I hope everyone has been enjoying the lovely summer break, whether it be going on holiday or just spending some valuable time with your family. Parliament has shut down for the summer and I’m delighted to be able to spend more time getting out and about in our community, where the work to make Erdington an even better place to live never stops.
Our High Street should be a destination that showcases the best of Erdington. We all want it to provide a great variety of shops and food options, and I’ll always champion more investment that will help us to achieve this. But instead, I recently found myself leading a campaign to oppose a planning application for yet another betting shop on Erdington High Street.
Our High Street already has seven bookies. This very high concentration of betting shops in such a small space has exacerbated anti-social behaviour on the High Street, and the last thing we needed was another one.
After months of cross-party campaigning alongside local residents, Councillors and community groups, the planning committee finally decided to reject the application. This was the right decision and it shows the strength of our community. When we work together, we can win!
I want our High Street to thrive by attracting new businesses, providing jobs and becoming a destination for everyone. To kickstart this vision, I have been working with Birmingham City Council to submit an application for more than £11million to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
If Ministers back our proposals, the funding will create jobs and support local businesses to develop and grow. It will help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and provide a much-needed community space for local people to enjoy. The investment will also better connect Erdington train station to the High Street and once again make it a vibrant place for people to shop, eat and socialise.
This is a real opportunity to breathe life back into our High Street after years of decline that have been aggravated by Government austerity.
This will be the second time we have applied for funding, after Ministers let us down in 2021. If the Government is serious about levelling up, then they should back Erdington!
For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org
Witton Lodge Community Association partnered with Erdington Job Centre for its monthly Job Fair, providing support to job seekers in the area.
There was a great range of individuals who attended Wednesday event, either looking for some form of training – with a focus on digital skills – employability support or actual employment.
More than seventy job seekers attended the fair with most of the employment stands busy and lined with people waiting to speak to recruiters representing a range of different industries across North Birmingham.
“The turnout for these events is always great,” said DWP Employer Advisor Kym Marshall.
Not only do these job fairs prove effective in providing training and contact with employers, they also provide an opportunity for job seekers to interview for vacancies.
Witton Lodge’ Employment Coach, Marcia Lewis used her connection with Savers and Cancer Research to set up interviews for some of those attending the Jobs Fair. In total, 15 people were interviewed for Store Assistant positions with Savers and seven for Store Assistant and Customer Service roles with Cancer Research.
“There was an amazing effort from the team,” said Witton Lodge Employability Co-ordinator Melissa Gayle.
“The energy and atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to be part of an event supporting clients.”
DWP Employer Advisor, Michael Davis, added: “These events are periodically held to get job seekers enthusiastic about getting back into work.
He also recalled the story of a man in his 60s who attended a previous job fair event.
“At a previous jobs fair, a man, in his 60s, did not feel confident in the success of his job applications due to his age. However, after engaging with one of the training providers, he joined a course for HGV truck driving and is, now, advancing through the practical stage of the course.”
Charis, a second-year university student, attended Wednesday’s event unsure of which career path she should follow. But after the event, she said she felt “optimistic and encouraged” having spoken to the Witton Lodge team who gave her CV support and secured her an interview with Savers.
“We would like to send a big thank you to Lorraine Brown for trusting Witton Lodge to be part of this Jobs Fair event and to Savers and Cancer Research for taking the time to interview individuals,” added Melissa.
If you’re a job seeker in need of support, please contact the Employment and Skills team at Witton Lodge Community Association on 0121 382 1930
Erdington UFC star Leon Edwards has entered the sporting stratosphere after one of the greatest wins in combat sports.
In the early hours of Sunday Leon “Rocky” Edwards created sporting history by beating Kamaru Usman to win the UFC Welterweight Championship of the World in Salt Lake City.
The last time the pair met in the octagon was in 2015 ended with Usman winning on points. This time entering the last round Edwards needed a knockout to win, with 30 seconds to go in the fight Edwards delivered a kick which shocked the world, connecting perfectly on the champions temple instantly knocking him out.
A lot has changed since the first fight in 2015 Usman went on to become world champion with a record breaking run of title defenses and mainstream recognition being offered a role in the forthcoming Marvel film Black Panther.
Edwards went back to basics determined to improve his grappling game which let him down in the first fight. He tried training in America but returned home after a few months determined to break the convention MMA champions needed to be in based in the USA to succeed.
In his post victory interview Edwards emotionally shouted: “Look at me now. Look at me now. I told you we could win from the UK, no-one believed me, but look at me now.”
Now the darling of the British media but just a couple years ago Erdington Local were writing pre and post fight reports about Edwards in the Midlands mainstream media, first approaching him for an interview in 2019. For the last a year Local have been trying to find a sponsor to paint a mural of Edwards in Erdington, we have a feeling it will be a lot easier now.
We knew we had our own star and are delighted everyone realises the man from Short Heath is Birmingham’s most successful.
The UFC welterweight championship is one of the most keenly contested belts in combat sports, its a global sport and Edwards is the only UK champion, only the second UK fighter to win a UFC belt, and the only to win the strap based in the UK. Other UFC champions are from Brazil, Nigeria and America as its a global star so even having a Brummie in the mix should have been huge news but it wasn’t, it took him to win the belt for everyone to notice.
Usman was the pound for pound best fighter in the entire UFC, he was on an unbeaten run which stretched back years. Edwards was such an underdog one Las Vegas casino reported 95% of money was on Usman to win.
The UFC’s official countdown documentary released last week surpassed a million views on YouTube within days.
Erdington featured heavily in the hour long video which has been seen across the world.
Describing Erdington as a “crime ridden area of Birmingham” cameras followed Edwards to the Jarvis Road estate where he lived after moving from Kingston, Jamaica as a child.
Speaking over lingering camera shots of lines of washing hanging on dirty balconies of Berkley House, Leon said: “Jarvis Road, this was where I grew up.
“Me, my younger brother and my mom, my older brother and my sister, five people in a two bed apartment, you can imagine the living space.
“If you do not find something to do you will end up getting stuck in this enviornoment, hanging around the streets and smoking weed and just messing around doing nothing.”
Edwards father was a prominent drug dealer in Jamaica but his nefarious activities cut short when he was murdered visiting London.
Leon said: “When I was 13 my dad got killed, he got shot in London, that is someone you look upto for all your life, and to know the way how he died you build a rebellious state of mind.
“I went through a stage in my teenage years when I was getting into gang fights and doing the activities my dad had been involved in, until age of 17 when I met martial arts.
“My mom introduced me to it so I’d keep off the streets. The more I delved into it the more I fell in love with it.”
In the documentary Edwards can be seen in tear when his post- Covid comeback fight ended in a no contest after he poked his opponent in the eye by mistake. Repeating the call to his mother after his title victory he told her: “I told you I would change your life”.
By his side was his brother Fabian who is also forging a successful MMA career in Belator.
With six fights being either cancelled or postponed since Covid, Edwards and UFC supremo Dana White frequently bickered on Twitter with the yoyo-ing of Birmingham fighter’s world ranking a frequent bone of contention.
After seeing Usman lying on the floor Edwards jumped over the Octogan and slapped White on the hand and then thanked him in the ring for giving him a chance in the UFC.
Edwards joked his way through Thursday’s press conference in front of thousands of fans showing he was no way being overawed by the big stage.
Dressed in a cream sweatshirt the Brummie was in sharp contrast to “Nigerian Nightmare” who was wearing an electric green suit with a gold chain resting on his bare chest.
Usman then tried to mock Edwards car, repeatedly asking: “What car do you drive back home?”
Bemused, Edwards replied: “You know what car I drive, a Mercedes, what’s wrong with that? See, I am in your head man.”
Edwards, whose nickname is Rocky, got the biggest laugh of the press conference when he was asked which Rocky opponent Usman was like – Apollo Creed or Clubber Lang and he replied : Adrianne” (Rocky Balboa’s wife).
At 35, five years older than his challenger, and with all the trappings of fame, the fleet of cars, film appearances and over-the-top flash clothes as well as three easy previous opponents, Usman was ripe for an upset.
