The important on connecting with the community was highlighted during the past week, whilst discussing issues and listening to the resident of Ladywood express their concerns.
There was an interesting Ward Meeting, where the petition against the closure of Spring Hill Library was presented, along with a statement that the Library will not be closed, however, cuts do need to be made and that we need services and not buildings. There was also an offer to work with members of the community in a small group regarding the Library. However, the question is why was this not done before?
One thing this has shown how the voices of the people can be heard once they come together, however, why did the Councillors who by the way are blaming each other for the issue of the Library got it so wrong.
The announcement of Wheelie Bins rolling out across the District was also discussed.
St. Marks residents Association meeting was interesting as when wheelie bins were mentioned a resident asked, how are individual requirements communicated and she was told its done online which they have not got that access, their local neighbourhood office which has closed down or go to their Local Library to use the internet which is under threat of closure.
Various issues were highlighted during our activities at St. Lukes in Lee Bank which is a major community hub in the area.
The developing of dialogue was also refreshing for both me and local residents in order to ascertain their own individual and community concerns, whilst yes walking around the locality.
Issues:
Secondary Education Provision
Local Libraries and Community Facilities
Children Activities
Youth Service Provision
Housing
Litter
Anti Social Behaviour
Security
Dialogue with Birmingham City Council.
Outreach Facilities
Health Inequality
Education Support
Employment Opportunities
These issues have been raised this week. One common factor which is of major concern is the amount of people that I am discovering that are not registered to vote and they are totally reluctant to do so, as they see no point. The disaffection is very serious, which I intend to tackle, leading up to the May elections.
During litter picking in Summerfield on Saturday I found a discarded knife for which I spoke to the Police and disposed of it at the bin in Lozells road outside of The New Testament Church of God.
This highlights the need for joined up thinking with knives and their disposal, however, on this occasion after consulting with a Police Officer it was agreed that the knife was disposed of carelessly, which is just not good enough. However, it is off the street, which is the important matter.
For me it’s about getting out and about in the neighbourhood, with the residents and this has to be the way forward in order to create that desperately needed in order to connect the community of Ladywood.
We will be working together to tackle these issues.
Desmond Jaddoo
There was an interesting Ward Meeting, where the petition against the closure of Spring Hill Library was presented, along with a statement that the Library will not be closed, however, cuts do need to be made and that we need services and not buildings. There was also an offer to work with members of the community in a small group regarding the Library. However, the question is why was this not done before?
One thing this has shown how the voices of the people can be heard once they come together, however, why did the Councillors who by the way are blaming each other for the issue of the Library got it so wrong.
The announcement of Wheelie Bins rolling out across the District was also discussed.
St. Marks residents Association meeting was interesting as when wheelie bins were mentioned a resident asked, how are individual requirements communicated and she was told its done online which they have not got that access, their local neighbourhood office which has closed down or go to their Local Library to use the internet which is under threat of closure.
Various issues were highlighted during our activities at St. Lukes in Lee Bank which is a major community hub in the area.
The developing of dialogue was also refreshing for both me and local residents in order to ascertain their own individual and community concerns, whilst yes walking around the locality.
Issues:
Secondary Education Provision
Local Libraries and Community Facilities
Children Activities
Youth Service Provision
Housing
Litter
Anti Social Behaviour
Security
Dialogue with Birmingham City Council.
Outreach Facilities
Health Inequality
Education Support
Employment Opportunities
These issues have been raised this week. One common factor which is of major concern is the amount of people that I am discovering that are not registered to vote and they are totally reluctant to do so, as they see no point. The disaffection is very serious, which I intend to tackle, leading up to the May elections.
During litter picking in Summerfield on Saturday I found a discarded knife for which I spoke to the Police and disposed of it at the bin in Lozells road outside of The New Testament Church of God.
This highlights the need for joined up thinking with knives and their disposal, however, on this occasion after consulting with a Police Officer it was agreed that the knife was disposed of carelessly, which is just not good enough. However, it is off the street, which is the important matter.
For me it’s about getting out and about in the neighbourhood, with the residents and this has to be the way forward in order to create that desperately needed in order to connect the community of Ladywood.
We will be working together to tackle these issues.
Desmond Jaddoo