Category: Opinion

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP at the official launch of Operation Feareless at Villa Park / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I’m thrilled to kick off the new year by sharing some exciting updates about our amazing communities across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

After years of relentless campaigning, I’m proud to announce that we’ve secured £880,000 for Operation Fearless through the proceeds of crime funding, headed up by Simon Foster, Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

This initiative is a game-changer for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, breathing new life into Erdington High Street – the beating heart of our community. Leading this campaign has been an absolute honour, and working with local residents, traders, the police, and the council has truly shown what we can achieve when we work together.

While this funding is a major step forward, it’s just the start of our journey to transform the high street. I remain committed to making our high streets a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone.

Paulette Hamilton MP and young people with Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, Alison McGovern MP, at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Another highlight was welcoming Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, to Erdington. During her visit, she engaged with young people at the Witton Lodge Community Association and joined discussions with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board, which I proudly chair.

We also visited the Erdington Jobcentre to hear from work coaches about their experiences in helping local residents into employment.

Erdington is truly making its mark, attracting vital funding and national attention. These achievements reflect the strength of our community and our shared determination to create a better and safer future for all.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK

Words by Jack Brookes

Reform UK Parliamentary candiate Jack Brookes on the campaign trail during the 2022 by-election for Birmingham Erdington / Pic supllied by Reform UK

First of all… I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I understand that times are hard, but things always get worse before they get better. I recently suffered a loss; life goes on though.

Reform is joint first in the polls and will overtake the tyrannical Labour Government! The economy is dead after deliberate destruction from the uniparty (Tory and Labour); Labour and Paullette have recently voted in Parliament against holding rapists to account, this is not the first time Paullette has advocated some form of support for rapists; the world watches on in disbelief.

However, we cannot ignore the truth and if we do not have liberation through politics then there will be no choice to seek liberation through other means – but this an absolute last resort! We must remember the origins of Magna Carta.

To the Erdington Police. “Stop being Politically Correct (Communist origins) and do not oppress people that tell the truth.”

To Jaguar. “Go woke, go broke. I fully encourage the JLR workers to go on strike until woke is removed from the company, you will lose your jobs anyways if you do not stand against this stupidity. Sales are dramatically down since that recent strange advert.”

To the people. “The truth always wins. Victory is at hand. Keep going.”

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden at community launch of Operation Fearless at St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden

Happy New Year.

Over the last few weeks Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been meeting with officers from the police and the Council in advance of the launch of Operation Fearless to try and ensure its impact is maximised locally, for the benefit of local residents and businesses.

We also recently spoke at the launch of Operation Fearless in the second week of January, where we talked about the need for an increased police presence and tough action to make our local streets safer, about the campaigns Gareth and I have been working on over the last few years for more Police on our streets, for the reopening of the front desk at Erdington Police Station, and more officers to be based there, and for the renewal, strengthening and increased enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) around Erdington High Street.

Over the coming months we’ll be continuing to push the police for results from Operation Fearless to ensure it’s making a difference.

The best chance we have locally of making a difference from these increased police resources is to ensure that everyone is reporting all possible crime and anti-social behaviour that they see locally.

Even if you only have partial descriptions, please do report that information to the police or Crimestoppers so that we can ensure that Erdington is a no-go area for criminals.

We’ve also met with the NHS about the future of the North Birmingham Urgent Treatment Centre.

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

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OPINION: Operation Fearless – launch success as partners pledge to work together for Erdington

Words by West Midlands Police

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

Arrests, vehicle and drug seizures and £500,000 of counterfeit goods recovered – Operation Fearless has officially arrived in Erdington.

Tuesday 7 January marked the formal launch of Fearless, a major new initiative to drive down crime and improve life in Erdington with a combination of high-profile visible activity and work with partners such as Birmingham City Council (BCC).

Around 150 people gathered at Villa Park to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and others about the ambitious plans to make Erdington a safer and better place to live.

Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street as part of Operation Fearless / Pic by West Midlands Police

In the afternoon, the Fearless team got to work in Erdington, supported by colleagues with dogs, drones, knife detecting equipment and even horses from Thames Valley Police.

The operation saw:

  • One man wanted on suspicion of burglary in the West Mercia area was arrested in an operation targeting criminals using the bus network to travel into Erdington
  • One man was arrested for failing to appear at court
  • Two vehicles were seized – one because it was being used in crime, and another because it was being driven without insurance
  • Six men were arrested for conspiracy to defraud over the seizure of £500,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods, including cigarettes, vapes, and prescription medication, in a joint operation with BCC’s Trading Standards team

The work of the Fearless team, made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers as well as detectives and other teams, will continue over the weeks to come, and will move into other areas, while working with partners to ensure that the improvements made in Erdington are not undone.

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

Det Supt Jim Munro, who leads the Fearless team, said: “[7 January] was a fantastic launch and the support by partners from across the region, from the council to Transport for West Midlands, to immigration and children’s services has been phenomenal.

“We backed up our words with real action… making arrests and removing counterfeit goods from the High Street.

“Fearless will only succeed with the support of people in Erdington though. When you see our officers, chat to them about what concerns you have and where you think we should be directing our work. That will make a real difference.”

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP attending Remembrance Day event at Abbey Primary School / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 20.12.24)

Last month has been one of celebration, remembrance, and important parliamentary debates. I was delighted to join the 30th anniversary celebrations of Witton Lodge Community Association, a cornerstone of our community.

Their remarkable achievements over three decades are a testament to the strength and power of what local communities can achieve by working together.

On Remembrance Day, I had the privilege of joining Abbey Primary School for a heartfelt ceremony to honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Their moving tribute reminded us of the sacrifices that form the foundation of our liberties today.

In Parliament, the Assisted Dying Bill sparked an emotional debate. After much thought, I voted against the Bill, with 70% of the constituents who contacted me urging the same. As a former NHS nurse, I firmly believe in the dignity and value of every life.

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster, London / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I remain deeply concerned about introducing such a law, particularly when our NHS is already overstretched. I am committed to championing improved palliative care, working with Hospice UK, Birmingham Hospice, and others to ensure no one is left without the support they need at the end of life.

November also marked 50 years since the Birmingham Pub Bombings, a heartbreaking chapter in our city’s history. I have written to the Home Secretary, calling for justice for the victims and their families.

As we approach the festive season, I wish everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK

Words by Jack Brookes

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in the 2022 by-election / Pic suplied by Jack Brookes

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 20.12.24)

The 4 December poll from FindOutNow [website] has Reform in second on 24% and ahead of this unpatriotic and “Britain last” Labour government on 23% – the Tories narrowly ahead on 26%. According to this polling: Reform would win 121 seats, including Erdington; Labour 175, Tories 221.

When Reform wins then, Erdington will never be under the thumb of corrupt communists ever again.

The polling comes as no surprise given that The Guardian reports “…more than 1 million people aged 66 or over have been skipping meals, according to Age UK’s data… amid winter fuel benefit crisis.”

I mention previously that this Labour government’s policies would result in people starving. Remember Paulette [Hamilton] in 2022: “choosing between heating and eating.” Labour took both options away.

I recently appeared on Times Radio to talk about the reasons why young people are attracted to Reform UK. We have different ideas. I stated “taxation is theft” and that we should “get rid of the central bank.”

If you did not give consent or can’t opt out then by definition, force is being used against you; central bank’s ability to meddle with the money supply – print money – is responsible for most of our problems, including “corrupt government and war”.

We do not need as much government as you are lied into believing we need. Just look at the USA (DOGE and Elon Musk) and Argentina!

So what if all unnecessary bureaucrats go hungry… hard working taxpayers are going hungry. Us over them, every time!

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore at Abbey Church / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 20.12.24)

This month we have been working with officers and the local police to drive the renewal of the Public Space Protection Order for the area around Erdington High Street and, importantly, for more enforcement of it in future.

As we reported in previous columns, the campaigning for more police action locally has resulted in additional officers for Erdington over the last few months, with hopefully more in the new year.

This is starting to pay dividends locally, with the Police teams delivering results. In the last month they have arrested 13 people on the High Street, nine have been charged so far, issued criminal behaviour orders, found 20 positive results from stop and searches and they have seized drugs off 12 people.

We’ve also been fighting to retain the North Birmingham Urgent Care Centre in Erdington since the NHS announced they were looking at closing the site on the High Street. We’ve written to them, raised concerns at the Health Scrutiny Committee and been in various press articles calling for the centre to stay open.

