Category: News

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NEWS: Paulette Hamilton invites South Oscott residents to ‘have a cuppa with your new MP’

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Erdington’s Member of Parliament, Paullette Hamilton (Labour), has invited local residents living in South Oscott to ‘have a cuppa with your new MP’.

In an event held at Maryvale Community Centre on Saturday 7 September, from 12noon to 2pm, Ms Hamilton is looking to engage in “a relaxed conversation” with people in the area and gain “a clear understanding of the key issues in South Oscott”.

She is further hoping that the chance to meet face to face with their Member of Parliament will “ensure that locals [in South Oscott] feel confident in approaching [her] with any concerns.”

Anyone wanting to attend can be signed in at the event, with no advance booking necessary. Security will be present by a spokesperson from the MP’s office has said they will “keep it informal”.

Having retained her seat in the recent General Election – beating the Reform UK parliamentary, Jack Brookes, by 7019 votes and the Conservative candidate, Steve Knee, by 9372 votes – Paulette Hamilton continues to hold a strong majority in the traditionally Labour seat.

But following boundary changes to Erdington constituency in 2024, Ms Hamilton is now the voice in Parliament for the entire Kinsgstanding Ward and half of the Oscott Ward.

Oscott Ward is represented in Birmingham City Council by Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour) and Cllr Darius Sandhu (Conservative).

Paulette Hamilton MP told Erdington Local: “Two months ago, I had the honour of being re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington, now proudly representing South Oscott and the whole of Kingstanding. When I said I wanted to champion the concerns of local people, I meant every word.

“This is why I am keen to get stuck in, listen to residents’ concerns, and campaign on their priorities. I believe in the power of personal connection, which is why I am inviting local people from South Oscott to join me for a cup of tea or coffee.”

She added: “Let’s have a relaxed conversation where (they can see the real me – someone who genuinely cares and listens.

“I am committed to being a strong voice for every corner of our community in Parliament, ensuring that no area and no community feels left behind.”

Paullette Hamiliton already holds five monthly ‘MP surgeries’ across the Erdington constituency, with one to one sessions held in Kingstanding, Perry Common, Erdington, Stockland Green, and Castle Vale.

The MP’s office also organises special immigration advice sessions at Perry Common Hall on Wednesdays.

At the time of writing is was unclear if there would be additional regular MP surgeries organised in the Oscott Ward.

However, a spokesperson from the MP’s office confirmed: “Paulette [Hamilton] knows how important it is for local people to access their MP” and they are “looking for a suitable arrangement” for residents in the area.

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

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NEWS: WLCA call out for volunteers to help with ‘pocket park’ and regeneration of Erdington Swimming Baths

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant (images under copyright)

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are putting the call out for people to help them with the ongoing regeneration of Erdington Swimming Baths, turning the century old pool into a new Erdington Enterprise Hub.

Looking for volunteers to join them at two sessions on Friday 6 September, one held at 10am-12pm and another between 1-3pm, WLCA will be working on renovating the main site entrance on Mason Road.

The jobs at hand include tending to the ‘pocket park’ that now decorates the frontage, a special urban oasis set up to bring the outside of the old Swimming Baths back into community use whilst the Enterprise Hub building work inside continues.

WLCA are looking for help turning the spoil, planting new plants, and painting the wooden planters.

Volunteers will also be asked to help lay ‘eco-rubber’ to the flooring in the morning session and add the finishing touches in the afternoon, depending on the weather conditions.

A full briefing will be given at the start of each session, with all necessary equipment provided. People are asked to bring clothes they can comfortably work in and will be suitable for the day.

WLCA will also provide a special lunch and refreshments for the group of local volunteers.

Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to register their interested with WLCA by emailing their Head of Programmes and Partnership, Waheed Saleem, on [email protected] – or by calling WLCA on (0121) 382 1930.

Witton Lodge Community Association recently secured £4m to start the ambitious Enterprise Hub project from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council, which has been in planning stages since before the Coronavirus pandemic.

‘Phase One’ of the development, which will futureproof the old Erdington Swimming Baths building by turning it into a creative hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs, was officially launched on Thursday 18 July.

(Click here to read our initial news report and click here to read our follow-on feature.)

Speaking at the ‘Phase One’ launch, WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, told: “We’ve got the funds secured; we’ve got the plans in place, we’ve got the teams in place, we’ve got the community on side… it feels great. It feels great that we’re able to take that next step.”

Birmingham City Council Leader John Cotton, who gave a public address to attendees, further told Erdington Local: “It’s so incredibly exciting for Erdington, clearly this is about bringing a heritage asset – something at the heart of the community – back into use.”

He added: “I think this also pays tribute to the tremendous assets that we have out in our community – organisations like Witton Lodge that have been driving this forward and are rooted in the heart of our communities.”

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

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NEWS: Erdington Litter Busters organise monthly litter pick by Spaghetti Junction on Saturday 7 September

Words and photography by Ed King (images under copyright)

Erdington Litter Busters will be organising their monthly community litter pick on Saturday 7 September, cleaning the streets around Gravelly Hill, Minstead Road, Salford Circus, and the end of Slade Road near the Spaghetti Junction.

Group members and any new recruits are invited to meet at 10am by the Esso Amarda garage on the corner of Powick Road and Slade Road, with litter picking equipment and rubbish bags provided.

The community litter pick will then run until 11:30am, when light refreshments will be provided to all those who took part.

Holding a community litter pick on the first Saturday of every month, ELB can often be seen cleaning the streets across the constituency – with previous locations this year including areas around the Tyburn House Pub by Chester Road and Kingsbury Road, roads off Erdington High Street and around Six Ways Island, around Gravelly Hill Train Station in Stockland Green, and around the Lidl supermarket on Tyburn Road.

Keen to be a socially active action group, ELB organisers always put some cash in the kitty for some refreshments after each community pick to say thank you to group members and encourage a growing sense of community.

Ruth Dillon from Erdington Litter Busters told Erdington Local: “Every month ELB choose a different part of our community to organise a litter pick covering as wide an area as possible.

“This gives our members the opportunity to meet other members and to support each other by coming together in different parts of our community to litter pick.”

She added: “A very important part of our community picks is the social time afterwards. We always like to factor in a chat over a coffee after the pick.

“This is a very small thank you for our great appreciation of everything our members do to make our community a better place to live.”

Due to the busy traffic around the Spaghetti Junction, organisers have advised this month’s litter pick is not suitable for children.

The group have further outlined their Health and Safety Policy for all adults taking part and will appoint “a designated leader from our Core Management Group” who will lead the litter pick having previously visited the site and “assessed the area beforehand”.

Organisers have also signposted a separate litter pick being organised on the same day by Friends of Witton Lakes (FOWL), suggesting anyone who wants to get involved in cleaning up the area but would prefer an off-road location should join FOWL at the Eco Hub at 9:45am on Saturday 7 September.

A prominent community action group, Erdington Litter Busters play a significant part in keeping Erdington clean – arguably picking up the slack left by stripped Council services.

The group also have their own allotment, organise community gardening, and have been responsible for planting flower beds and bringing natural beauty to public thoroughfares such as Six Ways Islands and the central reservation on Sutton New Road.

Outside of the regular litter picks, ELB invite members to ‘adopt a street’ and keep their own roads and Cul-De-Sacs clean – with their Facebook page stating there are “around 200 places currently adopted” and a 3.5m stretch of canal.

The group have also played a part in the strategic development of constituency, including a campaign to stop more betting shops from opening on Erdington High Street and supporting the multi-million pound Levelling Up Fund bid to regenerate Erdington Town Centre.

Ruth Dillon from ELB added: “Despite the great enthusiasm of our members we know that there are many issues that we cannot tackle and need the support of the council.

“So, we are very active in reporting any issues that we find such as flytipping, faults with road signage, and pavement repairs through FixMyStreet.”

For more on Erdington Litter Busters visit www.erdingtonlitterbusters.com

 

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NEWS: Nature Day event on 14 September to help safeguard the future of Perry Common Meadows

Words by Ed King

A recently formed community group is inviting local residents and environmental enthusiasts to a special event celebrating Perry Common Meadows and to help safeguard the future of the urban oasis.

