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NEWS: Celebrate Erdington with free events and activities across Erdington High Street this half term holiday – Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October

Erdington Town Centre sign by Six ways Island with rainbow / Photgrpah by Ed King

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

Erdington High Street will be hosting a series of free events and activities from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, as part of a weeklong programme to give local families, shoppers, and visitors to the Town Centre something to do across the half term holidays.

Arts and crafts sessions, creative writing workshops, poetry workshops, free face painting, free portrait illustrations, a live music jam, a local history slide show, and stalls from local crafters and traders will be just part of what’s happening – with pop up events in Central Square and around the High Street Hut, outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

Locals can also contribute to the A to Z of Erdington, which is being compiled by PFG Consultancy and will be released as a coffee table book and online gallery in the New Year, at daily workshops being held by the High Street Hut from 12noon to 4pm.

There will also be free teas and coffees at both locations each day, with hot food also being served at Central Square – encouraging Erdington locals to sit and socialise on the High Street, whilst enjoying the free entertainment.

The week will culminate in a special Halloween themed High Street Community Market, taking place on the pedestrianised area between B&M and the Village Green – with stalls from local traders and community groups, alongside a range of free children’s activities.

Childrens games and activities on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

For a full breakdown of what’s happening and where, see below – or visit www.facebook.com/celebrateerdington for more details.

Starting from 11am and running until 4pm, the events are being promoted as part of the Celebrate Erdington campaign – led by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to promote the Town Centre.

(Read Erdington Local’s recent feature on the Celebrate Erdington campaign – click here.)

Programmed by community arts and wellbeing group, Arts All Over the Place, many of the Celebrate Erdington events will be led by local people, such as Erdington poet Joe Cook and musician Jan Stachula – showcasing the creative and community talent Erdington has on doorstep.

Arts All Over the Place decoarting Central Sqaure / Photograpoh by Ed King

Aside from providing free entertainment and fun reasons to visit the High Street, Celebrate Erdington wants to increase the positivity about Erdington Town Centre and the wider constituency.

Edington Town Centre Manager, Ed King, told: “Celebrate Erdington is a call to arms to do just that, to champion our local area – and show people Erdington Town Centre has a vibrant community at its heart.

“We’ve been running events in Erdington Town Centre for years and they are endorsed and enjoyed by the thousands who have come and spent an afternoon with us on the High Street.

“And whilst the echo chamber of negativity, mostly online and via social media, can be a loud distraction, Celebrate Erdington is our even louder response to that – and help fill in the blank spaces with free, family friendly, fun. Especially during the holidays.”

People enjoying Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Celebrate Erdington is led by Erdington BID and Arts All Over the Place – working with Cultural Action Area partners including PFG Consultancy, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Arts Forum, Ceol Agency, Erdington Artists Conversations and Erdington Local.

Celebrate Erdington is further supported by Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Celebrate Erdington – events programme (all listed events are free)

Tuesday 27 October:

  • 11am – 1pm / Free arts and craft session (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Biscuit decorating workshop (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Outdoor art exhibition (Central Square)
  • 1pm – 3pm / Poetry workshop (Central Square)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Free facepainting and henna decorations (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / A to Z of Erdington workshop (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Stalls from local traders and community groups (High Street Hut)

Free teas and coffees available at both Central Square and the High Street Hut

People enjoying Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

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Wednesday 28 October:

  • 11am – 1pm / Free arts and craft session (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Nature crafts workshop (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Outdoor art exhibition (Central Square)
  • 1pm – 3pm / Drama and creative writing workshop (Central Square)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Free facepainting and henna decorations (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / A to Z of Erdington workshop (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Free portrait illustrations by local artists Nicholas Sims (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Stalls from local traders and community groups (High Street Hut)
  • 5:30pm – 7:30pm / Celebrate Erdington drinks reception – with classical music and soprano performance from Jeanne Conard Jones (St Barnabas Church – a ticket only event)

Free teas and coffees available at both Central Square and the High Street Hut

Local crafts on sale at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

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Thursday 28 October:

