Month: September 2023

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Enterprising Erdington

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association


 
We are delighted that Birmingham City Council has taken the bold decision to invest £2m to help refurbish, and transform the former Erdington Baths into a state-of-the-art Enterprise facility. We’re already turning our attention to the other major funder, the West Midlands Combined Authority to match the Council’s investment, and the signs are encouraging.

So many residents have fond memories of the Baths and we have had huge support from the local community and local businesses to bring this much-loved facility back into use. We remain committed to doing all that we can to make it happen.

As many people know, it is not a straightforward project, given the size, age and state of the building. We have also had to overcome many setbacks, not least, with Erdington missing out on Government investment on three occasions.

Despite this, at Witton Lodge Community Association we remain resolute and optimistic. We have many of the foundations already in place including Planning Approval, expert technical teams, and political support especially from Paulette Hamilton MP and Councillor Robert Alden.

As more and more services move online, we know the physical hubs aren’t the complete answer, and of course we will continue to support our residents to develop their IT skills, none-the-less, we believe this is no substitute for high quality, locally accessible facilities where you can meet and speak to a person face-to-face.

We’re truly fortunate in Erdington, to have many such places including those listed on the Erdington Local ENNS page.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

(Ed’s note: This column was first submitted to the Erdington Local newspaper on 4 September, before the announcement of a Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)

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OPINION: Making Erdington High Street a safer and more exciting place to visit

Words by John Hodgkiss, Erdington BID & Town Centre Manager

Our focus this summer has been to tackle both retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Erdington Town Centre.

We are delighted to welcome a new Street Warden to Erdington. They will be working closely with the existing Warden, John, patrolling the BID area to improve the current crime situation in Erdington which in turn will allow us to attract future inward investment into the Town Centre.

By concentrating on safety and security in Erdington and tackling this problem now will enable us to welcome new visitors to the High Street, as well as welcome back those who have not visited for some time.

By putting the fundamentals such as crime reduction in place, we can actively try and attract both new independent and national retailers on to Erdington High Street. It will also mean that footfall will increase as a result, making Erdington a far more positive economic prospect for investment.

With £19,000 extra funding secured this month, we will use this effectively to promote and market Erdington over the winter and festive season, with events to attract regular and new visitors alike.

If you have any suggestions on what events you would like to see hosted by the BID this winter, then please contact the BID on erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you! 

For more on the Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID

(Ed’s note: This column was first submitted to the Erdington Local newspaper on 4 September, before the announcement of a Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)

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NEWS: Erdington based gun dealer jailer for over 14 years after operation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit

Words by Ed King / Pics & video released by West Midlands Police

Earlier this week an Erdington based gun dealer was jailed for over 14 years after a successful operation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).

Jordan Geoghegan (23) from Summerlee Rd, Pype Hayes, was arrested at his home address after police discovered the ‘tools’ needed to repurpose blank firing ammunition into lethal bullets, along with shotgun cartridges and bullet casing.

Further searches of his mobile phone uncovered video footage of Geoghan brandishing a series of guns, including a variety of handguns, alongside text messages of being able to buy cheap guns from the United States and how he planned to kill someone with a shotgun – West Midlands Police reported.

WMP further reported one of the guns featured in the video was recovered and confirmed it was ‘found to be live’, although it was ‘not clear if the others were real or imitation.’

Police also found evidence the ammunition Geoghegan was looking to sell was being made directly by him, possibly at his Erdington home address.

WATCH: Gunman who boasted about weapons in videos jailed for more than 14 years

Following his conviction this week, West Midlands Police released the incriminating pictures and video footage of Geoghegan engaged in the attempted sale of deadly weapons.

Police also released a selection of the text messages found to have been sent by Geoghegan, where one states: “12 double barrel, Model 27 semi auto MK sten…. There the kinda things I can get aha just don’t tell no one.”

Another said: “Need a pocket rocket for tomorrow g if you got one cheap that slaps.”

Jordan Geoghegan was brought to justice after a successful operation by Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), as part of the wider Operation Target – conducted by West Midlands Police and the ROCU across the region.

Operation Target works with regional partners and in line with the National Crime Agency to tackle organised crime in the West Midlands, which the force say nationally leads to more deaths ‘than all other national security threats combined, including terrorism’ and costs the UK over £37 billion annually.

