Category: News

Networking event – information for groups wanting to take part

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There are still a few tables available for community groups wanting to take part in the Kings Heath Residents’ Forum networking event on 7 October 2017. However, the number of spaces is limited so interested groups need to apply by email within the next week.

The intention is to provide an opportunity for groups that provide information and support about financial issues, personal safety, social and sports activities for young people and older residents an opportunity to talk to local people.

There will be no charge for groups taking part.

If you represent a group that you think would fit into the day, please send an email with details of the group to katherinewilcox@btinternet.com A decision on the final list of participating groups will be made within two weeks and everybody who has applied for a table will be told the result by email.

Event information:

Date: 7 October 2017

Opening hours: 10am to 2pm

Location: Kings Heath Community Centre, 8 Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, B14 7DB.

Firefighter extinguishing the burning polytunnel

Fire at Highbury Orchard Community group site

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A fire has destroyed a significant part of the orchard that has been created in a neglected corner of the Highbury Estate by the Highbury Orchard Community. The Fire Service was called out late on the afternoon of 25 August 2017 and, although the fire was put out within an hour, it destroyed one side of the wooden enclosure, a polytunnel and part of the surrounding area.

There have been a number of attacks by vandals over the summer and the suspicion is that the fire was caused by vandals.

A cleanup is being organised on Wednesday and Thursday 30 and 31 August 2017. Volunteers are needed to help with this work.

In addition, the project needs donations of materials and cash to help with the rebuilding work.

Here’s a list of the materials needed.

If you prefer to donate cash, there’s a donate button on the Highbury Orchard Community’s home page.

This is a volunteer group that is doing invaluable work in our community. Any help that can be provided will be gratefully received.

Photo by Highbury Orchard Community

Kings Heath residents’ networking event 7 October 2017

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A networking event providing a wide range of information for local people is to be staged by Kings Heath Residents’ Forum on 7 October 2017. The event will bring together a variety of organisations that offer activities, help and support within the area.

All residents of Kings Heath and surrounding areas will be welcome. They will have a chance to talk to participating organisations and groups that provide information and support about financial issues, personal safety, social and sports activities for young people and older residents… the full list of participating groups is growing by the day.

More information will be provided as the list of organisations taking part grows.

Event information:

Date: 7 October 2017

Opening hours: 10am to 2pm

Location: Kings Heath Community Centre, 8 Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, B14 7DB.

Flytipper jailed

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Jail sentences have been handed down to two men found guilty of flytipping in Kings Heath and other areas across Birmingham. The two operated as A and B Removals. They claimed that it was a registered waste company and that all the material they collected was recycled. In reality, waste that couldn’t be sold was flytipped.

The case was brought by the Waste Enforcement Unit at Birmingham City Council. One of the two men was jailed for 30 months and banned from driving for 51 months. The other was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work and also handed a rehabilitation order.

The full story can be read here .

When hiring contractors to remove waste or bulky items, residents are responsible for making sure that they are using a Registered Waste Carrier.

If residents hire a contractor who subsequently flytips the material, the resident could be prosecuted.

It is no longer a defence to say the resident did not know the company wasn’t licensed. So residents must check to make sure the business they’re using is properly registered.

You check whether a business is registered here.

Alternatively you can call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506

If you see flytipped material, you can report it here   or you can send an email to http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Proposed changes to local bus routes

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National Express West Midlands, which operates local buses, has started a consultation on possible changes to bus routes in south Birmingham. This could affect routes used by Kings Heath residents.

The rationale for the change is that journey times into the city by bus have increased dramatically over the past ten years. National Express argues that this has resulted in 4 per cent fewer passengers over the past three years.

More people opting to travel by car instead of by bus obviously adds to problems of air pollution.

In order to address these issues, National Express is considering a number of options including abolishing route 27 and arranging for it to be replaced by changes to other routes.

The proposals are outlined here. There is a link on that page to a survey relating to the proposals.