With 30 seconds left in the five round fight in Salt Lake City Edwards was losing on the judges cards and could only win by knockout. With the words of his trainer ringing in his ears: “Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Your two (rounds) down, you need to pull it out the fire”
Edwards delivered the perfect head kick, he feinted one way so Usman moved his head the other leaving his temple wide open for a shin which connected knocking him out. He was taken to hospital afterwards.
However, showing the grace of a champion Usman tweeted the next day: “Champs f*ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance. Damn I love this sport! Things happen but Alhamdulillah we move!! Congratulations Leon Edwards.”
In an interview which will be watched for years to come after getting the belt Edwards said through the tears: “I can’t put it into words. It’s been a long four years. They all doubted me, they all said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now! I’m from the trenches, I’m built like this. I do it for everyone coming behind me. I told you it was possible. We can win a belt, from the UK.”
UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who has the biggest podcast in the world, has long championed Edwards, learning all about the fighters back story during an episode last year.
He told Edwards: “You have accomplished one of the hardest things in combat sports you beat the best fighter in the world, you are champion of the world.”
Now the world is Edwards oyster. The prospect of his first defence being held in Wembley Stadium, the first UFC event ever held at the national stadium.
Usman might be opponent. Or he might not.
But the boy from Jarvis Road will most definitely be in the Octogan making history.
Erdington’s new Town Centre Manager, John Hodgkiss, sees “massive potential” in the once busy North Birmingham High Street and shopping district.
Taking over from Terry Guest this August, Mr Hodgkiss will run the Erdington Business Improvement District for at least the next five year term.
Mr Guest is stepping down after successfully taking the BID to another ballot in November last year – returning nearly 74% in favour for renewing the Erdington business partnership, with 45 of the 61 votes cast by local businesses saying ‘yes’.
Mr Hodgkiss has a longstanding record as a Town Centre Manger, having launched business improvement districts in both the Midlands and London.
Having worked on the Victoria BID in London, his portfolio included many high profile businesses and entrepreneurs – including the Royal Family’s most recognised home, Buckingham Place.
Having launched one on the UK’s first industrial site BIDs in London, and successfully establishing and managing one of the Midlands largest BIDs in West Bromwich, Hodgkiss has a proven track record of building business communities and town centre partnerships.
Now focused on Erdington, with a clear vision to transform the High Street and promote local commerce, the experience Town Centre Manager has high hopes for the once bustling North Birmingham thoroughfare.
John Hodgkiss told Erdington Local: “My job is to make Erdington one of Birmingham’s most enjoyable and exciting satellite centres to be in. I want to make it a safer place, a greener place, and a place that crucially well marketed.
“So, one of my initial aspirations would be to go out and start doing some business visits ASAP – and that will be a good mix between national retailers, independents, as well as other major stakeholders such as the police, emergency services, market traders, and all kinds of people who have a vested interest in making Erdington even better.”
Despite the series of high profile shops and banks leaving Erdington High Street, including Boots – which closed its Erdington store the week he came into post, John Hodgkiss remains optimistic the area’s future.
When asked what attracted him the Erdington, which also has recently missed out two multi million pounds of Government investment to regenerate the High Street, Hodgkiss was keen to focus on the positives.
He added: “The key words for Erdington are ‘massive potential’, and the BID is going to be here for the next five years at least.
“In the past roles I’ve been successful at looking at things like match funding, so although it’s not a never-ending pot of money by any means there is leverage to look at getting money for small projects – but also to keep banging away with money that should still be available through the Conservative government’s Levelling Up agenda. And with a change in leadership might be bigger and more important than ever.
“I feel passionate about making a change in the current economic climate, and I don’t see anywhere with the potential that Erdington has.
“It’s a great place to be, the community is great, there is a retail offer here already – particularly in making day to day living a lot easier.
“And there is scope to bring in new blood to the town, new retailers to the town, new small businesses, and rally drive the local economy forward.”
Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who ultimately oversees the Edington BID, was positive about the fresh approach.
He told Erdington Local: “It is great to welcome John as our new town centre manager for Erdington. He comes with previous experience of working in town centres and delivering regeneration in urban areas.