Friends of Perry Common Meadows are organising a Nature Day on Saturday 14 September and are encouraging people to join the conversation about how the green space is managed and developed.

Originally planned and promoted for the Earthwatch Tiny Forest in the middle of the Meadows, the Nature Day will now be held at St Martin’s Church on The Ring – in the centre of Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common.

Organisers have advised for those coming from further afield but looking for a more environmentally friendly way to attend the event, the Number 7 bus will drop passengers directly in front of St Matin’s Church.

Running from 11am to 2pm, the Nature Day will feature family fun activities with an environmental focus – including guided nature walks, a plant swap, and a wildflower seed bomb making workshop.

There will also be storytelling, face painting, subsidised refreshments with food for £1, and a Perry Common Meadows consultation where those attending can ‘have your say’ over the future of the local green space.

Friends of Perry Common founder, Stephanie Boyle, who established the group in 2023, told Erdington Local: “The Friends of Perry Common Meadows is a relatively new group and we’re hoping to develop the Meadows into a people-and-nature-friendly wildish green space, building on what’s already there.”

Stephanie Boyle has been a prominent promoter of environmental issues across Erdington, and organised the Eco Together workshops at the Eco Hub in Witton Lakes last year – a specially designed ten week course about environmental understanding and action, as commissioned by Witton Lodge Community Association.

She added: “To help this along we’re putting on a Nature Day on Saturday 14 September so local people can have their say about how the Meadows develops, while also having fun outdoors and engaging with nature at the same time.”

Also at the Friends of Perry Common Meadows Nature Day will be a programme of live music with a Celtic slant, including a performance from local multi-instrumentalist and hammered dulcimer player Jobe Sullivan, and Bodhran and Ukulele workshops courtesy of the Birmingham Irish Association.

The event will also feature a sneak peak of the upcoming Celtic Journeys, a new concert series soon to be coming to Erdington.

Situated between Perry Common Road and Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common Meadows is home to many local animals, wildlife, and is a hotbed of urban nature.

Friends of Perry Common Meadows are hoping the Nature Day will bring the local community into the conversation about how the area is protected and maintained, helping keep the natural asset safe for generations to come.

For more information please contact Nature Day event organiser Stephanie at [email protected]

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NEWS: Castle Vale residents raise concerns after fire nearly causes “massive explosion” around Yatesbury Avenue

Words by Ed King

Residents around Yatesbury Avenue on Castle Vale are voicing their concerns after a fire in a communal storeroom nearly caused a “massive explosion”, in an area that is routinely used as a “smoking den” by local youths.

The outside storage area that was found alight serves the properties around 431 Yatesbury Avenue and is adjacent to the building’s plant room, which houses all the mechanical and electrical hubs that bring heating and power to the surrounding flats.

The blaze, which sent flames licking around the door, was caught by local residents before it spread. Emergency services were immediately contacted and the fire was subsequently extinguished by West Midlands Fire Service.

But people living in the area are fearful that next time they won’t be so lucky and told how the fire “could have destroyed half the properties around the area.”

The storage room, which can be accessed from the street, has reportedly become a place where children described as being around school age “hang out and smoke” and “do antisocial behaviour basically”.

Reports have also come from local residents that the neighbouring plant room and other municipal storage areas have been broken into, without anyone as of yet reprimanded for the vandalism.

Local residents have banded together to try and curb the nuisance and antisocial behaviour, but following the recent fire there are heightened concerns for public safety.

One local resident, who is worried over the potential damage that could have been caused but understands the lack of provision and support for young people in the area, told Castle Vale Local: “I have concerns about kids going into residential areas and using as a place to hang out.

“The fire could have spread and right next to it is the plant room where all the boilers are, and that could have caused a massive explosion.

“It could have destroyed half the properties around the area.”

They added: “It makes me feel very concerned, to be honest. There’s been a lot of reports about kids running around and causing a load of trouble, but nothing’s being done – no one’s being held accountable for it.

“We need to start getting the parents involved, because these kids are running around with no accountability.”

Following the fire, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed: “The incident involved a fire in brick-built bicycle storage building, between two properties. The fire specifically involved several chairs stored in the building.

“One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the fire. Crews also made further inspections, using a thermal image camera, to ensure there was no fire spread, or hotspots, in the void above the building.”

Calling on help from their local elected official, concerned residents reached out to Councillor Ray Goodwin to address the issue.

Cllr Goodwin told Castle Vale Local: “I am deeply concerned that a few individuals could have caused untold damage to the properties where the fire was.

“I have contacted the police and Castle Vale Community Housing to ask that the CCTV on the estate is looked at so arrests can be made and to stop this happening again.”

Also recognising the need for better youth provision and collective responsibility, he added: “We need more detached youth work to engage with young people and deter them from crime.”

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NEWS: Free workshop to help people find opportunities in journalism or creative industries – Saturday 10 August

On Saturday 10 August, a free to access workshop will be helping people find opportunities within journalism or the creative industries.

Held at Spitfire House, on Castle Vale High Street, the GET WRITING GET WORKING workshop will be a relaxed introduction on how to get ‘work ready’ and build a creative portfolio – that could lead to professional work and experience in media.

It will also teach participants the basic tools of the creative industry trade, such as how to pitch a story or project idea, how to build an industry network, and how to approach editors or potential employers.

Completely free to attend, and with no previous experience required, places are still available to people from across Castle Vale and the wider Erdington constituency.

Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis – to secure your place at the GET WRITING GET WORKING workshop on Saturday 10 August email: [email protected]

N.B. Travel support can be provided for people with mobility issues, coming from within the Erdington constituency – please contact organisers for further details.

The workshop will also include a Q&A session with creative industry professionals – covering topics such as digital publishing, online platforms for professional creatives, and how to both access and navigate arts funding.

There will also be a chance to meet and ask questions to Express and Star Senior Reporter Adam Smith – who has an extensive career in national and regional journalism, reporting on stories from the Barack Obama presidential campaign to the Covid pandemic.

Those who progress with the GET WRITING GET WORKING project will also be given a professional brief through Erdington Local, such as writing a news story for publication or helping design part of the newspaper or website.

Professional mentors can also be allocated to those engaged with the GET WRITING GET WORKING project, given more one to one professional support and guidance.

Project Lead, Ed King, told: “GET WRITING GET WORKING is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to take professional steps into the world or journalism, or to explore opportunities in the wider creative industries.

“It will give participants the basic skills and approaches needed to ‘break in’, such as how to pitch an idea or build a portfolio – valuable lessons, but simple enough for anyone to understand. Then there will be ongoing mentor and one to one support.”

He added: “So often people think they can’t, when in fact they very much can – and it’s just a simple nudge I the right direction that they need to get started.

“The GET WRIITNG GET WORKING project is a relaxed and friendly environment, which will help build people’s confidence as well as open doors for them in the creative industries.”

Having held previous workshops in Erdington Town Centre and online, the GET WRITING GET WORKING project has already helped people across Erdington take their first steps into journalism and the creative industries.

Further workshops and online activity will be organised , with people asked to email [email protected] for more information.

GET WRITING GET WORKING is a project designed and delivered by LOCAL AMBASSADORS, with support from partners including Birmingham City Council, the UK Government, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and Witton Lodge Community Association.

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NEWS: Bagot Arms Golf Society Raises £5200 for Castle Vale based charity Spitfire Services

Words by Tony Roche, pics supplied by Bagot Arms Golf Society

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Bagot Arms Golf Society recently organised a charity golf day that raised an impressive £5,200 for local charity Spitfire Services.

The fundraising sporting event also featured a raffle, auction, and gathered generous donations from club members, contributors, friends, and sponsors.

Spitfire Services, a charity based on Castle Vale, was established in 2002 and supports people facing hardship, isolation, and offers advice and guidance over finances.

The charity also operates several facilities on the Vale, including the Upcycle showroom and Castle Vale Library, and provides essential food bank services to communities in Castle Vale, Erdington, Pype Hayes, and Tyburn – assisting the vulnerable and needy during these challenging times of the cost of living crisis.

Jane Roche, Operations Manager for Spitfire Services, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Bagot Arms Golf Society and all those involved in the charity golf day that raised £5,200 for the organisation.

Jane emphasised the critical role that community support plays in enabling Spitfire Services to continue their mission of helping those in need, particularly during challenging times.

She told: “The generosity and solidarity displayed by the Bagot Arms Golf Society and its supporters stand as a testament to the strength of community bonds and the commitment to aiding those in need.

“In these challenging times, acts of kindness like these serve as beacons of hope and compassion for all.”

Established in 2009 and originally based at the Bagot Arms public house in Pype Hayes, the Bagot Arms Golf Society has transcended the loss of its iconic venue – which has now been demolished after a fire destroyed the roof and building – and continues to serve as a beacon of community unity on the golf course, fostering friendship and camaraderie among its members.

The club also has a rich history of fundraising for charities noble causes such as Cancer Research, The Make a Wish Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Research, and Help for Heroes.

Click here to read about the Bagot Gold Society’s previous fundraising for men’s mental health charity ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’. 

Reflecting on the success of the recent charity golf day, Bagot Arms Golf Society club secretary Jason Wellings expressed gratitude to all involved, emphasising the lasting impact of their collective contribution.

He told: “The awareness raised about the importance of food banks in our community is invaluable, and we urge local businesses and residents to continue supporting Spitfire Services in their crucial mission.”

For more on the Bagot Arms Golf Society visit: www.bagotarmsgs.com

For more on Spitfire Services visit www.spitfireservices.org.uk

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NEWS: Witton Lodge Community Association officially launch ‘phase one’ of new Enterprise Hub

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant

On Thursday 18 July, Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) officially launched ‘phase one’ of their new Enterprise Hub, transforming the old Erdington Baths into a community workspace and entrepreneurial hotspot.

Attending the launch were local partner organisations and stake holders, representatives from local community groups and religious bodies, recently elected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, and Birmingham City Council Leader John Cotton.

WLCA hope the ambitious development, which will give Erdington entrepreneurs a place to take affordable office space or utilise hot desk facilities, will not only breathe life into Erdington’s High Street but “futureproof” the cherished swimming baths from private sale or development.

Once complete, the creative centre will also house a crèche and onsite play area – giving professionals with young families and a place to work from whilst meeting their childcare responsibilities.

There are further plans for the Enterprise Hub to house a community café, and an outdoor area for street food markets, music, arts, and community events.

The development has been four years in planning, with talks beginning before the Covid pandemic and continuing through the city’s financial crisis.

Despite the global health crisis and Birmingham’s own fiscal meltdown, WLCA have continued to push through with the project – recently securing £2m from the West Midlands Combined Authority and £2m for Birmingham City Council to bankrolling ‘phase one’.

The money now on the table will guarantee the Enterprise Hub will open with the office space, hot desks, community café, and the majority of its planned facilities – with a further £2.5m needed to add the additional resources to complete the overall plan.

And whilst Birmingham City Council is looking at assets it can sell to address its multi-million pound financial crisis, the highest ranking politician in the city has confirmed the £2m coming from the Council coffers for the Witton Lodge Enterprise Hub is guaranteed.

Speaking to Erdington Local at the official launch, Council Leader John Cotton confirmed: “That (£2m) was agreed in July of last year through a Cabinet report and was subsequently signed off through our Section 151 processes that we’ve got in place during the current financial challenges

“So, that money is accounted for and allocated.”

Standing with Cllr John Cotton as they toured the development site, Witton Lodge Chief Officer Afzal Hussan explained that “even with a fair wind” the Enterprise Hub will take a couple of years to fullyopen.

And that they were “always looking” for the further £2.5m investment for the final plans, with the money coming from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, after over four years of planning the Enterprise Hub in Erdington is now a reality.

He added: “We now know the building will be open, and I think that’s the gamechanger. With the £4m we will be able to preserve the building and restore the roof. We’ll be able to create a café, open it up to the public, and really convert the pool with the co-working spaces and the pods.

“So, that means the project works as it stands.”

For more on the Witton Lodge Enterprise Hub visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

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NEWS: Temporary closure of International Superstore could be “turning the corner” in local race relations hopes protest organiser

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

The temporary closure of the International Superstore on Erdington High Street could be “turning the corner” in local race relations hopes one of the organisers of the recent anti-racist protests.

Bishop Desmond Jaddoo welcomed West Midlands Police successful bid to be granted a temporary closure order concerning the busy convenience store near Six Ways.

He told Erdington Local: “We were very pleased West Midlands Police took our protests seriously.

“Perhaps we are turning the corner on the authorities taking racist incidents seriously in Erdington.

“Though it is only a temporary closure; but the police worked with the community, who came out in force to show racism should not be tolerated in our society in 2024.”

Bishop Jaddoo, who was awarded an MBE last year, added: “We were disappointed the owner tried to work round the closure by having goods for sale on the pavement after the closure. However, great work by trading standards officers from Birmingham City Council have stopped all sales from the site.

“What hopefully will happen now is the apologists on Erdington High Street, and there are a lot of them who excuse all types of behaviour, will see a line in the sand has been drawn.”

The protests, promoted under the ‘Shut it down – Black Pound’ banner, were sparked when Erdington resident Leon Bedward, also known as DJ Warren G, his pregnant partner, and sister were attacked outside the shop on Erdington High Street on 17 May.

Mr Bedward also identified a young black teenager who stepped in to help the family, who was in turn also attacked. West Midlands Police confirmed three victims were “struck during the altercation” and are now investigating.

Holding the first protest on Saturday 8 June, organisers continue to encourage protesters to gather outside the shop every weekend to demand the shop closed.

Calling for the first protest, Warren G posted on Facebook: “The purpose of this protest is to shed light on the racist behaviour exhibited by the store staff towards my partner and sister.

“I initially tried to address this issue through Instagram, but I was subsequently attacked by 15 to 20 individuals, possibly more, from the International Superstore staff and surrounding shops who are from the Eastern European heritage or community.

“As a result of the attack, both myself and my partner were hospitalised. This peaceful protest aims to raise awareness within the community and encourage a boycott of all International Superstores in Birmingham.

He added: “It is also an opportunity for the black community to come together and support our own shops, ultimately building a stronger community for ourselves.”

Earlier this month West Midlands Police confirmed the shop “at the centre of problems for the community” will close for a month after the force “has been granted the closure order for International Superstore in Erdington High Street following recent disorder”.

The police, alongside a picture of the shop, posted on their social media: “We are aware of protests that have taken place and our officers have listened to the community concerns.

“We’ve worked alongside partners including the local authority and trading standards to take action, and a closure order was granted at Birmingham Magistrates Court.”

Sergeant Fran Clark, from the local neighbourhood policing team, said: “This property has been a source of significant distress for many in the Erdington community.

“We received numerous complaints regarding an attack that took place in May. Our investigation into the violent disorder and racially aggravated assault is progressing well, and six people who have been arrested remain on bail while we continue to gather evidence.”

The International Superstore will be legally allowed to begin trading on 4 August.

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NEWS: Over 80 fire fighters tackle blaze behind Fort Shopping Centre

More than 80 firefighters are tackling a huge blaze in Erdington which has caused a smoke plume which can be seen for miles.

The blaze at a factory behind the Fort Shopping Centre on Wood Lane has been declared “a significant incident” by West Midlands Fire Service.

Roads around the fire at Hastingwood Industrial Park have been closed to traffic.

A WMFS spokesperson said: “This is a fire in a factory, which is not currently affecting The Fort shopping centre which is nearby.

“The fire is contained to the site, where sports equipment is produced. Everyone has been accounted for.”

WMFS confirmed thirteen fire engines, three 4×4 brigade response vehicles, and a hydraulic platform are tackling the blaze with more on the way.

The fire has destroyed the roof of the two-storey steel frame factory and an emergency evacuation point has been set up.

West Midlands Police confirmed it is helping fire colleagues with road closures.

Wingfoot Way is closed at the junction with Fort Parkway and Holly Lane is closed at the junction with Tyburn Road. The A47 Fort Parkway Eastbound is also closed with the AA reporting congestion on routes around the road closures.

Despite fears being raised on social media the fire is not in danger of spreading to a nearby oil terminal.

People have been warned to avoid the area and Erdington residents told to close doors and windows if affected by the smoke.