Category: News

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NEWS: Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team seize drugs and illegal tobacco from raids across the High Street

Birmingham City Council Trading Standards and Erdington Seargent Claire Millard (right) with seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham City Council

Words by Erdington Local news team

Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) has been cracking down on crime across Erdington High Street, seizing significant amounts of drugs and illegal tobacco products in two raids carried out last week.

The first raid saw officers target a known hotspot in between The Swan pub and Borshch Electrical where police believed drug dealing was taking place. During a high impact broad daylight bust, the NPT and supporting officers seized 27 wraps of what are suspected to be cocaine and heroin.

After the raid, a spokesperson for the local force confirmed: “One man was given a community resolution, and an investigation into the drugs is continuing.”

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Then on Thursday 1 October, in a combined effort with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and support from Operation Fearless, the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team raided a High Street shop suspected of selling illegal cigarettes.

Carrying out the warrant to search the premises and vehicles connected to the retailer, officers discovered more than 50,000 cigarettes and over 2,500 grams of hand rolling tobacco believed to be contraband.

Police seized the illegal tobacco products, estimated to be worth more than £40,000, alongside a vehicle they believe was connected to the crime.

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Working further with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and Operation Fearless, the Erdington NPT are now looking to seek approval from the courts to close the shop.

Current legislation can grant police the powers to close a business for up to six months if they suspect it is being used for criminal enterprise, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently announced plans to extend those terms to 12 months.

Following the raids across Erdington High Street, Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “We know that locals here in Erdington, who are proud of the High Street, value a visible policing presence, and I hope that it’s clear through our patrols and enforcement activity that we are acting on their concerns.

“When people tell us they’re worried about the supply of drugs and illicit goods on the High Street, enforcement like this is key to dealing with that.

Sgt Millard added: “We’ll keep working with our partners to tackle this, and as ever we are grateful for the support and information from the community.”

Vehicle linked to shop seized during raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless are also continuing their work in Erdington and has recently expanded to tackle more forms of criminality on High Streets, working collaboratively with the Home Office and other partners as part of the High Street Organised Crime Unit.

Acting Detective Inspector Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, added: “Fearless originally launched in Erdington, and we remain committed to working with local officers as they work hard to tackle crime on the High Street.

“Given the potential links to wider organised criminality, Fearless is continuing to focus on disrupting the supply of illicit goods and targeting those involved.”

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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CELEBRATE ERDINGTON: Erdington High Street Community Market is back on Saturday 26 September – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market is coming back to the Town Centre on Saturday 26 September, held on the pedestrianised area by Wilton Market and B&M Superstore – from 10am to 4pm.

Stalls will be presenting a range of unique and handcrafted items, with a chance to pick up something special that you won’t find in the shops.

Regular and new traders will be selling items from originally designed and handmade jewellery to vibrant clothing lines, crystals and healing goods, original artwork from local artists, colourful and crocheted gifts from local crafters, and homemade treats and sweets from local bakers.

Stall selling crystals and well being goods at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

There will be lots of free children’s activities at the High Street Market too, with a free bouncy castle, arts and crafts workshops from Arts All over the Place, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, and the return of the popular inflatable football shooting range.

Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Aquarius, and Surgeons Children’s Trust will also be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services – with some fun engagement activities for younger children.

Children playing on bouncy castle at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Live music will also be played throughout the market day, with the popular steel pan drummer The Mighty Jamma back on the High Street – celebrating the end of the summer with reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on last Saturday of every month.

A couple browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The events are part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.

“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”

A couple browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.

“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON will also be hosting a weeklong festival of events and activities all across the Town Centre from Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October – giving local families something free and fun to do during the half term holidays.

Watch out for more CELEBRATE ERDINGTON events being announced through the pages of Erdington Local and on the CELBRATE ERDINGTON Facebook page – click here.

A couple enjoying a hot drink at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is supported by the Cultural Action Area, Birmingham City Council, and the West Midlands Combine Authority.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu

Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, with the next event scheduled for 26 September – running from 10am to 4pm.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

 

 

 

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NEWS: Volunteers wanted for Central Square clean up and hand crafts decorations – 12noon on Thursday 24 September

Frontage of Central Square shopping centre on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is calling out for volunteers to help with a clean up of the Central Square atrium on Thursday 24 September – starting from 12 noon.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, and would like to help make the High Street a bit brighter anc cleaner, then please head over to Central Square at midday on Thursday – or email Erdington BID at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

The Central Square clean up team will be sweeping up rubbish from the concourse, wiping down the pillars, and putting up battery powered fairy and festoon lighting.

Hand crafted decorations made by Arts All Over the Place / Photograph by Ed King

Once cleared, the BID and any volunteers will then assist Arts All Over the Place – a local arts and crafts group – to hang handmade decorations they have been producing in weekly workshops at their community space in Central Square and from the High Street Hut outside Wilton Market.

All equipment will be provided, and Erdington BID will arrange for light refreshments for all volunteers from shops and outlets on Erdington High Street – such as House of Chai or the recently opened Love Patties.

Hand crafted decorations made by Arts All Over the Place / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Sometimes a good clean up can make a place that feels forgotten come back to life, and we want to see Central Square become the hive of activity that it once was. So come and join us – great a broom and a bin bag and let’s do something positive.”

They added: “Erdington High Street is facing two possible futures, and we firmly believe there is enough community spirit to make it a bright one. But we need to chip in; we need to see and say the positive more than the negatives. And if we do it together it will transform our Town Centre.”

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON – events and activities across the Town Centre from 27-31 October

The Central Square clean up and hand craft decorations are part in preparation for a weeklong programme of events and activities taking place at Central Square from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON October programme.

Arts and crats workshop at the High Street Hut – led by Arts All Over the Place, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON programme of events and activities / Photograph by Ed King

CELEBRATE ERDINGON events will also be taking place at St Barnabas Church, Oikos Café, the High Street Hut, and on the wider pedestrianised area from B&M down to the Village Green.

On Saturday 31 October, there will also be a special Halloween themed High Street Community Market – with a friendly competition for the best dressed ghouls and goblins.

Poster for weekly arts and crafts sessions at the High Street Hut – led by Arts All Over the Place, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON programme of events / Photograph by Ed King

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is a campaign to encourage positive engagement around Erdington Town Centre – led by Erdington BID and supported by local community groups and partners including Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Artists Conversations, Erdington Arts Forum, PFG Consultancy, and Arts All Over the Place.

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is further supported by Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Follow the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON campaign on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

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LOCAL AMBASSADORS: Free creative writing and community journalism workshop – Saturday 26 September, from 11am to 1pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington Local is expanding its LOCAL AMBASSAODRS team and will be looking for new members to join their free monthly creative writing and community journalism workshops.

Held at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, on the last Saturday of each month – between 11am and 1pm, the next LOCAL AMBASSADORS workshop will be on Saturday 26 September.

The workshops are completely free, and no previous experience is necessary – just a keen interest in creative writing, journalism, and media.

All ages are welcome to attend the LOCAL AMBASSADORS workshops, although under 16s will be asked to attend with adult supervision.

Places are limited and will be allocated ahead of each workshop, with free refreshments provided.

Click here to contact the LOCAL AMBASSADORS team and reserve your spot.

The Erdington LOCAL AMBASADORS are a group of writers and creatives who are regularly published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper – submitting stories and features about everything from UFOs and gothic fiction to local profiles, local sports teams, mental health, community events and activism.

The monthly workshops are led by Portland Jones, who currently writes a regular series in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper about living with unseen disabilities – as well as working with new and emerging writers, helping them shape their stories and navigate the editing process.

LOCAL AMBASSADORS pages in Erdington Local – May to June ’26 edition

Portland lives with prosopagnosia – a serious memory impairment she now has after suffering an undiagnosed stroke – and also runs the Inkwell Writing Group, using creative writing to help people in recovery.

During the LOCAL AMBASSADORS workshops, Portland will help those taking part to find what interests them – and learn how to tell their stories to other, in a way that grabs a reader’s attention.

Inviting people to join the workshops, Portland explains: “Your voice matters. Get involved by writing for your local newspaper and help shine a light on the people, places, stories, and issues that matter most in your community.”

She adds: “You will find out how to spot local stories that matter, how to write clear news reports and community features, understand the basics of local journalism, and work with others to celebrate and support your area.

“Meet new people, build your confidence, and tell the stories that make our community special.”

LOCAL AMBASSADORS pages in Erdington Local – August, September ’26 edition

The LOCAL AMBASSDORS workshops will also feature guest speakers from the local media and creative industries, as well as a look at the history of news and journalism and where digital media could take journalism in the future.

There will also be practical exercises with attendees set mini-assignments, where the LOCAL AMBASSADORS will go out and actually report on a local news story.

There will also be a chance to have your work published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, helping to build a portfolio for anyone looking to take their writing and journalism to a more professional level.

Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

LOCAL AMBASSADORS is hosting its monthly workshops at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street to support the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns – encouraging positive engagement in Erdington Town Centre.

For more information, or to secure a place at the LOCAL AMBASSAODRS workshop on Saturday 26 September email: la@erdingtonlocal.com 

Follow the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON campaign on Facebook: @CelebrateErdington

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market cancelled due to severe weather warnings

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market has cancelled its event on Saturday 29 August.

The decision was made by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – who organises the monthly markets – after severe weather warnings from the Met Office and various forecasters.

Several outlets have been warning of severe weather conditions throughout the week, with the Met Office issuing rolling warnings against potential flooding, thunderstorms, and winds reaching up to 45 kmph.

Severe weather warning sign with lightning cloud / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Stall holders were contacted earlier today (Friday 28 August) after days of organisers monitoring the weather and exploring potential sites to relocate the event. But in the interest of public safety, it was decided to cancel the August event – with the next Erdington High Street Community Market scheduled for Saturday 26 September.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s been a difficult decision to cancel, but after consulting with our stall holders and events team we’ve concluded that the weather could be too much of a safety concern or deterrent.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had to cancel hosting something on the High Street since we started our new programme of community events in February 2025. It feels awful to think we won’t be there on Saturday [29 August] but the forecasts are really bad.”

A dramatic silhouette of modern structures under a menacing sky / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

They added: “We will be back with the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 26 September, and we’re lining up alternative locations if we have such bad weather forecast again.

“Plus, we’ve got a lot more events planned up and down the High Street from September and across the months running to Christmas, and we hope to see everyone back on the High Street soon.”

A red umbrella turned inside out and torn by strong winds / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Organised as part of Erdington BID’s Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street, the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the last Saturday of every month.

Erdington BID is also working with several local community groups and stakeholders on their events programme, promoting the pedestrianised area of the High Street as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

 

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 29 August – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market will be hosting its next event on Saturday 29 August, bringing an array of stalls and free family entertainment to Erdington Town Centre.

Running from 10am to 4pm, local stall holders will be selling handcrafted gifts, unique clothing lines, original artwork, children’s toys, homemade baked treats, and much more.

Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Erdington Artists Conversations, Aquarius, Erdington Local/Local Ambassadors, Arts All Over the Place, and Kharis Church will be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

And The Mighty Jamma will be back, playing live steel pan drums throughout the event – sending the summer out in style with a day of reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.

There will also be loads of free children’s games and activities, including a bouncy castle, an inflatable football shoot out, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, kids karaoke session, and arts and crafts workshops.

All the children’s games and activities are completely free and suitable for a variety of ages – although the bouncy castle is reserved for younger children only.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the High Street between Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, on the last Saturday of every month.

The events are part of the Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.

“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.

“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Several local community groups and stakeholders are promoting the pedestrianised area as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – and have plans to host regular events and activities on the High Street.

Watch out for more events being announced in across Erdington Tonw Centre from September, with a special programme of Christmas events and activities to follow.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu

Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.

The next Erdington High Street Community Market is scheduled for 29 August – running from 10am to 4pm.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal crash on Kingsbury Road, “near Manby Road”

MERIT unit responding to a road traffic collision at night / Image supplied by West Midlands Ambulance Service

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash “near Manby Rd” and Kingsbury Rd last night.

Emergency services responded to a road traffic collision (RTC) at around 7:30pm on Sunday 23 August, where a man in his thirties riding a motorbike and a BMW car collided on the A38 near the entrance to the north end of the Castle Vale estate.

Despite a major response from West Midlands Ambulance Service – which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic and an emergency helicopter from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Manby Rd and Kingsbury Rd Junction / Image taken from Google Maps

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “On arrival, crews found the motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately provided advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene.”

West Midlands Police are now appealing for any information that might aid them with their enquiries around the incident, asking anyone who may have eyewitness accounts, ring door bell or dash cam footage to get in touch.

Air Ambulance helicopter / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

A spokesperson from West Midlands police stated: “We’re appealing for information after a motorcyclist died following a collision in Tyburn.

“We were called to Kingsbury Road, near Manby Road, Tyburn, at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday), following reports of a collision involving a motorbike and a car.

“It’s understood the rider collided with a BMW 1 Series before coming off his bike. We have spoken to driver of the BMW, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the motorbike.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”

Manby Road runs along the north side of the Castle Vale estate and feeds into the busy A38 throughfare, with the Kingsbury Road connecting the M6/M42 motorway junctions near Curdworth to Birmingham City Centre.

