TPO Planning Application 2022/00243 was to prune 2 mature oaks & fell the central one due to decay ref T2.The PC supported the pruning works but raised reservations over the need to fell the centre Oak T2 requesting a careful assessment by the SMBC Tree Officer.A split planning condition has been issued approving the pruning works with conditions but refusing the Felling of T2. Should further works be required on T2 a fresh application will need to be made.
Last year, following the tragic death of Sarah Everard we asked you what types of behaviour make you feel unsafe. Over 2,000 people gave us their views which have been used to help form our Police and Crime plan.
Following on from this we now have a new non-crime reporting tool – StreetSafe. You can use it to help tell us the places where you don’t feel safe.
You can drop a pin to the exact location where you don’t feel safe. It can be used to anonymously report behavioural or environmental concerns such as:
Poor lighting
Lack of CCTV
Signs of drug use
Feeling of being followed/ have previously been followed
Verbal harassment
Since its launch in September 2021, there have been over 8,000 reports submitted on StreetSafe.
Your reports around safety are important and help shape the work we do with partners. We will better understand areas you’re concerned about and concentrate our efforts, together with partners, to make you feel safe where it matters.
Encourage people you know to use StreetSafe too.
With more reports, we are able to spot common issues around safety in certain areas.
More information about StreetSafe can be found on our website
https://west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/streetsafe
Visit the national police website to make a report
https://www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe/
Remember, StreetSafe is not a crime reporting tool. If you want to report a crime you can live chat 8am – midnight on our website or call 101.
For several years residents have raised concerns about parking on Dickens Heath Rd alongside the Village Green – that it causes traffic issues, road rage, and that it is dangerous for pedestrians crossing with children to the Village Green. We were very pleased to hear from Borough Councillor Ken Hawkins that this section of road has finally been approved for inclusion on the SBMC 2022/23 Traffic Regulation Programme. It is a fairly high priority, and is number 6 on their list – we look forward to seeing the additional double yellow lines installed later in the year.
The Parish Council have now agreed with the previous owners of the Tesco Car Park for Landscaping Works to be carried out during February.
There are ongoing parking issues in both car parks. The Tesco car park is owned by the Parish Council and the Mortons Car Park is owned by DHMC, with neither organisation presently having enforcement powers. Car parks are tightly regulated, and to resolve these problems a managed scheme is being proposed. This managed scheme would cover both car parks, and other private parking in the central area, with all the necessary signage and marking to better regulate use.
Note. A new directly elected Board for the central area estate will shortly be taking over control of DHMC and the management policy from the Receivers. Once this is in place, the managed scheme for car parking can be taken forward, and will hopefully go some way to improving the parking problems.
Concern has been raised over anti-social behaviour on the Village Green, in the Village Centre and in underground car parks. This has ranged from eggs thrown at homes, cars and bikes damaged, new bins and benches being deliberately fire damaged, to items and broken glass in the playground. Dickens Heath Management Company currently carry out a 24 hour security CCTV monitoring role in the central area, along with patrols at night that check the car parks are secure. Any incidents are reported to the police and security will move on trespassers in the car park areas. Security patrol checks all gated car parks are secure unless awaiting repair. Neither the Parish Council nor DHMC have any enforcement powers with regard to ASB and rely on Police back-up when called.
Residents are strongly urged to call the Police on 101 to record all ASB occurrences.
This application was approved
Let’s Take It On!
Do you know somebody who is ready to step forward, make a change, and take it on?
We need 2,022 Batonbearers, each with inspiring stores, to take on the special experience of carrying the Queen’s Baton through England in summer 2022.
Batonbearer Nomination Terms & Conditions
We’re looking for individuals from England that meet one or more of the following criteria:
· Always willing to take on a challenge and has a unique and inspiring story;
· Has made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity;
· Is a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best;
· Has taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact within their community.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will travel to every region in England, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.
To nominate, simply tell us how your nominee is making a difference in their community and why they deserve to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Let’s take it on, together. Nominate a local hero to be a Batonbearer in England.
