Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
Castle Vale has always been at the heart of everything we do.
As we launch our new Corporate Plan (2025-2028), we’re setting out a clear vision for the future, one that strengthens our commitment to providing safe, high-quality homes, improving services, and investing in our community.
Over the next three years, we’ll focus on delivering better housing, putting customers first, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
This means we are making sure our homes are well-maintained and energy-efficient, making it easier for customers to access the services they need, and continuing to support local projects that make a real difference.
Listening to our customers is at the heart of this plan. We want to make sure your voices shape the way we work, whether it’s through improving customer service, upgrading homes, or strengthening support for families and individuals across Castle Vale.
This is an exciting step forward, and we’re committed to making a real, lasting impact. To find out more about what’s ahead, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Together, we’re building a stronger Castle Vale. Together, We Are Pioneer.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
The clearance and strip-out works at the former Erdington Baths on Mason Road mark an important milestone in its transformation into the Enterprise Hub.
This crucial step allows us to conduct in-depth surveys that will support our vision of creating a vibrant space for budding and local entrepreneurs, and the wider community.
The Pocket Park, established through community efforts, has already enhanced the area’s appeal, and we are grateful to Erdington Litter Busters for their continued care of this green space.
At Witton Lodge Community Association, collaboration is at the core of our work. This ethos has driven the creation of the Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN), a partnership of 21 trusted community anchor organisations across Birmingham.
B:CAN serves as both a safety net and a springboard for residents, offering support in areas such as welfare, energy efficiency, health, employment, and volunteering.
With an impressive collective reach of over 18,500 residents monthly, B:CAN is dedicated to transforming lives and neighbourhoods to make life better for everyone in Birmingham.
This initiative demonstrates the #PowerofCommunity. It says there is another way, a better way, that works with the grain of community.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Erdington MMA fighter, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair’, is competing for his first professional title on Saturday 12 April – facing off against Mike Jurik from the Czech Republic at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground.
Promoted by Battle Arena, Zubair and Jurik will be the headline bout in the featherweight category, with a total of 28 fights, both professional and amateur, on the evening’s bill.
Standing at 5ft 7”, and with fights both the Featherweight and Bantamweight class, Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair entered the world of professional MMA in March 2024 – where he beat Spain’s Nestor Santana by corner stoppage after the first round.
Mo’s next fight, the following June, saw him step up last minute to fight Darlington’s Liam Thomas, beating the established British in only 12 second with a ferocious first round knock-out.
Video of the fight went viral on social media and got the Erdington fighter on the radar of promoters across the sport.
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair knocks out Liam Thomas in first round / Pic supplied by Mo Zubair
The spectacular first round KO also drew platitudes from other MMA stars – including the former UFC Welterweight champion from Aston/Erdington, Leon Edwards, whom Zubair shared a gym with as part of Team Renegade.
Subsequent fights would see Mo Zubair defeat the UK’s Maro Pina by unanimous decision and finish off Sweden’s Martin Fouda with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.
Dedicated to his rising MMA career, Mo previous told Erdington Local: “I train twice a day, I go home and do the same the next day. I don’t go to any nightclubs, or any of that. I want to fight in the UFC.
“That is where the action is and I will not settle for anything less, it is the Premier League of MMA.”
Talking about Leon Edwards, Mo added: “Leon is a big inspiration to me, he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.
“He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.
“And it would be great to have two fighters from Erdington as champions. It can be done.”
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair fights Mike Jurik at the Northamptonshire County Showground on Saturday 12 April. For further information and links to online ticket sales visit www.facebook.com/mma.battlearena
Click on the links to follow Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.
Teacher Mollie Duncanson and Erdington Academy students with Erdington Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore, Police Commissioner Simon Foster, Florence Cadge and Cllr Waseem Zaffar of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
Students at Erdington Academy have sent a “courageous” message to local leaders about air pollution and road safety at their school – according one of the city’s key spokespeople over transport and clean air.
On Friday, 14 March, pupils from the academy, which is part of Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, welcomed the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster and three Birmingham councillors – to show them first-hand the impact of traffic at the school gates on Kingsbury Road.
