Category: News

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NEWS: Erdington’s undefeated MMA star Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair takes on Sweeden’s Mateo Lerena – Saturday 13 September

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s undefeated professional MMA star, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair, is preparing for his next fight – this time taking on Sweeden’s Mateo Lerena on Saturday 13 September.

To be held at the Västerås Kongress entertainment and exhibition venue – in Västerås, Sweeden – the international bout is being organised by Fight Club Rush (FCR), Scandanivia’s self-declared ‘fastest growing MMA organisation’.

Taking a break from training, Mo Zubair told Erdington Local: “I’m looking forward to showcasing my skillset on FCR – it’s a huge show, live on UFC Fight Pass which goes out to millions of people across the world.”

He added: “I’ve worked hard for this opportunity a win here takes me one more step closer to my dream of signing to the UFC.”

UFC Fight Pass, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s official digital streaming service, is a global media platform for the sport – broadcasting over 40 fights each year to over 600,000 subscribers across the world.

The attention from UFC in broadcasting this event is a shot in the arm to Zubair’s rising profile within the world of MMA, as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Team Renegade peer and UFC World Champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards.

Both Mo Zubair and Leon Edwards were raised in North Birmingham and trained at the Ultimate Training Centre gym, that was once located on Erdington High Street, with the two young sportsmen finding the world of MMA a lifeline in their youth.

Zubair previous told Erdington Local: “Leon is a big inspiration to me; he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.”

He added: “He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.”

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair announced winner after beating Spain’s Santata Nester, March 2024 / Photograph supplied by Mo Zubair

Mo Zubair moved into professional MMA in March 2024, facing off against Spain Santata Nester and beating his opponent by corner stoppage in the first round.

His next fight, against Darlington’s Liam Thoams – who stood three inches over Zubair – saw him knock out his opponent with a precision placed left hook in the first ten seconds of the fight, despite Zubair only accepting the bout eight days prior to stepping in the ring.

Zubair currently has five professional fighters to his name, winning four of them in the first round.

Only Mauro Pina, also from England, managed to last the distance with Zubair – but lost to unanimous judges’ decision, allowing Zubair to maintain his unbeaten professional record.

Mateo Lerena has fought two professional MMA bouts and is also undefeated.

Zubair fights mostly in the Bantamweight class, standing 5ft 7in and weighing in at 126lbs. Mateo Lerena fights both Bantamweight and Flyweight, standing at 5ft 7in and weighing in at 130 lbs.

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair will face Mateo Lerena on 13 September at the Västerås Kongress in Sweeden.

The fight will be broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, for more details and to secure a live stream visit: www.ufcfightpass.com

Alternatively, for more details for on Mo Zubair’s fight against Mateo Lerena visit www.facebook.com/fightclubrushfcr

And click on the following links to follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.

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NEWS: Castle Vale Town FC win first game of the season 4-0

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.

Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.

Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.

The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.

Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.

Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.

At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.

He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”

Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.

Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.

PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

For more on Castle Vale Town FC visit www.castlevalefc.clupik.app

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

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NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 23 August

Words by editorial team

The next Summer Fun Day comes to Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

Completely free to attend, the August Summer Fun Day runs from 12noon to 5pm on the pedestrianised area between Wilton Market and the B&M Superstore.

Hosting a range of free games and activities for children, there will be arts and crafts sessions, live music from local artists and choirs, and a bouncy castle for young people – all free to enjoy and paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.

Children on bouncy castle at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Alongside the activities for young people, local community groups and services will be hosting tabletop displays, introducing residents to the volunteer and support activities they can access across the constituency.

Groups that have been present at the Summer Fun Days include Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Walking Group, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Aquarius, Hope in Action, POMOC, Make a Change, Incredible Surplus, Arts All Over the Place, Erdington Arts Forum, Witton Lodge Community Association, and Erdington Local.

Erdington Lunar Society stall at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington BID will also be hosting a special pop-up kitchen, cooking up some burgers, hotdogs, and baps with fresh produce from longstanding Erdington butchers, City Meats – located in Wilton Market.

All money raised for the sale of food will be reinvested straight back into Erdington Town Centre, supporting future community events and projects on and around the High Street.

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will also be hosting a constituency surgery from a branded gazebo between 12noon and 2pm, inviting residents to talk to her directly about their concerns and issues affecting them on the local area.

