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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Volunteers on the Ground for Eco Hub Works

Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

A partnership project with Groundwork West Midlands saw a team of Corporate Volunteers pour into Witton Lakes Eco Hub to carry out landscape improvements.

Volunteers from HS2 were on site to help to demolish the Community Orchards existing raised beds, relocate Compost Bins and repaint several metal benches.

Supported by volunteers from the Friends of Witton Lakes (FOWL), they also completed preservation treatment works on the Eco Hub’s fencing and wooden play equipment.

Chair of Witton Lodge Community Association, Linda Hines MBE, who has the same position with FOWL, praised the collaboration effort.

“Several years ago, Groundwork West Midlands got in touch with us to inform us that they organise groups of Corporate Volunteers to help with community projects.

“Over the next three years we had volunteers from different organisations come to help us twice a year. Today’s visit has been fabulous!! The volunteers worked solidly all day long and have transformed the grounds. We are really proud of what they have done and they are rightly proud of themselves too.”

Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Rachel Riley, Healthy Lifestyles Project Officer at Groundwork West Midlands, helped to coordinate the work.

She said: “We brought 21 volunteers to Witton Lakes Eco Hub. The site is beautiful and very well run by the staff and volunteers.

“We were made to feel very welcome by the team at Witton Lodge Community Association, so I just want to say, on behalf of all of us, a big thank you.”

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

For more on Groundwork West Midlands visit www.groundwork.org.uk/westmidlands

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

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A Message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sergeant Gary Grove standing by police vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

We’re so grateful for the help and support we get from our volunteers in Erdington, that I wanted to explain more about how we work in partnership with them to keep the area safe.

Our StreetWatch volunteers regularly head out with officers, chatting with residents and offering a reassuring presence. Just recently, they stepped in to help someone during a medical emergency – staying with them until help arrived. That kind of care really shows the heart of our community.

We also have SpeedWatch groups made up of local residents who work with us to tackle speeding. We’ve invested in new equipment to support them, and if speeding is something you’re worried about in your area, please do get in touch so we can look to address it.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering and can spare just a couple of hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line at erdington@westmidlands.police.uk

Meanwhile, our neighbourhood team is continuing to act on what matters most to you. We’ve recently arrested a suspected drug dealer in The Gardens and seized cannabis from a vehicle linked to drugs.

We’re also working closely with Operation Fearless and Trading Standards to crack down on illegal goods being sold on the High Street – seizing several items as part of our ongoing efforts.

As always, if there’s anything you’re worried about or if you have any information to share, please feel free to contact us.

Stay safe,

Sergeant Gary Grove

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: I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty-twooo!

Staff and volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Amy Hayes, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB

Okay, not me personally; I’m well past 22; but this September marks Urban Devotion Birmingham’s 22nd birthday, so I think that Taylor Swift song might just be our theme tune for the year.

Back in 2003, a group of mostly volunteers took to the streets in Erdington, connecting with young people who were out and about. That led to our very first youth drop-in, and over the years our activities have taken so many different forms.

Some of the parents, aunties, and uncles of the children we now welcome to our drop-ins were young people themselves back then; looking for a space to belong, deepening friendships, sometimes testing boundaries…

It’s such a privilege to have been able to offer safe spaces to multiple generations of children and young people over the past 22 years.

All these years later, we’re still here, and we don’t plan on going anywhere. We remain passionate about Erdington and committed to standing with, encouraging, and supporting children and young people as they grow and discover more of who they are.

We’re just as eager to come alongside parents and carers, cheering them on as they raise these wonderful humans. It’s no easy task!

As we step into our 23rd year, we’d love it to include supporting any children, young people or families you care about who haven’t yet connected with us.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Strengthening connections across Castle Vale

Chief Executive Officer of The Pioneer Group, Simon Wilson / Photograph by Phil Greig – supplied by The Pinoeer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

At the heart of our work is our pledge to listen, engage, and improve how we connect and work together with our community. Across Castle Vale, we’re making real progress in strengthening our communications and ensuring customers feel informed and involved.

This summer, we’re excited to welcome everyone to our Community Festival on Saturday, 30 August. It’s a brilliant opportunity to come together, celebrate what makes Castle Vale special, and show the great work taking place across Castle Vale. Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved in, we’d love to see you there.

