Month: April 2026

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NEWS: Man apprehended on Short Heath Road will face “no further action” after arrest and investigation

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Words by Ed King

A man apprehended on Short Heath Road yesterday (28.04.26) over concerns related to firearms and intent to cause violence has been released by police and will face “no further action”.

Following dramatic scenes in the Erdington suburb, and a swift response from West Midlands Police, a man in his twenties was taken into custody after unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road.

The road remained blocked whilst officers gave chase to the suspect, with traffic halted and members of the public redirected away from the incident.

Local residents watched as the suspect was taken from a nearby residence, put into handcuffs and into the back of a marked police car.

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Taking no chances, officers responded with significant force and speed to close down what could have been a potentially dangerous situation – after following up reports made to police earlier in the day.

But after robust action and investigation, West Midlands Police questioned and released the individual, with members of the public assured there are no continuing threats from the incident.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told Erdington Local: “We arrested a 24-year-old man on Short Heath Road on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at around 3pm yesterday.

“It followed an incident earlier in the day, also on Short Heath Road, when another man reported that he had been threatened and hit with a firearm.”

They added: “After a number of enquiries were carried out, the suspect was released and will face no further action.”

Short Heath Road / Image from Google Maps

The dramatic daylight police action is part of a wider effort to crush crime around the Erdington constituency, in a combined effort from police and partners – following the return of Operation Fearless officers to the area in March and April.

Recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who oversees the neighbourhood police team, has been upping uniformed presence on Erdington High Street and surrounding hotspots.

The area is further also supported by two Designated Neighbourhood Officers, with a long connection to Erdington and significant local knowledge.

Inspector Hayley Thompson, who has been in post covering both Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since the end of summer last year, will be moving on – with a new inspector currently being recruited to support the local neighbourhood team and continue the impact made by Operation Fearless.

 

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NEWS: Man taken away by “visibly armed” police after dramatic scenes on Short Heath Road

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Words by Ed King

A man was filmed being taken away by police following dramatic scenes on Short Heath Road earlier today (28.04.26) – as the road was closed by officers and pedestrian access redirected, according to reports from local residents and footage sent to Erdington Local.

Based on evidence taken from ring doorbells and eyewitness accounts, at around 2:30pm on Tuesday 28 April unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road as officers entered a house in the residential area and took a young male into custody.

Local residents told Erdington Local how they saw the grey unmarked cars park across the busy throughfare – just by Camberley Grove – with what one resident descried as “visibly armed” police officers stopping traffic and public access.

Members of the public were reportedly directed away from the area – with families coming home from local schools being sent home via alternative routes, as police blockaded Short Heath Road.

Minutes later, a young male dressed in what appears to be a grey tracksuit bottoms and a pale grey hooded top with white trainer was filmed being taken into the back of a marked police car.

One local resident, who was watching events unfold at the scene, told Erdington Local how the man being taken into custody smiled at them whilst police bundled him into the back of their police car.

The high profile daylight police action follows an increased effort from local police teams and expert officers to tackle crime in and around Erdington Town Centre.

Erdington’s recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who was brought up to Birmingham from the London Metropolitan Police, has been making noticeable changes on Erdington High Street and surrounding residential areas.

Erdington Local has reached out to West Midlands Police for any updates and further information.

Man taken into custody as police blockade Short Heath Road / Video taken from local ring doorbell footage

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COMPETITION: Win 10 x £10 vouchers at Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April

Words by Ed King

Get down to the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April and win a free £10 voucher to spend at any of the stalls.

All you have to do is register your name and an email address before 12noon at the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY information hut – then 10 lucky winners will be pulled out of the hat at 12:30pm.

Vouchers will then be issued, which can be exchanged at any of the stalls for good up to the value of £10.

Stalls will be trading from 10am to 4pm, and entries can be made from 10am – one per person, with no age limit to take part.

Vouchers can only be exchanged for goods being sold at Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April, with no change given.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month – located on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore.

The events are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “There are some really wonderful crafts, gifts, and homemade treats on sale at the Erdington High Street Community Markets – and loads you can buy for £10 or under.

“Our £10 voucher giveaway is a fun way of helping people come down, have a bite and a browse through the stalls, and help support local traders.”

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “It’s a really fun afternoon at the Erdington High Street Community Markets, and wonderful to see so many people enjoying an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

“So come and join us on Saturday and help us champion the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.”

The Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.

The Erdington Lunar Society will also have a stall, offering information on the guest speakers and talks the local group regularly organise – alongside their campaign to save Erdington Library.

Running on the last Saturday of every month, regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Arts and crafts session at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.

As well as organising the Erdington High Street Community Markets, the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025 – including ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display at information hut / Photograph by Ed King

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: FC Elite Football Academy

Mixed squad of young players at FC Elite / Photograph supplied by FC Elite

Words by Sebastian Muscroft

FC Elite are one of Birmingham’s youngest football academies. But since being founded in 2013 they have already reached some impressive milestones and set out big plans for the future.

Original formed as a women’s team, FC Elite saw early success as they gained promotion within their first season. This then prompted them to form a men’s team the following year and a youth side in 2016. The local Football Academy now have 15 teams across different age groups.

FC Elite Football Academy club founder and chairman, Mario Gerroni, told: “I started the club out of passion. Passion for football. But then it grew into having a sight, starting the roots, and leaving a legacy.”

FC Elite founder Mario Gerroni / Photograph supplied by FC Elite

The Academy used grounds across Erdington, including working with Short Heath Fields Trust to bring community sports to Short Heath Playing Fields, but found their permanent home at Twickenham Park on College Road – moving to the Kingstanding fields in 2016.

Since training and playing at Twickenham Park, FC Elite have overseen some big developments there – with a car park currently being built, as well as increasing the amount of football pitches.

“Developing the site is one of the biggest things,” adds Mario, “because now people can see it growing as it went from a closed off field to hopefully a facility now.”

This ambition is mirrored by local residents, with one telling Kingstanding Local: “It would be nice to have a good sports facility within walking distance and what the club are doing and have already done looks good.”

Map of proposed developments at Twickenham Park in Kingstanding, home ground to FC Elite / Image supplied by FC Elite

But what’s next for FC Elite?

“On the football side of things, it would be nice to get up to 20, 25 teams,” tells Mario. “We’d also like to build a sports hub for the people of Kingstanding making sure they don’t have to leave the ward for quality provisions.”

“But if we could develop the site as much as we can, we could have other things down here,” he adds, “like disability football, walking football… we’ve got paddle courts we’d like to embrace as well as tag rugby. There’s loads of things we can have down here.

“If we had a building down here, we could potentially have other organisations use it and have little offices on site, so the possibilities are endless.”

FC Elite Football Academy are also using sport to support the Kingstanding community off the pitch as well.

“One of the initiatives that I’d like to do is Club Captains,” tells Mario, “which will help to address the issue of knife crime.”

“[We’re] asking Nike to donate football boots,” he adds, “and working in schools trying to get workshops going.

“The idea is about trying to get people from different wards to come along and embrace each other rather than engaging in postcode wars and carrying a knife.”

FC Elite Academy is open to new members and have stated anyone is welcome to come down to Twickenham Park for a free trial session.

For more on FC Elite Football Academy visit www.fcelite.co.uk

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email: community@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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NEWS: “Humbling” first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards celebrates winners at special gala evening

Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).

Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).

After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.

Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.

The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.

The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.

TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.

Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.

After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.

The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”

Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.

Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.

“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”

Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”

The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

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PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala evening at Lift Greenwood / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 25 April.

Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.

Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February this year and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

There is no charge for any of the activities, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Erdington has a rich history or markets and traders, and our outdoor High Street Community Markets are a continuation of that proud and local tradition.”

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “All the stalls are run by local artisans, chefs, and creatives, and are a great chance to find those hidden gems you can only uncover from a community market.

“There’s lots of fun for families and young people, so come down – have a bite and a browse – and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.”

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Operation Fearless and Detective Chief Inspector John Askew

Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by DCI Askew

“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.

“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.

“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.

“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.

“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.

Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.

“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.

“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.

“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.

“Thank you for your continued support.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.

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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington/

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The upcoming elections

Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group (TPG) Chief Executive Officer / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by TPG

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

As a registered social landlord, we do not hold or promote party‑political views. However, our work is shaped directly by government policy, so it is important to acknowledge that decisions taken at national and local levels influence the environment in which we operate and the services we are able to deliver.

Government policy becomes real through legislation and regulation, whatever party forms the administration. Issues such as the availability of good‑quality social housing, the safety and sustainability of our homes, and the extent to which tenants can influence decisions about allocations and services are all shaped by this wider national framework.

These topics continue to be central to public debate and will remain important throughout this year’s election cycle.

Birmingham’s upcoming all‑out local elections are expected to be closely watched, and while predicting outcomes is not my role, what I can say with certainty is that we will continue to focus on long‑term, constructive partnerships.

Our commitment is to work collaboratively with those elected, whichever party they represent, to secure the best outcomes for our tenants and the wider communities we serve.

We are proud of the positive working relationships we have developed with ward councillors across all areas where we have homes. These partnerships have supported investment, community initiatives and practical improvements that benefit local residents.

I would encourage everyone to use their vote, understand the issues, consider who best reflects your priorities, and take part. Local elections can be won and lost on small numbers so every vote really does count.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting young people to find their focus with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.

It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.

This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.

Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.

At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.

So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.

And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: From safety net to springboard – the Witton Lodge way

WLCA Chief Officer Afzal Hussain standing outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

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

At Witton Lodge Community Association many of our services are aimed at providing support when life becomes unstable, and in recent years cost of living pressures has meant demand has never been greater.

Every day, residents come to us in need of urgent support: help with benefits and debt, energy costs, housing worries or some other challenge life has thrown up. These moments matter, but we don’t stop there.

As a community anchor, we provide practical help, advice, and human connection when people need it most. This support creates stability; it starts to restore confidence and gives people breathing space.

However, what I believe truly defines Witton Lodge, is what happens next.

From the outset, our services are designed to stabilise and then act as a springboard – crisis support can and does become a gateway to new possibilities: skills development, volunteering, employment, and enterprise opportunities.

We actively work with people to identify ambition as well as need, ensuring that immediate support is matched by hope and possibility.

This springboard approach came to life at our recent Youth Employment and Social Enterprise celebration event. The energy in the room reflected everything we stand for. Young people who had once needed support were stepping forward as future employees and entrepreneurs.

Local employers and partners saw first‑hand how investing in potential, not just qualifications, transforms lives and communities.  Our entrepreneurs and social enterprises were celebrated as proof that community‑led solutions can generate both purpose and prosperity.

In challenging times, safety nets are vital. But at Witton Lodge, we also believe in nurturing talent to help our communities thrive and flourish.

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.