech to always be clear in BOTH directions for traffic to move. Anything that makes residents park completely in the road WILL congest that busy road. /

  Bulky Rubbish Collections - Free /  
 /     If you have old fridges, beds, cupboards etc - the Council will collect them free of charge. 0121 303 1112. You are limited to 6 items however. /

  Campaign To Build A Path Through The Park  /  www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks  
 / Another long running campaign set to succeed now. More as I get it. One existed before (see History Page "Do You Remember?") but is now over-grown.

Gravelly Lane Car Crash Cuts Gas To Homes 
 / (Birmingham Mail - Nov 28 2006)

"FOUR houses were left without gas when a car mounted a pavement and smashed into a pipe.

Homes in Gravelly Lane, Erdington, were cut off at 10.35pm yesterday when a driver lost control of his Ford Fiesta.

It collided with an external gas pipe connected to one of the properties.

The property was not badly damaged but the pipe fractured. Firefighters performed an emergency repair job.

The Fiesta also collided with street signs and hit a parked Rover. It was being driven by an 18-year-old man and his girlfriend was also in the car.

Police were today investigating the accident."

MP Lends A Hand With Community Tidy-Up
(Sutton Observer) The project, organised by Kelly Fogarty from the YMCA (Fosseway Drive), was part of Make a Difference Day which gives people the opportunity to give a day of their time to contribute something positive to the local community.

"Make a Difference Day provides a great opportunity for people to contribute something to their local community without having to put their hand in their pocket," said Mr Simon

The play area has been installed beside Court Farm Primary School.

  Another Accident On The Bend - Goosemoor Lane - More /    
Wed 14/9/2006 around 9.50pm. In the wet. As ever a car came down from towards Court Lane too fast and failed to take the Bend. Mounted the pavement by the Anstey but somehow missed everything down by there (the fence, trees, telegraph-pole, lamp-posts, keep-left signs etc) before venturing back onto the road and venturing on it's journey. /

    All sorts of traffic-calming in place already there but not enough. A chevron-sign used to be there too and has either fallen down or been obscured by bushes. It should be easy to get that put back up though and I reported that - got this back from the Council though. /

"An inspector has recently visited the location stated in your e-mail and has advised that the signs and traffic calming are of a good standard and meet the necessary requirements for the location."

  Court Lane Grass Verge To Remain - But Another Accident
 / (See Crime Page for more about the stolen-car accidents there etc). Some residents wanted this verge by the Greyhound partly removed and then used for parking. However some want it to remain (according to the Council Ward report). It will remain, factors in the Council decision;

The dispute between residents,

Grass verges are a valuable amenity,

Money (as ever),

Sufficient parking already,

    However another accident occurred there on Sat 2/9/2006 around 2pm. Vehicles travelling too fast in the wet and skidding when reaching the bend (is it sign-posted beforehand in both directions?) It's worth noting that unless someone is injured (and no-one was) police usually aren't made aware to factor it in with any later decisions.  /

Tree Down! Goosemoor Lane - Road Blocked - Sat 2/9/2006
We had a tree blown down in Goosemoor Lane near the Court Lane junction - blocking the actual road. It caught telegraph-lines on the way down, pulling those down brought down guttering on some houses and brought the pole down too. /

    The Fire Service did NOT attend as no-one was trapped (and no-one was) so the Council had to clear it (road was blocked for several hours around 10pm-5pm). The Fire Service told the Council. /

    I was not aware of problems up by there. In the past trees have been checked when reported by residents. /

    Needs to be an investigation though, the wind was not that bad. /

Road Accident - Goosemoor Lane
Another minor shunt along the road as a van hit a car, no-one injured. Sat 15/7/2006 at 11.10am by the Kirkwood Avenue junction. Bear in mind when the road was built we didn't have as many cars, large business premises requiring lorries, side-roads off and driveways to reverse off, the 66 bus and people using mobile phones whilst driving etc.  /

Hence all these little shunts along the road. Bear all that in mind when driving along Goosemoor Lane, all sorts of hazards along it. /

Station Road Bridge Walkway To Be Widened
(See the Crime Page for the recent hit and run there). One side of this walkway is very narrow and widening work was scheduled to start in 2003. This has kept coming up in Ward meetings and the campaign started in 1936! Latest plans;

Negotiations have started with Network Rail, the bridge owner and associated land. Provision of £90, 000 is contained for detail design work. Network Rail Have been invited prepare a contract to deliver the work.

New Wardens Provided For The Topcroft Estate 
 / (From Robert Alden - Local Cllr)

`Only a month after being elected as Councillor for Erdington, Cllr Robert Alden, this month, announced a new clean up team for the Topcroft Estate. It consists of 2 caretakers and 2-3 cleaners who will be for the use of the Topcroft Estate and Jarvis Road. Cllr Robert Alden said "This is the first time the estate has had this kind of support to help keep it clean. The addition of this team, by the Conservative led Council, also demonstrates how important the residents’ quality of life is felt to be by the Council".