Community groups stalls at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Members of the local police team will be at the event, meeting local residents and talking to people about the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Police Team across the Town Centre and wider constituency.

West Midlands Fire Service Green Watch will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station and inviting people to explore the emergency response vehicle and meet the fire fighters.

Organised over the summer months, the Summer Fun Days have run from June to August – brining hundreds of people and families to Erdington High Street, as part of a programme of community focused events from the new Town Centre Management team.

Children and families sitting on hay bales at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Darren Dodd

Erdington BID has organised the Summer Fun Days as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – encouraging people to celebrate the positives of Erdington Town Centre.

As the autumn and winter months come in, future events will be held that reflect the seasons – utilising the pedestrianised area and others spaces up and down the High Street for community activities and engagement.

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “We’re looking forward to another fantastic Summer Fun Day and hope to see families, residents, and shoppers back in the Town Centre for another free afternoon of family fun.”

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY banner and volunteers at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “We’ve had a lot of fun over the summer months, and it’s been amazing to see so many people have such a good time back on Edrington High Street.

“Now we’re looking at what we can do in autumn and winter, how we can build on these first community events, how we can better celebrate our Town Centre, and how we can continue to encourage people to LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.”

Check out some pictures from the previous Erdington BID Summer Fun Day events.

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day on 21 June / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Selina Gooden

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Erdington BID’s second Summer Fun Day on 26 July / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Ed King

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Erdington Fire Service and working fire engine at Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

Fire Service and working fire engine at community evemt / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Fire Service

Words by editorial team

Erdington Fire Service will be coming to the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street this Saturday (26 July), giving locals a chance to meet the team and explore a real-life working fire engine.

A crew from Erdington Fire Station, situated on the corner of Orphanage Road and Edwards Road, will be driving the fire engine onto the High Street for 2pm.

Parked up alongside B&M Superstore, children and families attending the Summer Fun Day event will be invited climb aboard and explore the fully kitted emergency response vehicle.

Working fire engine out on call / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

Fire crew will also be offering helpful advice and guidance around issues including fire safety and safer driving. The team will also be offering support around water safety – as concerns over children and young people plating around open water are heightened in the summer months.

A spokesperson from Erdington Fire Station confirmed: “[Erdington Fire Service] will be attending in the afternoon from about 2pm.

“We will be showing children around the appliance (fire engine) and giving out advice around home fire safety, safer driving and water safety.”

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.

The event is part of a wider year long programme of activity in the Town Centre, in line with the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.

Completely free to attend, the Summer Fun Day will offer free games and activities for children – alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.

Face painting at Erdinigton BID’s Summer Fun Day in June / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Young people will be able to get their face painted free of charge, with free arts and crafts sessions also being run by local creative group Arts All Over the Place.

Inclusive sports charity Make A Change will also be running games that people of all physical abilities can enjoy, including wheelchair basketball and soft play archery – helping to promote inclusivity through sport and encourage physical activity.

There will also be a free bouncy castle for young people to enjoy, with event staff on hand to keep all the activities safe and make sure everyone gets a go. Very small children will be able to enjoy the front space of the bouncy castle, under supervision of a parent or carer.

Bouncu Castle at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd

The Summer Fun Day will also have a series of tabletop displays and stalls from local community groups, engaging with local people and letting them know about the community activities and services in their area.

Attending the Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July will be Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Local, and members of the Erdington local police force.

There will also be displays from POMOC – a local charity that represents Erdington’s Eastern European community, and Incredible Surplus – offering some free food and snacks, as part of their mission to challenge food waste.

Stalls from local community groups and services at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

Taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin, the Lazy Fifty gig will be completely free to attend – with tickets allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.

Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.

New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty – performing a free live gig at Okos Cafe on Saturday 26 July

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.

“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”

They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.

“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”

The first Summer Fun Day was held in June, with another free event planned for Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August.

Erdington BID is supported by local businesses and retailers, raising extra money for the Town Centre through from community events and fundraising.

PICTURE GALLERY: Games and activities at Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day / Photographs by Selina Gooden and Darren Dodd

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: New Zealand’s Lazy Fifty to play free gig at Oikos Café – as part of Blues and Jazz Festival, on Saturday 26 July

Lazy Fifty – New Zealand blues rockers

Words by Ed King

New Zealand blues rockers, Lazy Fifty, are playing a free afternoon gig at Oikos Café on Saturday 26 July – coming to Erdington Town Centre as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

Doors at the popular Erdington High Street venue will open at 4pm, with Lazy Fifty playing a headline set at around 4:30pm. All ages are welcome.

Tickets are free and allocated at the door on a first-come-first-served basis. Advance tickets can be reserved through the online ticketing agency Eventbrite – click here.

A local support act will also be performing a short warm up set, getting the Erdington crowd up and jumping – as provided by Ceol Agency and the Erdington Arts Forum.

Lazy Fifty are an established blues rock trio from New Zealand, renowned for their dynamic live performances and melodic rock – and taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin.

Lazy Fifty in concert – photograph taken from the band’s solcia media.

Travelling over 10,000 miles to play their first gigs in Birmingham, Lazy Fifty are in the city for the Jazz and Blues Festival 2025 – joining hundreds of other musicians from across the world, playing at 115 venues across the West Midlands over a ten-day festival programme.

Lazy Fifty released their 10 track debut album, Petra et Volvo, to critical acclaim in 2017 – following with their sophomore album, Fifty Shades of Lazy, a year later.

After a short break form recording the band released their third album, The Broken Stone, in 2020.

A year later saw the release of Lazy Fifty’s fourth studio LP, 2021: A Lazy Odyssey, which was described by leading New Zealand music website music.nz as “an absolute blast from start to finish” and “a sheer delight… channelling Sabbath, or George Thorogood.”

Lazy Fifty’s latest release – their five track EP The Good, The Bad and The Lazy – was released in May 2025.

But the stalwarts of the international blues and rock circuit are also known for being watertight live musicians, who embrace the essence of blues, rock, and a self-declared “healthy dose of funk” through their “dynamic” on stage performances.

In a special video posted on the band’s YouTube channel, ahead of the gigs in Birmingham, Lazy Fifty dusted off a “Lazy Sunday” version of their track ‘Vigilante Blues’ – taken from the band’s debut album, Petra Et Volvo (2017).

A spokesperson for Lazy Fifty told: “To celebrate our upcoming gig at the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival we’ve delved into the archives to bring you this lazy Sunday version of ‘Vigilante Blues’.”

They added: “It’s seven minutes long and that’s what we love about the blues – long, mellow, lazy and chilled – just like us when we play the blues.

“Bring it on Birmingham.”

Watch Lazy Fifty perform ‘Vigilante Blues’ at Harley Owners Group National Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand

Having run for 41 years, the Jazz and Blues Festival 2025 is the brainchild of Jim Simpson, one time manager of Black Sabbath and longstanding musical figurehead in Birmingham and beyond.

The widely respected festival added Erdington back onto its programme after being invited to the area by the Erdington Business Improvement District, as supported by local retailers, and the Erdington Arts Forum.

In the Blues and Jazz Festival 2025 brochure, festival organisers describe Lazy Fifty as a “powerhouse blues-rock trio… playing a mix of toe tapping blues-rock that’ll see you bringing out your air guitar and traditional blues with emotion pouring out of the guitar.”

Playing a special free at Oikos Café, Lazy Fifty will get to perform down the road from where bands like Sabbath and Led Zeppelin cut their teeth at the pivotal music venue Mothers Club.

Erdington BID is listed as an official supporter of the Blues and Jazz Festival 2025 alongside other BIDs from Southside, Jewellery Quarter, and Sutton Coldfield – as well as larger governing bodies including the West Midlands Combined Authority, Sandwell and Dudley Council, and Wolverhampton City Council.

Lazy Fifty play a free gig at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, on Saturday 26 July – to secure advance tickets click here.

For more on Lazy Fifty visit www.lazyfifty.com
For more on the wider Blues and Jazz Festival 2025, including a full vent programme and details on artists performing, visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk
For more on Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

Promotional poster for Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July

Words by editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.

Following the success of their first event in June, Erdington BID will be bringing back the summer fun in July – with free games and activities for children, alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.

Completely free to attend, there will be face painting, arts and crafts sessions, and a bouncy castle for young people – all paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.

Families and young poeple enjoying the bouncy castle at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID

The event will be held in the same location, on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street in between the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.

