Category: Opinion

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at her Erdington consituency office / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

One issue I have always been passionate about is building a care system that works for everyone. Growing older shouldn’t mean worrying about whether you can afford the care you need or being forced to sell your family home to pay for it.

That is why I welcome the Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to creating a National Care Service, with free personal care based on need rather than ability to pay. I know how important good care is when a loved one becomes older and more vulnerable.

I lost someone close to me in September, so I understand personally how much families rely on a care system that is there when they need it.

The NHS is one of Labour’s proudest achievements, founded in 1948 on the principle of healthcare free at the point of use. I believe social care must work alongside it as an equal partner, particularly as our population grows older.

Locally, I continue to stand up for residents. A new application has been submitted to convert a family home on Tyburn Road in Pype Hayes into a 5-bedroom HMO. I have formally objected and encouraged local residents to do the same.

Paulette Hamilton MP at opening of new nursery facilities at Pegasus School on Castle Vale / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

It was a pleasure to officially open the new nursery at Pegasus Primary School in Castle Vale. The school received £150,000 in government funding, creating 40 new nursery places.

This is the kind of investment our communities deserve, and I will keep fighting to bring more of it to Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

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OPINION: Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore – Erdington, Local Conservatives

(L-R) Cllr Robert Alden, Katie Lam MP, Cllr Alex Yip / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Cllr Gareth Moore and I continue to raise residents’ ongoing issues with the Council’s fortnightly bin collection and food waste pilot.

We continue to demand the City Council scrap their fortnightly collections and reinstate weekly bin collections.

This month we met with Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Katie Lam MP, to discuss issues in Birmingham including the scourge of badly run exempt accommodation.

We explained our campaign calling on the Government to change the law to make exempt accommodation need planning permission so that it can finally be controlled, its growth stopped and local family housing saved.

We also visited Botham House on Orphanage Road to see the completed building project. When the developers looked to sell the block there was a risk an exempt accommodation provider was going to buy it and convert it to exempt accommodation.

Thankfully we have managed to stop that and, working with Birmingham City Council, the block is now going to remain as older person accommodation, as originally intended. The Council is using it to allow older residents to downsize and so free up larger family homes for use by families.

(L-R) Cllr Rober Alden, Katie Lam MP, Cllr Alex Yip / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Botham Place is named after the prominent 19th-century Birmingham architect J.R. Botham, who designed the historic Sir Josiah Mason’s Orphanage.

We’ve also chased the Council housing department about the cleanliness of tower blocks in Erdington and the need for the CCTV to be reinstated to keep residents safe.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street, outside Spritfire House / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale has always been a community that punches above its weight. As we move into autumn, I am reminded once again that our greatest strength is our people.

Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of what makes the Vale special. It brought residents, local organisations and community groups together, showcasing the pride, talent and determination that exist across our neighbourhood.

We should never underestimate the power of bringing people together.

However, there is still work to do.

The household waste collection pilot continues to cause frustration, with residents raising concerns about missed collections and outstanding bins. I want the pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents, resolving problems quickly and ensuring the service delivers what people have been promised.

As we approach winter, we must also recognise the pressures facing many households. Rising living costs, the challenge of keeping homes warm and the strain on family budgets will leave some residents struggling.

Working alongside organisations such as Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing will be vital in ensuring people know where to turn for help.

Being a councillor is about more than attending meetings or making promises. It is about listening, challenging decisions when necessary and working with residents to find practical solutions. Castle Vale is not without its challenges, but it has something incredibly valuable: a community that cares.

My commitment remains simple: to keep listening, keep speaking up and keep working to make Castle Vale a better place for everyone. 

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Partnership working to seize goods on Erdington High Street

(L-R) Officers from Trading Standards with Erdington Sargeant Millard with illegal goods after raid on High Street premises / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless and Erdington neighbourhood officers have been working with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team to seize thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods from Erdington High Street.

Since launching in Erdington in January 2025, Fearless has maintained a presence there, and now has a renewed commitment to tackling High Street organised crime.

On three days in early October, Fearless officers and neighbourhood policing colleagues attended three separate stores on the High Street, carrying out searches of the premises and linked vehicles.