Local campaign organiser Gareth Compton added "this is further proof that the Conservatives keep their promises, we fought the election on a Cleaner, Greener, Safer streets mantle and this is helping to make sure we deliver. I ask residents can you remember this ever happening under the old oppressive Labour administration? The answer is no because they had a no star and failing Housing department. Under the Conservatives we have a one star and improving department according to the independent audit Commission and we are helping all residents of Erdington regardless of where they live".'

  Road Accident - Goosemoor Lane
 /     A minor shunt between two cars occurred at the Kirkwood Avenue junction in the wet, 7am Tues 27/6/2006. No-one hurt. (Be aware of the re-surfacing issue about Goosemoor Lane in the wet - see stone mastic asphalt report below).  /

  Road Accident On Bend - Correction
 /      Morning of Sunday 4/6/2006 around 4am. Some car speeding from the Court Lane end of Goosemoor Lane to Gravelly Lane but failed to take the Bend! Nearly ended up in the Anstey. I ealier said narrowly missed a tree but in fact it hit it! (Always be aware of walking by the Bend on that side as cars still rush down to there). No idea of casualties. /

  Car Accident - Goosemoor Lane
 /     Evening of Monday 8/5/2006 on the Bend (this might explain the uprooted keep-left sign there now). No-one hurt from what I can tell. /

  Yet Another Low Bridge Incident In the Area - Chester Road /
    (Sutton News/Sutton Observer) Nine cars were severely damaged by a JCB carried on a lorry which struck the underside of the bridge and it's arm then swung out onto the cars. No injuries. Friday 28/4/2006 at 1pm. Train services were delayed for 20 minutes. /

    Station Road in Wylde Green, Chester Road, Station Road and Summer Road in Erdington all have low railway bridges with an increasing roll-call of major accidents. /

  Bridge Accident - Gravelly Lane
 /     Friday 3/3/2006 at around 6pm, the railway bridge across Gravelly Lane (by the South Road junction) was struck by a high-sided lorry. Fire Service and police in attendance, road blocked in both directions. I'm unaware if anyone was hurt. Fatalities have occurred in the past at this location. /

    Back in November we had a pedestrian seriously injured by a car at the Station Road bridge, and even the Chester Road Station one has been struck in the past (I'm unaware of the record of the Wylde Green one further along the same line). /

    All these low narrow bridges in the area. The issue needs looking at in a wholistic way. /

  College High School - City Academies Controversy
 /     There are plans to turn some schools into "city academies" and this is a controversial move. College High (formerly Perry Common Secondary School) is one such school (no others in north Birmingham are in the plan). Here is one side of the story; /

     www.banut.net/campaigns.html  /

    If you are concerned about this issue can I advise you to contact the school or Sion Simon MP etc for more information; /

     www.collegeh.bham.sch.uk /

  Erdington Action Plan
 /     Birmingham City Council have plans for Erdington High Street and here is the relevant page; /

     www.birmingham.gov.uk/erdingtonplan  /

  Paper Recycling Container Fills Quickly
 / The large container where you can put waste-paper for recycling situated at the Gravelly Lane junction outside the Costcutter shop fills very quickly though the Council seems to keep up with emptying it - just!

www.birmingham.gov.uk/recycling

  Long-Standing Street-Lamp Issues
 / The Beech Road Inset area has no lamps (see Glossary). I have reported this for future consideration.

The Jarvis Road Estate; None of the side-lights illuminating the base of Alnwick House work. None of the side-lights illuminating the base of Arundel House work. All of the side-lights illuminating the base of Windsor House work (compare it to the areas above to see the big lighting difference it makes to the area around the block). All of the side-lights illuminating the base of Berkley House work. Only half the side-lights illuminating the base of Stokesay House work.

On Jarvis Road not far from Pertemps is a lamp obscured by an over-hanging tree. Has been reported for pruning. When it is that lamp will illuminate an unlit garage area too.

I'm a firm believer that if a system of street-lighting exists it should be functioning. (I've christened the 3 Top Croft Estate maisonette blocks on my website Glossary Page for clarity, though I'm unaware how widespread usage is;

North Block - the one nearest Goosemoor Lane.

West Block - the one stretching parallel lengthways to Short Heath Park.

South Block - the one nearest Cayton Grove).

All these have a system of 2 exterior lights on their side and 1 above both entrances/exits. So I count each block to have 6 exterior wall lights, so 18 in all. Only 3 work it seems, on the South Block (none vandalised it seems). If you stand on the short side of that South Block, the short side that doesn't face the Park, you'll see 2 side lamps on and the light given off is very good (another is on by the entrance/exit). Multiply that by 6 by fixing all the other exterior wall lamps that are attached to these 3 blocks of maisonettes and the estate will be considerably lightened, especially some previously dark areas. I have reported all of these for repair.

The lamp at the back of the Top Croft South Maisonette Block (see Glossary page) is still off, so is the other one now!

Another at the junction car-park of Goosemoor/Hawthorn is out. This is classed as private so no word on repair.

A lamp in the driveway of LA Gym/Pavillion Housing on Gravelly Lane is out. Private again.