We’re also hosting a Financial Wellbeing Drop-In on Thursday, 18 September at The Sanctuary, offering practical support and advice to help people manage their finances.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to deliver our Listening Hubs across the estate, these are spaces where you can meet the team, share your views, and hear about what’s happening locally. I’d really encourage you to come along, get your voice heard, and help shape the future of Castle Vale.

You can find these sessions in the latest printed edition of Erdington Local (page 9) or on our Social Media: ThePioneerGroup (Facebook), pioneergroup_ (Twitter/X)

On the housing front, I’m proud to share that through our Windows and Doors Programme, we’ve now completed installations in 1,480 homes, representing an investment of over £7.1 million. We remain on track to complete the programme this autumn, delivering warmer, safer homes for our customers.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Castle Vale. Thank you for being part of it.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Growth, Renewal and Fun

Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain, outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we’re proud to see our Witton Lakes Eco Hub continue to thrive as a vibrant, welcoming space for local residents.

This summer has been especially exciting, with a packed programme that has brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, connect, and just enjoy nature. With a mix of workshops, outdoor learning, and family-friendly activities – there really is something for everyone.

A key highlight has been the completion of the Makers Yard – a brand-new creative maker-space rooted in the principles of recycle and the circular economy. Designed to spark creativity and enterprise, the Makers Yard gives residents the chance to develop practical skills, explore new ideas, and contribute to a culture of recycling and sustainable making.

We’re grateful to support from BMet College, PF Stokes and Bournville Village Trust and of course Friends of Witton Lakes who have either offered or are already running workshops from the Makers Yard.

We’ve also had the pleasure of welcoming a number of key stakeholders to the Eco Hub, including funders, partners, and civic leaders. Their visits reflect the growing recognition of the work we’re doing to build vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhoods.

At Witton Lodge, we know that real change starts locally. The Eco Hub and Makers Yard are more than just facilities – they’re platforms for showcasing local talent and strengthening community connections.

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

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

(l-r) Inspector Forder, Sergeant Price, and Paulette Hamilton MP on Slade Road in Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you’re all making the most of the sunny summer break, spending precious time with your family and loved ones. While Parliament is in recess, my focus remains firmly on the issues that matter most to our communities in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

Recently, I joined Inspector Forder and Sergeant Price on Slade Road in Stockland Green, speaking directly with residents and traders about crime and anti-social behaviour.

I’ve pushed for visible patrols, targeted interventions, and faster response times, because your safety is simply non-negotiable. Our local police team is stepping up efforts, but I’ll keep fighting to ensure every part of our community feels safe and secure.

The fight to revitalise Erdington High Street continues. Following the success of Operation Fearless, now a national model for tackling crime, I’m working with Birmingham City Council to explore regeneration opportunities.

(l-r) Paulette Hamilton MP, Andrew Linhop – BCC Principal Planning Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

AThat’s why I recently met with a member of their planning team to discuss a better vision for our high street. We need new developments that deliver jobs, affordable spaces for local businesses, and real community benefits, not empty promises.

On the Conker Island campaign in Kingstanding, we’ve secured a council site visit. I’ll be working with the Friends of Conker Island to arrange a meeting with officers and explore how we can improve this precious green space.

Finally, I’m hosting coffee mornings in Pype Hayes and Perry Common this month, so please keep an eye out for details. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

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

 

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore litter picking on Short Heath Playing Fields-min / Photographs supplied by Cllr Robert Alden

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Gareth Moore and I’ve been challenging the Council over the lack of proper cleaning on estates in Erdington.

We’ve met the Head of Housing to raise the continued failure to properly clean the inside of the tower blocks in Erdington and the ongoing issue with refuse dumping on estates, especially to the rear of tower blocks such as those on Jarvis Road, and taken the Head of City Operations on a tour of Erdington.

It’s not been good enough and we will continue pushing the Council to improve. We’ve also continued to push the Council to reintroduce CCTV in the 13 tower blocks across Erdington to help keep residents safe.

This month we have also joined the excellent Erdington Litter Busters for their recent clean up in Short Heath Park and joined residents for the latest community speedwatch event on Spring Lane.