Attending the school alongside the PCC were Erdington Ward representatives Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative) and Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative).
Cllr Waseem Zaffar and Florence Cadge of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition outside the Erdingotn Academy gates / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
The Erdington councillors were also joined by Cllr Waseem Zarrar (Lozells, Labour) who is part of the Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition – a collective of health, transport and environmental organisations with a focus on combatting air pollution.
Cllr Zaffar was on the Sustainability and Transport Overview & Scrutiny Committee at Birmingham City Council until 2025 and was a key advocate of the city’s recent transport plan – which saw planters and concrete blocks pedestrianise residential roads in local neighbourhoods, and the introduction of the Clean Air Zone charges in Birmingham City Centre.
The visit from the local dignitaries to Erdington Academy was the culmination of six months of extracurricular workshops with the students – as delivered by Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition at the academy.
Year 10 student Brycen Olakunle explained: “I think they listened to us. We hope that the councillors can refer our situation to local engineers to get a pedestrian crossing installed outside the school on the main road.”
They added: “We would also like road markings to be repainted, and improved signage around our school.”
Traffic congestion on Kingsbury Road outside Erdington Acadmy / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communication
After working with the students, Cllr Zaffar told: “It’s amazing the way the schoolchildren have come forward and identified a real problem which affects their daily life and have been courageous enough to speak to officials who make those key decisions.
“It’s brilliant to see young people having the confidence to challenge politicians and hold them to account, and also to see the politicians responding.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster also told: “I’m very impressed with the work the children have done and seeing them step up to raise their concerns. They communicated the issues excellently.
“This is an issue we see across the region, and we must ensure we are tackling it. It’s a top priority for West Midlands Police, as outlined in our new plan for 2025, which will soon be published.”
Erdington Academy students students explain to visitors the challenges of road safety and air pollution at the school gates each day / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communications
After speaking to the Erdington Academy students, Cllr Gather Moore (Erdington Ward, Conservative) said: “It’s good to see the children are raising the issues that impact them on a daily basis, and it’s very concerning to hear that accidents have happened.
“I look forward to bringing these issues to the council and working with the police and council to do whatever we can to improve road safety and make children feel safe.”
Cllr Robert Alden added: “It’s great to see the passion of the children who want to ensure their journeys to and from school are as safe as possible.”
Let’s Get Together this April!
Join the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) for a vibrant community gathering at St Barnabas Church on 10 April 2025, between 11am–2pm.
The annual, FREE, Let’s Get Together event offers residents across the Erdington constituency a chance to connect with local groups, professionals, and services that support independent living
and wellbeing.
Everyone is welcome to pop in and meet teams from ENNS-funded organisations, Occupational Therapists, Adult Social Care teams, as well as Social Prescribers.
The teams are on hand to help you explore activities, advice services, and community initiatives designed to tackle isolation, improve health, and enhance quality of life.
The ENNS team will also be available to answer questions and guide attendees to tailored support, including grants for community projects (up to £10,000).
St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Come & Connect
ENNS supports older adults and younger adults with disabilities, fostering connections through partnerships with voluntary groups and social enterprises.
Whether you’re seeking a group to join or simply need practical advice, this event is your gateway to Erdington’s thriving community network.
ENNS Neighbourhood Networker Fauzia Begum said: “Our annual Let’s Get Together event provides a fantastic opportunity for members of the community to find out what’s available locally.
“Following a successful 2024 turnout, we are gearing up for an even bigger Let’s Get Together event on 10 April 2025.”
She added: “We are really excited to welcome our community on the day to connect with local groups and access vital resources available across our area.”
Event Details Date: 10th April 2025 Time: 11am – 2pm Venue: St Barnabas Church, High Street, Erdington, B23 6SJ
No booking required – drop in and join Erdington’s thriving community network!
For further information you can contact the ENNS team on (0121) 382 1930 or email 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.
Police car outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
Perry Common residents have been allowed back home after being evacuated early today, following the discovery of “suspicious items” at a residential address on Hastings Road – just off Witton Lodge Road.
At around 9am on Thursday 20 March, locals living on and around Witton Lodge Road were asked by police to quickly vacate their homes, to make way for a bomb disposal unit which had been brought in to investigate findings of an early morning raid.
Concerns were raised by the police after a “pre-planned warrant” was executed in the early hours and officers found objects that may have been linked to explosive devices.
After cordoning off Witton Lodge Road, from Perry Common Community Hall up to College Road, police at the scene evacuated all residents – with some seeking refuge at Perry Common Hall, whilst others rested at the popular Jacy’s Café on ‘the ring’ or waited on the central grassy area.
Police searching residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
After a few hours, at around 11:15am, the police tape was finally lifted and residents were allowed back to their homes – with some having had to leave so quickly they were still in dressing gowns and pyjamas.
Residents with mobility issue were also asked to move, with police at the scene helping those that needed it to reach a safe place beyond the cordoned off area.
One local resident told Erdington Local: “The police knocked on our door and at first just wanted us to stay indoors, but then they came back not long afterwards and said we had to leave.
“It was still morning, and I hadn’t got dressed yet – it’s just a good thing it’s a nice {sunny] day.”
Police officers remained at the Hastings Road address, after evacuated residents were allowed back to their homes.
And whilst the officers at the scene were able to confirm there was no threat to public safety, the uncertainly about what caused the road closure and mass evacuation remained a mystery for most of those affected – with some residents reporting the army had been drafted in and others stating an old WWII bomb had been discovered.
Police removing bags of items seized from residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Local saw officers from both the local police teams and specialist units oustide and searching an address at Hastings Road – on the corner of Witton Lodge Road and opposite Story Wood Primary School – and removing several bags of items from the residential address and loading them into the back of unmarked police vehicles.
The neighbour of the Hastings Road address that was the focus of police activity, told Erdington Local: “I don’t know what happened, they just knocked on my door this morning at around 9am and told me I had to leave.
“I wasn’t given any information… [all the residents] were just told we had to leave [our homes].”
She added: “I’m allowed back in now, but they’re still here [and searching the address]. And I still don’t know what’s been going on next door.”
Police outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed: “A cordon was put in place this morning after suspicious items were discovered during a pre-planned warrant at an address on Hastings Road.
“This cordon has now been lifted after the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed there was no risk to the wider public.”
They added: “Nearby residents who were evacuated as a precaution have now returned to their homes, and we thank them for their patience.”
Police search a residential address on Hastings Road in Perry Common following mass evacuation
Residents on Witton Lodge Road were evacuated from their homes this morning amidst reports of the army and bomb investigation personnel attending the scene – with the area from Perry Common Hall to College Road cordoned off.
Police cars could be seen blocking the entrance to Witton Lodge Road by Perry Common Hall, with a bomb disposal unit seen further behind the police tape with several officers investigating.
Local residents at the scene told Erdington Local that police had knocked on their doors earlier this morning telling them to stay in their houses, before returning some minutes later to ask they fully evacuate the area.
Police blocking off entrance to Witton Lodge Road by Perry Common Hall / Pic by Ed King
Concerned locals then gathered around the grassy roundabout – colloquially known as The Ring – as well as local cafes and shops. Some residents were reportedly given refuge at Perry Common Hall as police and investigating officials conducted a search of a residential address.
“I had a knock on the door this morning,” told a resident from Witton Lodge Road, “with the police telling me to stay inside – then after a while they came back and told us to leave. I hope my cats are OK.”
Another family were also turned out of their house without knowing why, with one member still in their dressing gown as they stood behind the police cordon.
“I was heading to work at about 8:45am and I saw a few police,” confirmed one woman. “Then by the time I’d got back the whole road [from The Rin to College Road] had been asked to leave their houses.
Jacy’s Cafe on Witton Lodge Road / Pic by Ed King
Jacy’s Café on Witton Lodge Road housed several residents as they waited to be allowed back home, with many taking the time to grab a breakfast and check out if friends and neighbours were OK. Staff at the café, a popular local eatery, had not been told much information by local law enforcement but were keeping concerned residents safe and well fed.
Whilst Erdington Local were at the scene, at around 11:15am, police started taking down the blue and white tape and letting residents back into their homes – with officers at the scene stating there was no threat to public safety.
