(L-R) John Lambert and Reform UK local campaigers at Kingstanding Circle / Photograph supplied by Reform UK
Words by John Lambert
Residents aren’t imagining this? They’re living it. Every single day.
Bins overflowing like a Victorian slum, fly-tipping, rats, noise at all hours, parking that’s basically impossible and once decent family streets turning into transient chaos.
People can see it with their own eyes. They can smell it.
What makes this whole thing reek is the rank hypocrisy from some of the very councillors who are supposed to be sorting it out.
They’ll moan in WhatsApp groups, post outraged tweets, nod sagely in meetings about “the HMO problem” and how something must be done, all while quietly owning multiple HMO properties themselves and cashing the cheques. Sorry, but you cannot have it both ways.
If they are benefiting from a system that is damaging their own constituents’ quality of life, they should spare residents the performative hand-wringing.
That is not leadership. It is posturing.
No wonder trust in local politicians is in the gutter. People are sick to death of this two-faced nonsense. One message for the cameras, another reality behind closed doors. Residents want straight talking. They want consistency.
Above all, they want councillors who aren’t feathering their own nests while pretending to care about the mess.
If we really want to sort out the HMO mess, the overcrowding, the anti-social behaviour, the way it’s dragging down whole neighbourhoods, then councillors need to step up and enforce strict licensing, inspect every property thoroughly and close down any that don’t meet basic standards.
Erdington and every other town blighted by this deserves proper representation, not managed outrage and political hypocrisy.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.
One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.
The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.
I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.
I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.
There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.
On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.
For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.
(L-R) Local campaigner Alex Richards and Cllr Clifton Welch in the Council House / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
Dear residents,
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen some extraordinary scenes in the Birmingham Council Chamber when Labour – who have run Birmingham for the past 14 years and with an overall majority – were unable to pass their budget for 2026/27.
It required a second emergency meeting some six days later for Birmingham Labour to be able to pass their own budget.
In the original Council meeting, I was lucky enough to be called on to speak. Below are some extracts from my speech: “Birmingham Labour talk about fresh ambition’s, is that a joke? You are responsible for this mess.
“The proposed Council Tax increase of 5% means residents will be paying 82% more than when Labour took office and for what? Bin strike into its second year; Zero green waste collection; Weekly waste collections to be scrapped; Fly Tipping out of control; Pot holes like third world; Oracle IT system not working; Equal Pay crisis…
“Is this what Birmingham Labour calls fresh ambition?”
“But the agony for Birmingham residents is nearly over. Labour have broken Birmingham, but the Conservative alternative budget can start the process of fixing it.
“The Conservative alternative budget would provide: Cleaner streets, better local services, fixing the potholes, a community chest fund for local councillors to decide what to spend funds on.
“Our alternative budget is fully costed and funded. There is hope for residents once we get rid of this Labour Council.”
The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders – plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall.
Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more.
Local trader selling children’s toys and gifts at LYLC Winter Warnmer event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
Stalls will be situated on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market, giving local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding indoor market as well – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and electronics to luggage and clothing.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular Community Markets on the High Street.”
Stalls and public engagement LYLC Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.
“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special hidden treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”
The Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February will be running alongside a Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm – organised by Oikos Church and Café, celebrating their respective 15 and ten year anniversaries on Erdington High Street.
The Oikos Community Fun Day will include free family fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and craft workshops, and live music – supported by Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign.
Oikos will also be hosting a special Community Meal, undercovers outside on the High Street, where people can join together to enjoy good food and company.
Oikos host a Community Meal at their High Street venue every month which attracts a friendly crowd from across the local community.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display on information stand at Community Fun Day / Photograph by Ed kIng for Erdington Local
Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign was set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre.
With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LYLC campaign hosted a series of Summer Fun Day and Winter Warmer events in 2026 and has a programme of activity planed for Erdington Town Centre across 2026.
For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Staff at Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) engaging in community outreach work / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
Residents across Birmingham are being offered a unique opportunity to become a catalyst for change in their communities.