Det Chief Insp Peter Cooke, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Geoghegan was what was known in the criminal world as a ‘clean skin’ – with no criminal record. This obviously gave him some confidence that he could carry on his illegal operation undetected.

“He was wrong. A thorough investigation found traces of his DNA found on the bullets, as well as numerous mobile phone videos showing him handling guns.

“The text messages he was exchanging with other criminals show he was serious and committed to the trade in illegal firearms.

“He had the tools, knowledge and skills to produce large quantities of live ammunition which would certainly have made their way into the hands of criminals who use illegal firearms on the streets of Birmingham.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling serious and organised crime in the West Midlands and will use all of our tactics and powers to bring those involved in it to justice.”

Geoghegan appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday 11 September, admitting possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and being involved in the sale or transfer of ammunition.

He was jailed for 14.5 years.

West Midlands Police further stated: ‘Others who Geohegan were in contact with have been investigated, with one person jailed for five years for possession of a firearm.’

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NEWS: Free Eco Together course begins at Witton Lakes Eco Hub helping people challenge climate change

Words by Liam Smith / Pics by Ed King

On 15 September, a free to access course will start at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub – offering advice and practical support for people worried about climate change.

Running for 10 weeks until the end of November, the Eco Together programme will encourage participants to look at their ‘lifestyle, communication, community, and advocacy’ and explore ways to make small, positive changes that benefit both their own lives and the environment.

Witton Lakes Eco Hub was built by Witton Lodge Community Association and launched in April 2022, transforming the 100 year old gatekeeper’s cottage into a community and educational centre with environmental issues at its heart.

Places are still available for the free Eco Together course, with local residents invited to sign up and take part.

For more information or to secure a place just call 0121 227 3200 or email diane.johnston@wittonlodge.org.uk

Part of a nationwide initiative, delivered by the charity Transition Bath, Eco Together is run by local volunteers and will provide sessions themed on home energy, travel, food, and the use of resources. 

Aimed at ‘ordinary people’ who are worried about climate change, with no previous ecological experience required, the weekly workshops will also provide an opportunity for ‘friends, neighbours or colleagues to find their own best way to make a difference’.

Erdington Local spoke with Stephanie Boyle, an Erdington resident who is hosting the Eco Together course at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub.

Stephanie explained: “The sessions are there to help ordinary people to respond to all of the negative stories you hear about the environment and the growing concern for things like climate change and to find ways, big or small, in which they can make a positive contribution.”

Stephanie further highlighted how important it is for people to take a positive and proactive approach in contributing to tackle climate change.

She added: “Typically, when people talk about climate action they think about the big protests, with people gluing themselves to the road etc.

“Most people do not wish to take that approach, so these sessions help people to see what the other options are to make a difference.

“You can make a difference just simply by telling people that you worry about the environment or climate change, and what you are doing to try to make a difference. It normalises the idea that ordinary people can do something about it.”

Councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) and Jane Jones (Stockland Green, Labour) have already given their support to the project.

Cllr Bermingham told Erdington Local: “Witton Lakes Eco Hub helps the local community connect with nature and the environment. 

“Eco Together will show people how to take control with issues such as energy bills, it is important in this time of a cost-of-living crises that people are supported and know who can help them.”

To book a place on the Eco Together course at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub call 0121 227 3200 or email diane.johnston@wittonlodge.org.uk

For more on the nationwide Eco Together project visit www.ecotogether.info

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Pic supplied by Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservative)

The last few months have seen progress on Cllr Gareth Moore and my efforts to tackle crime and disorder across the Erdington Ward. We both supported the recent police all out day on the High Street.

This has seen approximately 800 illegal vapes seized from two premises which have been referred to trading standards with a view to further action, while during July over 20 PSPO tickets have been issued to individuals.

As a director of Erdington Town Centre Business Improvement District I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure an additional High Street warden.

Police have been able to act on intelligence from residents and a local Neighbourhood Watch group to be able to raid a property on Dunvegan Road and remove over 250 cannabis plants. This follows recent seizures and arrests on Chester Road.

We always urge residents to report any information they have to the police as, while it may not instantly lead to something happening, this intelligence is added to other reports and can lead to arrests like those above.

Everyone in Erdington can help make our area safer by reporting anything suspicious to the police.

