Category: Opinion

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team, as we wrapped up September with a successful All Out Day.

It was fantastic to be out on the High Street, meeting so many of you alongside my colleagues, and new Chief Inspector, Chanelle Whitney.

We spent time speaking with local residents and businesses, listening to concerns around issues like shop theft and drug use, both of which we’re actively working to address. Your feedback is invaluable and helps shape our priorities moving forward.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners, including Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, North LCSP, Erdington BID, and many others.

The presence of Fearless officers on the High Street has become a reassuring sight for many residents and businesses and their weekly patrols are making a real impact.

We’ve charged a man with a string of shop thefts on Erdington High Street, after he was arrested by Fearless officers on 1 October.

Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team and Birmingham City Council Safety Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The 24-year-old was charged with seven theft offences from several different stores, including on the High Street.

Among those also arrested this week were individuals wanted for domestic harassment, drink driving, and failing to comply with a community order.

Looking ahead, we’ve got several community open events happening this month at our Engagement Hub, located outside B&M. These are a great opportunity to speak directly with officers, get crime prevention advice, and have a friendly chat.

We hope to see you there.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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

 

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

I am proud to share some fantastic news for our community. After months of campaigning, we have secured £20 million of long-term investment for Kingstanding through Labour’s Plan for Neighbourhoods.

This means £2 million a year for the next decade, going directly into the priorities that matter most to local people, whether that’s improving facilities, supporting community groups, creating opportunities for young people, or making our streets safer, cleaner, and stronger.

When I was elected, I promised to fight for investment after the Conservatives snubbed us with the Levelling Up Fund – twice.

Having already secured nearly £1 million for Operation Fearless in Erdington, I was determined that our area would not be overlooked again. This £20 million is the result of that fight, and today, we can proudly say our persistence has paid off.

But the real work starts now. The most important question is, how should this money be spent?

I want Kingstanding residents to lead the way so we can shape this investment around our community’s real needs. Whether it’s upgrading play areas, tackling anti-social behaviour, backing small businesses, this must be your decision.

For too long, communities like ours have been ignored. Labour is changing that by giving power back to local people. This £20 million is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I will work side by side with you to ensure your priorities lead the way.

This is our chance to rebuild pride, tackle long-standing challenges, and create better opportunities for the next generation.

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

Posted on

OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Robert Alden with local residents on Spring Lane / Photograph supplied by Cllr Robert Alden

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

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been working with residents and the police to tackle speeding and dangerous driving in the Spring Lane area during the year.

Last month we gathered a petition calling on the City Council to fund a raised crossing and speed bumps to slow down cars racing, as well as bollards on the corner of Fern Road to prevent people blocking visibility at the junction.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, backing the campaign. We’ve also been supporting local speed watches with the Police in the area.

This month we’ve met with the officers from West Midlands Police following our letter to the Chief Constable demanding the reopening of the front desk at Erdington Police Station.

We put forward our case for why we feel it is vital to back up the initial success of Operation Fearless and extra police officers locally by now reopening our much needed Front Desk. We will continue to put the case in the coming weeks and months.

We’ve continued to challenge the Council about the ridiculous case of the broken street lights on Wesley Road. The road itself is a private unadopted road. Over the last year all the street lights on the road have broken and the Council refuse to fix them.

Despite the lights having Council asset tags and electric vehicles chargers attached to them installed by the Council!

Hopefully the Council will finally see the light and fix them!

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

Posted on

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Councillor Ray Goodwing (Castle Vale, Labour) on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

There is a song for that.

September is always a month of change — the end of summer, the start of something new, and a reminder that progress never stands still in Castle Vale. This month, we’ve seen that spirit in action across our community.

We began with another Mobile Tip Truck event, tackling fly-tipping and helping residents keep our streets clean and tidy. It’s been inspiring to see so many people come together with real pride in the Vale.

When we work side by side, we don’t just improve our environment — we strengthen our community.

Community safety has remained a top priority. Following reports of antisocial behaviour and off-road biking, I’ve been meeting with local police, housing officers, and partners to ensure your concerns are heard. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood, and I’ll keep pushing for greater visibility, faster responses, and stronger enforcement.

