Category: Opinion

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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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington, BIrmingham, in Westminster / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

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

At the end of October, the Chancellor delivered the autumn budget – the first under a Labour government in 14 years. After over a decade of Conservative mismanagement, we’re finally taking steps to rebuild Britain and restore faith in our economy.

This budget focuses on the issues that matter most: fixing the NHS, raising wages, supporting our schools, and strengthening our communities – all without increasing taxes on working people.

So, what does this mean for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott?

First, the increase in the National Living Wage will benefit thousands locally, putting more money in the pockets of hardworking families.

Our NHS will receive a £25.6 billion boost over the next two years, ensuring more appointments and better care for all. Schools will see a £2.3 billion increase in funding, 6,500 more teachers, and a £30 million investment in free breakfast clubs, ensuring every child starts the day ready to learn.

To tackle crime, we’re ending the neglect of low-value shoplifting and other petty crimes slipping through the cracks.

This budget funds 13,000 more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs, so our streets and local traders – like those at Erdington High Street, Slade Road and Kingstanding Precinct – will be safer. And with £500 million to fix potholes, our roads will finally see the improvements they deserve.

This budget fixes the foundations to deliver change, with working people and local communities at its heart. It’s the reset our economy and country have needed.

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP at community meeting

It’s been another busy month across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, despite the Parliament recess for conference season.

I have had the opportunity to visit some of our amazing community groups, such as Northside Welcome Centre and Growth Path, who do incredible work supporting local people.

Recently, I held my regular Erdington High Street meeting, where I met with residents, traders, Birmingham City Council representatives, and the police to discuss ongoing efforts to address the issues plaguing Erdington High Street.

During this meeting, I also shared the results of my survey, which highlighted the main concerns of residents and their suggestions for improvements. The full survey results are available on my website – www.paulettehamilton.org

Paulette Hamilton MP at meeting with local police

I am pleased to report that, as part of Operation Skybridge in Erdington, the police have successfully removed drugs from the streets and made several arrests. This is a welcome step forward in our fight against crime.

Additionally, I recently hosted the Kingstanding Crime Conference with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and local police. Residents voiced their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, and I am delighted to see that Kingstanding residents are now exploring local initiatives to support our collective efforts.

Addressing crime and antisocial behaviour remains a top priority for me. I am committed to working closely with our partners, the police, and residents to ensure our community remains safe and our neighbourhoods secure.

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 and pic supplied by Jack Brookes

Jack Brookes, Erdington parliamentary candidate for Reform UK, on the campaign trail

Recently the media have talked about the effects of this government’s policies in relation to old people, but what about us young people?

We have never had so much material wise, although in terms of what is meaningful, never had so little.

If you want to be able to have a home and or have a family, unless you’ve had the financial backing, you’re gonna find it extremely difficult in today’s economic, political and social climate. Arguably, the most difficult it’s ever been since the Victorian period based on the metrics – the price to earnings ratios.

Let’s look at what can be done by us young people…

Some of you may have started university. I remember what that was like seven years ago now; it can be quite intimidating, but embrace the chaos.

For all of us there is an opportunity going into this winter: use it as a chance to rebuild. In this rebuild start getting into good habits, and do it with other people so you can hold each other to account and also so you’re part of a team – you can encourage each other.

Even consider buying a house with several friends. More guarantors. More deposit money.

The young people in Reform UK know this: we raise each other up, not drag each other down like careerist do in the other parties. We are a party of ambition, strength, integrity and meritocracy.

However, the way we thrive… is together – not divided. “If you reform yourself, then you reform a nation.”

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 Moore, Cllr Alden – Erdington Ward, Conservatives / Pic by Ed King

Cllr Gareth Moore and myself have been working with residents to try and improve road safety in a number of areas across Erdington Ward over the last year.

As part of that work, we raised at the last Council meeting the need for a number of improvements to take place including average Speed Cameras on the Chester Road to tackle speeding drivers.

Over the last year we have had yellow lines installed at a number of locations around the ward to tackle dangerous parking at junctions to try and make them safer, including on Gravelly Lane (at the junction of Oliver and Somerset Roads) Fosseway Drive and Hayes Grove.