This month saw the return of travellers to Rookery Park. We secured their eviction and a deep clean of the park and have had concrete blocks placed to prevent the gates being broken open again whilst a longer-term solution is found to keep the park secure.

For more from Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

(Ed’s note: This column was first published in the Erdington Local newspaper on 4 September, before the announcement of a Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you enjoyed the summer break. As for me, August has been another busy month, tirelessly working to get the best for our community.

Recently, I proudly stood with residents to oppose the latest planning application for a 7-bed HMO on Gravelly Lane, which would have made it the 209th HMO in our area. It’s no secret that our communities in Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale have been grappling with an influx of HMOs, and the associated problems that follow.

Thankfully, our campaign successfully persuaded Birmingham City Council to reject the application, making it clear that we don’t need any more HMOs in our neighbourhoods.

Another matter that was bought to my attention was the speculation of the future of Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre in Kingstanding. The Centre holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I first worked as a district nurse, so I know how important the Centre is for local people.

I wrote to the CEO of NHS Birmingham and Solihull seeking clarification. His swift reply provided assurances that the Centre will stay at its current location for the foreseeable future, however, concerns remain about the state of the building that are under careful observation.

Places like Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre provide vital services to local people. Sadly, after 13 years of Tory neglect, our local NHS centres are at risk. Only a Labour Government can fix this mess, save our NHS, and prioritise the health needs for communities like ours.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

(Ed’s note: This column was first published in the Erdington Local newspaper on 4 September, before the announcement of a Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Social prescribing offers alternative options

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

Staff at Compass Support are working in partnership with doctors and medical practitioners across the constituency to encourage residents to pursue alternative approaches to conventional medicine.

Social Prescribing aims to provide personalised holistic support to individuals as well as lessen the strain on existing National Health Service services in the local area.


 
Holding clinics at GP surgeries across the area, Isobel Haywood and Lucy Davis, are keen for people in Castle Vale, Erdington and Stockland Green to consider Social Prescribing as an alternative and holistic route to improving health and wellbeing.

“Are you feeling lonely or struggling with your mental health,” they ask.

“Are you concerned with your finances or housing situation? Do you want support in finding employment or other opportunities?

“These are all things that the North Birmingham Social Prescription (NBSP) team can support you with,” they state.

Social Prescribing is a means to connect patients to non-medical resources for practical and emotional support, designed to boost quality of life.

“We can offer individuals an alternative route to prescribed medicine, as we believe components of health and wellbeing are often correlated. Through aiding individuals to navigate their health and the non-clinical resources available within the community, Social Prescribing benefits not only the patient, but the GP’s by reducing demand for appointments and providing alternative options for primary care.”


 
Results show this innovative pathway leads to increased patient satisfaction accessing local, community-based services; with the ultimate goal of enabling patients to live the best life possible.

The NBSP service is delivered at six practices across Erdington and Stockland Green including Reservoir Road, Kingsbury Road, Dr Khuroo’s, Poplars Surgery, Shah Zaman’s and Sutton Road.

We help patients to access a variety of organisations and services; including arts, physical activity, education, volunteering, befriending and self-help. They can also receive support with employment, benefits, housing, managing long-term health conditions, debt management, legal advice, and parenting problems.

For more details on how social prescribing could help you and the services being delivered by the North Birmingham Social Prescription team, please call Isobel Haywood or Lucy Davis on 0121 748 8111 or 07841 067636.

Alternatively, you can email them at: Isobel.Haywood@compass-support.org.uk or Lucy.Davis@compass-support.org.uk

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

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NEWS: Professional Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell gets ready for September fights

By Erdington Local news team

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is “loving” life as a professional and keeping busy with two fights this month – his first taking place at Planet Ice in Solihull on Saturday 9 September.

Fighting in the All of the Lights tournament, presented by Tommy Owens Promotions LTD, Farell will appear as an undercard on a bill of lightweight boxers from across the country – including Nottingham’s Delmar Thomas and Dudley’s Ryan Griffiths.

For more information and links to online tickets sales for All of the Lights, click here.

Niall Farell, a former Team GB member, swapped fighting for his country across the world to enter the professional ranks earlier this year and made an impressive start with unbeaten 2-0 record.

The 25-year-old is still training at Second City Boxing, Kingstanding, and has appointed Birmingham veteran John Pegg as his manager to navigate the notoriously slippery world of the fight game.

