Category: Opinion

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at constituency office in Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP (Birmingham Erdington, Labour)

Protecting our communities remains one of my top priorities, and this summer I’m stepping up my campaign to stop more family homes being lost to poorly managed HMOs and fight for stronger safeguards against exempt accommodation.

Here’s an update on the work I’m doing on your behalf.

I’ve recently been made aware of a planning application for a new 7-bedroom HMO on Tyburn Road. Our area already has far too many poorly managed HMOs, and I don’t believe we need another. That’s why I’ve launched a campaign opposing this application.

I’m also continuing my fight to close the loophole that allows some failed HMO applications to become exempt accommodation.

If you’d like to support these campaigns, please sign my Tyburn Road HMO and exempt accommodation petitions at www.paulettehamilton.org

It was wonderful to welcome so many residents to my recent community coffee morning at Maryvale Community Centre in Oscott. These coffee mornings are a great opportunity to hear your concerns, answer your questions and discuss the issues that matter most.

Paulette Hamilton MP at Maryvale Communty Projectr / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

I look forward to my next coffee morning on 14 August in Kingstanding as I continue meeting as many of the 122,000 people I represent as possible.

Finally, I hope you’re enjoying the summer holidays and spending quality time with family and friends.

With the Government’s August free bus travel scheme for children aged 5 to 15, I hope many families have been able to make the most of the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

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

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OPINION: A message from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

(l-r) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore (Erdington Ward, Local Conservatives)

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been clear that we believe weekly bin collections should remain – at the elections Local Conservatives pledged to save them if we took control of the Council.

Sadly, we did not and the new Green/Lib Dem/Independent administration has gone ahead with trialling scrapping weekly bin collections in North Birmingham, and later the rest of the city.

Over the last few months’ Local Conservatives have been leading the push for weekly bin collections to be reinstated including challenging the Leader and Cabinet Members at the City Council.

In addition, we have been working with residents to raise issues that have existed in the rollout of the service across our local area as well.

Gareth and I have been reporting missed collections, bins that have not been delivered and taking senior officers on site visits locally to show the Council issues on roads which are simply not suitable for the new scheme.

Such examples include flats on Avalon Close, Hepburn Edge and Somerton Drive, amongst other roads, where residents are not allowed or don’t have the space to store the increased number of bins.

We are updating residents on our Facebook page – www.faceboo.com/ErdingtonNews – with all the latest on the changes to the bins and our campaign to reinstate weekly bin collections.

If you are experiencing issues in Erdington please contact Gareth (gareth.moore@birmingham.gov.uk) or myself (Robert.alden@birmingham.gov.uk) and we will try to help.

The Council can also be contacted on EngageWithWaste@birmingham.gov.uk with issues relating to the bin rollout.

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.

I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.

But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.

Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.

I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.

There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.

This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.

Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.

I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.

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

 

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OPINION: A message from Kingstanding’s Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert (Kingstanding Ward, Reform UK)

There is something deeply insulting about suggesting thousands of people across Erdington voted the way they did because they suddenly became racist.

They didn’t.

They voted because they are fed up.

Fed up with immigration they believe is out of control. Fed up with pressure on housing and public services. Fed up with Birmingham’s finances. Fed up with broken promises, rising costs and neighbourhoods that too often feel neglected.

And fed up with politicians who only seem to discover these concerns after an election defeat.

Nobody should defend racism. If someone genuinely abuses another person because of their race, that is disgraceful.

But there is a world of difference between racism and asking legitimate questions about immigration, borders, housing, public services and the pressures placed on local communities.

That distinction matters.

Because if every uncomfortable question about immigration is dismissed as racism, politicians never have to answer it.

If every criticism of Labour is dismissed as hatred, politicians never have to accept responsibility.

And if every Reform vote is explained away as bigotry, perhaps nobody in Labour has to confront the uncomfortable truth.

People voted Reform because they wanted change.

