Category: News

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NEWS: Police and Crime Commissioner confirms “no final decision” has been made on moving Neighbourhood Policing Team off Castle Vale

Words by Ed King

PCC Simon Foster at the launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King

After months of speculation the Tyburn Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) could be moved off Castle Vale and relocated to Erdington Town Centre, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has now confirmed “no final decision has been made” and any plans are “still under review”.

Castle Vale Local was first informed about the possible Tyburn NPT move in autumn last year, which would see the team of community police officers moved to Erdington Police Station – placing them at least 50minutes walking distance away from the edge of the Castle Vale estate and an average of between 12-20minutes if responding in a police car or vehicle.

A map of the area covered by the Tyburn Neighbourhood Policing Team / Image taken from WMP website

When asked for confirmation if the move was imminent, or being considered at all, spokespeople for both West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) were initially unclear as to who would be making the final decision.

But speaking to Castle Vale Local at the recent launch of Operation Fearless, held at Villa Park on Tuesday 7 January, PCC Simon Foster confirmed that whilst “ultimately that is an operational policing decision for the Chief Constable and the local area police borough commander” his office was not aware that any plans had been finalised.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford at the launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King

Furthermore, the West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford confirmed if there was a financially viable option to keep the Tyburn NPT on Castle Vale then “of course [the police would] look at that.”

He added: “In particular, it might be good as a touchdown point for some of our neighbourhood cops and PCSOs. So, I’d never rule anything out. But I’m just being honest and saying my job is to make the pounds go as far as I can squeeze them.”

In previous statements from West Midlands Police, after initial enquiries and calls for clarification, Superintendent Emlyn Richards told Castle Vale Local: “The Tyburn neighbourhood policing team remain based in Castle Vale, however, our lease on their office expires in 2025.”

Reiterating the Chief Constable’s financial concerns surrounding some operational decisions, he added: “Understandably we’re exploring all possibilities to ensure good value for public money balanced our commitment to delivering effective policing.”

Police car parked on Farnborough Road, Castle Vale / Pic by Ed King

When the possible move of the Tyburn NPT was first reported on by Castle Vale Local, Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson began petitioning the police for consultation before any plans were finalised – raising significant concerns about a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour if the public facing police team were to leave the estate.

Since being elected in 2022, Cllr Goodwin fostered a close working relationship with the Tyburn NPT police team and was seen by many, both stakeholders and residents, as having helped the police tackle crime across the estate.

In May 2024, Cllr Goodwin organised a ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ at Greenwood Academy on Farnborough Road, to address residents concerns over crime rates and police presence across the estate. The event was attended by many local residents, alongside Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, PCC Simon Foster, and the then Tyburn NPT Sergeant Edkins.

Broken police tape by the old police station on Castle Vale High Street / Pic by Ed King

After the closure of the police station on Castle Vale High Street, The Pioneer Group had been providing the Tyburn NPT with working space at The Greenhouse – office facilities owned by the housing provider in the centre of the estate – where the local police ran a ‘pop up’ police facility for local residents.

This had been given by The Pioneer Group without rental charges, with the police only liable for “their share of service charges for use of space in our building”, confirmed CEO Simon Wilson, and if the NPT sought to renew their lease “the core terms [would] remain the same – share of service charges and peppercorn rent (i.e.no rent).”

Mr Wilson added “This was to help ensure we could keep the Neighbourhood Policing Team located on Castle Vale.”

In an open letter to both the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner, written and signed by both Cllr Ray Goodwin and Simon Wilson, the local stakeholders expressed their “very genuine concern” and called for any action to be “put on hold” until “meaningful engagement is undertaken” to reach a solution that would not see Castle Vale lose its uniformed police presence.

Police and forenics investigating a violent attack and reports of gunfire on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident

Both West Midlands Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner continue to state that working with partners, such as locally elected officials and housing associations, is a key part of their neighbourhood policing strategy.

In the recent West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition document, setting out the regionwide approach to community policing until 2026, Chief Constable Craig Guildford states how the new “neighbourhood policing model [will] ensure we remain connected and engaged with our communities [and] continue to work with partners” – a sentiment reiterated throughout the sixteen-page mission statement.