There’s also positive news on the horizon: the rebuilding of our parks will begin shortly. These green spaces mean a lot to families, children, and older residents alike — places to relax, play, and connect.

It’s taken time and persistence to get here, but it’s wonderful to see our shared efforts turning into real investment for the future.

As autumn settles in, I’m reminded of what makes Castle Vale special — determination, unity, and hope. Whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them together. Because here on the Vale, there really is a song for that.

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

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch

(l-r) Local campaigner Alex Richards and Cllr Clfton Welch collecting rubbish for World Clean Up Day / Photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

Hello, Local Conservative Campaigner Alex Richards and myself have spent many months campaigning for investment into Kingstanding, especially to rejuvenate our local shopping areas.

That campaign has already seen Lidi come to Kingstanding Circle with construction well underway.

Now it’s been confirmed that following our campaign, Kingstanding will get £2 million a year for the next decade to revive high streets, parks and public spaces.

This will hopefully deliver improvements for Kingstanding Circle, Hawthorn Road, Conker Island and more locally to make Kingstanding even better for residents. This funding is from the national Pride in Place fund.

For World Clean Up Day on 20 September Alex Richards and I organised a clean-up around Kingstanding Circle. We collected eight bags of rubbish and some parts from a car that had previously crashed on the roundabout. We are both proud of Kingstanding and will continue to work to keep our streets clean.

I must stress how much I am against Birmingham Council taking down flags of St George and Union Jacks across Kingstanding and Birmingham. I am so very proud of our country and our history and the flags reflect our pride.

I am quite frankly amazed that a Birmingham Labour Council that has made the city bankrupt, has an eight month bin strike on its hands, a Commonwealth Games Village that never housed an athlete and will require residents to repay the costs for 40 years etc, thinks that putting in staff to take down flags is a good use of its resources.

This Birmingham Labour Council has lost its moral compass.

Take care, Clifton.

To contact Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch email [email protected]

For more from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch and local campaigner Alex Richards visit www.facebook.com/KingstandingConservatives

Posted on

OPINION: Jack Brookes, local campaigner for Reform UK in Erdington and Kingstanding

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Erdington, during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

Paulette Hamilton says that Kingstanding will get another £2 million extra per year. Therefore, my monthly columns will be focused on how we can improve Kingstanding: empower the residents and improve our quality of life. Positive politics.

The following ideas of what I think we should spend the extra money on were inspired by my travels to Taiwan.

Firstly, we can construct several extremely affordable outdoor calisthenics facilities (pull up bars etc) throughout the ward; in Asian nations these facilities are around every corner and provide full-time access.

A perfect site for a calisthenics addition would be at the Wheeldon Recreation Ground. Additionally, we could upgrade Wheeldon and turn it into a covered MUGA (Multiple Use Games Arena).

Secondly, we can have indoor/outdoor calisthenics equipment installed at the schools. Gymnastics and calisthenics will help get our youngsters strong and positive. Plus, the facilities can be accessible to the public via appropriate clubs.

Furthermore, we should make the most of the space on Warren Farm and build a new covered MUGA with a green roof. This construction would provide everyday access and be a positive benefit to the community.

A strong and a positive body creates a strong and positive mind. We must be healthier and more positive. Motion is lotion. Sport saves lives and reduces crime. Let’s build some strength together! Reform yourself and you will Reform the nation.

And keep flying the flags. The council can take one down, but we will raise two!

To follow Jack Brookes on social media visit www.x.com/jack4erdington

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson

Hello, I’ve recently taken over as the new Inspector for Birmingham East, covering Erdington and surrounding areas. I’ve taken over from Inspector Christian Forder, who has done a fantastic job leading the team here and I’m proud to be building on the strong foundations he’s laid.

It’s only my first week, but I’ve already been out and about, meeting the teams and getting stuck into conversations about what really matters to our local communities.

I’ve spent over 20 years in policing, most recently as a Response and Neighbourhood Inspector across Solihull and Birmingham and I’m bringing all of that experience with me into this new role.