  • 11am – 1pm / Free arts and craft session (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Biscuit decorating workshop (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Outdoor art exhibition (Central Square)
  • 1pm – 3pm / Pottery workshop (Central Square)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Free facepainting and henna decorations (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / A to Z of Erdington workshop (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Stalls from local traders and community groups (High Street Hut)
  • 6pm – 8pm / Local history slide show (Central Square)

Free teas and coffees available at both Central Square and the High Street Hut

One of the regular traers at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

—–

Friday 28 October:

  • 11am – 1pm / Free arts and craft session (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Biscuit decorating workshop (Central Square)
  • 11am – 3pm / Outdoor art exhibition (Central Square)
  • 1pm – 3pm / Music workshop (Central Square)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Free facepainting and henna decorations (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / A to Z of Erdington workshop (High Street Hut)
  • 12noon – 4pm / Stalls from local traders and community groups (High Street Hut)
  • 6pm – 8pm / Live music open mic and jam session (Central Square)

Free teas and coffees available at both Central Square and the High Street Hut

Sunsetting over Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

—–

Saturday 28 October:

  • 10am – 5pm / Erdington High Street Community Market Halloween Special – with stalls from local traders, community groups, face painting, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, street games, dance workshop, biscuit decorating workshop, and more (pedestrianised area between B&M and the Village Green)

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

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FEATURE: Celebrate Erdington – a campaign of events, activities, and a call to arms for more positivity across the Town Centre

Erdintgon Town Centre sign by Six ways Island with rainbow / Photgrpah by Ed King

Celebrate Erdington is a campaign to bring more events and activities to Erdington Town Centre, with a weeklong programme of free family entertainment running across the autumn half term holiday – led by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), Arts All Over the Place, and partners from the Cultural Action Area.

But behind the bunting and banners is a call to arms, a rallying cry for more positivity about Erdington High Street – with everyone asked to help change the negative narrative and become a torch bearer for the heart of B23.

Words by Shaun Hand / Photographs supplied by Erdington BID

Much has been made in recent years of the ‘death of the High Street’, as internet based retailers have shut up their physical shops and moved entirely online.

And Erdington is no exception, losing national brands from Boots to banks the Town Centre has come in for plenty of flak – with many slinging mud from the sidelines. But some abuse is also hurled from its own residents and a new campaign is looking to reverse negative perceptions – calling on Erdington locals to do their bit, too.

Celebrate Erdington is being launched by Erdington’s Business Improvement District (BID), Arts All Over the Place, and the various community groups involved in the recently awarded Cultural Action Area (CAA) fund – including Erdington Lunar Society, PFG Consultancy, Erdington Arts Forum, and Erdington Artists Conversations.

Having received £55,000 from Birmingham City to support events and longer-term creative projects, the aim is to change perceptions of Erdington High Street through arts and culture, both locally and city-wide.

Arts All Over the Place decoarting Central Sqaure / Photograpoh by Ed King

The campaign will be ongoing, but the festival runs from 27-31 October – with daily arts, crafts, music, poetry, and workshops in Central Square between 11am and 3pm. Some evening events are also being held on the concourse, including a local history slideshow and an open mic night.

Running alongside those will be a daily ‘mini market’ by the High Street Hut, with free children’s activities, street games, and stalls from local traders and community groups – culminating in a special Halloween themed High Street Community Market on Saturday 31 October.

Both locations will be serving free drinks, snacks, and offer places to sit and relax – encouraging people to enjoy an afternoon Erdington High Street during the school holidays. And it’s that community engagement the Celebrate Erdington organisers are keen to encourage.

“Celebrate Erdington is a call to arms,” Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Ed King, tells over coffee in Oikos, one of the High Street’s undeniable success stories. “It consolidates what the BID and its partners are doing.

“Erdington is still one of the busiest high streets in Birmingham, but it doesn’t feel the way it used to for some people. And all too often the blanks are filled in with negativity. We want to bring back that sense of ownership; to change the narrative and remind people of all the positives we still have here.”

Acknowledging Erdington’s past as well as its present is the motivation behind one of Celebrate Erdington’s more ambitious projects, an A-Z of the area – based on the stories and memories of Erdington locals as collected by creative Paulette Francis-Green, who first moved to Erdington from Saltley in the 1960s and lives here today.