Castle Vale Local continues to liaise with all parties involved and will keep our readers updated.

For more on the Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team, visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/tyburn/about-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

 

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NEWS: Erdington Councillor Robert Alden pays tribute to “a wonderful man who cared deeply” after passing of father and Honorary Alderman John Alden

Words by Ed King

Cllr Robert Alden by Rookery House in Erdington / Pic supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden has paid tribute to his father and Honorary Alderman John Alden, after the esteemed senior politician passed away peacefully on 6 January.

In a statement issued through the Birmingham Conservatives, Cllr Alden told: “My father was a wonderful man who cared deeply about helping residents in need. He gave over 33 years to the City, always willing to try and help people no matter the time or day.”

He added: “The City is a worse off place with his passing, we will always miss him.”

John Alden was a significant figure in local politics, having represented the Harborne Ward as a Conservative Councillor for 33 years – from when he was first elected in 1983 until 2012, then after being re-elected in 2014 until his retirement in 2018.

(l-r) Lord Mayor John Alden and wife Cllr Deidre Alden / Pic supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Respected across the political aisle, John Alden was further appointed Lord Mayor in 2003 – helping to launch new Bullring Shopping Centre and represent the city to partners across the world, including a high profile visit to New Delhi in 2004.

Cited as one of the key local councillors who stopped the Conservatives from losing prominence in Birmingham during the 1990’s, when the party was slumped in the national polls, John Alden also served as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group from 1996 to 2000 – alongside a period as Leader during 1997.

Following both his father and mother into politics, Robert Alden was first elected as Erdington Ward Councillor in 2006 – with the ward being comfortably retained by the local Conservatives ever since.

Robert Alden was also appointed Leader of the Birmingham Conservatives in 2014, after serving as the party’s Deputy Leader – following in his father’s footsteps and representing the local party for over a decade.

John Alden leaves behind his wife, Cllr Deirdre Alden (Edgbaston Ward), sons Robert and Thomas, their wives Louise and Helen, and five grandchildren.

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

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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless launches with afternoon of strong police presence on Erdington High Street

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, and supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

On Tuesday 7 January, West Midlands Police (WMP) launched Operation Fearless with an afternoon of strong police presence on Erdington High Steet – in “a major new drive to bring down crime” across the troubled retail hub.

Starting with a special event at Villa Park, WMP invited Erdington local stakeholders and representatives of community groups to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster about their ambitions to make Erdington High Street a safer place to live, shop, and visit.

Following their presentations, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour) expressed her relief and gratitude at the extra police attention, telling around 150 delegates “Thank God, we finally have some [extra police] work going on in Erdington” which she further expressed was “so, so, so overdue.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford adress delegates at Operation Fearless launch, Villa Park / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police)

The Erdington Ward elected officials, Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative) and Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative), were also present at the launch and further expressed their appreciation of the increased police activity – having campaigned for years to increase patrols and uniformed presence in Erdington Town Centre.

Operation Fearless states it will work with citywide and hyperlocal partners to reduce crime in the area, including “Birmingham City Council and other agencies such as immigration, bus and rail companies.”

Moving up to the High Street itself, the new police team came out in force for the afternoon – establishing a knife wand and detector pole at Erdington Police Station, and bringing sniffer dogs, drones, horse mounted patrols, and extended foot patrols in a significant show of police presence in the Town Centre.

Officers with knife wand at Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King

Following on from Operation Skybridge that launched – again on Erdington High Street – last October, Operation Fearless will see a dedicated team of 20 new officers working in Erdington Town Centre tackling crimes from drug dealing and shoplifting to anti-social behaviour and assault.

Headed by Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, who is known for his work on WMP’s Homicide team, Operation Fearless has so far arrested several people in connection with crimes including drug dealing and burglary.

The special initiative also recently arrested six men for conspiracy to defraud, following a joint operation with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team where over half a million pound worth of counterfeit and illicit goods were seized form the High Street. The £500,000 plus haul included cigarettes, vapes, and unregulated prescription medication.

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

Whilst out with the Operation Fearless police team on Tuesday 7 January, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro told Erdington Local: “We’ve got problems here and now, there’s no two ways about that. Theft, anti-social behaviour, open drug dealing or drug taking… all key things that, quite rightly, concern the community. We know that [Erdington High Street] has also been a hotspot previously for youth violence.

“So those are the things we need to address straight away, and we need to look at those issues and how we look to deter offending. And how we look to reduce that and put people through the criminal process if appropriate.”

He added: “But in terms of bringing back Erdington High Street to the village that it was, we’ve got to work with wider partnerships. It’s wider than the Council. We’ve got to encourage people to reinvest in this area and, quite rightly, people will be reluctant to do that if they feel the area is blighted by anti-social behaviour and crime.

“So our view will be that we will continue to work here in Erdington as long as necessary to hand it into a place, where we feel, it is sustainable.”

Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless/

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NEWS: Police launch Operation Fearless in “a major new drive” to tackle crime on Erdington High Street

Words by Ed King

Police tape blocking off Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

On Tuesday 7 January, West Midlands Police (WMP) launch Operation Fearless on Erdington High Street – described by the force as “a major new drive to bring down crime” and help people feel safe in Erdington Town Centre.

Following on from Operation Skybridge, which launched in October last year, WMP state the new policing initiative will bring “a brand new team of 20 officers… dedicated to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour” into Erdington Town Centre, making arrests for crimes from shoplifting to drug dealing.

In a further list of offences the initiative is looking to stamp out, Operation Fearless will also target crimes including anti-social behaviour, robbery, burglary, violence, the sale of stolen goods, and exploitation.

Alongside seeking support from local businesses on the High Street, police say Operation Fearless will work with “Birmingham City Council and other agencies such as immigration, bus and rail companies” to identify and catch criminals.

Local residents, shoppers, and businesses in Erdington Town Centre have long reported endemic shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the once bustling retail hub, with WMP estimating crime in the area has cost the local economy around £7m in the last year alone.

Talking about shoplifting on the High Street, Karen Leavy, store manager at Peacocks on Erdington High Street, previously told Erdington Local: “It’s every day… the [shoplifters] that we know of it could be up to two or three times a day.

“Then there are one’s that we don’t know of, going to the back of the shop and detagging stock. They are an everyday occurrence as well.”

She added: “From 2019 up to last year it’s improved, but we’re still losing about £250 a day.”

(Click here to read Erdington Local’s 2023 feature on shoplifting on Erdington High Street in full.)

Sign by Six Ways Island at entrance to Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

Operation Fearless is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) using £880,000 from the proceeds of crime to finance the special policing initiative.

Once Operation Fearless has completed its work in Erdington Town Centre, both WMP and the OPCC are keen to replicate the program in other crime hotspots across the region. However, as with Operation Skybridge, Erdington Town Centre was chosen as the “pilot” due to the troubling crime trends in the area.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster told: “I am pleased to announce that I am investing nearly £1 million from proceeds of crime recovered from criminals, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.”

He added: “Operation Fearless is launching first, in and around Erdington High Street. I am committed to ensuring there is a reassuring and visible presence out on the streets to keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, who is heading Operation Fearless, further told: “Every day, people in Erdington should feel safe, but we’ve been listening to community concerns, and we understand that people aren’t feeling safe.

“So, we are now launching Operation Fearless to ensure that people feel safe coming to Erdington to live, work and shop.”

He added: “We hear you; we understand you and what matters to the community the most. What we need now is your support.”

Sign identifying the boundaries of the Public Space Protection Order in Erdington Town Centre / Pic by Ed King

Until 23 December 2024, Erdington Town Centre was also under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) giving local law enforcement greater powers to challenge crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and allowing them to physically remove and effectively ‘ban’ repeat offenders from the High Street.

Implemented in May 2021, the PSPO expired just before Christmas Day last year, with Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden (Conservative) and Gareth Moore (Conservative) spearheading the campaign to get it renewed for a further three years.

At the time of writing, it is unclear if the PSPO for Erdington Town Centre will be reinstated by Birmingham City Council.