“This is going to be key as we look to work with the Town Centre Manager, BID, and local partners to deliver our plans for transformation of Erdington High Street. We very much look forward to working with John in the years ahead.”
Cllr Gareth Moore was also quick to praise the work of Terry Guest, who has steered the Erdington BID since 2011 – including through the Covid pandemic.
Cllr Moore added: “We would also like to thank Terry Guest, the outgoing town centre manager, who has been a brilliant servant for our area.
“During his time as manager, he has helped support businesses through Covid and been the rock at the heart of Erdington High Street for a decade. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
For more on the Erdington Business Improvement District visit https://erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk/
Words by Ed King / Pics by Ellycia Gardner – with additional images from Ali Walker and Robert Alden
On Monday, 8 August, The Recovery Foundation launched their art showcase exhibition at the Secret Arts Studio Space (SASS) in Erdington.
Over the past few months, more than 50 local residents picked up a pencil or paint brush, many without any previous art experience, to create over 100 pieces of original artwork – as part of a programme of workshops to support mental health, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
Still on display at SASS, situated downstairs at the Central Square Shopping Centre, The Recovery Foundation exhibition can be seen through the gallery windows and on selected open days – and will remain installed over the next few weeks.
Running six separate groups over six weeks, The Recovery Foundation art sessions were free to access workshops – supporting anyone with “lived experience of mental illness”, or those just looking for a social or creative outlet.
Formed in 2020 by Emma Sitole, after her own issues with mental health and subsequent recovery, The Recovery Foundation places ‘hope’ and the centre of its support programmes.
Also embracing creativity and art as helpful tools of recovery, the six week workshops followed a series of oversubscribed Art in Parks sessions, where people would come together in outdoor green spaces, such as Rookery Park, to learn new art techniques.
As part of a post lockdown programme to help bring people out of isolation and come together again in community groups, the subsequent workshops allowed The Recovery Foundation to continue its work in Erdington – reaching out to more people and building a wider network of budding creatives.
Emma Sitole explained: “We trialled Art in Parks last year, which was really successful, and off the back of that people were saying they’d love something that explored different techniques and looked into different things.
“Angie (Chapman), our Creative Arts Director, put together a programme and we’ve seen about 50 people come through our doors with these workshops.
“It’s a privilege to walk alongside people and see them discover they’re really creative – and they’ve created some incredible artwork.
“Today is the showcase… there’s a real sense of pride around people wanting to show what they’ve created.
“There’s been a lovely buzz about the place, some lovely conversations. But also lovely to see that community come back together again and support each other.”
A local mum, Ali Walker, took part in The Recovery Foundation art workshops after suggesting the programme to a friend.
With a new born baby to look after, who she took to each session, Ali found the workshops a chance to meet other people and further explore her passion for art – already being a keen photographer.
Attending the showcase exhibition at SASS with her now 10 month old daughter, Ali told Erdington Local: “I got a range of things from it (the art workshops), on the art side I learnt a lot of skills and techniques and things that I didn’t think I’d be able to do.
“On the other side of things, it was connecting with people from different backgrounds and getting involved in all sorts of conversations. And getting to know about Erdington a lot more, which I really enjoyed.
“I was trying to encourage someone I know, who struggles with their wellbeing, to come along but they couldn’t make it.
“I’d already put my name down and thought because I’m a new mother it was a good chance to get out for myself as well.”
After the success of Art in Parks and the subsequent art sessions, The Recovery Foundation are looking to establish a more permanent home in Erdington – and will be running another series of creative workshops in September.
Birmingham based professional mixed media artist, Eddy Aigbe, knows first hand the impact both creating and exhibiting art can have on people’s sense of self-worth.
Eddy told: “It’s something I’ve promoted myself in my previous job, where we had a community centre in Lozells.
“The problem was a lot of people were isolated and had mental health issues… and had a lot of talent. Just like you do here in Erdington – there’s a lot of talent going on.
“But there’s not much space to exhibit and show it off. A key part in being an artist is not just producing the work but showing it off – it validates you as an individual.
“As an artist, it’s a way to evaluate all the processes, styles, and everything you’ve been doing.”
The Recovery Foundation art workshop showcase on Monday, 8 August was open to the public, with the exhibition still on display at SASS.
Local resident and campaigner Basharat Dad attended the showcase’s opening. He told Erdington Local: “I think it’s brilliant, The Recovery Foundation have been great at engaging with the local community.
“Some of the artwork is the first-time people have tried art, and they’ve created some amazing pieces.
“There’s more of a need in Erdington, in terms of art spaces and projects, that could really help not just with mental health but also community building and bringing people together.”
Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden also attended The Recovery Foundation art showcase launch.
Cllr Alden has long championed the constituency’s creative industry and endevours, alongside his running mate Cllr Gareth Moore – from the mural on the hoardings around the old Maplin site, to the ongoing Active Arts and Kaleidoscope events.
Cllr Alden added: “It was great to be at The Recovery Foundation art event in Central Square and to see so many people from across the area together who had benefited from the art sessions that they have put on locally, especially in Rookery Park.
“These kind of events can help provide people with that support and community conversations that help people when they need it.
“Cllr Gareth Moore and I will be doing what we can to help support The Recovery Foundation with their plans for further events and services to support the local area in the coming months and years.
“While this was their first Erdington art show, at the Secret Art Studio Space, I have no doubt it won’t be their last.
“Well done to all of the local residents who produced some stunning pieces of art as part of the show.”
There was heartbreak and confusion in Kingstanding as local hero and boxer Niall Farrell’s gold medal dreams ended in a controversial defeat last night.
Coachloads of friends and family left Kingstanding Circle for the NEC to watch an international sporting spectacle where their star was expected to shine.
At Second City Bar & Lounge, Kingstanding Road, the red and white balloons had been blown up and the cross of St George laid across every available table in anticipation of a night to remember.
Despite being Monday evening, Second City had the packed out feeling of a Saturday; rounds of sour vodka shots were being shared around whether people ordered them or not.
The smokers outside stood underneath the old sign of the Kingstanding pub, which stands derelict across the Circle, happily knowing they had already claimed the best seats in front of the big screen.
Red ‘Team Farrell’ t-shits were the most popular item of clothing in the 100 plus crowd, and everyone had a tale to tell about their local boy done good.
There was a stampede inside when the boxing began, eagle-eyed punters spotted friends and family ringside on TV, and shouted hello to them.
The cheers reverberated around the club when Niall entered the ring following his Northern Irish opponent.
Though his crowd wore red, Niall wore blue, his hair pulled up into a ponytail and his tattoos looking perfect beneath a sheen of glistening sweat.
The action got underway and there was immediate flurry of punches between the fighters; there was no feeling each other out, it was instant action.
There were winces as Niall took the first shot and swearing to the roof when a looping right hand landed flush on the Kingstanding fighter’s head. A minute later and another punch landed, forcing the referee to give Niall a standing eight count.
This wasn’t good.
Niall was showing flashes of brilliance, his class was there to see, but his opponent did not pay any attention to reputations.
Another punch landed, Niall’s leg slightly buckled but he was standing tall and ready to go, to power through to the next round.
However, the ref thought different – as the amateur rules are different to professional boxing, when even an armchair fan knows someone has to be knocked to the ground and fail to get up in ten seconds to lose.
The ref spoke to Niall, and his opponent ran to his team in celebration. One man in the Second City crowd spotted it first: “That’s it, he’s done, lost.”
It took about 30 seconds for everyone to realise the dream was over, the Sunday night watching Niall fighting for gold would not happen, nor the parade when the victorious hero brought the gold back to Kingstanding.
He had lost.
The finality of it was etched in his face as he refused to shake the ref’s hand; someone had let the air out of the room.
There was no anger, just a profound sadness a young man who dedicated his life to sport would not be one of the stars of his hometown Games.
One woman demanded to be interviewed so she could call it “a fix”, and a chippy whose shift tomorrow was looking more unlikely with every round added: “He could have carried on, he was not hurt, this is a rubbish way to end a boxing match.”
Francis Heeney spoke for everyone when he said: “Niall is a winner. He will not come back here a loser, he is our winner, who else here is fighting for their country in the Commonwealth Games? No-one.
“Niall loves Kingstanding, and we love him, whether he loses or wins.”
Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is preparing to represent his country in the England Boxing squad at the Commonwealth Games 2022, pegged by many as serious contender to bring back the gold.
Erdington Local caught up with Naill in the middle of his rigorous training schedule and ahead of his first fight scheduled on Monday, 1 August – at the NEC Hall 4, from 6:30pm onward.
Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is planning to bring a Commonwealth Games gold medal back to Kingstanding. Named in the England team for his hometown games, Niall is working around the clock to ensure he leaves nothing in the ring at the NEC.
He trains during the week in the GB Boxing facility in Sheffield and then during the weekend he can be found in the ring in Kingstanding’s Second City Suite with his dad.
The 24-year-old has been boxing for his country since he was 15 but had a nightmare few years with injuries.
He told Erdington Local: “I had to have three operations in three years on my hands. I saw then what my life would be without boxing and I did not like what I see.
“But I believe I have come out the other side of it stronger, I feel fitter than ever and am glad I got through all those injuries; it was tough physically and mentally but I’m ready to go now.
“That is why I am giving everything now. I have always had a great work ethic, I want to show the kids of Kingstanding that if you work hard then anything is possible, in and out of the ring.”
Niall could be one of the standout stars of the Commonwealth Games, being from Birmingham and in real contention for a gold medal.
He said: “I know I can beat anyone in the world on my day so I am planning on winning gold. I’ve already had ITV get in touch; they want to come to the club.
“I want them to be there when I come back to Kingstanding with a gold medal, imagine what a party that will be in Kingstanding!”
He added: “I am all about Birmingham, I always have been, I love my hometown so to be fighting at the NEC, which I remember going to see a concert with my family, is a dream come true.
“If you are a proper Brummie you love the city, you live here, so seeing the Commonwealth Games in basically my back garden is going to be unforgettable.”
However, Niall will not be staying at home during the Games as he wants to be close to the England boxing team.
He added: “There is not a more individual sport in the world than boxing, you are in that ring alone. But it also a team sport too because of all the support we give each other.
“I am going to be staying in the athlete’s village with the rest of the team, we are coming to take over and I want to be part of every moment.
“I want support my fellow boxers every step of the way.”
Niall is also keen to use the connections he has made in boxing and his rising profile to help others.
He said: “I’ve met a lot of interesting people and made connections through GB Boxing, so want to use that to do some good. I run my own charity, Support Futures, and I am patron for the Good Shepherd charity.
“I also want to be a good example for the kids of Kingstanding. I think the best way to do that is lead by example, by working hard, showing discipline. I take time to talk to the kids; boxing can change lives and I will always try and show what can be done.”
Niall is looking forward to fighting in front of his friends and family at the NEC, and it will take four or five fights to clinch the gold medal. However, he also knows the Second City Suite will be packed every time he fights.
He said: “My fights should be on TV so I know the place will be absolutely rammed on fight days. It will be the place to be that’s for sure.
“This could be the biggest few weeks of my life and I want everyone to know I will be giving everything to win that gold medal.”
Hundreds of people turned out on Pype Hayes Park today to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Erdington.
Over the last 269 days the Baton Relay has travelled through all 72 countries of the Commonwealth, covering 90,000 miles, before coming to the Games 2022 host city of Birmingham for the final leg of its globetrotting journey.
Over 7500 people have handed the Baton to each other, bringing the Queen’s message bearing icon to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games 2022 Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 28 July.
Having travelled through 180 communities across England over the last 25 days, the Baton ended up in Pype Hayes Park just after midday – with a backdrop of free games and activities to keep the celebration going.
Soft archery, karate demonstrations, a gaming van, and a special army inflatable for young people to test their strength and endurance were all set up on the green space by the Chester Road entrance.
Flags, frisbees, and footballs were given out, branded with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 colours and logo, for people to play with during the Baton Relay and take home as a special souvenir of the day.
There was also a giant screen where people could challenge each other to a live basketball computer game, hosted by Ed James.
People of all ages spent hours in the park before and after the Baton Relay had come through Erdington, after making its way down to Pype Hayes from Sutton Coldfield.
Local mum, Angela Chapman, told Erdington Local: “We were probably there for about an hour and a half, we had a picnic and met family and friends there.
“It was a really lovely community atmosphere; it was lovely to see that many people out in Pype Hayes Park, there was a really good turn out – a real buzz as well.
“One of the highlights was when Perry (the bull – official Games 2022 mascot) appeared and was high fiving all the children, he got the crowd going before the Baton bearers came through. Everyone was waving their flags; it was a really lovely moment.
“For me it made me proud to be a Brummie, the whole build up over the last few days has been amazing, bringing colour to the city everywhere you go.
“When the baton bearers came through everyone was just cheering and clapping, it was just a lovely thing to see.
“It sparked that excitement for the Opening Ceremony tonight, and because the event and activities were free it was really open to everyone, which was great to see.”
Angela’s daughters, Florrie (10) and Violet (7), were also getting in on the fun and festivities.
They told: “It was really exciting; the park was full of games and people. We got to play on this big inflatable army assault course and do a karate class.
“Seeing Perry was amazing; he gave us all high fives before the runners with the Baton came through the park. It was a really happy day.”
Local resident, Alan Thomson, added: “Today was a great day for the people of B23/24. So many good things are happening not only in Birmingham but in Erdington too.
“So nice to see so many people turn up of all ages and cultures to welcome the baton.
The Commonwealth Games 2022 launched in Birmingham with the official Opening Ceremony on Thursday, 28 July – with 11 subsequent days of sporting competition and activity.
Fighting for England, Kingstanding boxer Nial Farrell will be competing in the Games – with bouts scheduled at the NEC.
A new betting shop for Erdington High Street has been blocked after local campaigners “rallied” and recieved unanimous support from the Council’s planning committee.
At a meeting on Thursday, 28 July, all members present voted against the proposed application to turn the once HSBC bank at 56 Erdington High Street into a ‘a betting office… with associated external alterations.’
There were no votes to support the proposed application.
Originally presented to Birmingham City Council in March this year, BoyleSports UK had been looking for consent to open another gambling outlet on the High Street – which would have seen eight on the Erdington thoroughfare.
Local campaigners officially objected to the plans in the initial planning committee meeting on 7 July, with the officer’s report citing an increase in litter, anti-social behaviour, and crime as the driving factors.
Objections were also noted in relation to the ‘impact on application for Levelling Up funding’ another betting shop may have, as Erdington looks forward to another LUF bid for High Street regeneration being submitted to Government.
Item 11 on the planning committee’s agenda for Thursday, 28 July, the issue was brought forward after the Chair recognised “members of the public are here in numbers” – as scores of campaigners had been protesting outside before the meeting began.
Speaking as a member of the planning committee, Cllr Jack Deakin (Allens Cross, Lab) voiced his objection to the proposed gambling outlet due to “potential risk to health”.
Cllr Jane Jones (Stockland Green, Lab) was worried “as a local resident” another betting shop could “exacerbate” issues such as street drinking and anti social behaviour on the already High Street hotspot.
Cllr Gareth Moore (Erdington, Con) and Cllr David Barrie (Sutton Warmley & Minworth) respectively called on the committee to “stick to planning reasons” as there “was ample evidence” to deny the application on these grounds.
With a right to appeal still on the table, BoyleSports could potentially sidestep more emotive issues to eventually push the application through.
After the planning committee returned a resounding decision of 11-0 against the application, Rob Gunnell from the group campaigning against the proposed betting shop told Erdington Local:
“I think it’s great, we’re very pleased. I think it’s a reflection of how people in Erdington care about the area – they care so much they’ve come out of their houses today and demonstrated together.
“Particularly since the last meeting, we’ve rallied and got the necessary evidence through the police and the local MP (Paulette Hamilton) to support our case.
“I think it’s a little bit of a triumph for the people of Erdington… it gives a message that people in the area will stick together on any future issues – not just around planning – but any factors that would undermine the regeneration of the area.”
Erdington Ward Councillor, Robert Alden (Con), had voiced his objections in the initial planning meeting held on 7 July. Following the 11-0 verdict again, he added:
“We were seriously concerned about this planning application, and today the committee has listened to residents’ views and the really strong representation that’s been from community groups, from myself as the local councillor, and from the large petition we handed in objecting to this application.
“What we want to see in Erdington is a vibrant High Street and this kind of development is potentially going to being in more anti-social behaviour and more issues that we’re trying tackle.
“We’ve got the Levelling Up Fund bid going in, which is such an important thing for Erdington; we don’t want to see more of these establishments we want to see vibrant businesses that bring in people to the High Street and bring in improvements and regeneration.”
Despite the matter coming to the planning committee in July, local residents have been challenging the proposed development of the old HSBC bank into a betting shop since the initial application went to planning in March.
Whilst canvassing in his local election campaign earlier in the year, standing for Labour in the Erdington Ward, Basharat Dad stared a petition against the proposals on 19 April 2022, gaining 147 signitures supporting the block.
Joining the protesters at the planning committee meeting on Thursday, 28 July, and hearing the committee’s unanimous decision to block the betting shop, he told Erdington Local:
“Really pleased with the decision, the committee have listened to the Erdington community.
“I am proud, I was able to lead on a petition and it was a pleasure to work with residents, community organisations and businesses to object to this application and get the right result.
“Looking forward to in working together for the betterment of our High Street and Erdington as a whole.”
Local resident and Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) volunteer Marie Deane is on her marks for the experience of a lifetime, working at the Commonwealth Games 2022.
The 50-year-old, who has actively supported WLCA for more than five years, will be helping facilitate the hockey and squash tournaments – two of the most popular sports in the Games, with athletes battling it out every day after the opening ceremony.
Recruited as part of the Stand Out project, which opened up volunteer roles for people across the city, Marie will spend the 11 days of the Games’ competitions helping organisers prepare the venues for spectators.
In total, the Commonwealth Games 2022 enlisted over 10,000 volunteers to help deliver and support the prestigious sporting event – with about 30,000 people expected to attend.
Marie will also assist stadium staff with catering and cleaning duties, as well as getting rooms prepared for the athletes coming to compete in Birmingham.
Throughout the Games, over 5000 athletes will be taking part in 280 events across 23 sporting categories.
“It is so exciting and I can’t wait to get started, I just want to get stuck in,” said Marie.
“On a personal level, the experience will help to boost my confidence and make me feel more self-assured. The training I have received has been very positive and brought the Games to life for me. I know a lot more about it now than I did before.
“I feel energised just by the idea of playing a part in this historic event,” she added.
“I really believe I will thrive. I am a people person and there will be so much going on around the whole event, it will be dynamic.”
The Commonwealth Games 2022 begins in Birmingham on Thursday, 28 July and runs until Monday, 8 August. It will be the third time the international sporting competition has been held in England since its inaugural event in 1930.
The main venue for the Games is the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, but sites across the city are also being utilised – such as Sutton Park for the Triathlon and Para Triathlon events, with Powell’s Pool, the park itself, and surrounding roads ‘providing the ideal topography required to host the three triathlon disciplines.’
Further sporting events will be held outside Birmingham, such as cycling in Warwick, Wolverhampton and London, lawn bowls in Leamington Spa, and rugby sevens in Coventry.
Ahead of the Games’ opening ceremony, The Queen’s Baton Relay will be coming through Pype Hayes Park on Thursday, 28 July – with a celebration event held near the tennis courts by the Chester Road entrance at 12:25pm.
Our High Street should be a destination that showcases the best of Erdington. We all want it to provide a great variety of shops and food options, and I’ll always champion more investment that will help us to achieve this. But instead, I recently found myself leading a campaign to oppose a planning application for yet another betting shop on Erdington High Street.
After months of cross-party campaigning alongside local residents, Councillors and community groups, the planning committee finally decided to reject the application. This was the right decision and it shows the strength of our community. When we work together, we can win!
This is a real opportunity to breathe life back into our High Street after years of decline that have been aggravated by Government austerity.