The results will ultimately be published in book form and used as a tool to promote Erdington across the city and beyond.

Entrace to Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

“I’m heavily involved in cultural heritage,” Paulette says, explaining she was one of the contributors to the ‘A-Z of Birmingham’ exhibition currently being held at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

“That was on my mind as a passion project,” she continues. “So, I brought the idea of an A-Z of Erdington, a then-and-now. The idea is to engage the public of Erdington by listing memories, places, churches, schools, open green places.”

Engaging with Erdington lcoal by the High Street Hut / Photograph by Ed King

Paulette has already started talking to locals, presenting them with a blank A-Z list and asking them to fill in what they remember. “It’s not just the High Street, either,” she says.

“It’s including Pype Hayes, Castle Vale… it’s touching on Kingstanding, Witton, Marsh Lane.” She gives examples of some the responses she’s had so far: “I’ve got Highcroft Hospital for H, and the Lad in the Lane pub and the Littlewoods that used to be Blockbusters for L.”

“One of the key things I want to do is engage,” Paulette says of the project’s aim. “I want people’s memories and stories. I’m looking to do some engagement sessions across the churches around Erdington because there is community there.”

Those who want to share their memories with Paulette will be able to find her at the High Street Hub between 12pm and 4pm, from 27-30 October.

Childrens games and activities on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Another driving force behind Celebrate Erdington is ‘artivist’ Margaret Murray, who runs creative projects as part of the Arts All Over the Place community group. Margaret formerly worked in social care and has been running community projects across Birmingham for years.

“The kind of work I promote is around creativity for health, wellbeing and social inclusion,” she told Erdington Local. “Particularly around reducing isolation and loneliness with older people.”

Margaret programmed the lion’s share of Celebrate Erdington’s autumn half term holiday events, and organised the decorations adorning Central Square – visible evidence the campaign is about making the Town Centre a brighter proposition at all times, not just when events are happening.

People enjoying Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

“It’s an amazing High Street,” Margaret enthuses, adding the festival programme has “something for everyone. You can come along, meet friendly, welcoming people, and have a good time together.

“It’s only through coming out and using our local businesses and spaces that the High Street stays lively and keeps offering people things they want. It makes it less of a fearful experience.”

Alongside encouraging connection among local residents, both with their High Street and each other, Margaret adds, “The aim of the Celebrate Erdington festival is to promote Erdington positively – to challenge stereotypes and negative press, [to] redress some of those beliefs.

“We’re using our creative talents to decorate under-utilised places, like Central Square, and make it a more pleasant place for people to come and take part in things.”

People enjoying a free cup of tea at community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Taking part is central to Celebrate Erdington, but for those organising the campaign it’s about more than just attending the events.

“We’re inviting people to be part of this campaign,” explains Ed King, who as BID Manager will be unveiling a ‘High Street Charter’ during a special evening event at St Barnabas Church on Wednesday 28 October, which includes a list of simple ways Erdington locals can support their Town Centre.

“It sounds simple but it’s about breaking the echo chamber, which can all too often be coming from people who actuall love the area. They’re just battle weary I guess, having lived through the decline. But some positive comments will go a long way to change things.”

Sunsetting over Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The long-term goal of the Celebrate Erdington campaign, as well as bringing people together and helping locals feel good about their Town Centre again, is to encourage greater investment into the area.

“Erdington was featured in the Birmingham Local Plan,” continues Ed, “as one of the city’s growth areas. The council recognises the potential here, as do individual stakeholders. And there are some incredibly positive skies on the horizon.

“But we want to get individuals championing the Town Centre as well; it needs that on-the-ground support. If locals start to Celebrate Erdington, then other people will invest in it too.”

Celebrate Erdington will be hosting free events in the Town Centre from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October.

To find out more about Celebarte Erdington and to stay update on events across Erdington Town Centre visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

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LOCAL PROFILE: “Politics shouldn’t come into it” – Martin Holcombe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement and Chair of Kingstanding’s Pride in Place Board

Birmingham Settlement – 600 Kingstanding Road / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Settlement

Martin Holcombe is Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement, leading one of Birmingham oldest charities across the third sector seas for over two decades. And with centres in Kingstanding, Newtown, and Ladywood, the impact it has had both locally and across the city is significant.

