Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell
Words by Ed King
A man apprehended on Short Heath Road yesterday (28.04.26) over concerns related to firearms and intent to cause violence has been released by police and will face “no further action”.
Following dramatic scenes in the Erdington suburb, and a swift response from West Midlands Police, a man in his twenties was taken into custody after unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road.
The road remained blocked whilst officers gave chase to the suspect, with traffic halted and members of the public redirected away from the incident.
Local residents watched as the suspect was taken from a nearby residence, put into handcuffs and into the back of a marked police car.
Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell
Taking no chances, officers responded with significant force and speed to close down what could have been a potentially dangerous situation – after following up reports made to police earlier in the day.
But after robust action and investigation, West Midlands Police questioned and released the individual, with members of the public assured there are no continuing threats from the incident.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told Erdington Local: “We arrested a 24-year-old man on Short Heath Road on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at around 3pm yesterday.
“It followed an incident earlier in the day, also on Short Heath Road, when another man reported that he had been threatened and hit with a firearm.”
They added: “After a number of enquiries were carried out, the suspect was released and will face no further action.”
Short Heath Road / Image from Google Maps
The dramatic daylight police action is part of a wider effort to crush crime around the Erdington constituency, in a combined effort from police and partners – following the return of Operation Fearless officers to the area in March and April.
Recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who oversees the neighbourhood police team, has been upping uniformed presence on Erdington High Street and surrounding hotspots.
The area is further also supported by two Designated Neighbourhood Officers, with a long connection to Erdington and significant local knowledge.
Inspector Hayley Thompson, who has been in post covering both Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since the end of summer last year, will be moving on – with a new inspector currently being recruited to support the local neighbourhood team and continue the impact made by Operation Fearless.
A man was filmed being taken away by police following dramatic scenes on Short Heath Road earlier today (28.04.26) – as the road was closed by officers and pedestrian access redirected, according to reports from local residents and footage sent to Erdington Local.
Based on evidence taken from ring doorbells and eyewitness accounts, at around 2:30pm on Tuesday 28 April unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road as officers entered a house in the residential area and took a young male into custody.
Local residents told Erdington Local how they saw the grey unmarked cars park across the busy throughfare – just by Camberley Grove – with what one resident descried as “visibly armed” police officers stopping traffic and public access.
Members of the public were reportedly directed away from the area – with families coming home from local schools being sent home via alternative routes, as police blockaded Short Heath Road.
Minutes later, a young male dressed in what appears to be a grey tracksuit bottoms and a pale grey hooded top with white trainer was filmed being taken into the back of a marked police car.
One local resident, who was watching events unfold at the scene, told Erdington Local how the man being taken into custody smiled at them whilst police bundled him into the back of their police car.
The high profile daylight police action follows an increased effort from local police teams and expert officers to tackle crime in and around Erdington Town Centre.
Erdington’s recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who was brought up to Birmingham from the London Metropolitan Police, has been making noticeable changes on Erdington High Street and surrounding residential areas.
Erdington Local has reached out to West Midlands Police for any updates and further information.
Man taken into custody as police blockade Short Heath Road / Video taken from local ring doorbell footage
Get down to the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April and win a free £10 voucher to spend at any of the stalls.
All you have to do is register your name and an email address before 12noon at the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY information hut – then 10 lucky winners will be pulled out of the hat at 12:30pm.
Vouchers will then be issued, which can be exchanged at any of the stalls for good up to the value of £10.
Stalls will be trading from 10am to 4pm, and entries can be made from 10am – one per person, with no age limit to take part.
Vouchers can only be exchanged for goods being sold at Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April, with no change given.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month – located on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore.
The events are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “There are some really wonderful crafts, gifts, and homemade treats on sale at the Erdington High Street Community Markets – and loads you can buy for £10 or under.
“Our £10 voucher giveaway is a fun way of helping people come down, have a bite and a browse through the stalls, and help support local traders.”
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “It’s a really fun afternoon at the Erdington High Street Community Markets, and wonderful to see so many people enjoying an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
“So come and join us on Saturday and help us champion the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.”
The Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.
The Erdington Lunar Society will also have a stall, offering information on the guest speakers and talks the local group regularly organise – alongside their campaign to save Erdington Library.
Running on the last Saturday of every month, regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Arts and crafts session at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.
Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.
As well as organising the Erdington High Street Community Markets, the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025 – including ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display at information hut / Photograph by Ed King
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: [email protected]
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).
Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).
After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.
Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.
The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.
The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.
TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.
After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.
The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”
Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.
Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.
“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”
The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.
Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 25 April.
Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.
Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February this year and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.
Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
There is no charge for any of the activities, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Erdington has a rich history or markets and traders, and our outdoor High Street Community Markets are a continuation of that proud and local tradition.”