Operation Fearless – official launch video from West Midlands Police

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless/

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NEWS: Castle Vale Christmas Tree planted in Centre Park by local stakeholders with ‘lights switch-on’ event on 5 December

Words by Ed King

Centre Park, Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic supplied by The Pinoeer Group

Castle Vale is kickstarting the festive season by planting a real Christmas Tree in Centre Park, with an official ‘lights switch-on’ event to be held at 4:30pm on Thursday 5 December.

Free to attend, local residents are all invited to see the Castle Vale Christmas Tree illuminations, with stalls serving donuts and hot chocolate throughout the event.

The Castle Vale Christmas Tree, which stands at over 14ft tall, has been permanently rooted in the park off Tangmere Drive and will be a central part of the estate’s Christmas celebrations for years to come.

Organised by The Pioneer Group, the modern-day housing association that evolved from the old Castle Vale Community Housing Association, the tree was donated by Nationwide Windows and Doors – as part of their partnership with The Pioneer Group to help support local residents on the North Birmingham estate.

Nationwide Windows and Doors also donated 60m of special Christmas lights to decorate the tree, which organisers hope will stand as a beacon on community spirit throughout the dark winter nights.

The Pioneer Group manage over 2000 homes on Castle Vale and have previously worked on a widespread windows and doors replacement programme with Nationwide, helping make homes more energy efficient and increasing security.

Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, told Castle Vale Local: “The Christmas tree lights switch-on is a great way to bring our community together during the festive season. My thanks go to everyone involved in making this event happen.”

He added: “Special thanks to Nationwide [Doors and Windows] for donating the tree and to Councillor [Ray[ Goodwin for his support to bring this event to life. This event will kick start our celebrations across Pioneer and Compass Support with a host of festive activities taking place this December.”

Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) standing by the Christams Tree in Centre Park – donatred bvy Natrionwide Doors and Windows / Pic supplied by Cllr Goodwin

Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) also championed the partnerships that made sure some festive fun came to Castle Vale this Christmas.

He told: “My sincere thanks to The Pioneer Group and its partners for embracing the Christmas spirit in such an amazing way. This is a true testament to Castle Vale and the strength of its partnership working that made this possible.”

Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows and Doors, further stated: “We are deeply committed to creating social value in the communities we serve. We understand the importance of fostering community spirit, especially during the holiday season, and we’re proud to support Castle Vale with the donation of a community Christmas Tree.”

He added: “It’s our privilege to work alongside the Castle Vale community to make this Christmas a little brighter and to demonstrate how businesses can create meaningful impact through small but powerful gestures.”

Christmas Tree in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King

Throughout December, The Pioneer Group and its charitable subsidiary Compass Support will be helping local residents this Christmas with outreach campaigns to provide food, household goods, and even presents to those who are struggling over the festive period.

Special Christmas Hampers will be made up and distributed to local residents in need, providing groceries and everyday essentials, with people asked to donate an old ‘bag for life’ from their supermarket shopping to hold the goods in.

Anyone who can donate a ‘bag for life’ for the Christmas Hamper campaign is asked to drop them into The Pioneer Group offices on Castle Vale High Street before 16 December.

‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign poster on display in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King

The Sanctuary Community Centre is also organising the ‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign, where a special Christmas Tree will stand in the community centre entrance featuring tags hung on its branches with ideas for presents for local children in need.

Charitable members of the public can then choose to purchase a gift for a local young person, akin to the Secret Santa gift giving idea, and help make sure each child on Castle Vale has something to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Anyone wishing to nominate a child to receive a special Christmas gift can visit The Sanctuary and ask to fill out a form with the child’s name, age, and suggested gift ideas.

To contact The Sanctuary and Compass Support directly please call (0121) 748 8111 or email [email protected]

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

For more on Nationwide Doors and Windows visit www.nwd.co.uk

 

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NEWS: Shipley’s Gaming looking to relocate to larger premises on Erdington High Street

Words by Ed King

Notice of application for a Bingo Premises License at 90-92 High St, Erdington / Pic by Ed King

Regional gaming company Shipley Estates Limited, who also trade under the names Shipley’s and Shipley’s Gaming, are looking to relocate one of their Erdington outlets to a larger premises on Erdington High Street.