But now he has another precarious and powerful balancing act, as the recently appointed independent Chair of the Pride in Place Board for Kingstanding – overseeing £20m of investment into the B44 postcode.

Kingstanding/Erdington Local caught up with Martin Holcombe to find out more about the past, present, and possible futures that surround him now – and what could be on a bright horizon for the north Birmingham suburb.

Words by Shaun Hand

Martin Holcombe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement and Chair of Kingstanding’s Pride in Place Board / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Settlement

Martin Holcombe arrived in Birmingham in 2001, moving from London to be closer to family in the area.

By then, he’d already been involved in community work for a decade, having first encountered it when he worked as a minibus driver for a community transport charity, “picking up older people and supporting them with shopping and trips out, which I really enjoyed.”

More formal roles with Carers UK and the Specialist Schools Trust followed, during which time he also gained a HR qualification – which after a couple of years would lead him to become part-time HR Manager for Birmingham Settlement – a charity established in Newtown in 1919 to aid local women and families.

Three years later Martin was promoted to CEO and he’s still in charge today – overseeing the Settlement centres in Kingstanding, Newtown, and Ladywood.

“I spend most of my working time in Kingstanding,” Martin explains. “I meet with a lot of people accessing the Settlement’s services but other community groups, too. I also sit on a local charitable trust that awards small grants to Birmingham-based charities.

“And now, of course, I’m heavily tied into Pride in Place and I need to make sure I have the time for that work. I am very busy.”

Road sign on Kings Road showing routes to Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield / Photograph by Ed King

An understatement, no doubt. What has been his proudest achievement with his day-job at Birmingham Settlement? “Survival,” he states. “[The charity] doesn’t have assured income streams, and the political landscape has been so uncertain that planning is not easy.

“The Settlement’s a local charity, but it’s still vulnerable to what feel likes constantly changing policies and direction at national, regional and city level.

“People want safe, welcoming places to go; they want advice and support that suits their needs. With everything being so short-term and changeable, that’s not easy to deliver!”

One notable delivery, though, has been the return of the Sports & Community Centre (SCC) on Kingstanding Road, formerly the 610 Centre, to Birmingham Settlement from previous tenants Birmingham City Council (click her to read our recent COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT article on  Birmingham Settlement).

“The Settlement has brought new life to the SCC,” adds Martin, “which is fantastic to see and something I am very proud of.”

With a self-confessed heavy workload in a tough landscape, we have to ask what made Martin Holcombe want to take on even more – unpaid – work on and become Pride in Place’s independent Chair?

“I’m involved with several community and community-led groups in the area who tell me what they’re thinking and what they want to see happening – the good and the bad,” he explains.

“I felt with my background and experience in the charity sector, I’d be able to make a positive contribution and help ensure the funding is used wisely and effective for the people of Kingstanding.”

It’s an understanding post for a man already heavily embedded in local services and support. But the new role begs other questions, particularly around impartiality and a potential conflict. After all, he is still the CEO of a charity headquartered within the boundaries of beneficiaries for a multi-million pound investment fund.

“The Board is made up of one councillor, one MP, me as independent Chair, plus five members of the community who either live or work in the Pride in Place area,” assures Martin.

“So, community members do make up the majority and Board decisions require a majority to pass. There are clear rules around conflict of interest that must be followed – including, in my case stepping aside if there is Settlement involvement.”

The Pride in Place Board must also adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life, a set of seven ethical standards established in 1995 that anyone holding a position in public office in the United Kingdom must abide by. From Westminster to Kingstanding.

Martin also counters: “Anyone living or working in the Kingstanding area is likely to be conflicted to some degree. If you’re a resident, improvements to the park next door is a benefit; if you work for a community group and you successfully apply for funding, there is a benefit.

“As long as we’re clear and open (all of the Board’s agendas, minutes, and decisions will be available online) we should be OK.”

So, will Birmingham Settlement be applying for any Pride in Place funding?

“I don’t have an answer now, as I don’t know,” Martin admits. “I would expect most community assets and organisations in the area to apply at some point for funding when it is released. That’s what it’s for.

“However, I will not be involved in any potential application or decision about the Settlement. That will be up to the manager of the SCC, as they run the site.”

England flags on cars along Kings Road celebrating the World Cup football tournament / Photgraph by Ed King

But in Birmingham, a game of political football is never far from being started – especially with such a fractured Council Chamber following the recently Local Election, with no one party taking an overall majority.

And the uncertain policial landscape stretches to Kingstanding, with a Labour MP – Paulette Hamilton, who helped secure the area’s Pride in Place funding last autumn – and two recently elected Reform UK local councillors. One of whom, Cllr John Lambert, will sit alongside Martin and Ms Hamilton on the Pride in Place Board.

“The fund is strictly non-political,” continues Martin. “From my perspective, I’m not expecting any political interference, I think we’re all agreed on that. And assuming we are, politics shouldn’t come into it.” He also points out that community members make up the majority of the Board, and a majority vote is needed to approve everything.

That’s the past and present, but what about the future – £20m could make a lot of changes to Kingstanding, and area arguably forgotten by the city in recent years. Has the Board received any funding requests yet?

“I’m afraid we’re not at that point,” he tells, citing the processes and protocols of public funding and explaining that they’re still in an “engagement phase” – finding out what people want Pride in Place to do for Kingstanding.

And a recent event was held at Conker Island to ask local residents just that – organised by several stakeholders, including another prominent Kingstanding charity, New Heights, and the Root to Rise Wellbeing and Community Hub.

Sign at the entrance to Conker Island / Photograph by Ed King

Martin does however cite ‘Connecting People & Community Cohesion’, ‘Places and Spaces’, ‘Heathier Lives’, ‘Young People & Families’, and ‘Education, Employment and Skills’ as themes that have come up in initial consultations with members of the local community.

And when the applications do start coming through, what does he hope the fund can do for the area?

“Lasting, sustainable change,” Martin responds.

“Being blunt, most of the people I meet in Kingstanding are very positive, with energy and good ideas; they want what’s best for the people and area but for too long have felt isolated and left behind compared to other areas.

“This funding gives us a chance to address those issues.”

Kingstanding/Erdington Local will continue to cover the developments around the Kingstanding Pride in Place fund, so watch out for more about this on our pages.

For more on Birmingham Settlement visit www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Slide into learning at Chivenor Primary school’s new nursery!

Staff celebrating the opening of Chivenor Nursery / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

From the moment you walk through the doors of the new Chivenor Nursery it is obvious that it has been created with children at the centre of every decision.

Before even setting foot in the main rooms, the Mini Griffins and Little learners are given the option to either climb down the stairs, or to take the blue slide down to their learning – The slide generally wins!

The nursery rooms have been created to be calm and peaceful, creating an environment where young children can build confidence, make new friends, and develop key early skills through hands on play.

Outside there is a courtyard for children to continue their learning under the elements and a newly fenced off area has also been created on the school’s grass as an extension to their outdoor space.

Chivenor Nursery officially opened last week, following a summer of building work, painting, and preparation and staff are excited to see the new Mini Griffins and Little Learners starting to learn through play with brand new toys and equipment.

“It is great to see the place brought to life by the children. They have adapted remarkably well and are definitely enjoying the environment,” remarked staff. “It’s been great to see how independent they are already”.

Chivenor Primary are delighted to be extending their school to include these young students and are looking forward to a number of shared activities over the year.

If you would like more information regarding the nursery, please contact: 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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP visiting Digby Manor Care Home / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Protecting our high streets and keeping our neighbourhoods safe are among my top priorities.

Residents have told me that Erdington High Street, Slade Road and Hawthorn Road deserve thriving local businesses that serve our community, not a concentration of betting shops, vape shops or rogue operators.

That is why I welcome the Government’s plans to give councils and local people a stronger say over what opens on our high streets, alongside tougher action against criminal businesses.

Locally, I met Sergeant Millard to discuss the action needed on Erdington High Street. The recent closure of a shisha shop found to be selling illegal vapes shows what can be achieved when police, Trading Standards and the community work together.

