Category: News

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NEWS: Erdington emergency services left with “major gaps” in radio coverage if new mast is not approved

Words Erdington Local Editorial Team

Emergency services across Erdington and the surrounding areas could be left with “major gaps” in their mobile communications and radio coverage if plans for a new mast are not approved.

Airwave Solutions Ltd, which operates mobile communications networks for emergency services across the UK, currently has a mast on Edgemond Avenue, Pype Hayes.

However, following a Notice To Quit (NTQ) order the vital communications tower is being taken down by November 2024 to allow the landowner to proceed with plans for a residential development.

The potential loss of mobile and radio coverage for the emergency services on the front line has forced Airwave to submit an application to build a replacement mast at the Erdington Industrial Estate, Chester Road.

In supporting documents, the blue light services communications provider warns that not replacing the mast will put all emergency services at risk – with radio and mobile communication only possible from “a mixture” of sources “dependent upon precise location of officers, of vehicular sets and walkie talkies at street level.”

The organisation, who were bought out by Motorola in February 2016, further warn that without adequate communications infrastructure, radios used by the police, fire, and ambulance services would have “no penetration inside any buildings whatsoever.”

Airwave Solutions continued: “…officers in some areas would only have been able to communicate with each other when using car / fire engine / ambulance vehicle communication sets and no hand held calls will be able to made by officers who are either on the street or inside buildings, whilst in other areas some hand held walkie talkie units will be able to be used but only by officers on the street.”

They added: “The ramifications for public safety and national security if the site is not replaced will be extreme particularly at this precise moment in time of social unrest and rioting – potentially the police would have had no communications between officers and control rooms/commanders, leaving the residents of these areas and essential businesses in the districts unnecessarily more exposed to crime.

“Potentially the fire service would have been similarly exposed to no communications between fire fighters and unable to coordinate a response to any fire in this area; and this would have been no different for the ambulance service and would have been a severe risk to human life in and around the aforementioned town centre and surrounding districts.”

The planning application for the new blue light emergency services communication mast was submitted to Birmingham City Council in August and registered with the Planning Committee in the first week of September.

The application was made for a ‘replacement 24m high telecommunications mast with associated 3no. antennas, 2no. dishes, equipment cabinets and ancillary development works’, with any challenges or comments to be to the Planning Committee made by 3 October.

However, similar applications across the country have been held up by concerns from local residents, businesses, which lead to planning committee refusals or the application being eventually denied by the Planning Inspectorate.

Local elected officials listed as ‘consultees’ on the application are Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Basharat Mahmood (Pype Hayes Ward, Labour), and Birmingham Conservatives Leader Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservatives).

To view the application online, click here to visit Birmingham City Council’s planning application portal and search using the reference: 2024/05239/PA.

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NEWS: End of Summer free family event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on 15 September

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by People for People CIC

People for People CIC are inviting families from across Erdington to join them for a free End of Summer Event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 15 September – centred around the Erdington Rugby Club facilities.

Running from 2pm, the day out will be free to attend with family fun activities including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary ‘tattoos’ for children, a children’s entertainer, and a variety of sporting events.

There will also be stalls selling food and drinks, including barbequed sausages and candy floss.

The End of Summer Event will also give people a chance to test their football skills against the Polish Builders, a special home team made up of tradespeople from different towns – alongside a special children’s Vs parent’s football match for those attending the event.

Both are free to enter with people asked to simply sign up on the day.

(Although if you’re an over eager parent looking to be picked up as the next Lionel Messi, the children’s football game will be refereed by local mums… so be warned, their side might win.)

Following on from a successful first event last year, promoted as a Polish Heritage Day and Spring Volleyball Tournament, the Community Interest Company are hoping to bring the community back together for an afternoon of family fun and entertainment for all ages.

There will also be another volleyball tournament held at this year’s End of Summer Event, with mixed teams including a minimum of two female players invited to enter for a joining fee.

Volleyball is fast paced and a fun way to get healthy, as well as being a popular sport across Eastern Europe – with prizes awarded to the best three teams and four individuals that take part on the day, donated by Erdington’s Central and Eastern European community,

Established as a CIC in February 2022, People for People are a locally based community group driven by a passion for bringing people together through community events, as well as offering advice and support to those in need.

Run by members of the local Central and Eastern European community, People for People work to “connect people, encourage mutual support, and create a sense of belonging.”

The group recently held a special drop-in advice session at Six Ways Baptist Church giving support and guidance to private tenants across Erdington, as the new Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament.

Ahead of the End of Summer Event, Magdalena Breitkopf from People for People told Erdington Local: “We want to bring the community together for a day of family fun alongside a volleyball tournament – it’s a very popular sport in Eastern Europe, much more so than in the UK.

“But although we will keep score and compete for (very symbolic) prizes, the point of the day is fun.”

She added: “Our small organisation does a lot of different projects at the moment – we provide housing and welfare advice, teach basic IT and English.