The Birmingham Community Health Champions programme is officially open for applications, inviting passionate individuals to step forward, gain expert knowledge and lead the way towards a healthier, more informed and connected city.
Funded by Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Team and delivered in partnership with Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between health services and local residents.
Building Connections
By empowering ‘trusted voices’ within the community, the programme aims to ensure that vital health information isn’t just a list of statistics for people to access but a supportive conversation between friends and neighbours.
The benefits of joining the programme and becoming a Community Health Champion are extensive. People will benefit from:
Professional Training: Gain free, monthly expert-led training on critical topics including mental health, nutrition, cardiovascular health, diabetes and air quality.
Personal Growth: Develop communication skills, build your CV and grow your confidence.
Flexibility: The role is designed to fit around your life. Whether you have hours to spare or just a few minutes for a chat, your contribution matters.
Full Support: Champions receive ongoing guidance and all travel expenses are fully reimbursed.
Tackling Inequalities
Waheed Saleem, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at Witton Lodge, added: “Community Health Champions will be trusted voices within their communities.
“By using the knowledge gained through the programme they will be able to make a real difference.
“Anyone with a passion to make a difference can join. This is a great opportunity to address health inequalities and improve wellbeing across Birmingham.”
A lack of experience is no barrier to becoming a Community Health Champion. People don’t need a medical background or prior work experience in a medical or health setting, they just need to have a genuine desire to help others.
The programme provides all the tools people need to share practical, accessible health advice through everyday conversations.
Joining is simple. Interested residents can apply via the Volunteer Brum platform by completing an Expression of Interest form. This is followed by a friendly introductory conversation and a comprehensive induction session.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street – with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal.
The special event is to celebrate the 10 and 15 year anniversaries of the Church and Café respectively, and the many years that Oikos has been a vibrant and cherished part of the Erdington community.
Ahead of the anniversary Fun Day celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder.
Words by Nicola Murray
A decade of coffee and community is being celebrated on Erdington High Street as Oikos Café marks its 10 year anniversary, as well as 15 years of Oikos Church serving the area.
Since opening its doors in 2006, Oikos café has grown into far more than a place to eat and drink, it has become a vital “third space” – a place between home and work where connections are formed and cemented.
Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.”
Outside of Oikos Cafe on a sunny day on Erdington High Street / Yellow Mustard Photography
To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.”
This event will bring people together through food, activities and family entertainment. The celebration is designed as a thank you to the community that has supported Oikos Café over the last 10 years – and the people they have reached through their church over the last 15 years.
Community focus is what makes Oikos shine, with many customers remarking it is what sets the café apart. Loyal customers often call it “one of the best things about Erdington,” reiterating the café’s reputation as a social anchor on the High Street.
It has become a real community hub where people feel known, and a part of something bigger.
Staff serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photgraphy
Over the years, the café has opened its doors to a variety of groups and events. “It has been so great to see so many different groups using the space, from the Women’s Institute to schools and music groups,” said Mandley.
Oikos Café plays a significant role as a flexible venue where different parts of Erdington life intersect and are celebrated.
One of the main highlights of the decade has been its regular and free Community Meal, held on the last Thursday of each month.
“It is an evening where we feed over 100 people from all walks of life and backgrounds,” adds Mandley. “The diverse community of Erdington is represented on these evenings and people get to know each other; many friendships have been made off the back of those events.”
The success of Oikos Café would not be possible without their volunteers, who have been central to making the vision of Oikos a reality.
Oikos Café reflects the church’s long-term commitment to Erdington. In a time when many public social spaces are disappearing, Oikos has left its mark on the community.
There are over 30 volunteers every week that make the café function. Over the past decade, more than 250 volunteers have offered their time, supporting everything from events to daily hospitality.
The café has helped offer paid work, and the ability to develop skills.
Outside of Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
And as the 10 and 15 year celebrations begin, the focus is not only on the past but the future, “We have loved doing it over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10 years” Mandley remarked.
The Oikos anniversary Community Fun Day will be held on Saturday 28 February, between 11am and 3pm – outside Oikos Church and Café on Erdington High Street.
The event is partnering with the Erdington BID as part of LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – with support from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Mayor’s Market Fund.
Colorful wooden houses in a scattered pattern, representing the housing market’s response to government policies / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
Erdington Local often receives desperate messages and stories about HMOs or Exempt Accommodation – as the problems that stem from poorly managed housing stock roll roughshod across the constituency.
Since then, articles published across the country have described countless communities living in the shadows of egregious landlords and duplicitous housing providers.
But there is always more than one side of the story. And in a new series, LOCAL AMBASSADORS reporter Trish Jones – who worked extensively in the social housing sector – takes a first person look at the nation’s ongoing housing crisis.
And asks, why is it becoming more and more difficult to simply LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR?
An aerial view above the drab rooftops of run down back to back terraced houses on a large residential estate in the North of England
Words by Trish Jones
I was brought up on a Council estate in the 1960s at a time when Council housing was highly prized with airy rooms and gardens as big as allotments.
Estates were planned to house people ‘for life’. Bungalows were available for older people, once their children had grown, freeing up three bedroomed homes for couples with young children.
Bespoke flats were integrated into the plan for singles and childless couples. Housing was made available for key workers such as caretakers, teachers, doctors and police constables – and schools, shops, and community centres were all supported by the local neighbourhood.
Generic aerial view of Birmingham UK city centre apartment towers / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
Since Thatcher introduced the ‘Right to Buy’ our Council houses in 1980, there has been a significant crisis in affordable housing supply in the UK. Household debt increased, and the policy is felt most acutely by those who cannot afford to buy.
Councils were prevented from using the money to build new Council houses and Council housing became rundown and poor.
According to research from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government and New Economics Foundation, over two million houses have been sold off to date and four in 10 are now in the private-rented sector – where rents are partly financed by public funds via housing benefit payments to private landlords.
A gavel and a miniature house on a desk symbolising the connection between real estate and legal matters / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
Housing Benefit was introduced in 1983 and designed to help people on low incomes to pay for rented accommodation, whether in or out of work. However, the state allocated funds often only covered part of the monthly rent with the tenant having to make up the shortfall.
Housing Benefit is currently being replaced by Universal Credit, which may cover housing costs differently.
Now we face a fully blown housing crisis with unaffordable house prices, an acute shortage of homes, and sky-rocketing rents – offering quick profits for a few with money, at the expense of ordinary people.
Images representing affordable housing / From Adobe Stock Images
The landlords’ lobby has become a powerful political force – and some MPs and Councillors are themselves, private landlords. While this is not illegal it cannot help but influence housing policy at every level.
This card trick with public money means a large chunk of housing benefit goes into the private purse instead of into maintaining and developing affordable homes for all.
Next time LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR? Will look at Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the Exempt Accommodation rip-off.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or have something to tell us, LOCAL AMBASSADORS wants to hear from you. Email: la@erdingtonlocal.com
Birmingham Bulls team photo for 2025 season / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Words by Sebastian Muscroft
Birmingham Bulls are one of the oldest American Football teams in the UK, having been founded in 1983, as well being as the longest standing squads not merging or changing their name.
The club has had a successful past, winning four National Championships and multiple European campaigns – including winning a bronze medal along the way. To add to this, they have also had (and still) have GB athletes within their members.
The club used to train near Kings Norton, in South Birmingham, before moving to Spring Lane Playing Fields – run by Spring Lane CIO – at the start of the 2025 season.
The move was due to their Kings Norton training group being too far out of the city, with poor transport links, and the problems this posed to recruiting new players and staff – as well as the difficulties some squad members had accessing the grounds.
But why Spring Lane Playing Fields, why Erdington? And why now? LOCAL AMBASSADORS spoke to Birmingham Bulls’ Head Coach Doug Cotterell to find out more.
“Erdington have been an absolute God send,” told Doug, “[Spring Lane CIO have] been very accommodating and can’t do enough for us.
“Where they are and what they’re offering us, it makes sense to move all the Birmingham Bulls set up – the academy, everything.’’
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Birmingham Bulls’ move coincides with Spring Lane CIO’s recent plans to re-develop the playing fields and include a multipurpose 4G pitch, a new café, and a new club house – which Coach Cotterall also explained played a crucial role in the club’s decision to move grounds.
He added: “The space they’ve got is massive, as well as the new stuff that’s coming on board… everything going on is attractive for us and they’ve offered the world – they can’t do enough for us – so that’s the main reason we moved’’.
Andy Trueman sits on the Board of Trustees at Spring Lane CIO, the recently registered charity committed to establishing Spring Lane Playing Fields ‘as a resource for Sport, Education and Wellbeing for the community of Erdington and its surrounding areas’ as stated on their website.
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Spring Lane Playing Fields has already been used for community events, and host regular training sessions and fixtures for sports teams including Erdington Rugby Football Club, Erdington Cricket Club, Walmley Cricket Club, and Colron Football Club. Now they welcome Birmingham Bulls to their grounds.
Andy explained: “Most of the sites in Erdington are football so we wanted to include some minority sports or slightly different sports and that was a good fit when the Bulls approached us, as it gave us variety.
“With the Bulls coming to the site it also means we have an alternative contact sport for both summer and winter, which is particularly important as one of the key concepts for the site is about trying to get kids out of knife crime and into sport.’’
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
He added: “It makes sense for the Bulls; it allows them to consolidate both the men’s and junior sections onto one site. At Spring Lane, they have pitch of their own which will be fully licenced to them in the next couple weeks.’’
Birmingham Bulls are set to stay at Spring Lane Playing Fields for the foreseeable future, hoping the move will grow the club and participation. The club also states anyone is welcome to come and get involved, both on the pitch and off.
Birmingham Bulls play their next game at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 19 April, against the visiting Wakefield District Raiders.
PICTURE GALLERY: Birmingham Bulls during their 2025 season
To find out more about joining our LOCAL AMBASSADORS programme and editorial team, supporting community journalism and grassroots content creation, email: la@erdingtonlocal.com
Tensions flared earlier this month after the presence of a protest group on the car park by Castle Pool, off Farnborough Road, limited access for local schools coming for swimming sessions.
On Thursday 5 February, members of Unite the Union supporting industrial action by the city’s bin workers organised an afternoon of public engagement.
But staff from the swimming pool warned coaches bringing local children in to use the facility would have been blocked from accessing the public car park.
Speaking to our Castle Vale Local reporter as the protest was still taking place, a senior member of staff from Castle Pool told: “I did ask them to move, purely because we have schools come in and… they need somewhere to park, and [the Unite members] wouldn’t move and still haven’t moved now.”
They added: “I found [the Unite members] to be very rude to be honest. Not the best at all, just ransacking everybody who’s walking through just to take [rubbish to] the bins.
“It’s not good, it’s not good at all… its safeguarding for us at the pool as well, it’s not good.”
Local resident taking wheelie bin to MHWC on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
Local residents were also hampered getting their rubbish to the Mobile Household Waste Centre (MHWC), a Council operated free to access waste collection unit scheduled to be on the car park from 7.30am to 12.30pm.
Residents were seen parking elsewhere and having to walk their wheelie bins to Mobile ‘Tip Truck’ at the preapproved collection point on the car park.
One of the protest group, identifying themselves as part of Unite the Union, explained: “We’re here to try and raise awareness to the residents of Castle Vale, because a lot of people are still unaware of why we’re striking.”
When asked about reports the presence of the group had been making it difficult for residents to access the Mobile Tip Truck, with cars unable to fully access Castle Pool car park, they added: “No, no we haven’t. We’ve just been talking to local residents, explaining why we’re here, what we’re doing.
“Mostly once they’ve understood the situation, and why we’re here and why we’re striking, a lot of the local residents [are] totally supporting us now…. we’ve had a couple that were against us and we’ve managed to sway them and now [they] fully support us.”
Unite the Union strike protest group on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
One local resident, John, who was at Castle Pool Car Park whilst Unite were present and regularly uses the Mobile Tip Truck, told Castle Vale Local: “I think with the amount of Unite people here it’s a bit intimidating.”
He added: “But you know, I listened to them, what they had to say, because there’s always two sides to every story.”
The Unite the Union bin workers dispute with Birmingham City Council has been ongoing since March 2025 amid concerns over job losses and heavy pay cuts. In a recent ballot, Unite members voted to continue the strikes until September this year.
The industrial action is part of an ongoing issue over between Unite the Union, representing waste management staff, and Birmingham City Council, that has been affecting the city since John Clancy was Leader in 2018.
Earlier in the morning of 5 February, there were added reports of friction between Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and the Unite bin striker protest group.
Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Cllr Goodwin, who is also Birmingham Labour’s Chief Whip, has been active in securing the MHWC trucks in coming to Castle Vale – with the North Birmingham estate receiving more visits than other areas across the city.
The senior member of staff from Castle Pool previously quoted also witnessed the altercation with Cllr Goodwin. They told: “It wasn’t very nice, they (protest group members) were like pushing him (Cllr Goodwin) really, to move out the way…”
They added: “There was about ten (protest group members) there… there’s absolute no need for that anyway, whatever you’re trying to do.”
Castle Pool is run Castle Pool Community Partnership, made up of local staff and community volunteers, following an asset transfer from Birmingham City Council in 2015 which saved the swimming pool from closure.
A member of the protest group identifying themselves as a Unite member confirmed: “We had a local councillor here this morning… [He] got a bit upset when I asked him whose pockets were being lined through this, so that says it all doesn’t it.”
Flyer for ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ on Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Councillor Goodwin and Unite the Union for further comment. At the time of writing, neither has responded with a public statement.
Others quoted in this article have had their identities shielded for fear of reprisals.
An event labelled ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ is being held at the Castle Vale Residents Association Club, on Yatesbury Avenue, on Thursday 19 February – between 6pm and 8pm.
Flyers for the event invite Castle Vale residents to “come along and ask questions to bin workers about the strike”, with “light refreshments provided”.
The Mobile Household Waste Centre is scheduled to be back on Castle Vale on 28 March (by Castle Pool) and 31 March (321 Yatesbury Avenue).
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or have something you’d like to add to the story, please get in touch by emailing: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Paulette Hamilton MP outside Yenton Primary School, Chester Road, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
The new year has begun with real progress for families across our community. I am delighted that Gunter, Yenton, and Chivenor Primary Schools will soon open Labour’s free breakfast clubs, building on the support already reaching local schools.
That commitment to fairness is matched by decisive national action. After years of decline under the Conservatives, I was proud to see West Midlands rail services brought back into public ownership.
Services at Erdington and Gravelly Hill stations will now be run for passengers, not shareholder profit, helping to deliver the simpler, more reliable railway our communities deserve.
After the success of securing Kingstanding’s £20 million Pride in Place funding, I have been meeting residents and local organisations, listening directly to those who know the area best. Their voices will shape the priorities for this funding.
The next crucial step is appointing a chair to the local board, and I encourage anyone who lives or works in Kingstanding South East and shares our vision for renewal to apply.
Yet, as we deliver, the Conservatives are descending into chaos. Senior Tories like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, architects of their party’s failed immigration policy and economic wreckage, are now rebranding themselves within the ranks of Reform.
They are one and the same. This is a desperate reshuffle of the same failed deck, offering no real solutions for communities like ours.
Despite the political noise, I remain committed to fighting for investment, fairness, and opportunity for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, today, tomorrow, and every day.