A family friendly day out, Erdington BID is organising the Summer Fun Days as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – to bring a programme of events back to Erdington Town Centre and give local families something fun to do on the High Street that won’t cost them a penny.

Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, local community groups and service providers will have information displays and engagement activities – including Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Lunar Society, Short Heath Fields Trust, Aquarius, and Witton Lodge Community Association.

Face painting at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

West Midlands Fire Service will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station, on site between 2pm and 4pm – with adults and children alike invited to get up close and personal with the emergency vehicle, to meet the fire fighters, and learn about fire safety.

Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin. Free to attend, tickets will be allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.

Stalls from local community groups and services at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.

“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”

They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.

“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”

Children’s free arts and craft sessions at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

Another Summer Fun Day is being organised on Erdington High Street for Saturday 23 August.

Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.

PICTURE GALLERY: Check out our photographs from Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day

GALLERY #1 / Photographs by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID

Gallery #2 / Photographs by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Police arrest two men over attack by Village Green in Erdington Town Centre

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photograph supplied by Erdington bid

West Midlands Police have confirmed they have arrested two men over an attack by the Village Green in Erdington Town Centre last week.

The force further confirmed the men are “in custody” and will be facing questions on “suspicion of wounding”, which can carry maximum jail terms of between five years to life imprisonment – depending on the severity and intent of the assault.

On Wednesday 2 July, emergency services responded to a call regarding a violent altercation between individuals on the pedestrian area near Oikos Café and The Swan Pub, with police cordoning of a large section of the High Street whilst investigating.

Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Erdington Local was also at the scene and was by told by staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the incident, how one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout beer from a rubbish bin and used it to attack another man following a verbal altercation.

An Erdington Street Warden, who works with Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to help support and secure the Town Centre, was also at the scene and administered first aid to one man – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming from his back.

To read Erdington Local’s initial article following the reported attack, click here.

Police tape off pedestrianised area around crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

After a week of investigating and enquiries, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police has now confirmed that arrests have been made and those responsible for any crime will be questioned and processed accordingly.

West Midlands Police told: “Operation Fearless officers have arrested two men after an assault on Erdington High Street, where a man was attacked with a glass bottle outside a pub on 2 July.

“He was taken to hospital with injuries that thankfully, were not life-changing.

“We’ve been carrying out a thorough investigation and this morning (9 July) officers from Operation Fearless arrested two men aged 35 and 58.

“They are both currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of wounding.”

Suspected blood and broken glass on the pedestrianised area inbetween Oikos Cafe and The Swan pub / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

They added: “Operation Fearless, which recently expanded to the Southside area of Birmingham, continues to support colleagues in Erdington and together they are committed to making it the safest possible area for people to live and work.

“Fearless and our dedicated Erdington High Street team will be continuing patrols around the area as we support #SaferStreetsSummer.

“If you have information about crime in the area, call us on 101.”

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, which is supported by local retailers and businesses, told: “There are legitimate concerns from local businesses that the space by the Village Green is in danger of becoming a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour.”

“Over recent weeks, there has been a rise of incidents and reports made over issues around the Village Green area, after Operation Fearless has driven certain activities and individuals out of the centre of the High Street.”

Area between The Swan pub and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph suppliued by Erdington BID

They added: “Erdington BID is in constant talks with the local police teams and wider units, as well as the Operation Fearless team and other partners, to increase police presence and enforcement in the area.

“We welcome the extra efforts being made and the increasing partnership work between uniformed officers on patrol in the Town Centre and our own Steet Wardens – alongside our incredibly resilient retailers.

“There has been a very positive change made on Erdington High Street after Operation Fearless and everyone, including the police, are 100% committed to moving forward and not backwards.”

For more on the local police in the Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

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NEWS: “Incident” by Village Green leaves part of Erdington High Street cordoned off as emergency services respond

Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

An “incident” on the pedestrianised area by the Village Green left part of Erdington High Street cordoned off by police on Wednesday 2 July.

Blue and white police tape stopped shoppers from walking through the crime scene at around 1:30pm yesterday, as emergency services responded to a 999 call from a local business – following reports of two men fighting in the street.

Blood and broken glass could be seen in the centre of the High Street, with several local people reporting a man had been “stabbed” with a broken bottle.

Police tape was finally removed from the area and members of the public were allowed back onto the concourse at around 3pm.

Broken glass and what is believed to be blood seen behind blue and white police tape aftre incident on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We were called to Erdington High Street at around 1.30pm yesterday (2 July) following reports a man had been assaulted.

“It’s believed he was attacked with a glass bottle… and he was taken to hospital with injuries thankfully not believed to be life-changing.”

They added: “A full investigation has started with officers reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.

“Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting crime reference 20/295081/25.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an incident on High Street in Erdington at 1.30pm and sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who they treated for serious, but not life-threatening injuries, before conveying him to hospital.”

Police tape on lamppost near crime scene on pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local

West Midlands Police were also quick to attend the scene, with people in the area saying the response teams arrived “in a few minutes” and began gathering local intelligence.

Erdington Local was also at the scene and was told the incident had been filmed by members of the public and it was hopped the man responsible for the attack could be clearly identified.

It was also reported that the Erdington Street Warden on duty at the time was one of the first at the scene and was quick to administer first aid the victim – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming out from underneath his clothes on his back.

Staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the reported assault, told Erdington Local how after a verbal altercation between two men, one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout from a rubbish bin and used it to attack the other man.

Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

Erdington Local could see broken parts of a Dragons Stout bottle – a high percentage beer that is mainly sold in off-licences and not in any of the neighbouring licenced premises – on the ground next to a small pool of what looked like drying blood.

People in the area further informed our reporter that before the fight they had seen the attacker sitting on a small wall in between the Borch Electrical store and The Swan pub – where the rubbish bin is located.

Neither businesses have been implicated in the incident by any emergency service.

The bin had been put there by local volunteers to help tackle the rising rubbish, including empty bottles and fast-food packaging, around the growing hotspot for street drinking and visible drug taking.

Several local residents and businesses vocalised to Erdington Local they believe the area is becoming troublesome in part after anti-social behaviour has been displaced from other areas of the Town Centre by the recent police initiative, Operation Fearless.

Area between The Swan and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

The sunny weather is also cited as a potentially exacerbating factor, although people are known to gather in the area during all conditions.

A spokesperson for the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), which is supported by local retailers and pays for the Street Wardens, confirmed the area has been highlighted to local law enforcement who took the situation “very seriously” and had promised to address concerns over criminality there.

Only a few days previously, on Tuesday 24 June, police had responded to reports of another “disorder” in the area, where officers confirmed they “arrested two men aged 32 and 39, and recovered two knives” – adding that “thankfully, no-one was seriously injured.”

Area covered by the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a around Erdingotn Town Centre / Image supplied by West Midlands Police

The High Street around the Village Green falls inside the ‘restricted zone’ of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), that covers Erdington Town Centre and some of the surrounding streets.

A PSPO is a widely used law enforcement tool, which gives local police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and to remove repeat offenders from the designated area.

Erdington Local has asked West Midlands for any updates or developments surrounding the incident on Wednesday 2 July.

For more on the local police in the Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

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NEWS: Free and family friendly Summer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June

Words by editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held between 12noon and 5pm on Erdington High Street by the entrance to Wilton Market.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly day will have stalls from local community groups, live music, arts and craft activities, and free children’s games and entertainment – such as animal face painting and a bouncy castle.

There will also be an ice cream van stationed at the event, making sure people have something cold to enjoy as the summer weather heat up – with seating, shade, and free water also available.

The Summer Fun Day will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, near the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.

A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

All children’s games and workshops will be free of charge, with those attending asked to stay with their young people whilst they are enjoying the activities.

Being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s Love Your Local Community campaign, which is encouraging people to focus on the positives of the Town Centre – and to bring in a programme of community events and outreach activities – further Summer Fun Day events are planned for July and August.

Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, there will be a variety of stalls from local community groups and support services.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will be hosting a ‘pop up’ surgery, inviting local people to have a face to face session with the local Member of Parliament – outside of her regular sessions across the constituency

Erdington Local will be inviting people to go in front of the camera at their Vox Pop stand – recording short interviews with members of the public, asking them about what they feel is good and bad in the Town Centre.

Arts All Over the Place will be running free arts and craft workshops for children and young people, getting them making and creating their own designs in supervised sessions – with all the materials provided.

Live music will be played throughout the day, from musicians and singers from the Erdington Arts Forum.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

People will also get the chance to learn more about volunteer activities and support services across Erdington, with special displays and information from local groups including Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, FC Elite, Erdington Redeemed Church of God, and Aquarius.

Then at 2:30pm, all eyes will turn to the international art project Mothers Without Hands as they hold a special procession down the High Street – starting from Oikos Face and heading towards St Barnabas Church.

Led by renowned Birmingham based artist Tereza Bušková, the parade will feature a specially made headdress as it’s central theme – which has been adorned by items crafted over a series of sessions with local creative community group, Arts All Over the Place.

Mothers Without Hands procession in Walsall Town Centre – led by international artist Tereza Bušková / Photograph supplied by Mothers Without Hands

The Mothers Without Hands project – raising awareness of violence towards women and girls, through performance and art inspired by traditional Czech Republic folklore – has held previous events across Europe and the UK, coming to Erdington Town Centre on the final part of its international tour.

Following the first Sumer Fun Day on Saturday 21 June, Erdington BID have planned more events on Saturday 26 July – in conjunction with the Birmingham Blues and Jazz Festival – and again on Saturday 23 August, kicking of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The events are being organised as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign, which hopes to encourage people to celebrate the positives in and around the Tonw Centre – and across the Erdington constituency.

Volunteers collecting rubbish on Erdington High Street at the first LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY litter pick on Saturday 7 June / Photograph by Ed King

The LYLC campaign has already started a programme of community litter picks to help tidy up Erdington High Street, with their first ‘pick’ help on Saturday 7 June and supported by many local residents and groups.

Erdington BID is looking for more active community members to join the LYLC campaign and be part of future activities.

Erdington BID is funded by annual levies from local retailers and business in the Town Centre, and further supported by external funding, grants, and donations.

A spokesperson from the Erdington BID told: “With the support of the local shops and businesses, the Erdington BID is excited to host our Summer Fun Days across the coming months – bringing some free and family friendly events to the High Street.

“We’re also looking at more events in autumn and around Christmas, as well as more community litter picks and other outreach activities to celebrate the Town Centre.”

They added: “We’d love to see everyone come out and have some fun on Saturday 21 June, and support the shops and retail communities that are the heart of our Town Centre.”

Anyone wanting more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign please email the Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Two women taken to hospital after “medical episode” leads to car crashing through Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street

Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Emergency services have confirmed two women have been taken to hospital after a “medical episode” resulted in a driver losing control of their vehicle and crashing through the frontage of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street.

Ambulance, police, and fire crews arrived quickly on the scene, after the terrifying accident was reported at around 12:45pm today (6 June).

From the road it could be seen that a vehicle had fully entered the High Street bank, having been brought to a stop by the internal ATM machines in the main lobby near the entrance.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service told Erdington Local: “We were called to reports of a car that had crashed into a building and collided with a woman on High Street in Erdington at 12.45pm, two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor, with a critical care paramedic, attended the scene.”

Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “On arrival we discovered two patients. Crews were told the driver of the car, a woman, had suffered a medical episode prior to the incident. Following assessment she was transported to Good Hope Hospital.

“The second woman was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.”

Earlier in the day, after emergency services were at first the scene and responding to the situation, a statement from West Midlands Police had also confirmed: “We were called Erdington High Street just before 12.45pm after a woman was hit by a car.

“The woman, believed to be in her 80s, was taken to hospital. The car driver, in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.”

The bank remains guarded by police as a cleanup operation is underway, with the automatic doors having been smashed beyond repair by the collision.

Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King

A marble public bench, which sat on the pavement just outside the bank – in front of the ATM machine facing onto the High Street, has also been uprooted and moved from its fixed location. It was speculated that the vehicle collided with the bench before veering into the bank’s frontage.

Whilst the current status of those involved in the incident – both the driver of the car and the woman who was struck by the vehicle – remains unclear, police were seen reversing the car, a new grey Nissan Juke, out of the Lloyds Bank later in the afternoon.

Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King

The car was functioning and able to be driven without assistance, before being moved to the side of York Road to be collected by a vehicle recovery service.

On closer inspection, the car was scratched and dented along the driver’s side – but little other damage could be seen.

Police have asked for anyone with information about the incident to contact them via calling 101, and quoting log 2231.

Vehicle being driven out of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street after crashing through frontage