“But we started it all out of our passion for organising community events because it’s our favourite thing to do!”

People for People will be hosting the free to attend End of Summer Event at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 15 September, running from 2pm – to visit the event’s Facebook page click here.

For more on People for People CIC visit www.peopleforpeoplecic.org

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NEWS: Erdington man convicted of Wallis Webb murder following four week trial at Birmingham Crown Court

Words by Ed King

An Erdington man has been convicted of the murder of Wallis Webb, after a four week trial found him guilty of the crime on Thursday 12 September.

Mr Webb was discovered dead at his home on Baldmoor Lake Road on 6 February this year, after emergency services were contact by the victims brother who was living overseas and had not heard form their sibling in five days.

After forcing entry to Mr Wallis’s home address, police found the deceased with multiple stab wounds and began a murder investigation.

Sakander Hussain, of Knights Close, Erdington, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court earlier today where a jury of his peers found him guilty of both the murder of Wallis Webb and fraud by false representation – after the victim’s bank cards were used to rack up over £400 of purchases after he was dead.

Hussain, who pleaded guilty to false representation but denied murdering Mr Webb, will be sentenced at a later date – with the Crown Prosecution Service sentencing guidelines outlining he could be facing up to 24 years behind bars.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “Following CCTV enquiries and searches into the records of Wallis [Webb], investigators found that he had picked an individual up just before midnight on 30 January, and that individual was seen leaving his property just before 4am, hours later.

“Later that morning and for multiple days following, Wallis’s bank cards were used at several shops across Birmingham and online for a shopping delivery.”

They continued: “On 7 February, we arrested Sakander Hussain, 25, at an address in Ingleton Road, Birmingham. We found that Hussain of Knights Close, Erdington, had used Wallis’s bank cards totalling over £400 in the days after fatally stabbing the 65-years-old.

“He was later charged with murder and fraud by false representation.”

Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from the West Midlands Police Homicide Team, added: “As soon as the murder investigation was launched, our team worked tirelessly on this case and to bring justice to the family of Mr Webb.

“This was a heinous crime with an elderly victim who should have been safe within his own home.

“The fact that Hussain went on to use Mr Webb’s bank cards after he had left him dead demonstrates the callousness of the crime. He even had the presence of mind to set up an online shopping delivery to his home address within hours of the killing.

“He has not offered an ounce of remorse and deserves to spend a significant number of years behind bars.

“I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for the family.”

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage after non-fatal stabbing on Coton Lane

Words by Ed King / Pics taken from Erdington Local archives

Police are appealing for help from the public after a man was stabbed on Coton Lane yesterday afternoon (10 September).

Responding to the incident, emergency services found the victim in a “serious condition” at the scene, but after rushing him to hospital it was confirmed his injuries were not fatal or “life changing”.

Now the force is calling for any information that may help them “trace who is responsible” for the attack that took place in broad daylight, just off the busy Erdington High Street.

Officers investigating are also looking for any eyewitnesses to the incident, or dashcam footage from any vehicle parked on Coton Lane or on the surrounding parts of Erdington High Street.

Following the attack, forensic teams cordoned off the quiet side street to search for clues – with officers also seeking CCTV footage that may help with their enquiries.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’re appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue after a man was stabbed in Coton [Lane], Erdington yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 10 September].

“The man in his 30s was taken for hospital treatment after the incident at around 3.15pm.

“Thankfully he is not believed to have suffered life-changing injuries and remains in a stable condition today [Wednesday 11 September].”

They added: “CCTV from around the area is being retrieved and reviewed as we work to establish what happened and trace who is responsible.

“Investigators have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and would urge anyone we’ve not yet spoken with, but who believes they can help, to come forward.

“We’d also ask that anyone who has any dashcam footage from around the time of the incident to get in contact with us. If you can help, call us on 101 or message us via Live Chat on our website, quoting crime reference number 20/832261/24.”

Members of the public who wish to pass on information anonymously have further been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Attending the scene on Tuesday afternoon, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Coton Lane in Birmingham just before 3.15pm.

“An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a man in a serious condition.

They added: “Medics provided advanced trauma care before he was conveyed under emergency conditions to hospital with MERIT travelling on board to provide continued treatment.”

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NEWS: Erdington MP goes against party line with ‘no vote recorded’ on motion to block cuts to winter fuel allowance

Words by Ed King

According to official Westminster sources, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton has ‘no vote recorded’ over the plans to block contentious cuts to the winter fuel allowance – which would affect approximately 10 million pensioners across the UK.

After a motion to annul the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 was brought to the House by the Conservative Party, all Labour MPs were expected to follow the party line and support the proposed cuts – with a vote against the motion to be held on Tuesday 10 September.

But with ‘no vote recorded’ against Ms Hamilton after a heated debate and subsequent ballot in the House of Commons earlier today, this makes the Erdington MP one of 53 Labour MPs across the country who did not succumb to the party whip.

Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July that a £22bn “black hole” in public finances would see the winter fuel allowance become means tested, the proposed cuts received significant backslash – with many arguing it would put the burden of the country’s finances on the most vulnerable, instead of addressing tax reforms to recoup the deficit.

Looking to push through the changes without a vote in the House, Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer had previously suspended seven ‘rebel’ MPs who initially stood against the Government on the two-child benefit cap – showing a hard line approach to any internal party opposition.

However, following a challenge from the Conservatives to scrap the proposed cuts a vote was scheduled for Tuesday 10 September – with 348 MPs voting against the motion to annul the changes, and 228 backing it.

72 MPs were identified as having ‘no vote recorded’, effectively abstaining from the vote, 52 of which were Labour Members of Parliament – going directly against the Government’s calls for party unity on the issue.

Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, Jon Trickett, voted in favour of the motion to annul the Government’s proposals to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment.

Other Midlands MPs with ‘no vote recorded’ in the Commons today are Tahir Ali (Hall Green and Moseley, Labour), Cat Eccles (Stourbridge, Labour), and Sarah Edwards (Tamworth, Labour).

In statement to Erdington Local, Ms Hamilton MP told: “I recognise concerns about the recent changes the Chancellor has made to the Winter Fuel Payments Scheme and that’s why I met with Age UK in July to hear about these directly.

“The new Government is having to make really tough decisions, after our economy was wrecked by the last Government, who left a £22bn black hole in the public finances.”

She added: “I know that people in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott will be feeling worried about this decision, especially in the run up to winter and I want to assure them that I will continue to put pressure on people in my party to protect the most vulnerable in society and explore alternative means through which to reduce the deficit.”

Birmingham Conservatives Leader and Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden told: “This decision by the Labour Government will be devastating for thousands of pensioners across Erdington Constituency.

“It is estimated that over 11,000 pensioners in Erdington Constituency and over 117,000 across the City of Birmingham, will have their winter fuel allowance removed just as the cold weather approaches.

“Labour has, for years, said these payments were vital for saving lives, yet within weeks of being elected they are slashing these very payments.”

Cllr Alden added: “The reality is this cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance is a direct attack on low income pensioners across Erdington and Birmingham. Labour is forcing them to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table – which Labour’s own research has said will potentially kill 4000 people.

“This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s cruel and unnecessary and Labour MPs should have backed the Conservative oppositions motion to stop these cuts.”

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NEWS: Free advice and drop-in support session for renters across Erdington on 12 September

Words by Ed King

A local community group are hosting a special event for renters across Erdington offering advice, guidance, and support around tenant’s rights and how to challenge unscrupulous landlords.

Held on Thursday 12 September at Six Ways Baptist Church, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, the daytime drop-in session will be free to attend – with no advance booking or referrals from third parties required.

Organised by Erdington based Community Interest Company (CIC) People for People, the tenant’s rights support session will be led by the Birmingham branch of ACORN – an international community union established in 1970 that offers support on social issues and housing.

Established as a CIC in February 2022, People for People are a self-described “migrant led organisation” who work across the community to “connect people, encourage mutual support, and create a sense of belonging.”

With renter’s rights often a key issue for people coming to live in the UK from abroad, as well as the existing pressures from private landlords put on renters across the country, the session on Thursday 12 September will be a chance for many across the community to access much needed free support.

People will be able to get advice on any issues around housing and their rights as private tenants, including the legal requirements on property maintenance and how to protect security deposits.

One of the Directors of People for People CIC, Magdalena Breitkopf, told Erdington Local: “During our weekly housing advice sessions at the Six Ways Erdington Baptist Church we identified the need for practical advice on housing in the private sector and we didn’t want to just signpost people, we wanted to bring that advice directly to residents of Erdington.”

The session will also look at the legal framework of an existing tenancy agreement, helping renters fight surprise and ‘no fault’ evictions and keep a roof over their head.

Housing charity Crisis reported a rise of 32% in section 21 notices being issued at the end of last year, where a landlord can evict a tenant without any reason or cause – allowing them to sell or rent the tenant’s home from under them with only eight weeks notice.

Homelessness charity Shelter further report that ‘500 renters are served a section 21 eviction notice EVERY DAY’ and have written an open letter to the top housing politicians in Westminster to force long promised reform through the Commons.

Blamed for uprooting families and stripping renter’s rights, the contentious section 21 notice was set to be abolished in the previous government’s Renters Reform Bill – which campaigners say was “hijacked by grubby deals behind the scenes” and fell dormant after its second reading in May 2024, before the General Election.

The now Labour government have reintroduced proposed changes in the now called Renter Rights Bill, which is set to receive its first reading in October.

If the bill passes successfully through Parliament it is hoped the new legislation would come into effect by October 2025.

For more on People for People CIC visit www.peopleforpeoplecic.org

For more from ACORN Birmingham visit www.facebook.com/Acornbrum

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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 waheed.saleem@wittonlodge.org.uk – 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 perrycommonmeadows@gmail.com