This week saw a meeting of Acocks Green’s Ward Committee, this time at Oaklands School.

Our Environmental Health Officer, Kate Stanley, sent in a report:  She has been using Street Litter Control Notices to try to tackle the high levels of litter in Spring Road and Westley Road. Yardley Road, which has suffered from numerous complaints about litter (including a petition from residents) is next on the list.

There was a brief discussion about the withdrawal of the controversial planning application for the Glynn Edwards Hall noted previously. It was suggested at the meeting that it was unlikely that another application would be submitted soon. Time will tell.

We then moved on to Community Chest funding with two further grants being made: £2,478 to the Library for replacement computer chairs and an extra £1,000 to the West Midlands Police’s Burglary Lock Fitting project. These grants now mean that all but £114 of Acocks Green Community Chest funds for the current year have been allocated.

Cllr O’Shea then gave an update on the Library repairs. These are progressing, but the timetable has slipped again and its now looking unlikely that the Library will reopen much before the end of January (2014!)

Another item of note was that so far just 222 residents of Acocks Green ward have opted to pay for a green waste wheelie bin. Clearly not a big uptake in comparison with the number of residents who used the free clear green waste bag service.

Finally, the annual consultation on the Council’s budget is getting underway. If you want to participate in person the nearest meeting will be at South Yardley Library next Wednesday (11th December) from 6pm to 8pm.