I know that shop theft and antisocial behaviour on the High Street remain key concerns. These are priorities for us too, and we’re committed to making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Last week, Operation Fearless returned to the High Street for a day of action. With support from student officers, the team detained two men wanted for theft and enforced the Public Space Protection Order. They also spent time engaging with residents and local businesses — a great example of partnership in action.

I know trust in policing is built through consistent action and honest conversations. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to listen, learn, and work with you to make Erdington a place we’re all proud of.

Thank you for your continued support. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.

Stay safe.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch

(l-r) Cllr Clifton Welch and local campaigner Alex Richards / Photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

On Saturday 30 August I received an incredible warm welcome from the organisers of Together in the Community at their fun day on Conker Island. This was their 16th year of holding this event and I was proud to be told I was the first ever Kingstanding Councillor or MP to ever attend.

Together in the Community raise funds to support underprivileged families, homeless and the elderly across Kingstanding and they are doing a wonderful role.

They always require extra help so if anyone would like to volunteer please get in touch with me and I will pass your details on. I should also give a shout out to Kingstanding Inn who gave up their car park for the day.

On Friday 5 September I was back with Together in the Community for their fortnightly food bank. Alex Richards the Local Conservative Campaigner and I joined the volunteers as they assembled food parcels. It was a wonderful to see such commitment to the community.

Along with other parts of Birmingham, the last month has seen a significant rise of Union Jack and St George’s flags being flown across Kingstanding, most notably Hawthorn Road and Chingford Road. I personally love to see our two national flags on display.

I love my country, our proud history and our culture and these flags are a symbol of our proud history and culture. It should not be a problem flying these flags in our own streets and we should install the love and pride in our country to all generations.

Take care, Clifton.

To contact Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch email [email protected]

For more from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch visit www.facebook.com/KingstandingConservatives

Posted on

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin – standing on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

This past month in Castle Vale has been one of the busiest I can remember, but also one of the most rewarding. Every week has reminded me just how special our estate is, and how lucky I am to serve such an incredible community.

At the heart of my work has been the drive to make Castle Vale cleaner and greener. From joining residents at community litter picks to working with partners on environmental projects, I’ve seen the pride people take in their neighbourhood. That same determination is guiding our efforts to tackle rising energy costs, as I explore ways we can help residents reduce bills and make homes more sustainable.

One of the highlights of the month was the Castle Vale Community Festival. It was fantastic to see families, neighbours, and friends coming together to celebrate what makes this estate unique – its energy, diversity, and spirit of togetherness. Events like this show Castle Vale at its very best.

We’ve also taken time to reflect and remember, particularly through the commemoration of VJ Day. Standing alongside residents to honour those who served was humbling, and it reminded me how important it is to inspire the next generation of leaders here in Castle Vale.

It’s been a busy month, but if anything, the pace is only increasing. I know big things are coming for our community, and I’m determined to keep putting Castle Vale first – always.

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

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at coffee morning / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

The summer recess has given me the perfect opportunity to do what I love most, focusing my energy right here in our community. I’ve been listening to you across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, away from the busy corridors of Westminster. It’s where I belong, listening, learning, and fighting for our community at every turn.

It was a privilege to host fantastic coffee mornings in Pype Hayes and Perry Common, where I heard directly about the issues that matter most, from the danger of speeding cars on our streets to the pressing need for better, adequate housing. I will be holding another coffee morning in Castle Vale soon, so please keep an eye out more for details.

Erdington High Street’s Summer Fun Day was simply brilliant and full of energy, with so many local groups showcasing the vital work that makes our community special. I was also privileged to host a pop-up surgery there, meeting residents face-to-face and hearing your concerns, just as I’ve always promised.

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

And as always, I am acting on what you’ve shared. As promised, I have scheduled a site meeting with council officers at Conker Island to urgently address the unsafe play equipment and damaged bins that residents have rightly raised.

I hope you enjoyed your summer. I certainly did, meeting so many of you has reinforced why I fight so hard. Now, it’s back to Parliament to tackle the legacy of Conservative chaos and to champion Erdington both here and in Westminster.

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