Planning Applications to 10th Nov 2012

Just a single item this week - probably uncontroversial enough.

2012/06607/PA - NatWest, 1160 Warwick Road
Display of 1 no. internally illuminated ATM surround

You can find the details by inputting the reference number into the Council online database here

If you have any comments, you can submit them online - feel free to pass your comments on to me.

Today is PCC Election Day - Vote for Bob Jones #bob4pcc

I'm not a fan of the Police and Crime Commissioner as a concept, but I do know that after today we will have one for the West Midlands, so I want the best person for that job.

Bob Jones is unquestionably the one with the most experience in holding the Chief Constable to account - he knows how the system works and appreciates the importance of the role. He's up to the job and he'll be my choice when I vote today.

The ballot paper may be new to you - don't forget that you need to make a mark next to Bob's name in the FIRST column. Only marking the second column will invalidate the vote. If you happen to make a mistake, do ask the polling station clerks for a replacement paper and return your original one to them.

Central Birmingham Carers' Event

For all carers living in Central Birmingham

Meet your local social work team

Tuesday 27th November 2012

Norman Power Centre

Skipton Road

Ladywood B16 8JJ

10:30am until 2.00pm

Birmingham Carer’s Association, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, are hosting a new type of carers event where you will be able to

Talk to council staff about some of the services they provide.
Get feedback on the ‘Commissioning Strategy for Carers to 2026’ consultation that took place between March and June 2012.
Meet members of your social work team, including senior managers.

You are welcome to drop-in at a time that suits you or stay for the
whole event.

Stalls  include:

• Birmingham Telecare Service, a service that enables people to live independently through the use of technology

• Customer Care and Citizen Involvement Team - how the complaints process works

• Commissioning Strategy for Carers to 2026

• Fairer Charging

• The Enablement service

• Demonstration of our new website: www.mycareinbirmingham.org.uk

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be provided.

For more information please call the Birmingham Carer’s Association on 0121 675 8176

Lest we forget

Just two pictures from today's Remembrance Day ceremony in Birmingham, coinciding with the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

As always, it is touching to see the young and the old, the still serving and the retired, all gathered together to remember the sacrifices that are still being made today. For me, this isn't about approving of war, but about honouring those who have served this country - conscripts and volunteers alike - and have suffered for that service.

Even after decades away from a parade ground, the old soldiers still slip easily back into the rhythm - their backs stiffening as the parade NCO starts to issue a command and their shoes still hitting the paving in time. Amongst them, there are those currently in service and the young cadets who may yet join the armed forces.

It was also well attended by the public, with Broad Street blocked by the crowd, watching the ceremony. This year, we were blessed with a fine, crystal clear day with not a cloud in the sky.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.