He told Erdington Local: “I hopefully will be 4-0 by the end of the month, and then hope to fight another twice before the end of the year.

“I am loving being a pro-fighter now; I always have a date to fight, and I am learning every day and I am keeping busy.”

He added: “The lightweight division has some of the best pound for pound fighters in the world and I am just starting out, so I am just concentrating on the next fight.”

Niall is fighting on Saturday 9 Septemebr at Solihull’s Planet Ice. A key component of being a pro-fighter is being a “ticket seller” and ‘Wacka Farrell’ has already amassed a big following from Kingstanding.

He said: “I am not sure how many I’ve sold but I know there is a coach leaving Kingstanding for Solihull. I am so grateful to everyone who supports me, now I am professional people will be able to see me locally instead of me flying all over the world in amateur tournaments.”

Saturday’s opponent was meant to be Niall’s toughest test yet, Logan Paling, but he has had to rearrange the bout for Thursday, 28 September at Cannock’s Bar Sport.

Niall said: “I am not sure who my opponent is on Saturday (9 September), but I can’t wait to get back in the ring. The difference from amateur three bout fights and longer professional fights is it’s not such a big rush, I can take my time.”

Niall decided to turn professional after a controversial decision ended his dream of winning gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games in his own city.

He said: “I had a great amateur career, fighting for your country all over the world is a great experience. It gave me a profile which is helping me as a pro and the bonds I made with the boxers who were my teammates are still there.” 

Niall still helps out at Black Country homeless charity The Good Shepherd regularly and enjoyed running Second City’s summer children’s camp in the school holidays.

He said: “We will be doing more summer camps because it was a real success, it was not just about boxing but it was nice to see some of the children join the club afterwards.”

Click on the links to follow Niall Farrell on social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For more on Second City Boxing visit www.facebook.com/Second-City-Boxing-Club

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NEWS: Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden states Birmingham City Council have “no grip of their mess” after Section 114 notice issued

Words by Ed King

Erdington Ward Councillor and the Leader of Birmingham Conservatives Robert Alden has stated Birmingham City Council (BCC) have “no grip of their mess” after it was announced earlier today the city had issued a Section 114 notice – effectively declaring bankruptcy.

Following the announcement, which stops any new spending other than costs incurred when ‘protecting vulnerable people and statutory services’, Cllr Alden issued a statement calling out the “Labour’s failure in Birmingham” and “refusal to deal with” historic issues over equal pay.

Cllr Alden went on the challenge BCC over its promises of a “golden decade” for the people of Birmingham, a phrase used in a financial plan issued by BCC in 2022 – under the then leader Cllr Ian Ward, and squarely blame the Labour run council for a “mess where residents will now lose valuable services and investment”.

Birmingham City Council has been facing a financial crisis for some years, after losing a landmark court case involving 174 former female employees over gender-based pay inequalities.

Heard in the Supreme Court in 2012, Birmingham City Council was legally obligated to meet backdated claims by thousands of staff – having reportedly paid £1.1bn over the last decade.

In 2014, the Council even sold off the National Exhibition Centre for around £300m to help meet their growing legal bills.

With a projected deficit of £87m projected for the next financial year, officers further informed the local Cabinet on 28 June this year the city would need to find a ‘between £650 million and £760 million’ for new claims over equal pay.

On 5 September, after the announcement of the Section 114 notice and immediate cease in any new spending, BCC Deputy Leader Cllr Sharon Thompson further stated: “whilst the Council is facing some significant challenges, the broader city is still very much open for business.”

Responding to the news, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton told Erdington Local: “13 years of Tory austerity has left Birmingham City Council with a billion-pound hole in its budget and the historic £760 million-pound equal pay liability and the implementation of Oracle ERP system, reflect on the huge challenges that it faces.”

Over concerns the Erdington Constituency could be amongst the worst affected by cuts to new spending, she added: “My priority remains in making sure people in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale get the services they deserve.”

But mirroring the sentiments of Cllr Alden, who further accused BCC of “lying to the people of Birmingham”, the Liberal Democrats were quick to lay the blame at Birmingham Labour’s feet.

In a separate statement, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Roger Harmer called out the “sheer arrogance” of an administration who “blame others for their inability to manage the council effectively.”