Police removing cordon and letting residents on Witton Lodge Road return home / Pic by Ed King
A spokesperson from West Midlands Polcie confirmed to Erdington Local: “We’re currently dealing with an incident at Witton Lodge Road. We will provide more details as soon as we can.”
Erdington Local has asked West Midlands Polcie for any further information they can release.
At the time of writing, all police cordons had been lifted on Witton Lodge Road and residents had returned to their homes
Paulette Hamilton MP by the Houses of Parliament / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. That’s why I’m proud this Labour Government is increasing defence investment 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the biggest sustained boost since the Cold War.
This commitment strengthens national security and ensures we have the capabilities to protect the UK and our allies.
But security isn’t just about national defence, it’s about keeping our communities safe too. After 14 years of Conservative neglect, our armed forces are stretched thin, and crime and anti-social behaviour are rising. Undoing the damage of the past will take time, but Labour is committed to rebuilding Britain and delivering for our communities.
Locally, I took a firm stand against an HMO application on Mason Road, leading a campaign backed by 386 residents. Birmingham City Council rejected the application, sending a clear message that enough is enough.
HMOs bring increased crime, put pressure on local services, and undermine initiatives like Operation Fearless, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
I joined West Midlands Police for an all-out day on Erdington High Street. With a new Public Spaces Protection Order in place and Operation Fearless making an impact, traders and shoppers are seeing a real difference.
I also held a coffee morning in Kingstanding, where residents raised crime and anti-social behaviour as top concerns. I’ll keep working with the police and local partners to tackle these issues.
From community campaigns to coffee mornings, I will keep fighting for a safer Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors – as identified against each article – and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.
If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden campaiging against library closures / Pic supplied by Birmingham Conservatives
Thank you to everyone who signed our petition opposing the proposed new HMO on Mason Road, we’re delighted to confirm, following our campaign, the application has been refused by the Council.
I’ve also been pushing for the Council to take enforcement action against the new chicken shop that has opened without planning permission on Mason Road.
Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been continuing our push for the Council to clean up our streets. This month we took our Conservative plan for a cleaner city, and wider amendment, to the budget meeting.
The amendment, signed off as deliverable by Council Finance officers and Commissioners, would’ve kept refuse collections weekly, scrapped Labours ‘Rat Tax’, and increased the number of street cleaners – as well as separately keeping every library including Erdington open full time. Sadly, this was rejected by the Labour Councillors.
This month the Labour Council have announced that due to their bin strike, which is now five days a week, they are not starting garden waste collections and continue to not collect recycling. Their current advice on refuse bins is to leave it out if it is not collected on your normal collection day.
We have been calling for the Council to refund residents who have paid for garden waste collections. The Council has now agreed, and a refund can be requested on their website.
We’re posting all the latest updates we have on the strike on our Facebook page, so follow us there to stay up to date.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors – as identified against each article – and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.
If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Jack Brooks on the campaign trail for Reform UK inthe 2022 Erdington, Birmingham by-election / Pic supplied by Reform UK
Conscripted to die for a lie; arrested for telling the truth.
The establishment wants to conscript your children to die in the pointless war in Ukraine. Will the politicians send their children? Either all of us go, or none of us go. If we die, then the establishment will die with us.
The leadership (I include Farage and Tice) of all parties should send their kids to the front lines (both genders – inclusivity is a must).
Starmer called us “far right”, now he wants us to fight? If the best of us go over to Ukraine, what will happen in the UK during our absence?
Given the political parallels in Europe, I have come to the conclusion that a war would be perfect for the liberal world order because those of us that would rise up against the boots of communism and anarcho-tyranny will end up dead on some foreign field.
In February 2023 a colleague in the Reform Party (a veteran) revealed the truth – to me and others – about the Ukraine war in his co-authored document.
The leadership of Reform have ignored this document.
Billions in money laundering and corruption, and weapons sold to our enemies; yet the Labour Government has found another £2 billion for this war whilst our pensioners freeze to death.
The Conservatives and Labour have lied us into war before: remember Blair, Campbell, Cameron and co with the Iraq war.
To all UK party leaders: “We will not die for a lie!”
For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.
If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
