Category: Erdington Local

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NEWS: Council hold public engagement sessions about household waste and recycling collections in Erdington Town Centre – Thursday 16 July

Words by Ed King

Birmingham City Council’s Public Participation Team will be in Erdington Town Centre on Thursday 16 July, inviting members of the public to talk to them about the upcoming changes to household waste and recycling collections.

The team will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, by the wooden Community & Creative Hub in between B&M and Wilton Market, from 10am to 1pm.

Additional seating and cover will be provided by Erdington BID, allowing more people to have a chance to engage.

The Council team will then move over to Erdington Leisure Centre, setting up an information stand inside the sports facility by the reception, for an afternoon engagement session from 2pm to 5pm.

Both sessions are completely free to attended and require no advance booking, with members of the public attending seen on a first come first served basis.

Uncollected rubbish outside residentail properties in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King

Please note, the Public Participation Team will be able to answer questions people may have about the recently announced changes to waste and recycling collections – but are not responsible for any policy making, legislation, or disputes over working practices, employment status, and pay.

They are also looking for feedback from members of the public about the upcoming changes to waste and recycling services, which they state could “directly shape” how the services are to be delivered.

A spokesperson for the Public Participation Team told Erdington Local: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Erdington residents directly about the upcoming changes to their waste and recycling services.

“Our goal is to help everyone understand the new weekly food waste collections and the return of recycling services, which now include additional recycling capacity.”

Birmingham Town House as seen behind Heras fencing / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “We are here to support the community with any questions they might have, and importantly, to gather their feedback. Listening to Erdington residents will directly shape how we communicate and roll out these services across the rest of the city.”

Birmingham City Council has been in an ongoing dispute with Waste Management works and the unions that represent them, especially Unite the Union, since January 2025.

Although the issue – reportedly about equal pay, job descriptions, and a number of potential redundancies – persists from previous Labour administrations and goes back to as far as 2017, when John Clancy was then leader of the Council.

(Click here to read Erdington Local’s feature ‘What a load of rubbish – a look at the history of Birmingham’s battle over bin bags’ – first published in April 2025.)

Following the recent Local Election in May – where the Birmingham Labour Group lost control of the Council – a minority coalition was formed between the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and some independent councillors, with Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dems) voted in a Council Leader.

Shortly after taking office a new schedule of collections was announced, with many members of opposing parties complaining the was inadequate consultation and the new policy was forced through.

Birmingham City Council is now rolling out a citywide engagement programme, talking to members of the public about the proposed changes to their household waste and recycling service.

For more on waste and recycling services across Birmingham, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20009/waste_and_recycling

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

(l-r) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Local Conservatives

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have recently met with the Council to chase repairs to our much-loved Erdington Library.  Chasing this work was one of our first actions following our re-election as it is so important to our area.

The assessment and initial design work was completed in April. This work includes replacement of the roof, replacement of the windows, a lighting upgrade and the reinstatement of public toilets.

The Council will now be seeking Listed Building Consent to enable these works to happen, and an application is expected to be made soon. However, delays within the Department mean a decision is not expected until October, meaning work could not start till November – which is a substantial delay.

We’ve made it clear that a new roof is desperately needed before the winter to avoid the risk of further damage during cold weather.

It’s hugely disappointing that there are further delays to repair and restore Erdington Library.

At the City Council a new Leader of the Council has been appointed following a vote at the Council AGM. Cllr Harmer came first in the vote followed by myself as Leader of the Local Conservatives in second, the Reform Leader came last after they refused to back the Local Conservatives to take control of Birmingham City Council.

One of the Reform Councillors even voted for the new Green, Lib Dem, Independent administration.

The Local Conservatives will be leading the scrutiny of the new administration and holding them to account in the year ahead.

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

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NEWS: Spring into Summer Festival returns ‘the ring’ on Witton Lodge Road – Saturday 13 June

Words by Ed King

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are inviting local residents and families to Spring into Summer, as their annual community festival returns to Perry Common on Saturday 13 June.

Held between 12noon and 3pm on ‘the ring’ – the municipal circular parkland on Witton Lodge Road – the community event is free to enter, with some activities charged at only £1.

Full of family friendly fun, the summer festival will host a range of children’s games and activities – including a super slide and a bouncy castle.