Oscott, Kingstanding, Perry Common, Pype Hayes and Stockland Green did not collectively lose their minds.

They exercised their democratic judgement.

The answer isn’t to insult them, patronise them or lecture them.

It is to listen.

Because when politicians start blaming the voters rather than asking why they lost them, they haven’t learned the lesson.

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Following the significant investment secured from central government earlier this year for Stockland Green Health Centre, it was a pleasure to mark the start of the new 32-bed purpose-built facility at the Highcroft site.

This long-awaited investment is a major step forward, and I’m proud we’re now seeing real progress.

Our faith and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together. That’s why it was a pleasure to join Pastor Aaron and the congregation at Charlton Road Church as they celebrated their 90th anniversary in Kingstanding.

It was a wonderful reminder of the dedication of volunteers, faith leaders and local organisations that make our area special. With Kingstanding benefitting from £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, I’m determined to ensure local people are at the heart of shaping that investment for years to come.

(l-r) Church Elder David Read, Paulette Hamilton MP, Pastor Aaron Reyes / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Alongside securing investment, I’m continuing to campaign on the issues that matter most.

I recently challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over the loophole allowing some landlords, whose HMO applications have been refused, to convert properties into exempt accommodation with far less scrutiny.

Our communities deserve a proper say, and I’ll keep pressing the Government for stronger protections. You can support my campaign by signing my petition at www.paulettehamilton.org

Finally, as schools break up for the summer, I hope you and your family enjoy some well-earned time together.

Whether you’re staying local or heading away, I wish everyone across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott a safe, happy and relaxing summer.

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

 

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OPINION: A message from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Morre and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington HIgh Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

Cllr Gareth Moore and I continue to fight to get the roads across Erdington and the City repaired.

The current state of them is totally unacceptable. At the election the Local Conservatives called on the Council to fix the potholes now and while we did not take control of the Council, we continue that push for action.

This has seen Station Road partially resurfaced last month. Finally bringing one of the worst roads up to an acceptable standard. We continue to demand repairs to Chester Road, Gravelly Lane, Holly Lane and many more as well.

Before/after images of Council repairs to damaged surfaces on Station Road / Image supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Recently it was also revealed that the Labour Government has cancelled the Highways PFI deal that gave the Council £51m a year, for 25 years, for highways repairs.

This is being reduced to just £17m this year and no deal for future years currently.

This is a massive cut, reducing funding for highways repairs in the city by two thirds. It is even more disgraceful that this decision was taken in March but hidden from the public until after the Local Elections this May.

You can back our campaign for this funding to be restored by signing the petition here – www.birminghamconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/save-birminghams-highways-funding

This month has also seen the listed building consent application submitted for the much-needed works to Erdington Library. We continue to push the Council to deliver this work as quickly as possible.

This is a key milestone needing to be granted to allow work to start.

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

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.

That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.

The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.

However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.

Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.

Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.

I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.

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

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OPINION: A message from Kingstanding’s Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert

Reform candidates on the campaign trail ahead of the Local Elections in May 2026 / Photograph supplied by Reform UK – Birmingham branch

Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert

Reform councillors are fighting to get Kingstanding added to Birmingham’s Mobile Household Waste Centre programme.

Mobile Household Waste Centres are staffed pop-up sites that visit ten locations across Birmingham each week, usually for one morning. They allow residents to dispose of general household waste and bulky items locally, without having to travel to a permanent Household Recycling Centre.

These services matter. For older residents, people without a car, and those who cannot easily transport unwanted items across the city, they can make a real difference.

They are also part of the answer to fly-tipping. If the Council wants cleaner streets and fewer piles of rubbish, it must make lawful disposal easier and more accessible.

Other parts of Birmingham receive regular mobile waste-centre visits. Kingstanding does not. We do not think that is fair.

Following Cllr John Lambert and Cllr Jex Parkin’s persistent pushing, council officers have confirmed to us that Mobile Household Waste Centres are planned for Kingstanding. Your Reform councillors are in the process of progressing this and will update further with more details as soon as possible.

Kingstanding is one of Birmingham’s largest residential areas, yet residents are missing out on a service available elsewhere. We are fighting to change that.

A mobile household waste centre would give people a straightforward local way to dispose of unwanted items properly and help keep our neighbourhoods cleaner.

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

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OPINION: Hope on the horizon with Erdington’s new Police Sergeant Millard – a message from Erdington’s Town Centre Manager

Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Ed King – Erdington Town Centre Manager

After taking over as Town Centre Manager in March 2025, I spent the first six months meeting with the local Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and officers from Operation Fearless.

It was an exciting time, with high profile policing in Erdington Town Centre and extensive media coverage about the impact the near million-pound police initiative was making.

And it was working, too.

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street during initial launch – Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

But as a rising balloon gets higher in the sky, the easier it can burst. And with a loud pop and dull thud, once the team left Erdington all the good work achieved by Operation Fearless came hurtling back to earth. £880,000 to disrupt the problem. Or move it from Iceland to Borsch Electrical.

So, excitement turned to frustration. Then anger, as I watched revolving door sergeants and inspectors leave no visible strategy, or police officers, on the ground. And for the next six months I had more meetings, and more frustration, mostly ending in the words: “…just do your job.”

Now I don’t know how to run a police force as much as I know how to fly a plane, which (you should know before taking your seat) I don’t. At all. We’d crash before take off.

(l-r) Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

But what I meant was the answer – to me, and to the entire retail, consumer, and residential community in Erdington Town Centre – was simple. Regular, physical, uniformed, and active police presence on Erdington High Street.

Building a network and building trust. Doing their job. Or rather, being left alone, and in place, to do their job continuously. Simple.

And whilst I don’t know how many annual salaries the cost of Operation Fearless could have paid for, I do know without an effective handover to the NPT it counted for nothing.

Sergeant Millard (far left) with members of Erdington BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

I also know, have met, and have seen doing their job, we have some excellent officers working the Erdington patch. The problem is they’re seldom left there for long, and after a list of false starts and promises from those above them you start to switch off.

Then, after the second sergeant in under a year had signed up and signed off, I got a call from Detective Chief Inspector Askew – a copper’s copper who led Operation Fearless, and one of the only boys in blue I still allowed myself to trust.

“There’s a new sergeant coming to Erdington… give her a chance, you’ll like her. She gets the job done.”

So, I did. And DCI Askew was right. She was new and her approach was refreshing, and it could work too. Click here to meet her for yourself, Sergeant Claire Millard.

Now all West Midlands Police need to do is their job and support her.

For more from Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

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

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

(l-r) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Local Conservatives

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have recently met with the Council to chase repairs to our much-loved Erdington Library.  Chasing this work was one of our first actions following our re-election as it is so important to our area.

The assessment and initial design work was completed in April. This work includes replacement of the roof, replacement of the windows, a lighting upgrade and the reinstatement of public toilets.

The Council will now be seeking Listed Building Consent to enable these works to happen, and an application is expected to be made soon. However, delays within the Department mean a decision is not expected until October, meaning work could not start till November – which is a substantial delay.

We’ve made it clear that a new roof is desperately needed before the winter to avoid the risk of further damage during cold weather.

It’s hugely disappointing that there are further delays to repair and restore Erdington Library.

At the City Council a new Leader of the Council has been appointed following a vote at the Council AGM. Cllr Harmer came first in the vote followed by myself as Leader of the Local Conservatives in second, the Reform Leader came last after they refused to back the Local Conservatives to take control of Birmingham City Council.

One of the Reform Councillors even voted for the new Green, Lib Dem, Independent administration.

The Local Conservatives will be leading the scrutiny of the new administration and holding them to account in the year ahead.

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