With Trading Standards, they seized a total of more than 150,000 illicit cigarettes, as well as thousands of packets of hand-rolling tobacco, and other unlicensed and counterfeit goods such as tablets and energy drinks.

The value of the goods seized stands at more than £150,000, and an investigation into the shops and those involved is continuing.

Illegal goods confiscated after raid on High Street premises / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Det Sgt Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, said: “Joint operations like this are so important in acting on community concerns around shops selling illegal goods, profiting from them and putting the public at risk.

“Neighbourhood officers are based in Erdington and have excellent knowledge within the community. They are listening to locals, and we are all working together alongside local authority partners to act.

“Op Fearless has a proud history of serving the Erdington community, we know how important the High Street is to everyone in Erdington, and we urge locals to keep passing on information and concerns so we can continue to protect legitimate businesses and keep the public from harm.” 

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

 You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com 

 

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Autumn – a season for kindness and consideration

Young people enjoying activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham 9UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

Autumn can be beautiful; crisp mornings, multicoloured leaves, watching the squirrels burying their nuts in the park.

But it also means colder nights, waking up and getting home in the dark… things that can bring a sense of heaviness. A sluggishness that suggests that humans, like bears, should be preparing to hibernate.

As nice as that sounds, it’s not a realistic option to all hunker down under our duvets until the daffodils start to appear. So what do we do?

At UDB we encourage the children and young people we work with to be aware of how they are feeling, the impact of those feelings on their behaviour, and develop skills to help them handle those feelings when they come. Something that’s good for all of us to do!

Something I’ve found helpful is saying aloud three things I’m thankful for each day.

For you it may be music, walking, art, gardening… all of us will have things that give us a boost when we are feeling low, and knowing what they are can really help in those moments.

It also helps to stay active and connected with others.

If you’re a child or young person, we host weekly spaces where you can connect, play, chill, and eat cheese toasties! All for free.

For young people and adults, being part of a team and making a positive contribution to our community can help our mental wellbeing and we’d love you to consider volunteering with UDB or another local organisation.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham scan the QR code above or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP visiting Digby Manor Care Home / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Protecting our high streets and keeping our neighbourhoods safe are among my top priorities.

Residents have told me that Erdington High Street, Slade Road and Hawthorn Road deserve thriving local businesses that serve our community, not a concentration of betting shops, vape shops or rogue operators.

That is why I welcome the Government’s plans to give councils and local people a stronger say over what opens on our high streets, alongside tougher action against criminal businesses.

Locally, I met Sergeant Millard to discuss the action needed on Erdington High Street. The recent closure of a shisha shop found to be selling illegal vapes shows what can be achieved when police, Trading Standards and the community work together.

But one closure is not the finish line. I will continue pushing for more visible policing and sustained action to make our streets safer.

I also want to hear from you about off-road bikes and quad bikes. Too many residents are affected by dangerous and antisocial riding. Please tell me where it is happening and what further action you want to see by completing my survey at www.paulettehamilton.org.

Paulette Hamilton MP at her constituency office in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Throughout the summer, I have been out across our constituency, hosting a Kingstanding coffee morning, visiting Digby Manor Care Home’s Summer Fayre, and holding street surgeries in Stockland Green and Erdington.

Now as children return to school, I’m pleased the government is supporting families with cheaper uniforms, more free breakfast clubs and expanded free school meals. Eligible families could save up to £1,200 a year.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert – Kingstanding, Reform UK

Reform candidates on campaign trail in Kingstanding, ahead of May ’26 Local Elections / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Erdington Branch

Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert

We’ve been digging into the condition of Kingstanding’s roads after regularly hearing from residents about potholes and poor road surfaces.

Our Freedom of Information request has revealed which Kingstanding roads generated the greatest number of highways enquiries between 2023 and 2026. These include reports and repair jobs relating to issues such as potholes, damaged carriageways and footways.

Hawthorn Road recorded 291 enquiries, followed by Warren Farm Road with 277, Kings Road with 146, Hurlingham Road with 124 and Finchley Road with 114.