The Tamworth based company, which has seven premises across the Midlands registered with the Gambling Commission, have applied to Birmingham City Council for a Bingo Premises License allowing them to operate from the old Costa Coffee site at 90-92 High St, Erdington.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, a Bingo Premises License prevents anyone under 18 years of age from visiting the premises and forbids any bingo activity between 12midnight and 9am.

However, according to the UK Gambling Commission it does allow “access to gaming machines”, such as slot machines, with “no restrictions”.

The old Costa Coffee outlet on Erdington High Street / PIc by Ed King

Shipley Estates Limited currently hold two licences for premises on Erdington High Street – as identified by the Gambling Commission UK – and have stipulated that if their application for a Bingo Premises License at 90-92 High Street, Erdington, is successful then their current Adult Gaming Premises License at 243 High Street will be “surrendered”.

However, local residents and officials are concerned the move to a larger premises could bring a rise in anti-social behaviour and negatively increase the gambling provision in an area that already has eight operating outlets.

The growing fears about the rise in gambling and gaming outlets on Erdington High Street have further been magnified as more family focused businesses continue to shut up shop, with the Co-op supermarket being the last to announce it will be leaving the High Street.

Last year, BoyleSports UK won their appeal to open a second gambling outlet on Erdington High Street after Birmingham City Council’s Planning Department initially blocked the application following widespread objections from local residents.

L-R, Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

After hearing about the new Bingo Premises Licence application from Shipley Estate Limited, Cllr Gareth Moore (Erdington Ward, Conservatives) told Erdington Local: “We oppose the application to convert the former Costa unit into a gambling unit, by relocating a store from further down the High St.

“While this is not an increase in the number of units, across the whole High Street, this is replacing a smaller shop with a larger one and so will likely increase the amount of betting machines operating and importantly will also lead to a concentration of gambling shop units in the same location.”

He added: “There is already a betting shop next door and another four doors up, very close to this location and therefore the clustering of gambling units close to each other in the pedestrian part of the High Street could increase ASB and crime”.

Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservatives) also told us: “Due to this increase in size of the unit, clustering impact on this part of the High Street and the loss of one of the larger retail units left in Erdington High Street.
“We urge residents to object to this application by emailing the [Birmingham] City Council licensing team at [email protected]”.

Notice of application for Bingo Premises License on display at 90-92 High Street, Erdington / Pic by Ed King

Objections to the Bingo Premises License application can be made in writing, via email or standard mail, to Birmingham City Council by 5 December – with anyone who lives “sufficiently close” to the premises or who is “likely to be affected” by the proposed activities on the site invited to make official representations.

Likewise, anyone who has “business interests that might be affected” by the licence is also invited to make representations.

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SPECIAL REPORT: Concerns grow across Castle Vale over reports Neighbourhood Police Team could move to Erdington Town Centre

Words by Ed King

Broken police tape on Castle Vale High Street / Pic by Ed King

Concerns are growing across Castle Vale as multiple reports warn the Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) currently situated on the estate could be moved to Erdington Town Centre.

Over the past few weeks, Castle Vale Local has been told by several sources close to the local police that the Tyburn NPT – who operate community policing on and around Castle Vale and Tyburn Road – will be relocated to the Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road.

If this takes place it will base the Tyburn NPT outside of the geographical area they police, with the nearest boundary line to Erdington Police Station being Kingsbury Road – a six minute drive and 22 minute walk away.

Castle Vale Local first contacted both West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) about the issue on 25 September, with WMP stating “all enquiries regarding Estates is dealt with by the [O]PCC”.

Police investigating violent attack on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident

On 26 October, the OPCC initially confirmed “there are no plans, at this point, to relocate [the Tyburn NPT]” but kept the option open “if operational requirements change”.

With continuing external reports confirming the move, on 9 October the OPPC directed enquires back to WMP stating it was “an operational policing matter”. In return, WMP doubled down on the unchallenged fact the Tyburn NPT currently “remain at their Castle Vale base” but crucially did not directly address any future plans of relocation.

After repeated calls for clarification, the latest statement issued, from Superintendent Emlyn Richards, told Castle Vale Local: “The Tyburn neighbourhood policing team remain based in Castle Vale, however, our lease on their office expires in 2025.”

They added: “Understandably we’re exploring all possibilities to ensure good value for public money balanced our commitment to delivering effective policing.”

However, Castle Vale Local has been told members of the Tyburn NPT had already met with The Pioneer Group regarding their lease on The Greenhouse – the office space given to them at a significantly reduced rate – and have yet to resign since it expired in March 2024.

We have further been told by senior officers at TPG the “core terms of the lease remain the same – share of service charges and peppercorn rent (i.e.no rent)” in a continued effort by the local housing association to keep visible policing on the estate.

The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer, Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group

In a joint letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, written and signed by The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson and Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour), the local stakeholders “express[ed] our concerns” about the “proposal to relocate” the Tyburn NPT “from Castle Vale to Erdington”.

The letter continued to address the “negative impact” such a move would have on Castle Vale, and how the lack of “visible policing” could clear a path for “levels of crime that… plagued the community for many years”.

It also highlights “a very genuine concern” over “the lack of engagement with partners” around such significant changes to community policing.

In the recent West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition document, setting out the regionwide approach until 2026, the introduction from Chief Constable Craig Guildford states the “fundamental… continuing value the we, as a force, place on neighbourhood policing”.

The forward continues to outline how the new “neighbourhood policing model [will] ensure we remain connected and engaged with our communities [and] continue to work with partners” – a sentiment reiterated throughout the sixteen-page mission statement.

On the West Midlands Police website, the page dedicated to the Tyburn NPT states the first action taken to tackle crime in the area is “Joint activity with partner agencies”.

Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) / Pic supplied by Birmingham Labour

In a statement made to Castle Vale Local, Cllr Ray Goodwin told: “I am deeply concerned to have spoken to a number of stakeholders who have had it confirmed [that there will be] the withdrawal of the Neighbourhood Policing Team from Castle Vale – despite receiving assurances from West Midlands Police… there are no plans, at this point, to relocate.

He added: “I will, alongside other partners, be seeking an urgent meeting with West Midlands Police to challenge this decision on behalf of the community in Castle Vale.”

The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer, Simon Wilson, also went on record with Castle Vale Local stating: “[The] Pioneer [Group] have only ever sought for WMP to pay their share of service charges for use of space in our building and not charged rent. This was to help ensure we could keep the neighbourhood policing team located on Castle Vale.”

He added: “I understand (Police and Crime Commissioner) Simon Foster has raised the issue with Chief Superintendent Richard North and [I] await a full response to the concerns raised on behalf of the Castle Vale community.”

Police on Farnborough Road, Castle Vale / PIc by Ed King

The threat of losing the local policing team from Castle vale is also concerning residents in the area, including people at the retirement housing community Phoenix Court, on Yatesbury Avenue, which was recently broken into in broad daylight with thieves stealing hundreds of pounds worth of electrical equipment form the downstairs community rooms.

One Phoenix Court residents told Castle Vale Local: “We were told that policing on The Vale was going to be more noticeable, now the Vale will become a no-go area with crime getting out of hand.”

Another resident added: “With no visible policing I think youth crime will increase, and police response times will be lengthened. All police resources appear to be going into Erdington High Street leaving nothing left for Castle Vale.”

Castle Vale Local will continue to follow this story, with both WMP and the OPCC routinely approached for comment.

For more on the Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team, visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/tyburn/about-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

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NEWS: Halloween Pumpkin Hunt back on Short Heath Playing Fields for fifth year in a row – Saturday 2 November

Words by Ed King

The annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt comes back to Short Heath Playing Fields on Saturday 2 November – marking the fifth year in a row the popular event has been held on the local park land.

Completely free to attend, and open to adults and children of all ages, the Pumpkin Hunt runs on Short Heath Playing Fields from 5pm until 7pm – with the sign in tent located at the start of the hunt by the entrance on Short Heath Road, next to the number 28 bus stop.

Signs on Short Heath Playing Fields for the Pumpkin Hunt / Ed King

Children are invited to dress up in their scariest Halloween costumes and search for the hidden pumpkins that have been scattered around the playing fields, making a drawing of the individually carved pumpkin faces as they go. The at the end of the hunt all children taking part will get a special Halloween treat.

There will also be a costume competition with prizes for the best dress boy, girl, child under five, and adult.

Refreshments are also available and served by the Short Heath Wombles, a community group made up of local residents who keep the park free of litter and help support the site’s regular sporting events.

Pumpkin Hunt drawings in the sign-in tent / Ed King

Organised every year by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), and held on the green space the Trust fought to save, the Halloween Pumpkin Hunt attracts families from across the Erdington constituency – from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.

Ahead of the Pumpkin Hunt on Saturday 2 November, a spokesperson from SHFT told Erdington Local: “The Pumpkin Hunt is a really important part if our calendar and something we look forward to each year.

“It’s great to see families come back each year to support us.”

Short Heath Fields Trust members and children from Pumpkin Hunt 2023 / Ed King

They added: “We see people from all along the 28 bus route so it’s important to us we make sure it’s free to all those that attend.

“This will be our fifth Pumkin Hunt and we can’t wait to see familiar faces return, as well as newcomers.”

Known for its spooky secrets, outlandish costumes, and welcoming SHFT members (even if they are dressed as scary clowns or plague doctors), the annual event has become a badge of community spirit with organisers saying it helps prove the value of retaining green spaces in an urban setting.

Running for half a decade, the popular family event has always been free to attend with every child attending going home with something special.

Short Heath Fields Trust members and children at Pumpkin Hunt sign-in tent / Ed King

However, this year SHFT were almost force to cancel the Pumpkin Hunt as squatters had left significant rubbish in the neighbouring Bleak Hill Park, including tents and even a microwave, which the Trust had been petitioning Birmingham City Council (BCC) for months to remove.

Erdington Local has been shown communication from SHFT confirming BCC had promised to clear the refuse by 28 August, and more emails dating back to the beginning of September as the Trust continue to chase local councillors and the Council to make good on their promise.

Decoration from Pumpkin Hunt 2023 / Ed King

SHFT have confirmed to Erdington Local the area is now cordoned off ahead of the Pumkin Hunt and will be staffed throughout the event to ensure no one can gain access, with appropriate Halloween messages warning people away.

Short Heath Fields Trust’s Halloween Pumpkin Hunt will be held from 5pm to 7pm at Short Heath Playing Fields on Saturday 2 November, accessible through the entrance on Short Heath Road.

The Pumkin Hunt is free to attend and open to children of all ages.

For more on the Short Heath Fields Trust Halloween Pumpkin Hunt visit www.facebook.com/events/1307785603535839

For more on Short Heath Fields Trust visit www.shortheathfieldstrust.godaddysites.com

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NEWS: Operation Skybridge officers arrest three men in Erdington for possession with intent to supply and seize “a stash of drugs and haul of cash”

Words by Ed King

Officers from Operation Skybridge / West Midlands Police

Officers from the recently formed special police unit Operation Skybridge have arrested three men in the Erdington constituency and charged them with possession with intent to supply, after seizing Class A drugs and money.

After stopping a car on Jackdaw Road, Perry Common, in the early hours of Friday 25 October, two men were found to be holding what police described as “a stash of drugs and haul of cash.”

Shaun Williams, aged 35, of no fixed address, and Daniel Griffiths, aged 31 from Erdington, were arrested and charged with possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Jacdaw Road, Perry Common / Google Maps

The pair were then processed and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court the following weekend, with a date set for their case to be heard at Birmingham Crown Court on 25 November.

Preceding the arrests, and acting on information gained, officers from Operation Skybridge were able to apprehend and charge another suspected local drug dealer.

Rielle Forbes-Brown, aged 23 from Erdington, was arrested for possession with intent to supply after being found with drugs, money, and “multiple mobile phones” in a car on Chudleigh Road, Erdington, on Thursday 24 October.

Mr Forbes-Brown has been remanded in custody until his day at Birmingham Crown Court on 22 November.

Chudleigh Road, Erdington / Google Maps

Following all the arrests and the suspects being processed into the courts, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’ve seized Class A drugs and secured charges after our proactive crime team swooped on vehicles in Erdington.

“Officers from the Op Skybridge team stopped a car in Jackdaw Road during the early hours of last Friday (25 October) and recovered a stash of drugs and haul of cash.

“We arrested two people who have since been charged with possessing drugs with intent to supply.”