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “All the stalls are run by local artisans, chefs, and creatives, and are a great chance to find those hidden gems you can only uncover from a community market.
“There’s lots of fun for families and young people, so come down – have a bite and a browse – and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.”
The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: [email protected]
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by DCI Askew
“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.
“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.
“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.
“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.
“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.
Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.
“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.
“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.
“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.
“Thank you for your continued support.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.
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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Words by Ed King
Erdington Community Market returns to Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 March for the second event in its regular monthly programme, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.
The first Community Market was held in February and saw hundreds of Erdington locals and visitors enjoy an afternoon of family friendly fun on the High Street – see our PICTURE GALLERY from the February market below.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets will offer a range of handmade crafts, original artwork, unique gifts, children’s toys, and homemade food from local traders.
The Community Markets will also showcase several local bakers selling homemade sweet treats, with a wide range of brownies, cakes, biscuits, and much more – including gluten free and vegan options.
Alongside the stalls will be a variety of free children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The Erdington High Street Community Market will be held on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.
The busy location also gives local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding high street retailers – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and groceries, to electronics, household goods, and clothing.
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “The first Community Market in February was a lot of fun, and we’re really excited to bring back the stalls and children’s entertainment to Erdington Town Centre. has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“We’ve got a few new stall holders joining us this month too, and it’s exciting to watch the interest in our Community Markets grow – which we hope to build on each month.”
They added: “The Erdington High Street Community Markets are not only a chance to find those special gems that you only get from a local market, but also a chance to socialise and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
“It was a really lovely event in February, and everyone is excited about coming back on Saturday 28 March – we hope to see you on the High Street.”
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The Erdington High Street Community Markets are supported by the Mayor’s Market Fund from the West Midlands Combined Authority – with additional support from Birmingham City Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
The events are part Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre – through community events, volunteering opportunities, arts and culture.
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: [email protected]
The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders – plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall.
Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more.
Local trader selling children’s toys and gifts at LYLC Winter Warnmer event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
Stalls will be situated on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market, giving local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding indoor market as well – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and electronics to luggage and clothing.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular Community Markets on the High Street.”
Stalls and public engagement LYLC Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.
“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special hidden treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”
The Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February will be running alongside a Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm – organised by Oikos Church and Café, celebrating their respective 15 and ten year anniversaries on Erdington High Street.
The Oikos Community Fun Day will include free family fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and craft workshops, and live music – supported by Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign.
Oikos will also be hosting a special Community Meal, undercovers outside on the High Street, where people can join together to enjoy good food and company.
Oikos host a Community Meal at their High Street venue every month which attracts a friendly crowd from across the local community.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display on information stand at Community Fun Day / Photograph by Ed kIng for Erdington Local
Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign was set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre.
With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LYLC campaign hosted a series of Summer Fun Day and Winter Warmer events in 2026 and has a programme of activity planed for Erdington Town Centre across 2026.
For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: [email protected]
Tensions flared earlier this month after the presence of a protest group on the car park by Castle Pool, off Farnborough Road, limited access for local schools coming for swimming sessions.
On Thursday 5 February, members of Unite the Union supporting industrial action by the city’s bin workers organised an afternoon of public engagement.
But staff from the swimming pool warned coaches bringing local children in to use the facility would have been blocked from accessing the public car park.
Speaking to our Castle Vale Local reporter as the protest was still taking place, a senior member of staff from Castle Pool told: “I did ask them to move, purely because we have schools come in and… they need somewhere to park, and [the Unite members] wouldn’t move and still haven’t moved now.”
They added: “I found [the Unite members] to be very rude to be honest. Not the best at all, just ransacking everybody who’s walking through just to take [rubbish to] the bins.
“It’s not good, it’s not good at all… its safeguarding for us at the pool as well, it’s not good.”
Local resident taking wheelie bin to MHWC on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
Local residents were also hampered getting their rubbish to the Mobile Household Waste Centre (MHWC), a Council operated free to access waste collection unit scheduled to be on the car park from 7.30am to 12.30pm.
Residents were seen parking elsewhere and having to walk their wheelie bins to Mobile ‘Tip Truck’ at the preapproved collection point on the car park.
One of the protest group, identifying themselves as part of Unite the Union, explained: “We’re here to try and raise awareness to the residents of Castle Vale, because a lot of people are still unaware of why we’re striking.”
When asked about reports the presence of the group had been making it difficult for residents to access the Mobile Tip Truck, with cars unable to fully access Castle Pool car park, they added: “No, no we haven’t. We’ve just been talking to local residents, explaining why we’re here, what we’re doing.
“Mostly once they’ve understood the situation, and why we’re here and why we’re striking, a lot of the local residents [are] totally supporting us now…. we’ve had a couple that were against us and we’ve managed to sway them and now [they] fully support us.”