Residents regularly tell us about potholes and poor road surfaces, so we wanted to establish exactly where the problems are being reported most often. These figures give us a much clearer picture.

We will now be taking the worst-affected roads back to the Council, asking what action is planned and pressing for proper repairs where problems are recurring.

We have also continued to challenge Birmingham City Council over its approach to national flags. Threats, intimidation and criminal behaviour should always be dealt with, but we do not believe the Union Flag or St George’s Cross should themselves be treated as the problem.

Finally, a useful date for the diary. After your Reform councillors pushed for a Mobile Household Recycling Centre visit to Kingstanding last month, residents told us how useful they found the service.

We are therefore pleased to see further visits scheduled for Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre, Dulwich Road, on 23 September from 7:30am–12:30pm, and again on 17 October from 8am–midday.

For more from Reform UK in Kingstanding and across Erdington visit www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

As the television show goes, Last of the Summer Wine has finally come to an end — and as we move into autumn, our thoughts are turning towards the winter ahead.

For many residents, winter can be difficult. Rising household costs, the pressures of keeping homes warm and the challenges faced by those already struggling mean our focus now has to be on making sure people know where they can turn for help and support.

That work will involve not only our fantastic partner organisations, including Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing, but also the community itself. Castle Vale has always been strongest when residents are placed at the heart of what we do. That will be particularly important over the coming months.

Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of that spirit. It was an amazing day that showcased the very best of Castle Vale — our people, organisations and the incredible community pride that exists here.

But we shouldn’t kid ourselves. We still have some stubborn issues to tackle.

The rollout of the waste pilot is becoming increasingly frustrating. At times, it feels like we are playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when one problem appears to have been dealt with, another seems to pop up.

We need to keep pushing for solutions, listening to residents and holding those responsible to account.

Castle Vale is an amazing community. This autumn and winter, we need to make sure we continue putting that community at the centre of everything we do.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore – Erdington, Local Conservatives

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden on Erdington High Street with police / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Over the summer Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued our work for more police and investment into Erdington High Street.

We have written to senior police officials and held meetings with the local police team and the Council about the need for both more officers on the beat locally on our streets in Erdington, and for the City Council to carry out more enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on Erdington High Street.

It is positive that in the last few weeks our excellent local Police team has been given additional officers, allowing greater patrols locally, and the Council has agreed additional patrols to enforce the High Street PSPO.

But we will not be settling for just this and will continue to push for Erdington to have the level of policing we need.

We will be continuing this campaigning in the coming weeks and months. Residents can help support this work by ensuring they report any crime or ASB locally to the police and ensure they receive a crime number.

This is because officers are allocated based on the amount of cases reported across the region.

In terms of Erdington High Street, this month we have met with officers from the Council to discuss possible funding sources for investment both short term to help lift our town centre, and also longer term to help produce the plans needed for securing larger scale long term regeneration.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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ERDINGTON POLICE: The importance of visible policing presence on Erdington High Street

Profile picture opf Sgt Millard / Photogrpah supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Seargent Claire Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As the nights (sadly) start to draw in and we say goodbye to the warmer weather and the demands that summer places on us, I wanted to update you on our policing plans for Erdington High Street.

Our team works hard across the area to listen to your concerns, respond to your issues, and proactively tackle crime – and we know how important the High Street is to so many residents.

With a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer, PC Boyle, already working specifically on the High Street, and another in PC McDowell having recently joined our team, you can expect to see a high-visibility presence up and down the High Street, with our team ready to act to address crime and anti-social behaviour, while continuing to protect those who are vulnerable.

Police questioning suspect in rdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

As ever, we are grateful to you for the information you provide to us. With this, we can better shape our plans and understand the issues affecting the High Street, and the wider area.

With that in mind, I’ll be alongside some of our team at St. Barnabas Church on Friday 25 September to have a pop-up Police Station between 2-4pm to listen to what you have to tell us, and I’d be delighted to see as many locals there as possible.

We do have several plans in place for the coming months to disrupt criminality and target offenders, and as ever I will keep you updated as these progress.

Thank you for your continued support in making Erdington as safe and welcoming as possible.

Sgt Claire Millard.

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP