This is what people are saying Bournbrook and Selly Park

Candidate Joe Norris has lived in Bournbrook and Selly Park ward now for four years, and so the results of his ongoing discussions with residents were no surprise. He has identified three key issues thus far that get picked up time and time again:

Waste Collection

The ongoing bane of many residents lives is waste management; people are frustrated with roads that are cluttered with bins and covered in litter. Some explained how bins, bags and litter can make it difficult to get by with wheelchairs, or pushchairs.

"Where the rules around waste collection for HMOs aren’t properly enforced, the problem is exacerbated" added Joe.

Joe also heard from residents about the roads that have been prohobited from having wheelie bins by the Birmingham Labour run council. In these areas, bin bags get left on the street which are then ripped open by animals. Before long, the litter blows around the road, creating unpleasant smells. 

"I will be a strong voice on the council, advocating for solutions to address the waste collection problems and keep our area tidy." explained Joe

Letting agent boards

Being a university district, there is a huge rental market in the area. Sadly, because the council makes no effort to enforce its own rules, too many estate agencies leave up letting boards on properties all year round. As well as being an eyesore, these boards "make the place look like a ghost town" say residents.

"They also attract criminals and increase the rate of break-ins." said Joe. "It’s time to get the letting boards removed and stop some estate agents from neglecting their responsibilities.

Vacant HMOs

There are now more HMOs than the local population needs, and this has led to more and more vacant properties. Residents are very concerned about these homes being used as fronts by organised crime groups, and the increasing rate of crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

"The properties aren’t being looked after and tenants aren’t getting the proper support they need from their absentee landlords. Tackling the over-saturation of HMOs and returning vacant properties to family housing is a must-needed step to address this." said Joe. 

"Unlike Labour councillors who have shamelessly wrecked our city’s finances and taken Bournbrook and Selly Park for granted for years, I am listening to what the people in our community are saying. As your city councillor, I will work hard to find solutions to the issues that we’re all facing." 

The by-election will take place on 2nd May alongside the PCC and Mayoral elections. Joe is hoping to become a real champion for the area and tackle some of these significant issues.