Following a number of serious incidents at the junction of Kingsbury Road and Spring Lane, we have had plans drawn up to make changes to the layout to try and slow the speed cars take the corner so to make it safer for residents.

These have been consulted on locally with nearby residents and earlier this year Gareth and I secured funding for them so they will be installed in the coming months.

In previous years the Council has given each ward a pot of funding for minor works road safety improvements locally to be made where residents want them.

Sadly, now the Council has axed funding from those wards which used it, while keeping it for wards that haven’t spent last year’s funding yet (mostly Labour Councillor wards). This will make it harder to keep local roads safe.

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

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OPINON: Making arrests in Edington with Operation Skybridge

Words and lead image supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Skybridge police team

(Ed’s note: This article was first written by West Midlands Polcie and submitted for publishing in the Oct/Nov newspaper on 11.10.24 – there have continued to be arrests made by Operation Skybridge.)

#OpSkybridge the CID crime team have been in the Erdington area for the last few weeks and [at the time of writing] have made ten arrests.

The team made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers have been a highly visible presence in and around Erdington following concerns raised by the local community.

Since 30 September they’ve made ten arrests [at the time of writing] for offences like possession of an offensive weapon, burglary, driving offences and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

This has also resulted in three people being charged, two people have been remanded in custody until their next court date.

The team work closely with the local neighbourhood team in each area to understand the priorities and concerns of local people. They provide a highly visible presence to deter criminal activity, make arrests and offer reassurance to the local community.

Inspector Shameem Ahmed, from Erdington’s Neighbourhood Team said: “It’s been great to have the additional support to deal with issues the community tells us needs looking at.

“But I want to reassure people that this is not the end of our work in the area, the local policing teams are still there and will continue to disrupt and deal with crime that affects our communities.”

For more from West Midlands Police, and advice on how to report a crime, visit www.westmidlands.police.uk

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

As a result of the parliamentary boundary review and subsequent general election, South Oscott is now part of the Erdington constituency. So, I was delighted to host a meeting with local residents to hear their priorities and concerns.

It was wonderful to meet so many residents who shared their experiences and told me about the improvements they would like to see. I am determined to engage, listen and champion every corner of our community.

Elsewhere in the constituency, I am leading a campaign to stop another HMO in Kingstanding. After hearing the concerns of local residents, I have organised a petition that has collected hundreds of signatures.

I plan to submit a formal objection to the planning committee and encourage local residents to do the same, emphasising issues such as overcrowding, noise, parking problems, and the potential negative impact on the character of the neighbourhood.

I recently attended the Erdington and Kingstanding libraries consultation carried out by Birmingham City Council. At the meetings, I made it clear that I wholeheartedly support keeping our local libraries open, as I believe closing them would have a negative impact on our community.

I also want to place on record my gratitude to local organisations, such as the Erdington Lunar Society and Friends of Erdington Library, for their tireless campaigning on this crucial issue.

Their dedication is inspiring, and I am proud to stand alongside these dedicated groups in their fight to preserve these important community resources.

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 and pic supplied by Jack Brookes

The system is not broken. It is doing what is designed to do: kill the good; elevate the evil.

Huw Edwards should be rotting in a cell. But he is not. However, post a Tweet that the government does not like… in the cage you go. The communists are to blame. Starmer and his cabal set a precedent. There is a theme with the BBC. Time to finally scrap the licence. Not to mention the grooming gangs and not deporting foreign criminals – Tories are equally disgustingly guilty in these crimes. But what do you expect when the commies constantly call these nonces, “Minor Attracted Person” (MAPs)?

If a child can consent to sterilisation… what else can they consent to? Hence why there is a rise in GaysAgainstGroomers, which has my full support. For me it’s, “Do what you want, but leave the kids alone.”

On top of this, we have the pensioners having their winter fuel payments stripped. This Labour government, by its own sources, know that this will result in excess deaths – hypocrisy on display.

This government and the establishment hate you. How much more evidence do you need?

Come the elections… you have a choice: freedom or tyranny. Once freedom is lost, you have to go to the extremes to get it back. And the extremes are not what I advocate.

As I have said before… “Peacefully come out of the system.” Violence is an extreme last resort and should be used only in self-defence.

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