(l-r) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph from Erdington Local archives
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words byCouncillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore (Erdington Ward, Local Conservatives)
Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been clear that we believe weekly bin collections should remain – at the elections Local Conservatives pledged to save them if we took control of the Council.
Sadly, we did not and the new Green/Lib Dem/Independent administration has gone ahead with trialling scrapping weekly bin collections in North Birmingham, and later the rest of the city.
Over the last few months’ Local Conservatives have been leading the push for weekly bin collections to be reinstated including challenging the Leader and Cabinet Members at the City Council.
In addition, we have been working with residents to raise issues that have existed in the rollout of the service across our local area as well.
Gareth and I have been reporting missed collections, bins that have not been delivered and taking senior officers on site visits locally to show the Council issues on roads which are simply not suitable for the new scheme.
Such examples include flats on Avalon Close, Hepburn Edge and Somerton Drive, amongst other roads, where residents are not allowed or don’t have the space to store the increased number of bins.
We are updating residents on our Facebook page – www.faceboo.com/ErdingtonNews – with all the latest on the changes to the bins and our campaign to reinstate weekly bin collections.
If you are experiencing issues in Erdington please contact Gareth (gareth.moore@birmingham.gov.uk) or myself (Robert.alden@birmingham.gov.uk) and we will try to help.
The Council can also be contacted on EngageWithWaste@birmingham.gov.uk with issues relating to the bin rollout.
Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)
We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.
I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.
But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.
Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.
I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.
There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.
This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.
Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.
I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.
Reform candidates on campaign trail in Kingstanding, ahead of May ’26 Local Elections / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Erdington Branch
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert (Kingstanding Ward, Reform UK)
There is something deeply insulting about suggesting thousands of people across Erdington voted the way they did because they suddenly became racist.
They didn’t.
They voted because they are fed up.
Fed up with immigration they believe is out of control. Fed up with pressure on housing and public services. Fed up with Birmingham’s finances. Fed up with broken promises, rising costs and neighbourhoods that too often feel neglected.
And fed up with politicians who only seem to discover these concerns after an election defeat.
Nobody should defend racism. If someone genuinely abuses another person because of their race, that is disgraceful.
But there is a world of difference between racism and asking legitimate questions about immigration, borders, housing, public services and the pressures placed on local communities.
That distinction matters.
Because if every uncomfortable question about immigration is dismissed as racism, politicians never have to answer it.
If every criticism of Labour is dismissed as hatred, politicians never have to accept responsibility.
And if every Reform vote is explained away as bigotry, perhaps nobody in Labour has to confront the uncomfortable truth.
People voted Reform because they wanted change.
Oscott, Kingstanding, Perry Common, Pype Hayes and Stockland Green did not collectively lose their minds.
They exercised their democratic judgement.
The answer isn’t to insult them, patronise them or lecture them.
It is to listen.
Because when politicians start blaming the voters rather than asking why they lost them, they haven’t learned the lesson.
Seargent Claire Millard from Erdingotn’s Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Seargent Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
Tackling anti-social behaviour on the High Street is one of our team’s top priorities – and as I’ve mentioned before on these pages, we’re continuing to work hard with our partners to find a solution and prevent it from happening.
This work has stepped up during the school holidays, and we’ve made sure to carry out regular, high-visibility patrols to reassure those who share our aim of making the High Street as safe and welcoming as possible.
Police questioning suspect in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
These patrols include interaction with young people and business owners, and I’m pleased to have heard such positive feedback from locals that they are feeling safer on the High Street.
As ever, what’s important is for the local community to share any intelligence and information with us. Often, no matter how small the issue may seem, we can use this information to adapt our patrol plans and operations to make sure we’re having the maximum impact we can.
We know there’s more work to do on the High Street, and our work is continuing.
What I can guarantee is that we will continue to hold regular police surgeries and information events to offer you a chance to raise any concerns and share intelligence with us – and in turn our team will update you in more detail on how our policing plan.
Safer Towns Summer, which continues, allows us to focus even more on this vital area which we should all be proud of.
Generic images of young people sitting a classroom / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
The Urban Devotion Birmingham team has worked in seven primary and secondary schools this year, delivering a varied programme of activities that support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of children and young people in our communities.
One of many highlights of this year has been our SAFE Mentoring Project, where through a mix of one to one and small group mentoring we have worked alongside 35 pupils, supporting wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance.
Our mentoring places trustworthy individuals in children’s lives who will explore alternatives with them, instil a belief that something better is possible, and help them to set and achieve goals. We believe that mentoring is a key tool in helping young people and children realise transformation in their lives.
This project has been a valuable opportunity to build trusting relationships with children and young people, several who have found the step up from primary to secondary school a significant challenge.
Here is a small insight from three Year 7 students:
“I have learned how to control my anger and I am calmer”, “Mentoring has taught me how to be in control of my feelings”, “I am happier because I got to talk to someone”
As we reflect on the school year just gone and prepare for the new term to come, we are grateful for the trust schools have placed in us and energised to go further in our care and support for children and young people in the communities we serve.
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer, Witton Lodge Community Association
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
7 August was National Opportunity Day, celebrating a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow and build a brighter future, whatever their circumstances.
At Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), that belief shapes our work every day. For over 30 years we have stood alongside residents across Erdington and North Birmingham, removing barriers to employment, developing skills and supporting people to achieve their ambitions.
Meaningful work transforms lives. It strengthens families, builds confidence and helps create more resilient communities. Through our employment and skills programmes, hundreds of local residents have gained the support they need to take their next step into work, training or self-employment.
Our WOW! (World of Work) Employment Programme provided tailored coaching and one-to-one guidance to 18–21-year-olds, helping young people build confidence and move towards their goals.
Regular large-scale jobs fairs connect job seekers directly with local employers, while our Social Enterprise Support Programme has equipped aspiring entrepreneurs with workshops, mentoring and business planning to launch sustainable, community-focused ventures.
WLCA takes a holistic approach. Alongside employment support, we offer advice on energy, benefits and housing, plus health and wellbeing activities designed to help people thrive.
If you or someone you know in Erdington needs a fresh start, advice or support, contact us on 0121 382 1930, email enquiries@wittonlodge.org.uk or visit one of our hubs.
Opportunity starts here.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read more from Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news pages, first published in the Erdington Local newspaper on 14 August.
Erdington High Street Community Market has cancelled its event on Saturday 29 August.
The decision was made by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – who organises the monthly markets – after severe weather warnings from the Met Office and various forecasters.
Several outlets have been warning of severe weather conditions throughout the week, with the Met Office issuing rolling warnings against potential flooding, thunderstorms, and winds reaching up to 45 kmph.
Severe weather warning sign with lightning cloud / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Stall holders were contacted earlier today (Friday 28 August) after days of organisers monitoring the weather and exploring potential sites to relocate the event. But in the interest of public safety, it was decided to cancel the August event – with the next Erdington High Street Community Market scheduled for Saturday 26 September.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s been a difficult decision to cancel, but after consulting with our stall holders and events team we’ve concluded that the weather could be too much of a safety concern or deterrent.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had to cancel hosting something on the High Street since we started our new programme of community events in February 2025. It feels awful to think we won’t be there on Saturday [29 August] but the forecasts are really bad.”
A dramatic silhouette of modern structures under a menacing sky / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
They added: “We will be back with the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 26 September, and we’re lining up alternative locations if we have such bad weather forecast again.
“Plus, we’ve got a lot more events planned up and down the High Street from September and across the months running to Christmas, and we hope to see everyone back on the High Street soon.”
A red umbrella turned inside out and torn by strong winds / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Organised as part of Erdington BID’s Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street, the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the last Saturday of every month.
Erdington BID is also working with several local community groups and stakeholders on their events programme, promoting the pedestrianised area of the High Street as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington
Erdington High Street Community Market will be hosting its next event on Saturday 29 August, bringing an array of stalls and free family entertainment to Erdington Town Centre.
Running from 10am to 4pm, local stall holders will be selling handcrafted gifts, unique clothing lines, original artwork, children’s toys, homemade baked treats, and much more.
Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Erdington Artists Conversations, Aquarius, Erdington Local/Local Ambassadors, Arts All Over the Place, and Kharis Church will be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
And The Mighty Jamma will be back, playing live steel pan drums throughout the event – sending the summer out in style with a day of reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.
There will also be loads of free children’s games and activities, including a bouncy castle, an inflatable football shoot out, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, kids karaoke session, and arts and crafts workshops.
All the children’s games and activities are completely free and suitable for a variety of ages – although the bouncy castle is reserved for younger children only.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the High Street between Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, on the last Saturday of every month.
The events are part of the Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.
“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.
“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Several local community groups and stakeholders are promoting the pedestrianised area as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – and have plans to host regular events and activities on the High Street.
Watch out for more events being announced in across Erdington Tonw Centre from September, with a special programme of Christmas events and activities to follow.
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu
Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.
The next Erdington High Street Community Market is scheduled for 29 August – running from 10am to 4pm.
For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash “near Manby Rd” and Kingsbury Rd last night.
Emergency services responded to a road traffic collision (RTC) at around 7:30pm on Sunday 23 August, where a man in his thirties riding a motorbike and a BMW car collided on the A38 near the entrance to the north end of the Castle Vale estate.
Despite a major response from West Midlands Ambulance Service – which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic and an emergency helicopter from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.
Manby Rd and Kingsbury Rd Junction / Image taken from Google Maps
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “On arrival, crews found the motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition.
“Ambulance staff immediately provided advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene.”
West Midlands Police are now appealing for any information that might aid them with their enquiries around the incident, asking anyone who may have eyewitness accounts, ring door bell or dash cam footage to get in touch.
Air Ambulance helicopter / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
A spokesperson from West Midlands police stated: “We’re appealing for information after a motorcyclist died following a collision in Tyburn.
“We were called to Kingsbury Road, near Manby Road, Tyburn, at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday), following reports of a collision involving a motorbike and a car.
“It’s understood the rider collided with a BMW 1 Series before coming off his bike. We have spoken to driver of the BMW, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the motorbike.”
They added: “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”
Manby Road runs along the north side of the Castle Vale estate and feeds into the busy A38 throughfare, with the Kingsbury Road connecting the M6/M42 motorway junctions near Curdworth to Birmingham City Centre.
Close-up of blue light flasher on roof of ambulance car of emergency medical service on road / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Local residents and stakeholders have long warned about issues over road safety around the area, with measures to control and calm traffic an ongoing concern.
At the time of writing no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the causes of the accident.
West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may help their enquiries to call 101 and quote log number 3618 – alongside the date of the incident, 23 August.
Report can also be made through the live Chat facility on the West Midlands website or by emailing investigators directly at: SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk
A local councillor is spearheading a campaign to save the Kingstanding Odeon and bring it back into community use – after what West Midlands police have called “suspected arson” damaged the Grade II listed building earlier this month.
Also known as the Mecca Bingo Hall, which closed its doors in June 2026, the prominent community hub is situated on the corner of Kettlehouse Road and the more commonly known Kingstanding Circle.
Opening as an Odeon cinema on 22 July 1935, the local landmark was taken over by Top Rank Leisure in the early sixties and converted into a bingo hall – which served as a meeting place and social hub for local residents for over 60 years.
Inside of Mecca bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV
But in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 11 August, emergency services were called to the site after flames and smoke had been seen coming out of the boarded-up entrance.
Speaking to Kingstanding Local, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed: “Shortly after 4.05am on Tuesday 11 August, we responded to Kettlehouse Road, Kingstanding.
“A fire engine from Erdington and a fire engine from Perry Barr attended, the first arriving within five minutes of being mobilised.”
They added: “This was a small fire affecting a porch foyer in a two-storey building, that used to be a bingo hall.
“Firefighters extinguished the fire and secured the property. We left this incident at 5.21am.”
Fire engine leaving station / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Cllr McAuley had contacted the building’s current landlords, The Rank Group PLC, only weeks before to warn against the potential dangers the abandoned building posed – including fire or potential arson attacks.
After his fears became a reality, and the local community rallied around a cherished part of their local history, Cllr McAuly seized the public interest and formed an online petition to ‘Save Kingstanding’s Odeon’ and being the local landmark back into community use.
“I’m very passionate about the building myself,” Cllr McAuley told Kingstanding Local, “and now it was left empty, I wanted to know what additional security measures were put in place to keep the building safe.
“My massive concern was in case the building was broken into or set on fire… so I wanted the security details, a first point of contact, [so we could reach them] straight away.”
Inside of Top Rank bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England
After not initially receiving a response from Rank, Cllr McAuley tells that the national leisure group are now being “very cooperative” and are working with him over the building’s safety concerns.
“The recent fire at our former Kingstanding venue was very worrying and we share the local concerns about this incident,” confirmed a spokesperson from Rank. “Our security contractors have attended and re-secured the building, and we have invested in additional alarms and smoke detectors.”
They added: “We understand the broader safety concerns and are also engaging with representatives from Birmingham City Council and local residents about security and next steps for the property.”
Frontage of old Kingstanding Odeon at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England
“It’s more than just an old cinema,” tells Cllr McAuley, “It’s a much loved iconic landmark that holds generations of memories for local people. It’s brought families, friends together, it’s provided entertainment for the community, and it became an important part of Kingstanding’s history and identity.
“It’s a common landmark that everyone recognises and associates with Oscott, Kingstanding, and Great Barr.”
He adds: “I’d like to see the council take ownership of the building and put it back to the community use as a community hub. Something we can use, local residents can use.”
Ideas being suggested for the potential use of the iconic building are as a youth centre, a community library, a performing arts space, a warm space and social hub for older residents, a space for a community groups and volunteer led initiatives, a nursery, and a local advice centre.
Other local residents have further chipped in their ideas on social media, with several calling for it to continue providing entertainment – such as a bingo hall and cinema – alongside becoming a wider community hub.
At the time of writing, the online petition has amassed nearly 2500 signatures.
But Cllr McAuley is looking for as much support as he can muster for a project he believes is important to many across the area.
Mecca Bingo Hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV
“We’ve got about 2500 signatures from the local community [since launching],” tells Cllr McAuley. “So, I think that in itself is a sign of what the community wants. They want to retain it for our community.”
“There’s 30,000 people combined between Kingstanding and Oscott, “he adds. “Obviously, I’m not going to get 30,000 signatures, but my minimum target at the moment is to reach 5,000.”
The online petition, hosted at the www.kingstanding.org website, also suggests working with Historic England to protect the longstanding piece of local heritage.
West Midlands Police have asked for anyone with information around the suspected arson attack on 11 August to contact them quoting crime reference number 20/358821/26.