(l-r) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden on Erdington High Street / Photoraph by Ed King

We’ve also met senior officers from the refuse service to challenge them over the refuse collection failures. In particular, the Council continue to fail to collect commercial waste containers including denying ones with Birmingham City Council logos on are Council owned!

These failures have seen certain locations, including schools, in the ward and North Birmingham not have their refuse taken for months on end.

We have stepped in to help sort collections – it’s unacceptable for the Council to leave rubbish attracting pests for weeks on end, at schools especially, and when they have paid for it to be collected.

As always if we can help with anything locally please just let us know on Gareth.moore@birmingham.gov.uk or Robert.alden@birmingham.gov.uk

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

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin – standing on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

As Councillor for Castle Vale, I’ve been proud to lead efforts that are making a real difference in our community. One of the most visible changes is the regeneration of local play areas—turning tired, underused spaces into vibrant, safe places where children and families can come together.

These improvements aren’t just cosmetic; they’re about creating opportunities for play, connection, and pride in Castle Vale.

I have also taken strong action against fly-tipping, which has long been a concern for residents. Through targeted clean-up operations, better reporting systems, and community engagement, we’re tackling the issue head-on.

It’s about restoring respect for our shared spaces and making Castle Vale a cleaner, more welcoming place for everyone.

But none of this would be possible without the incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to support these efforts. From litter picks to helping with play area projects, their commitment is inspiring.

They are the heartbeat of Castle Vale – proof that when we work together, we can achieve great things.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and even more excited about what’s ahead. Castle Vale is a community full of potential, and together, we’re building a brighter, cleaner, and more connected future.

I have promised to always put Castle Vale first which is what I will always do.

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

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OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch

Cllr Clifton Welch and Ginn the dog at Perry Barr Fire Station (photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch)

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

Hello, on Saturday 9 August Alex Richards – the Local Conservative Campaigner for Kingstanding – and myself had a fantastic time at the Perry Bar Fire Station where the local fire brigade held an open day.

It was great to get the chance to talk to so many of the amazing people who go above and beyond every single day to save lives and be there at our hour of need such as Firefighters, the Police, First Responders, and numerous other volunteer organisations such as West Midlands 4×4 Response, First Aid, British Red Cross, Guide Dogs and Family HUB Birmingham.

The photo attached with this article shows me with Giddy, a beautiful Spaniel who is based at Perry Bar fire station. Giddy is trained to find the exact location that a fire started and is paid in tennis balls lol.

A massive thank you to everyone who helped organise this wonderful event and it was lovely to get to see and speak to so many volunteers.

On a different matter I have been receiving calls from several residents close to Crossways Lane of drug dealers being active in the area. The most recent example was Sunday 10 August, where Crossways Lane meets College Rd. I have passed details and suspected car registration numbers to Kingstanding Police.

Finally, as you are all aware Birmingham Labour Council Bin Srike chaos worsens. Birmingham Labour continues to drag Kingstanding and Birmingham down. Please continue to make me aware of examples of bins not being collected or examples of fly tipping.

Take care, Clifton.

To contact Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch email clifton.welch@birmingham.gov.uk

For more from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch visit www.facebook.com/KingstandingConservatives

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: dig into family fun this Active August at Witton Lakes Eco Hub

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

On your marks, get set and go go go and enjoy an Active August at Witton Lakes Eco Hub!

Our action-packed schedule of fun family-friendly activities means there something for everyone to savour, every weekday from Monday 4 to Friday 29 August.

You can unleash your creative instincts with our arts and crafts sessions and Bulls in The City workshops; get closer to local wildlife with Duckling Watch and give those green-fingers a good work out with gardening activities which include growing fruit, herbs and vegetables.

You can also learn how to build your own planter.

Family enjoying summer activities with Witton Lodge Community Assocation / Photograph supplied by WLCA

For the more adventurous of you why not share your detective skills in our scavenger hunts or put your imagination to good use with our creative sessions or in our newly opened Makers Yard!

With a range of outdoor games, workshops and a food/gardening events, every appetite is catered for – so get involved and make sure this August is your most active yet!

Most Active August activities are FREE – check the flyer for full details.

It all kicks off on Monday, 4 August from 1pm at Witton Lakes Eco Hub, off Faulkners Farm Drive, B23 7XX.

If you have any questions or need further information please call our friendly team on (0121) 227 3200.

On your marks …

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.