Close-up of blue light flasher on roof of ambulance car of emergency medical service on road / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Local residents and stakeholders have long warned about issues over road safety around the area, with measures to control and calm traffic an ongoing concern.

At the time of writing no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the causes of the accident.

West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may help their enquiries to call 101 and quote log number 3618 – alongside the date of the incident, 23 August.

Report can also be made through the live Chat facility on the West Midlands website or by emailing investigators directly at: SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk

For full details on how to contact West Midlands Police visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us

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NEWS: Local Oscott councillor spearheads campaign to save Kingstanding Odeon

Mecca Bingo Hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV

Words by Ed King

A local councillor is spearheading a campaign to save the Kingstanding Odeon and bring it back into community use – after what West Midlands police have called “suspected arson” damaged the Grade II listed building earlier this month.

Also known as the Mecca Bingo Hall, which closed its doors in June 2026, the prominent community hub is situated on the corner of Kettlehouse Road and the more commonly known Kingstanding Circle.

Opening as an Odeon cinema on 22 July 1935, the local landmark was taken over by Top Rank Leisure in the early sixties and converted into a bingo hall – which served as a meeting place and social hub for local residents for over 60 years.

Inside of Mecca bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV

But in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 11 August, emergency services were called to the site after flames and smoke had been seen coming out of the boarded-up entrance.

Speaking to Kingstanding Local, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed: “Shortly after 4.05am on Tuesday 11 August, we responded to Kettlehouse Road, Kingstanding.

“A fire engine from Erdington and a fire engine from Perry Barr attended, the first arriving within five minutes of being mobilised.”

They added: “This was a small fire affecting a porch foyer in a two-storey building, that used to be a bingo hall.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire and secured the property. We left this incident at 5.21am.”

Fire engine leaving station / Image from Adobe Stock Images

Cllr McAuley had contacted the building’s current landlords, The Rank Group PLC, only weeks before to warn against the potential dangers the abandoned building posed – including fire or potential arson attacks.

After his fears became a reality, and the local community rallied around a cherished part of their local history, Cllr McAuly seized the public interest and formed an online petition to ‘Save Kingstanding’s Odeon’ and being the local landmark back into community use.

“I’m very passionate about the building myself,” Cllr McAuley told Kingstanding Local, “and now it was left empty, I wanted to know what additional security measures were put in place to keep the building safe.

“My massive concern was in case the building was broken into or set on fire… so I wanted the security details, a first point of contact, [so we could reach them] straight away.”

Inside of Top Rank bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England

After not initially receiving a response from Rank, Cllr McAuley tells that the national leisure group are now being “very cooperative” and are working with him over the building’s safety concerns.

“The recent fire at our former Kingstanding venue was very worrying and we share the local concerns about this incident,” confirmed a spokesperson from Rank. “Our security contractors have attended and re-secured the building, and we have invested in additional alarms and smoke detectors.”

They added: “We understand the broader safety concerns and are also engaging with representatives from Birmingham City Council and local residents about security and next steps for the property.”

Frontage of old Kingstanding Odeon at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England

But Cllr McAuley wants to futureproof as well as fireproof the community asset, where hundreds of Kingstanding locals have treasured memories and shared histories, and has launched an online petition to ‘Save Kingstanding’s Odeon – Turn the former Mecca into a Community Hub’.

“It’s more than just an old cinema,” tells Cllr McAuley, “It’s a much loved iconic landmark that holds generations of memories for local people. It’s brought families, friends together, it’s provided entertainment for the community, and it became an important part of Kingstanding’s history and identity.

“It’s a common landmark that everyone recognises and associates with Oscott, Kingstanding, and Great Barr.”

He adds: “I’d like to see the council take ownership of the building and put it back to the community use as a community hub. Something we can use, local residents can use.”

Ideas being suggested for the potential use of the iconic building are as a youth centre, a community library, a performing arts space, a warm space and social hub for older residents, a space for a community groups and volunteer led initiatives, a nursery, and a local advice centre.

Other local residents have further chipped in their ideas on social media, with several calling for it to continue providing entertainment – such as a bingo hall and cinema – alongside becoming a wider community hub.

At the time of writing, the online petition has amassed nearly 2500 signatures.

But Cllr McAuley is looking for as much support as he can muster for a project he believes is important to many across the area.

Mecca Bingo Hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV

“We’ve got about 2500 signatures from the local community [since launching],” tells Cllr McAuley. “So, I think that in itself is a sign of what the community wants. They want to retain it for our community.”

“There’s 30,000 people combined between Kingstanding and Oscott, “he adds. “Obviously, I’m not going to get 30,000 signatures, but my minimum target at the moment is to reach 5,000.”

The online petition, hosted at the www.kingstanding.org website, also suggests working with Historic England to protect the longstanding piece of local heritage.

For more on the ‘Save Kingstanding’s Odeon – Turn the former Mecca into a Community Hub’ petition, and an option to sign up, visit www.kingstanding.org/petitions/save-kingstandings-odeon-turn-the-former-mecca-into-a-community-hub

For more on Cllr Martin McAuley (Oscott Ward, Reform UK) visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/councillors/145/martin_mcauley

West Midlands Police have asked for anyone with information around the suspected arson attack on 11 August to contact them quoting crime reference number 20/358821/26.

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NEWS: Shisha Shop at Six Ways Island closed down for selling illegal vapes

Shisha Shop at 280 High Street, Erdington, with shutters down after Closue Order issued / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Words by Erdington Local Editorial Team

Shisha Shop by Six Ways Island has been officially closed down, after West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards found the business was selling illegal vapes.

Promoting itself as offering ‘E-Cigs, Tobacco, Shisha & Accessories’, the business located at 280 High Street, Erdington, was targeted as part of the Operation Fearless initiative that started in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025.

Having accumulated enough evidence to establish the independent retailer was selling illegal vapes, West Midlands Police and Trading Standards finally secured a Closure Order from Birmingham Magistrates Court to force down the shutters on 11 August 2026.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Closure Order can be issued to shut down a business for up to three months if it is believed anyone at the address ‘has engaged, or is likely to engage, in criminal behaviour on the premises’.

Operation Fearless and Council notice on shutters at Shisha Shop, 280 High Street, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

The enforcement at 280 High Street, Erdington, was based on evidence gathered by Operation Fearless and enacted as part of Operation Cloud.

Public Health were also consulted, likely due to the potential health risks around the sale of illegal vapes, which are produced and sold without regulation.

Illegal vapes have been known to contain excess levels of nicotine, exceeding the legal UK limit, and can emit hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein from cheaply produce heating coils.

A study into the dangers of illegal vapes at the University of Dery also found the under the counter products can contain dangerous levels of lead, nickel, chromium, and cadmium – which can impair brain development.

Erdington Wrad Councillor Robert Alden on Erdington High Street with police / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Following the closure of Shisha Shop, Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore told local residents through social media: “We have been pushing for tougher enforcement on Erdington High Street from Birmingham Police and Birmingham City Council, therefore we are delighted to see this enforcement action being taken.”

They added: “We will continue working with the Erdington BID to help hold the Council and Police to account and ensure that the enforcement action needed is taken to keep our High Street safe for local residents.”

Erdington Town Centre and BID Manager, Ed King, also told: “The sale of illegal vapes and smoking related products pose a real threat to people’s health – as well as the potential for children to access products legitimate and ethical business would not sell to them.

“Any business on Erdington High Street selling illegal products must stop or be forced to stop. It’s that simple.”

They added: “Operation Fearless showed what robust policing in the area can achieve, but when they left some of the problems started to return – with no effective strategy in place for the local team.

“Although, thankfully, Erdington’s new Sargeant [Sgt Millard] is now in post and has been rebuilding a strong Neighbourhood Police Team – cracking skulls and just getting on with the job.

“Erdington BID, working alongside Councillor Alden and Councillor Moore, will do everything to support Sgt Millard and her team – and we hope West Midlands Police are prepared to do the same.”

(l-r) Erdington Neighbourhood Police Seargent Millard, Town Centre Manager Ed King, Erdington BID events team and Community Market stall holders / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Directors of M1 Shisha Shop Ltd and A1 Shisha Shop Ltd, both registered at Companies House as retailers with the trading address 280 High Street Erdington, were issued with the official closure order.

Two Directors of Starborn International Limited, a property firm based in West London, were also issued with the closure order – alongside two further individuals, one based in Great Barr and one in Erdington.

 

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NEWS: Bungalow fire on Tangmere Drive puts two Castle Vale residents in hospital

Concerned Castle Vale locals gather whilst emergency services attend incident at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Photograph supplied by local resident

Words by Ed King

A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.

Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.

No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.

At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.

Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.

Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.

In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”

Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.

“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.

“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”

Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident

Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.

The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.

Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities

Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents