Balsall Heath is Our Planet

Re-run of ballot for Neighbourhood Council

Voters in Balsall Heath will again be asked if they want a Neighbourhood Council to be set up. The number of votes cast at the end of 2022 did not meet the required threshold. Everyone will be asked to post their votes in a reply envelope, which they should receive around the start of June. If it goes forward, there will be elections for the Members, who will make a plan and justify a small charge on those who pay council tax to sustain activity into the future. It can apply for other funding, pay staff, hold meetings, be consulted and push for a better neighbourhood for everyone and a cleaner, greener Balsall Heath.

More details on City Council website

Orchard of Balsall Heath

Fruit and nut trees have been planted across Balsall Heath and local residents are learning to look after them, as part of activity by Stirchley-based Fruit and Nut Village. They are working with the Friends of Seven Streets Park to transform neglected open space between Clifton and Runcorn Road.

Following a walk with Balsall Heath Is Our Planet, they decided to extend their planting along the River Rea into our neighbourhood. Recently, many fruit trees have been planted in Calthorpe Park and on the other side of the Rea (Clevedon Road). The group has been working with Percy Shurmer School and the Central Mosque.

People are invited to a work session on Friday 28^th April starts 10.00 ends 1pm, meeting outside Percy Shurmer School. Please wear shoes and clothing for work and potentially rain.

More about fruitandnutvillage is on facebook or twitter

Vote for a Neighbourhood Council

Good news. Many residents of Balsall Heath have voted Yes to setting up our own Neighbourhood Council to improve the area. All the money raised will be spent here. But it will take every vote, to get over the threshold. Due to postal delays, residents are asked to send the green voting paper as soon as they can, to be sure your vote is counted before 15 December.

Anyone who has lost the ballot paper can be sent another by emailing Name, Address Postcode, subject BH Neighbourhood Council Vote bids@cesvotes.com

Energy saving grants for Balsall Heath

Homeowners and tenants living in Balsall Heath can apply to have work done on their homes that could significantly reduce their energy bills. Funding has been attracted by Retrofit Balsall Heath for up to 700 homes. Deadline for return of applications is Wednesday 23 November . Delays and even disappointments are possible with a free scheme, but “if you don’t ask, you dont get”.

There’s no household income cap, or requirement to be on benefits, but the scheme is for older homes with poor energy rating (D,E,F,G EPCs).  The scheme is completely free for eligible owner-occupiers. Private landlords need to pay a one-third contribution. A 3-page form needs to be filled in by the resident to apply and agree for a surveyor to visit.  These can be got from BH Library, Baths, BH Children’s Centre, Jericho Foundation. Completed forms – please email form to RetrofitBalsallHeath[at]gmail.com or drop in at MECC, 93 Court Road, B12 9LQ MECC 0121 440 3500 9am-4pm

Vote for a Neighbourhood Council

Voters in Balsall Heath are receiving postal ballot papers from the city Elections Office, this month, November. If enough people vote Yes, the new council will be set up and the councilors recruited. They will then draw up a plan and a budget and set the “precept” (a small charge) to pay running costs. There is a new webpage that tells people more about the case for setting up this new structure, separate from Birmingham City Council, (but working with it of course) to power up our ability to solve problems, find opportunities and get communication and coordination working in our complex and multicultural neighbourhood. Advance Website