The specific Council webpage for reporting broken lamps etc is;

www.birmingham.gov.uk/streets or ring 0121 303 6000 or email streetlighting@birmingham.gov.uk

  Pigeons - Jarvis Road/Top Croft Estate
 / These birds have no owner and have become a severe pest. Some residents are being forced to fence off balconies etc. I will speak to the Council to see what can be done.

  Land At The Back Of The Woodyard - For Sale?
 / This rumour has been doing the rounds (Littlecote Drive Public Open Space aka The Common). I've asked the Council and so far nothing back. This land is part of their wider public space strategy.

  Park Cleaner  /  www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks  
 / The park is cleaned weekly by a company called Service Team (tel 0121 764 3333). They use the same person as when the Council did it! He reports things for repair etc. Nice to know someone is looking after it.

  Calls For Traffic Calming On Court Lane (See Crime Page) - More
 / (Sutton News) Some residents want traffic calming after a series of incidents. On Monday morning 2.30am on 10/11/2003 and 10.30pm on 14/9/2003 vehicles collided with parked vehicles.

  Parking Problems  /  
 / Somerset Road/Gravelly Lane junction - Cars are parking on the pavement and too near this junction. A Traffic Regulation Order is going to drawn up, such as double yellow lines. However this will take time.

A resident has since emailed;

"Do you know if it is possible to get double yellow lines outside the shop at the corner of Goosemoor and Gravelly Lane? Cars park on the bend when using the shop and this causes disruption for cars turning left and buses turning right at this junction."

I will pass this on to the Council.

  New Estate Planned
 / This is in the very early stages but plans are being drawn up for a new estate to sit between the Top Croft and Jarvis Road Estates (on what is now the Court Lane Allotments etc). Updates will be here.

  Anstey Fence Strengthened - The Great Escape? - More Land Sought    / I'm almost expecting to see Steve McQueen ride his motorbike round it! The Anstey is fenced off (again and much er now) so work can start on it (the fence was being torn down each time by some determined person(s) unknown!) This has been bought for housing by developer Walton Homes, subject to planning permission. Where the traffic will come out I don't know, hopefully not by the Goosemoor Lane bend (there were traffic problems when Hawthorn Close was being built). Originally the Anstey entrance was on Gravelly Lane but that is part of the Alexandra building there now. It means less open space in the area but with homes on flood-plains now being seen as a bad idea I suppose they have to build somewhere nationally.

(Sutton News 13/6/2003) A third party is wanting to buy adjacent land that is currently gardens on Chester Road and sell it to the developer. Hints that exit traffic will be onto Goosemoor Lane.

  Dodgy Lamps - List
 / Since I've started monitoring this I've found the same lamps tend to go again and again, rather than every lamp bulb having the same "life" (it's not vandalism). They should last several years but some last only a few months. It may be the lamps not the bulbs that's to blame! Here's the "dodgy lamp" list for the area.

Lamp 1, Bowling Green Close (at the Goosemoor junction) 
 / Lamp 15, Gravelly Lane (just before the post office going towards Station Road)

Here's the Transport Dept report on those first 3;

"From an enquiry into the street lighting maintenance system the lamp in Goosemoor Lane had been reported faulty on 4 occasions by a member of the public yet we have no report from our night inspectors. This may indicate a faulty time switch that is late in switching and the lamp is operating when the night patrol see it. The time switch will be replaced for a photoelectric cell that will operate automatically dusk and dawn. These devices are unaffected by power cuts and this should cure the problem. The other two street lamps in Bowling Green Close and Gravelly Lane have each received 2 fault reports in the last 12 months and this does not indicate a problem area. However, we will ensure they are monitored carefully over the next few weeks."

The report on Lamp 20 bears almost no resemblance to what has been going on with it over the last year, reported here each time it's gone off. (It was not coming back on very late at night each time, nothing like that. Some along Sycamore Road were doing that. Lamp 20 was being fixed within a week but going again after a few months. How come it's bulb is much brighter now? How could that occur if the Council report is true? It's a different bulb). The other 2 should last far more than 6 months. I will be pursuing lighting issues across the whole city now. The present system seems pretty hopeless.

  Learner-Drivers At The Bowling Green Close Junction
 / Specific road junctions are popular with local driving-instructors teaching pupils how to do certain turns etc. The Goosemoor Lane/Bowling Green Close junction is one such place. Be aware of this when near that junction.

  Weather Warnings
 / The Met Office sometimes slip up as they can't give very localised patterns. I now can detect severe storms coming into the area (though sometimes only 1/2 hour etc notice). I've wondered how to make use of this via the site. The E-Group will be used for this. Bear in mind I won't always be able to get to a computer always or be with my instruments, so not every storm will be forecast. Each alert will also link to the official Birmingham Met Office site etc so you can see who is the more accurate (time constraints mean I can't give a daily forecast).

  Sion Simon MEP Is Losing His Sight
 / Sad news, our MP is gradually going blind. He has a condition called choroideremia There is no known cure or treatment so gradually over a period of years he expects to lose his sight completely, and it has already started to happen. He intends continuing as our MP though.

Additions? Comments? Queries? Corrections? email Gary O'Brien at gary_obrien_99@yahoo.co.uk

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