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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026

LOCAL POLITICS: Meet the candidates in… Gravelly Hill

Candidate name: Julia Mackey
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/GravellyHillNews

Relationship with Gravelly Hill: “Living in Birmingham I know the damaging impact of Labours third strike in ten years.”
Key campaign issues: “To end Labour’s sixteen month long and counting bin strike and clean up Birmingham.”

Introduction: “Birmingham Labour spent a year refusing to meet the unions and find a resolution to the strike. They’ve allowed up to 25,000 tonnes of rubbish to build up on the streets at any one time. Only the Local Conservatives have a plan to end the strike and clean up Birmingham.”

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Candidate name: Imran Ali Khan
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with Gravelly Hill: “I have lived and worked as a schoolteacher in the area and worked for the Birmingham Youth Service.”
Key campaign issues: “Support and reintroduce public services, keep our streets cleaner, improve job opportunities and regulate HMOs.”

Introduction: “I’m passionate about supporting our public services, rebuilding community cohesion and introducing initiatives to equip the youth with transferable skills, confidence and purpose. I want to regulate the HMOs in the area and tackle the fly-tipping issue. Bringing about real hope, real change to Gravelly Hill.”

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Candidate name: Asif Mehmood
Political party: Standing as an independent candidate
Social media link: www.tiktok.com/@asifbratlvi

Relationship with Gravelly Hill: “I have lived and worked in Gravelly Hill for 26 years, serving community residents locally.”
Key campaign issues: Infrastructure upgrades, high streets revitalisation, school safety, traffic management, housing shortages, crime reduction, youth services.

Introduction: “I’m standing as an Independent candidate to put Gravelly Hill residents before party politics and deliver change. I will upgrade infrastructure, support schools and young people, revitalise high streets, and strengthen community unity, ensuring every resident feels safe, heard, and fairly represented in local decision making for our future together.”

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Candidate name: Mick Brown
Political party: Labour Party
Social media link: ‘Mick Brown for Gravelly Hill’ on Facebook

Relationship with Gravelly Hill: “I have been ward councillor for the past eight years, and previously a mental health project worker in the area.”
Key campaign issues: Street improvements, Tackling nuisance HMOs and Exempt Accommodation, improved neighbourhood policing.

Introduction: “Gravelly Hill is a diverse and proud community, united by a shared vision to see the neighbourhood thrive. I am committed to continuing to work with residents and engaging constructively with the Council to secure the improvements our community wants and deserves.”

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Candidate name: Mohammed Amin
Political party: Liberal Democrats
Social media link: www.facebook.com/Amin.Gravellyhill

Relationship with Gravelly Hill: “I have lived in Gravelly Hill for 29 years and worked here for 20+ years.”
Key campaign issues: Rubbish collections, fly-tipping, potholes, safe streets, zebra crossings near schools, speed cameras, HMOs, community feeling.

Introduction: “I am a local resident, approachable, and ready to listen. I will work tirelessly to serve the residents, making our community cleaner and safer and without potholes. Residents should feel proud of where they live. Gravelly Hill should be a place to truly live – not just somewhere to sleep.”

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Also standing in Gravelly Hill…

Wahid Ahktar (Independent), Maisie Lou Evelyn Wilton (Reform UK).

May 2, 2026May 2, 2026

LOCAL POLITICS: Meet the candidates in… Castle Vale

Candidate name: Roman Chapman
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/CastleValeNews

Relationship with ward: “Living in North Birmingham I know the struggle local families have in getting secure housing.”
Key campaign issues: “Ensuring Brummies have a home, over 10,000 children in 5,500 families live in temporary accommodation.”

Introduction: “We’ve a duty to ensure we house Brummies first. That’s why I support the Local Conservatives’ proposal for a 10 year residency rule, meaning to get Council housing you’ll have to have lived in Birmingham for at least 10 years, keeping Birmingham homes for Brummies. And stop more exempt accommodation.”

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Candidate name: Margaret Okole
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with ward: “I campaigned for our Green Party candidate through 2019-2022 in Castle Vale.”
Key campaign issues: Resolving the bin strike, energy saving measures, public transport, services for children and youth.

Introduction: “I want to build on the great sense of community in Castle Vale, to enable people to access all the services which should be available to them through their own pressure groups, empowering them to hold service providers to account.”

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Candidate name: Raymond Goodwin
Political party: Labour
Social media link: www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

Relationship with ward: “I have worked on Castle Vale for nearly 20 years – my family are also rooted into the community.”
Key campaign issues: Cost of living, stronger police presence, safer streets, improved facilities, cleaner streets, high quality housing.

Introduction: “I’m Cllr Raymond Goodwin, and I’m standing because I believe in Castle Vale and this amazing community. The job isn’t finished – I will continue to work to galvanise this community, spend funding wisely, and stop HGV cut-throughs. While others talk, I will continue to take action to make our estate cleaner, safer, and better for everyone.”

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Candidate name: Ross Copeland
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Council taxpayers, motorists, local representation, Labour failure, restoring accountability.

Introduction: “I am proud to be standing for Reform UK in Castle Vale. Residents, including council taxpayers and motorists, have received a bad deal from the City Council, which has been run into the ground by Labour. I will work hard to represent residents and help get the Council back on track.”

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Also standing in Castle Vale…

Louise Arabella Scrivens (Worker’s Party), Trevor Sword (Liberal Democrats).

May 1, 2026

BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor to Welcome “mini Griffins” as Department for Education greenlights new nursery

Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.

The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.

This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.

“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.

While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.

Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.

As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.

If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email nursery@chivenor-gst.org

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

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.

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.

April 28, 2026

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

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

April 25, 2026

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

April 24, 2026

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

April 23, 2026April 23, 2026

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”

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

April 22, 2026

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026

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.