Over Christmas we will be meeting directors from the NHS to put forward our case for the centre staying.

Cllr Gareth Moore and I love this time of year and the wonderful events that the Erdington Community put on to celebrate Christmas. It is an honour to support as many as possible of the wonderful Christmas events local residents host, such as the one at the Abbey Church (pictured).

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Erdington!

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: A message from Erdington’s new police sergeant

Words by Sgt John Reeves

Erdington Police Station / Pic by Ed King

My name is Sergeant Reeves, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Sergeant of the Erdington Neighbourhood Team.

Firstly, I want to say thank you to Sergeant James Hurdrige for all his hard work over the past year in looking after Erdington.

Allow me to provide you with a brief summary of my background. I have been working with West Midlands Police for 19 years, starting as a Special Constable in 2005. Following that, I transferred to Warwickshire and served an additional seven years there.

In 2007, I joined West Midlands Police full time and began working as a call handler and front office staff member. Over time, I progressed to the role of dispatcher until 2018 when I became a Police Officer.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with various neighbourhood teams, and I am now eager to take on the responsibility of overseeing the Erdington area.

However, I want to emphasise that while my team and I will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, we cannot do it alone. We rely on the support of our partner agencies and, equally importantly, the collaboration of the community.

We require your support in reporting matters so that we are aware of any issues within your community. Please be aware we may not be able to attend all reports, this may be due to other commitments. By informing us of problems in your community can assist us in providing supporting evidence to facilitate us requesting additional patrols from other departments.

By working together as a community and actively looking after our area, we can create a better and safer place to live.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your Sergeant and contribute to the safety and well-being of the Erdington community.

Your active participation and collaboration are essential to achieving our shared goal of creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone. I look forward to working with you and getting to know the community better.

For more on Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

L-R Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden outside St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.11.24)

This Remembrance Sunday Cllr Gareth Moore and myself, as we do every year, joined parishioners at St Barnabas Church for their Act of Remembrance and to lay wreaths remembering those who gave their everything so that we could all live free.

We owe so much to those who gave up their lives both during the two world wars and also in other conflicts defending freedom and democracy and we should never forget their sacrifice.

Thank you to everyone across North Birmingham who took part or organised Acts of Remembrance this year.

It is a wonderful testament to our local community here in Erdington that we still have events like Remembrance Sunday and Walk of Witness each year.

Elsewhere this month we have been continuing our campaign to try and save Erdington Library from the bankrupt Labour Council’s attempts to shut down services in suburbs like ours.

Sadly, the Council has now announced a new plan which will see Erdington Library lose a day a week opening time, without any other library in the north gaining that day.

We have been clear to the Council that Erdington Library, as a key part of our High Street and community, should remain open full time. It is a valuable resource for young and old alike helping those without internet or book access, etc to be able to do more.

We will continue to oppose the Labour Council’s slashing of our valuable local resources.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK

Words and pic supplied by Jack Brookes

Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK, on the campaign trail in 2022 by-election

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.11.24)

“Great news! What? The Dacia Sandero… no. The Donald is back!”

Even before stepping back into the White House, as the 47th President, the world has gone calmer. There is a great chance for Anglo-American alliance to write a new and positive chapter.

Peace? After calling out war dog Dick Cheney’s daughter to fight in the war herself… check! (Love that I said a similar statement two years ago in the by-election in regards to war)

Sound economics? After bringing in Rand and Ron Paul – End the Fed – into the fold… check!

The end of woke politics? After calling for an end to the sterilisation of child… check!

Make America Healthy Again? With the no nonsense and hench RFK at the wheel of the tank… check!

Judge a man by whom he surrounds himself with. Trump wants his people to win. Starmer wants us to die. Just simply look at what this government has done to the farmers. Everything is by design; the establishment are not stupid.

Be Peacefully Ungovernable (a PUG). Grown your own food. Keep cash. Use gold and sliver. Tax strike where possible. We come out of the tyrants’ games and we make the enemy keep us playing – let them try, they will not break us!

The solutions are there. We are winning and we will win. Remember what the brave gave their lives for, and it was not for what is happening right now. Do not let their sacrifice be in vain.

In Liberty, JB.

For more on Jack Brookes from Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk/birmingham-erdington-constituency