They added: “We detained another man after acting on information and stopping a vehicle in Chudleigh Road on Thursday [24 Oct] morning.

“We found drugs, multiple mobile phones and a quantity of cash.”

Cocaine / Adobe Stock Images

As defined by the Misuse of Dugs Act 1971, narcotics in the UK that fall under Class A include cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, crystal meth, LSD, and magic mushrooms.

Jail time for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs can vary depending on the amount seized, and the perceived role the offender plays in the distribution of the drugs.

The lowest level offender can be let off with a high level community order, but most will be looking at a minimum of around two years behind bars – with the most serious facing life imprisonment.

Operation Skybridge was recently launched with officers from the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team, with a mandate to tackle street level and community crime such as robbery, assault, home invasions, burglaries, and drug dealing.

A spokesperson from WMP added: “Our Op Skybridge team is made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers who target areas where information is received about crime that affects our communities.

“This includes those believed to be involved in robbery, burglary and drug crime.

“If you have any information about crime in your area then please call us on 101 quoting #OpSkybridge. The intelligence we receive will be considered and acted upon.”

Members of the public have also been invited to contact West Midlands Police though the Live Chat facility on their website, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more on West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk

For more on Crimestoppers visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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NEWS: ‘The Game’s Afoot’ as The Erdington Players present award winning murder mystery play

 Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by The Erdington Players

Local amateur dramatics company, The Erdington Players, is set to return to the stage this November with their production of Ken Ludwig’s award winning murder mystery play The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays).

Running from 13-16 November at the United Reformed Church (URC) on Holly Lane, tickets will be priced at £9 (adults) and £7 (children under 16). Performances will be held at 7:30pm from Wednesday to Friday, with a 2:30pm matinee rounding up the run on the Saturday.

For direct links to online ticket sales for The Erdington Players’ upcoming production of The Game’s Afoot tickets, click here.

The Erdington Players, which has operated since 1963, has pervious performed family friendly plays and musicals including Goodnight Mister Tom, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Grease, and is committed to bringing “affordable theatre to the heart of the community.”

The Erdington Players rehearse The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ludwig

Written by renowned American playwright, Ken Ludwig, The Game’s Afoot has kept audiences guessing on both sides of the Atlantic since premiering at the Cleveland Playhouse, Ohio, on 25 November 2011.

The murder mystery tells the story of a famed 1930’s actor, William Gillette, housing a Christmas Eve party for his Sherlock Holmes cast members. But as life imitates art, not all of his festive guests will make it through the night – with Gillette assuming the persona of his on stage detective to solve the case.

The Game’s Afoot was nominated for and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for ‘Best Play’ following its initial run, with The Erdington Players bringing it across the pond nearly 13 years later to the day.

The show’s director, Colin Bridle, said: “The cast and crew are working hard to deliver The Game’s Afoot, and it’s a fantastic challenge for us to bring such a strong, critically acclaimed script to life.”

The Erdington Players cast of The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ledwig

He added: “This is a show that combines a genuinely gripping ‘whodunnit’ with laugh-out-loud slapstick elements, and we’re sure that our audiences will enjoy watching it as much as we’re enjoying making it.”

While The Erdington Players focus on the upcoming performance, the group has also issued an appeal to the community for help as it looks to recruit new members.

Founded over 60 years ago, The Erdington Players is one of the longest running amateur dramatics companies in the city and want to build both cast and crew to support their aims of two annual productions.

James Cresswell, chairman of The Erdington Players, said: “Delivering quality, affordable community theatre for more than 60 years is a legacy that we’re immensely proud of, and something that we’re keen to continue to offer.

“Our latest production owes everything to the small, passionate group of volunteers that make up our group today.”

He added: “The reality is, however, that we must increase our numbers in order to deliver shows going forward.

“Therefore, we would encourage anyone who would like to join us, whether as a performer, backstage hand, or as a member of our front-of-house team, to get in touch.”

The Erdington Players present The Game’s Afoot at the Erdington United Reformed Church, Holly Lane, from 13-16 November. For a direct link to online ticke sales visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/erdington-the-players

For more on The Erdington Players visit www.facebook.com/urcplayers