But one closure is not the finish line. I will continue pushing for more visible policing and sustained action to make our streets safer.

I also want to hear from you about off-road bikes and quad bikes. Too many residents are affected by dangerous and antisocial riding. Please tell me where it is happening and what further action you want to see by completing my survey at www.paulettehamilton.org.

Paulette Hamilton MP at her constituency office in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Throughout the summer, I have been out across our constituency, hosting a Kingstanding coffee morning, visiting Digby Manor Care Home’s Summer Fayre, and holding street surgeries in Stockland Green and Erdington.

Now as children return to school, I’m pleased the government is supporting families with cheaper uniforms, more free breakfast clubs and expanded free school meals. Eligible families could save up to £1,200 a year.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert – Kingstanding, Reform UK

Reform candidates on campaign trail in Kingstanding, ahead of May ’26 Local Elections / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Erdington Branch

Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert

We’ve been digging into the condition of Kingstanding’s roads after regularly hearing from residents about potholes and poor road surfaces.

Our Freedom of Information request has revealed which Kingstanding roads generated the greatest number of highways enquiries between 2023 and 2026. These include reports and repair jobs relating to issues such as potholes, damaged carriageways and footways.

Hawthorn Road recorded 291 enquiries, followed by Warren Farm Road with 277, Kings Road with 146, Hurlingham Road with 124 and Finchley Road with 114.

Residents regularly tell us about potholes and poor road surfaces, so we wanted to establish exactly where the problems are being reported most often. These figures give us a much clearer picture.

We will now be taking the worst-affected roads back to the Council, asking what action is planned and pressing for proper repairs where problems are recurring.

We have also continued to challenge Birmingham City Council over its approach to national flags. Threats, intimidation and criminal behaviour should always be dealt with, but we do not believe the Union Flag or St George’s Cross should themselves be treated as the problem.

Finally, a useful date for the diary. After your Reform councillors pushed for a Mobile Household Recycling Centre visit to Kingstanding last month, residents told us how useful they found the service.

We are therefore pleased to see further visits scheduled for Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre, Dulwich Road, on 23 September from 7:30am–12:30pm, and again on 17 October from 8am–midday.

For more from Reform UK in Kingstanding and across Erdington visit www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

As the television show goes, Last of the Summer Wine has finally come to an end — and as we move into autumn, our thoughts are turning towards the winter ahead.

For many residents, winter can be difficult. Rising household costs, the pressures of keeping homes warm and the challenges faced by those already struggling mean our focus now has to be on making sure people know where they can turn for help and support.

That work will involve not only our fantastic partner organisations, including Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing, but also the community itself. Castle Vale has always been strongest when residents are placed at the heart of what we do. That will be particularly important over the coming months.

Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of that spirit. It was an amazing day that showcased the very best of Castle Vale — our people, organisations and the incredible community pride that exists here.

But we shouldn’t kid ourselves. We still have some stubborn issues to tackle.

The rollout of the waste pilot is becoming increasingly frustrating. At times, it feels like we are playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when one problem appears to have been dealt with, another seems to pop up.

We need to keep pushing for solutions, listening to residents and holding those responsible to account.

Castle Vale is an amazing community. This autumn and winter, we need to make sure we continue putting that community at the centre of everything we do.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore – Erdington, Local Conservatives

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden on Erdington High Street with police / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Over the summer Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued our work for more police and investment into Erdington High Street.

We have written to senior police officials and held meetings with the local police team and the Council about the need for both more officers on the beat locally on our streets in Erdington, and for the City Council to carry out more enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on Erdington High Street.

It is positive that in the last few weeks our excellent local Police team has been given additional officers, allowing greater patrols locally, and the Council has agreed additional patrols to enforce the High Street PSPO.

But we will not be settling for just this and will continue to push for Erdington to have the level of policing we need.

We will be continuing this campaigning in the coming weeks and months. Residents can help support this work by ensuring they report any crime or ASB locally to the police and ensure they receive a crime number.

This is because officers are allocated based on the amount of cases reported across the region.

In terms of Erdington High Street, this month we have met with officers from the Council to discuss possible funding sources for investment both short term to help lift our town centre, and also longer term to help produce the plans needed for securing larger scale long term regeneration.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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NEWS: Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team seize drugs and illegal tobacco from raids across the High Street

Birmingham City Council Trading Standards and Erdington Seargent Claire Millard (right) with seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham City Council

Words by Erdington Local news team

Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) has been cracking down on crime across Erdington High Street, seizing significant amounts of drugs and illegal tobacco products in two raids carried out last week.

The first raid saw officers target a known hotspot in between The Swan pub and Borshch Electrical where police believed drug dealing was taking place. During a high impact broad daylight bust, the NPT and supporting officers seized 27 wraps of what are suspected to be cocaine and heroin.

After the raid, a spokesperson for the local force confirmed: “One man was given a community resolution, and an investigation into the drugs is continuing.”

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Then on Thursday 1 October, in a combined effort with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and support from Operation Fearless, the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team raided a High Street shop suspected of selling illegal cigarettes.

Carrying out the warrant to search the premises and vehicles connected to the retailer, officers discovered more than 50,000 cigarettes and over 2,500 grams of hand rolling tobacco believed to be contraband.

Police seized the illegal tobacco products, estimated to be worth more than £40,000, alongside a vehicle they believe was connected to the crime.

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Working further with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and Operation Fearless, the Erdington NPT are now looking to seek approval from the courts to close the shop.

Current legislation can grant police the powers to close a business for up to six months if they suspect it is being used for criminal enterprise, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently announced plans to extend those terms to 12 months.

Following the raids across Erdington High Street, Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “We know that locals here in Erdington, who are proud of the High Street, value a visible policing presence, and I hope that it’s clear through our patrols and enforcement activity that we are acting on their concerns.

“When people tell us they’re worried about the supply of drugs and illicit goods on the High Street, enforcement like this is key to dealing with that.

Sgt Millard added: “We’ll keep working with our partners to tackle this, and as ever we are grateful for the support and information from the community.”

Vehicle linked to shop seized during raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless are also continuing their work in Erdington and has recently expanded to tackle more forms of criminality on High Streets, working collaboratively with the Home Office and other partners as part of the High Street Organised Crime Unit.

Acting Detective Inspector Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, added: “Fearless originally launched in Erdington, and we remain committed to working with local officers as they work hard to tackle crime on the High Street.

“Given the potential links to wider organised criminality, Fearless is continuing to focus on disrupting the supply of illicit goods and targeting those involved.”

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

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

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Residents invited to Work & Wellbeing Fair in Erdington on 16 October

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Residents are invited to join Witton Lodge Community Association for a friendly and inspiring Work & Wellbeing Fair this October.

Taking place on Friday 16 October from 10am to 2pm at Six Ways Baptist Church, 10 Wood End Road, Erdington, B24 8AD – the event will bring together a host of local partners offering advice, information, and practical support.

Whether attendees are looking for employment, interested in training, seeking help with their health, or simply keen to connect with people in their local area, there will be plenty to discover. 

Come Along and Discover

Visitors will be able to:

  • Meet local employers and find out about current job opportunities
  • Speak to organisations offering skills, training, and progression support
  • Discover health and wellbeing services available in the local community
  • Learn about ways to become more active close to home
  • Connect with local community groups and support organisations
  • Take part in fun physical activities and wellbeing sessions
Six Ways Baptist Church, Erdington / Photograph by Ed King

The fair will provide a chance to have informal conversations with organisations, ask questions, and find out what support is available.

Residents can attend whether they are actively looking for work, considering a career change, interested in developing new skills, or simply wanting to explore activities and services in their neighbourhood.

Waheed Saleem from Witton Lodge Community Association said: “We are delighted to bring local partners together for this special community event. Everyone involved shares our commitment to supporting residents to live better, healthier lives.

“The fair is a fantastic opportunity for residents to discover opportunities, access support, and enjoy some fun activities in a friendly and welcoming environment.”

There is no need to book in advance. Residents can simply drop in at any time between 10am and 2pm. To find out more, contact the friendly Witton Lodge team on (0121) 382 1930.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.