(l-r) John Lambert – Chair of Reform UK’s Erdingotn Branch, and Reform UK local campaigners by Kingstanding Circle
Words by John Lambert
Dear residents of Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, and Stockland Green.
Let’s cut to the chase. On 9 February, we were with Nigel Farage at a rammed NEC rally. Say what you like about rallies, but the momentum is undeniable. Big-name defections like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, polls showing Reform ahead nationwide, it’s game on for May’s local elections.
Reform are gearing up to fight every seat in Birmingham and deliver where Labour’s let you down.
You’ve spelt it out loud and clear to us. Potholes wrecking Slade Road, Chester Road, and Gravelly Lane. Fly-tipping blighting Witton Lakes, Stockland Green’s back streets and Castle Vale’s parks.
Bin collections have been in meltdown since that endless dispute kicked off in early 2025 and those overcrowded HMOs and exempt accommodation fuelling anti-social chaos in Oscott and Kingstanding.
Birmingham City Council crashed and burned in 2023 effectively bankrupt. Council tax? It’s UP over 17% in two years and now they’re asking for another 4.99% hike while spinning yarns about how they’re “not bankrupt” because the books balance. Erdington residents aren’t fools. If it’s all so balanced, then why are the basics still in tatters?
Reform’s plan is simple and straight. Slash the waste, patch those potholes pronto, hammer fly-tippers with zero-tolerance enforcement, sort the bins so they’re reliable again and crack down hard on dodgy landlords and unsafe HMOs.
We’ll demand proper community policing, protect our parks and enforce planning rules that put residents first so our streets feel safe, clean and cared for again.
(l-r) Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore outside Erdington Library during recent heavy rains / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives
Words byErdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
Before Christmas Erdington library’s roof sprung a leak and despite an initial repair, it flooded a second time that has now seen it closed since then for repairs.
Over the last month Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued to push the Council to get the roof repaired and the library reopened asap. We have asked officers for an urgent meeting on site to inspect the damage.
At the recent Council meeting we asked the Cabinet Member in charge of Libraries, Cllr Suleman, to hurry up and sign off funding for the repairs and to meet us on site to discuss the damage and how important Erdington Library is to our local community.
Sadly, this damage is another example of the cost of the Labour Council continually putting off proper maintenance. Gareth and I, along with the local Friends group, have all been warning the Council that the roof needed wholesale replacement.
This work was promised but has been delayed again and again by the Council. Now the damage and cost to repair it will be far greater.
Gareth and I know just how important our historic library is locally and we will not rest until we have got Erdington Library reopened.
This month has also seen the Labour run City Council announce another double whammy on residents with further Council Tax rises and service cuts announced for the next year. It means since Labour took control of the Council in 2012 Council Tax will have DOUBLED under their plans.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.
Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.
But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.
This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.
I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.
Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.
Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.
(l-r) Cllr Clifton Welch and local campaigner Alex Richards at Conker Island, Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
Dear residents,
During the bad weather in January Local Conservative Campaigner Alex Richards and myself were out reporting dozens and dozens of grit boxes that needed refilling. Residents also asked for several additional grit boxes across the ward which I have formally requested.
On 23 January Alex and I took the opportunity while looking at the new litter bins on Conker Island, to plant some daffodil bulbs close to the newly installed bins. I’m looking forward to seeing them bloom.
On 24 January, I took part in a group Litter Pick at the King George V playing fields.
On 26 January I was able to speak at the Full City Council. I took the opportunity to name a dozen plus roads in Kingstanding that had not had a waste collection for two weeks. I also raised the case of Greenholm Primary School that by mid January had gone a month without a waste collection, and still had the remains of the schools Christmas Lunch to be collected.
I also mentioned St Lukes Church which had gone at least two months since a waste collection.
Since my last Update on Pride in Place there have been some major changes. The main change is that the Programme now starts from April 2026 and the appointment of the so called Independent Chair has to be approved by the local MP.
The selection process for the Chair starts now, so if you are interested keep an eye on local social media for details.
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
For over three decades Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) has played an active role in helping residents access advice and support services when they experience difficult times. While this is central to our purpose, it’s only part of the picture – we also help unlock and nurture local talent.
It’s often the case that residents turn to us in moments of crisis – cost of living pressures remains a harsh reality for many families. WLCA colleagues step in with practical, hands-on help, guiding residents through a system that can feel overwhelming.
This support often (although, unfortunately not always) prevents individuals and families from reaching crisis point and is the safety net that keeps many households afloat.
But WLCA is also a springboard. Through training, employment support, and enterprise programmes, residents gain confidence, skills, and access to new opportunities. People who’ve been out of work for years find routes back into work. Others discover volunteering pathways, or community projects that help them grow.
Crucially, at Witton Lodge local people are not just receiving services – they are actively shaping and delivering them. Through our community forums, resident panels, and neighbourhood conversations, we utilise local insights, experience and expertise.
As a result, local decisions reflect lived experience, and our residents help design solutions that actually work on the ground.
There is growing acknowledgement that community powered organisations – rooted in trust, relationships, and local knowledge are essential to delivering long term change. At WLCA, we support this shift: putting community voice at the centre and giving residents real influence over the services that affect their lives.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Simon Wilson, The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig and supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
Over the past year, our Skills Hub has become something we’re incredibly proud of. The Skills Hub has quickly grown into one of the most valued parts of our community offer.
Back in March 25, we transformed an underused space in Topcliffe House into a dedicated home for training, employment support and partnerships with local providers.
By September, the Skills Hub opened its doors and welcomed residents to weekly courses run by BMet and Birmingham Adult Education Service, alongside our own 1:1 support and job clubs. Since then, we’ve seen almost 300 visits in just the first three months, with more than half coming from Castle Vale residents.
We’ve also embraced digital skills in a big way. During Get Online Week, our session on using AI for job searching was so popular that we now run it regularly. And thanks to new funding through the Digital Innovation Fund, we’ll be helping at least 200 people across the city build confidence with technology, while supporting young people to become digital mentors.
Since refurbishing one of the empty rooms at Topcliffe House, it has allowed us to offer even more learning opportunities, right in the heart of the estate.
For us, it’s simple. We’re here to do more than provide homes. We’re here to help people build brighter futures and the Skills Hub is proof of what’s possible when community comes first.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) team outside Hope House, Perry Common / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) we know how important places of safety and play are for children and young people in our communities. We aim to provide places like this across Erdington, utilising brilliant shared spaces like Family Hubs and churches, and teams of faithful, friendly volunteers.
Play is often an underrated activity for young people and adults alike! Play involves fun and enjoyment, builds bridges between different people and helps to relax the body. Play fires up the brain, boosting resilience, creativity and well-being.
At our Youth Café, based at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street, our team of Youth Leaders listen to, care for and engage young people in play – and have a great time!
Through the ups and downs of life in secondary school, plus the dark, cold winter months, we are present and available for young people to come and play, leave the day behind for a short time and find rest for their mind, body and spirit.
“Thank you for giving us a safe and fun place to hang out…”
“Thank you all for being there for us when we needed a safe place to talk about our day…”
“I appreciate your effort in making Youth Club a place where I can unwind…”
Do you know a young person in need of a safe place to play, find rest and have fun?
For more information about Youth Café and other activities visit www.urbandevotion.org and get in touch – or scan the QR code above.
Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current pupils / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words supplied by Chivenor Primary School
History leaped off the pages of dusty logbooks, as two former students returned to Chivenor Primary School, marking a nostalgic start to the school’s heritage project. The alumni, who first entered the school over fifty years ago, provided a living link to a vanishing era for today’s local youngsters.
Current head boys and girls bombarded the past pupils with questions, eager to compare childhoods across the decades.
While football was popular then and remains a firm favourite today, the visitors explained to the pupils that they also used to play “marleys” – a traditional game of marbles. When asked about the teachers, the men fondly described Miss Palmer and Mr. Fletcher as “kind and fun”.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current school staff / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
However, they noted that Mr Fletcher also had the job of disciplining the pupils, recalling classmates receiving “the slipper” for misbehaviour. This contrasted to the nicer memory of a birthday biscuit during assemblies.
The highlight of the day was when the gentlemen looked through the school archives, delighted to find their names in the official register. They also read the school logbook, which chronicled milestones including the time they were filmed for a television segment regarding energy conservation.
They also spoke warmly of school trips to the farm, laughing as they remembered constructing a giant papier-mâché cow.
Chivenor Primary School was originally opened in 1965 before an official opening in 1967. If you attended in the 60’s 70’s or 80’s please contact the school to share your stories and take part in their heritage project: heritage@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
Local traders are wanted for a new outdoor Community Market coming to Erdington High Street, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).
From established traders to start up stalls, Erdington BID is looking for market traders selling a range of items – from homemade arts and crafts, children’s toys and games, fresh fruit and veg, to bargain goods and everyday essentials.
Stall selling children’s toys at Erdington BID Winter Warmer community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Local community groups and services are also welcomed to secure a tabletop, giving them the chance to let Erdington locals and visitors to the Town centre know more about their activities and services.
The Community Markets will be held from 11 am to 5pm on the pedestrianised area near the Village Green – in between the entrance to the B&M Superstore and Wilton Market.
With the first Community Market planned for Saturday 28 February, running alongside the Oikos anniversary celebrations, Erdington BID are asking anyone interested in a pitch to contact them by emailing: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Another Community Market is scheduled for Saturday 28 March – with plans to host more events at least every quarter.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID and 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 series of Community Markets on the High Street.”
Stall holder at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
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 shopping treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”
Organised by Erdington BID, the Community Markets are being delivered with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the ‘Mayors Market Fund’ – as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign stickers on information stall at Erdingotn BID Summer Fun Day community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign celebrates positive community action in the Town Centre and invites people to be part of a brighter future for Erdington High Street.
Up to 10 free stalls and traders training sessions
To encourage new traders and local bright business sparks who want to try running a market stall, Erdington BID is offering up to 10 free spaces for the first three Community Markets – alongside a series of free traders training workshops.
Organised by business support provider Good2Great, the traders training sessions will offer valuable advice to both experienced traders and start up stall holders – starting on Thursday 12 February.
Stall holder and public at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Delivered in both a group and one to one setting, the traders trainings sessions will also offer first hand advice from Kate Gittens – who ran Shrewsbury Market Hall and won Britain’s Favourite Market in 2018, 2023 and 2024.
Erdington BID is also offering a limited number of free stall spaces to any trader who has recently lost a patch elsewhere in the city due to closures – such as Oasis Indoor Market in Birmingham City Centre and Market Village in Sutton Coldfield.
Places are limited so anyone interested in a free stall space and traders training session should contact Erdington BID as soon as possible.
Anyone interested in securing a stall at the Erdington Community Markets, or wanting more information about the free stalls and traders training sessions, should email Erdington BID at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
ENNS meeting with local community groups at Perry Common Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is looking for young people (18-25) who would like to volunteer with the constituency wide organisation and join their official funding panel.
Launched in 2019, ENNS funds and supports community groups and charities across Erdington – helping them to deliver a wide range of activities and services, from Castle Vale to Kingstanding.
From walking groups and mental health support to arts and craft sessions and coffee mornings, the ENNS has so far invested over £750,000 into local projects for people across Erdington – overseen by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).
The ENNS is now looking for young adults to join their team of volunteers and sit on their funding panel, giving them valuable experience and a chance to get more involved in their community.
ENNS are particularly looking for people who are interested in supporting their local community by attending Funding Panel and Steering Group meetings every quarter. No previous experience is needed, just your willingness to get involved.
If you are aged 18-25 and ready to volunteer with the ENNS, or want to learn more about, then contact WLCA by emailing: enns@wittonlodge.org.uk
What can the ENNS offer volunteers?
To make sure volunteers feel confident and supported in their role, ENNS will provide:
Full training and guidance on reading applications and making fair, informed decisions.
Reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses, including travel mileage and bus fares.
Invitations to community events, where you can connect with others and see the impact of your contribution,
Volunteer lunch in ENNS meetings, as a thank you for your time, energy, and commitment.
Why join the ENNS volunteer team?
Volunteering with ENNS means being part of a welcoming, inclusive community where your insights matter. You’ll help shape services that directly improve people’s lives, and you’ll meet great people along the way.
Overarching role and responsibilities of ENNS funding panel members
As a member of the ENNS funding panel your role is to support the investment of resources into and within the Erdington constituency, primarily for disabled adults and older adults.
Outside of Perry Common Hall / Photograph by Ed King
ENNS funding panel activities
Panel members meet four times a year (every three months) for up to three hours at Perry Common Community Hall. The funding panel will:
Receive and discuss reports on where investments have been made and where investments are needed (also referred to as mapping gaps)
Receive and discuss applications and where appropriate award micro and small grants up to £20,000
Support community organisations and groups in the delivery of services to disabled adults and older people (also referred to as community development and infrastructure need)
Who are the volunteers ENNS are looking for?
ENNS are particularly looking for people who are interested in supporting their local community. No previous experience is necessary as ENNS will:
Provide training and support in reading applications and making decisions about them.
Reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses (travel mileage, bus tickets)
Invite you to various community events and welcome you to our volunteer’s lunch.
Launched in 2019, the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is a portfolio of local community groups and activities – supporting over 50’s and adults living with disabilities.
To become and ENNS volunteer or lean more about the organisation email: ENNS enns@wittonlodge.org.uk
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