Unite the Union strike protest group on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
One local resident, John, who was at Castle Pool Car Park whilst Unite were present and regularly uses the Mobile Tip Truck, told Castle Vale Local: “I think with the amount of Unite people here it’s a bit intimidating.”
He added: “But you know, I listened to them, what they had to say, because there’s always two sides to every story.”
The Unite the Union bin workers dispute with Birmingham City Council has been ongoing since March 2025 amid concerns over job losses and heavy pay cuts. In a recent ballot, Unite members voted to continue the strikes until September this year.
The industrial action is part of an ongoing issue over between Unite the Union, representing waste management staff, and Birmingham City Council, that has been affecting the city since John Clancy was Leader in 2018.
Earlier in the morning of 5 February, there were added reports of friction between Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and the Unite bin striker protest group.
Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Cllr Goodwin, who is also Birmingham Labour’s Chief Whip, has been active in securing the MHWC trucks in coming to Castle Vale – with the North Birmingham estate receiving more visits than other areas across the city.
The senior member of staff from Castle Pool previously quoted also witnessed the altercation with Cllr Goodwin. They told: “It wasn’t very nice, they (protest group members) were like pushing him (Cllr Goodwin) really, to move out the way…”
They added: “There was about ten (protest group members) there… there’s absolute no need for that anyway, whatever you’re trying to do.”
Castle Pool is run Castle Pool Community Partnership, made up of local staff and community volunteers, following an asset transfer from Birmingham City Council in 2015 which saved the swimming pool from closure.
A member of the protest group identifying themselves as a Unite member confirmed: “We had a local councillor here this morning… [He] got a bit upset when I asked him whose pockets were being lined through this, so that says it all doesn’t it.”
Flyer for ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ on Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Councillor Goodwin and Unite the Union for further comment. At the time of writing, neither has responded with a public statement.
Others quoted in this article have had their identities shielded for fear of reprisals.
An event labelled ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ is being held at the Castle Vale Residents Association Club, on Yatesbury Avenue, on Thursday 19 February – between 6pm and 8pm.
Flyers for the event invite Castle Vale residents to “come along and ask questions to bin workers about the strike”, with “light refreshments provided”.
The Mobile Household Waste Centre is scheduled to be back on Castle Vale on 28 March (by Castle Pool) and 31 March (321 Yatesbury Avenue).
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or have something you’d like to add to the story, please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]
Local traders are wanted for a new outdoor Community Market coming to Erdington High Street, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).
From established traders to start up stalls, Erdington BID is looking for market traders selling a range of items – from homemade arts and crafts, children’s toys and games, fresh fruit and veg, to bargain goods and everyday essentials.
Stall selling children’s toys at Erdington BID Winter Warmer community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Local community groups and services are also welcomed to secure a tabletop, giving them the chance to let Erdington locals and visitors to the Town centre know more about their activities and services.
The Community Markets will be held from 11 am to 5pm on the pedestrianised area near the Village Green – in between the entrance to the B&M Superstore and Wilton Market.
With the first Community Market planned for Saturday 28 February, running alongside the Oikos anniversary celebrations, Erdington BID are asking anyone interested in a pitch to contact them by emailing: [email protected]
Another Community Market is scheduled for Saturday 28 March – with plans to host more events at least every quarter.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID and Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular series of Community Markets on the High Street.”
Stall holder at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.
“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special shopping treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”
Organised by Erdington BID, the Community Markets are being delivered with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the ‘Mayors Market Fund’ – as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign stickers on information stall at Erdingotn BID Summer Fun Day community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign celebrates positive community action in the Town Centre and invites people to be part of a brighter future for Erdington High Street.
Up to 10 free stalls and traders training sessions
To encourage new traders and local bright business sparks who want to try running a market stall, Erdington BID is offering up to 10 free spaces for the first three Community Markets – alongside a series of free traders training workshops.
Organised by business support provider Good2Great, the traders training sessions will offer valuable advice to both experienced traders and start up stall holders – starting on Thursday 12 February.
Stall holder and public at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Delivered in both a group and one to one setting, the traders trainings sessions will also offer first hand advice from Kate Gittens – who ran Shrewsbury Market Hall and won Britain’s Favourite Market in 2018, 2023 and 2024.
Erdington BID is also offering a limited number of free stall spaces to any trader who has recently lost a patch elsewhere in the city due to closures – such as Oasis Indoor Market in Birmingham City Centre and Market Village in Sutton Coldfield.
Places are limited so anyone interested in a free stall space and traders training session should contact Erdington BID as soon as possible.
Anyone interested in securing a stall at the Erdington Community Markets, or wanting more information about the free stalls and traders training sessions, should email Erdington BID at: [email protected]