Super slide at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Special ‘learn to ride’ sessions will also be held on the paths within the parkland, teaching young people how to cycle and encouraging them to find their feet – on two wheels.

Young David Attenbououghs and Jane Goodalls will also have the chance to get up close to nature and explore the world of ‘Mini Beasts’ in the ‘Bug and Insect Corner’ – introducing children to the natural world that crawls around under their feet.

Stalls at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Local services will also be present, offering advice and guidance to local residents – alongside a chance to explore a real life fire engine and police vehicle with members of the local police and fire service also engaging with public at the event.

Held every year, the Spring into Summer Festival is a family favourite on the Perry Common calendar – attended by hundreds of people from across the local area and beyond.

Organised by WLCA, who run the neighbouring Perry Common Community Hall, the annual event is part of a year round programme of events and support services from the Perry Common based community and housing association.

Local crafts at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Paul Tse, Flourishing Communities Development Officer at WLCA, told: “Spring into Summer has become one of our community’s best loved traditions so it’s a great pleasure for us to be able to bring it back again for people to enjoy.

“It brings people together in a way which celebrates the wonderful community spirit we have here in Perry Common.”

He added: “As always, we are thankful for the support and hard work of our fantastic partners, St Martin’s Church, The Friends of Witton Lakes, Urban Devotion Birmingham and The Net Pentecostal Church, for helping to put the event together.”

For more on WLCA and links to their wider programme of events and services 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.

 

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NEWS: Free guided tours of Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road in ‘Open weekend’ on 6 and 7 June

Front of Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Words by Ed King

Elderflower Care Home are inviting families and potential residents to have a first look at their new facility on Orphanage Road in a special ‘Open weekend’ this weekend.

Guided tours of the grounds and facilities will be held between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, with no obligations or costs attached.

Visiting members of the public also invited to join enjoy complimentary refreshments during their tour, including freshly baked cakes by Elderflower’s own chef.

Click here to make a booking to view the facility over the ‘Open weekend’, or contact Elderflower Grange directly by calling (0121) 756 8225 or emailing: rachel.mackay@careuk.com

Landscaped gardens at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Recently opened, the new 77 bedroom care home sits amongst landscaped surroundings and has its own onsite accessible bar, restaurant, cinema room, hair salon, multi faith room, music room, and a special reminiscence room.

Operated by the award winning Care UK, Elderflower Grange is the newest facility in the region from the longstanding care home provider – which also operates Bishop’s Manor and Mercia Grange in neighbouring Sutton Coldfield, both boasting a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

A spokesperson for Elderflower Care Home told: “Elderflower Grange is a brand new, purpose-built care home in Erdington. Our dedicated and experienced team will provide a full range of care services with the flexibility to meet every need.”

Cafe at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

They added: “We pride ourselves on the transparency of our care quality and fee information – ensuring you can trust us to care from that very first step.”

Situated at 86 Orphanage Rd, Erdington, Elderflower Care Home offers residential care for over 65s – alongside extra special care for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The facility also offers respite and convalescence care, for short term stays and supporting people coming out of hospital, as well as palliative and end of life care.

Lounge area at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Elderflower Care Home is operated by Care UK, which started out as Anglia Secure Homes in 1982 and changed its name to Care UK in 1994. One of the largest housing and residential care providers in the country, Care UK run over 160 care home across the UK – including

In 2025, Care UK was recognised by winning over 30 industry awards both nationally and regionally, including ‘Care Home Group (Large)’ at the 2025 National Care Awards for the second year running.

Landscaped gardens at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

The organisation was also the winner of both the Nursing Times and Caring UK awards in 2023, and was recognised by the Care Home Awards ‘gold winner’ in their ‘Outstanding Larger Group Care Provider’ category.

Elderflower Grange will further be celebrating their official launch event on Thursday 2 July, with local legend and Aston Villa football star Tony Morely as the event’s special guest.

To make a booking to view Elderflower Care Home, or for more information on the facility, visit www.careuk.com/care-homes/elderflower-grange-erdrington or call the facility directly on (0121) 756 8225.

 

 

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 30 May – 10am to 4pm – with free children’s games and activities

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 30 May – celebrating its fourth event, taking place on the last Saturday of every month.

Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats from local traders and crafters.

There will also be a variety of free children’s fun and games at the Erdington Market, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary face tattoos, and two arts and crafts stands – with one even offering a peaceful time out for adults, from local community group Arts All Over the Place.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

This month, The Might Jamma will also be at the Erdington Community Market – bringing some Steepan summer vibes to the High Street throughout the event. Click here to check out some of Jamma’s music online.

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY hub will also be offering some free soft drinks and water bottles, whilst talking to those attending about some exciting new events and activities coming to Erdington High Street later this year.

Completely free to attend, there is no charge to attend the Erdington High Steet Community Market or for any of the activities on offer.

Click here to join the Erdington High Street Community Market events page and be the first to get updates and special offers for each event.

The Community Markets are organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We launched the Erdington High Street Community Markets in February this year, and the events have been absolutely fantastic – with some really unique and creative stall holders, all from in and around Erdington.

“They are a lot of fun, for both adults and children, and a really wonderful way of the Erdington community to come together and enjoy and afternoon on the High Street.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “This month, in May, we’ve got a few more stall coming along – as the Community Market is picking up interest from new traders and people looking to try their hand at a pop up stall.

“The market is growing, and we would love to welcome more people down to the High Street to have a browse and a bite to eat and join us in celebrating our fantastic Erdington community. See you on the High Street this Saturday [30 May].”

Erdingotn High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February 2026 and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Check out our picture gallery below, showing some of the highlights from previous Erdington High Street Community Markets.

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska and Ed King

 

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after fatal Bank Holiday Sunday car crash on Chester Road

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police (WMP) are appealing for information from any witnesses, following a fatal crash between two cars by Chester Road train station on Bank Holiday Sunday (24 May).

In a statement issued by WMP, the force told: “It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz” on the Chester Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:20pm where officers confirmed the driver of the Kia Sportage had tragically lost his life in the collision, whilst the passenger in that vehicle was taken to hospital “as a precaution”.

A third man, the driver the Honda Jazz, was also taken to hospital with injuries that WMP stated “aren’t believed to be life threatening”.

Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)

Officers investigating the road traffic accident are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), and to check CCTV, Ring doorbells, or dash cam footage for anything that may help with their enquires.

An appeal issued by WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for witnesses and footage after a fatal collision in Erdington.

“We were called to Chester Road, near Chester Road Train Station, at around 9.20pm [on 24 May] to reports of a collision.

“It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz.

“The driver of the Kia, a man aged 33, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area, and anyone who saw the crash should get in touch with us.

“You can call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website, or email SCIU directly at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk”

After the accident, reports on social media claim the Chester Road was closed from the interchange with Boldmere Road right up to the four way traffic lights by Sutton New Road – with the police, ambulance, and fire service all at the scene.

Messages of condolences flooded the internet for the young man who lost his life, with those who were at the “awful scene” expressing concern for anyone affected.

It is reported trains were blocked for stopping at the Chester Road station whilst initial investigations took place, but at the time of writing normal service has been resumed.

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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NEWS: Discover “hidden treasures” at first Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February

Words by Ed King

The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders – plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall.

Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more.

Local trader selling children’s toys and gifts at LYLC Winter Warnmer event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local

Stalls will be situated on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market, giving local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding indoor market as well – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and electronics to luggage and clothing.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.

“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular Community Markets on the High Street.”

Stalls and public engagement LYLC Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local

They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.

“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special hidden treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”

The Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February will be running alongside a Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm – organised by Oikos Church and Café, celebrating their respective 15 and ten year anniversaries on Erdington High Street.

The Oikos Community Fun Day will include free family fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and craft workshops, and live music – supported by Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign.

Oikos will also be hosting a special Community Meal, undercovers outside on the High Street, where people can join together to enjoy good food and company.

Oikos host a Community Meal at their High Street venue every month which attracts a friendly crowd from across the local community.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display on information stand at Community Fun Day / Photograph by Ed kIng for Erdington Local

Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign was set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre.

With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LYLC campaign hosted a series of Summer Fun Day and Winter Warmer events in 2026 and has a programme of activity planed for Erdington Town Centre across 2026.

For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

 

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NEWS: First free Community Meal of 2026 at Oikos Café on Thursday 29 January – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.

Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington

Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.

One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”

They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”

Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.

Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.

“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”

They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.

“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk