Category: Opinion

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

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

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale welcomed the festive season in spectacular style as hundreds of residents gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Centre Park on 1 December.

The event, made possible through the support of The Pioneer Group and a number of dedicated local partners, was a powerful reminder of the remarkable community spirit that defines our estate.

The evening opened with a heart-warming performance from our very own Pioneer Choir, whose beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols set the perfect tone for the celebrations.

Castle Vale’s Christmas Tree lights switch on event in Centre Park / Photograph supplied by The Pinoeer Group

Excitement grew as families waited for the arrival of our special guest – Santa himself – who delighted children and adults alike before helping to officially illuminate this year’s impressive Christmas tree.

This stunning centrepiece, proudly standing at the heart of Castle Vale, was generously donated along with the lights by Nationwide Windows and M&BG. Klassic Donuts added to the festivities with sweet treats that kept everyone warm and smiling throughout the night.

As the lights flickered on and the crowd cheered, it became clear that this event was more than a seasonal tradition; it was a celebration of togetherness.

Organisations such as Upcycle Birmingham, The Sanctuary, Castle Vale Community Environmental Trust, Spitfire Services, YoungStars Community Hub and Castle Pool Community Partnership all played a part in bringing the community together for an evening of joy, connection and pride.

With the unveiling of a special Christmas flag and more festive surprises to come, Christmas at the Vale is officially underway.

This year’s celebration stands as a shining example of what Castle Vale can achieve when we come together.

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

 

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

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

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

October and November have been months of reflection, change, and community spirit in Castle Vale. As we move from autumn into winter, we’ve continued to see that spirit of unity and progress shine.

October kicked off with another successful Mobile Tip Truck event, helping residents tackle fly-tipping and keep our streets clean.

It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together, showing real pride in our community. When we work side by side, we not only improve our environment but strengthen our connections.

Community safety remains a priority. Following concerns about antisocial behaviour and off-road biking, I’ve been working closely with local police, housing officers, and partners to ensure everyone feels safe.

I’ll continue pushing for quicker responses and stronger enforcement.

Exciting news: the rebuilding of our parks will soon begin. These green spaces are vital to families, children, and older residents alike, offering places to relax and connect.

(l-r) Cllr Ray Goodwin and local veteran raise ‘Lest We Forget’ flag in Centre Park on Remembrance Day / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

On Remembrance Sunday we attended the Remembrance Day service at St. Cuthbert’s Church, which bought the community together, and at 11:00am on the eleventh month we stood together as a community to raise the flag and honour those who served and sacrificed.

It was a meaningful moment of reflection and unity.

As the festive season approaches, we look forward to the Christmas tree light switch-on and supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal. Together, we’ll ensure that every child in the Vale has something special to look forward to.

Castle Vale is a place of determination, unity, and hope. Together, we’ll face whatever comes next.

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

 

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OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch

(l-r) Alex Richards and Cllr Clifton Welch at Remembrance Sunday service and parade / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

Hello, Alex Richards (Conservative Local Campaigner) and I were both so proud to attend the Kingstanding Remembrance Service and Parade on 9 November.

The Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Beavers did Kingstanding proud with their parade and residents turned out in large numbers to support a very important event that is at the very heart of Kingstanding community. I was so honoured to have attended.

Following on from last month’s news that Kingstanding will be getting £20 million pounds of investment over 10 years, I received my first formal briefing on 6 November. It’s very early days but what is now known is the following:

  • The first £2 million becomes available in April 2027
  • In early 2026 a shadow committee will be set up of residents and politicians, which later in 2026 will become the formal organising committee that will oversee the planning and authority to spend the funds.
  • In early January 2026 council officials will walk around the ward with me to get better understanding of the issues facing residents.
  • Project leader will attend my next Kingstanding Ward Meeting on 14 January 2026 to give residents full update.

Obviously, I will keep residents fully updated in future editions of this newspaper and via my leaflets and Facebook page.

At end of October, I was invited to opening of Concord Club new outdoor sports facilities in Aston as a team of Kingstanding school girls were taking part. The excellent facilities mirror exactly the sports facilities we have in Kingstanding at the excellent 601 Club.

Thank you, 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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at Pype Hayes Lighthouse Church Remembrance Sunday service / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

This month, we paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It was an honour to join Pype Hayes Lighthouse Church for their Remembrance Sunday service and Abbey Catholic Primary School for Armistice Day. We will remember them.

One of the biggest concerns residents raise with me is the out-of-control spread of HMOs. Unlike the Conservatives, who have allowed this problem to worsen, I have been relentlessly campaigning to stop inappropriate HMO applications.

Recently, in Gravelly Hill, I have been campaigning against a proposal to convert a family home into a 9-bed HMO. This is part of my ongoing mission to oppose such plans, and I am proud that, by working together, we have successfully challenged every single HMO application I have campaigned against so far.

Paulette Hamilton MP at Black Histry Month event / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

It was a pleasure to host our second annual Black History Month event in Erdington. We welcomed a wonderfully diverse audience from across our communities, coming together to celebrate our shared ambition for a more just and equal society.

Many of you have also been in touch, deeply concerned about family and relatives in the Caribbean affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

As someone with Jamaican roots, I share these concerns and understand the anxiety. In my role, I have been working closely with the Foreign Office and local community members to support British nationals and ensure vital aid reaches the region, and I will continue this work.

I remain committed to fighting for a better Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

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

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

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

Words by Jack Brookes

Remembrance Day… We must not forget the brave and the honourable. We must put veterans first. We must honour the dead by living each day with meaning and purpose.

Too many veterans feel let down; they have been let down. Their sacrifice was not worth it, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

I had an ancestor that died a slave in imperial Japanese hands and another ancestor that fought in both world wars and survived. I had another relative serve in the Falklands War, and he died five years ago of pancreatic cancer.

My family has a history of serving this country and it is for this reason alone that I keep fighting in politics. I will put veterans first, in everything that I do.

Taking inspiration from our Armed Forces – especially their fitness standards – I have devised another policy for the area: installation of athletics/running tracks and basketball courts at schools.

In Taiwan there is a running track at 85% of all schools and over 92% have basketball courts; Taiwan has some of the best health outcomes in the world and spend much less on healthcare – this policy can save the NHS. These running tracks are available to the public in the evening and on the weekends.

Things must change. Things must get bettr. We must give ourselves strength and then we can reform the nation.

In Liberty,

JB

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

 

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Alden taking part on local community gardening / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

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

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been continuing to push the Council to back our plan to end the bin strike, balance the Council’s books and clean up the city.

Locally we have been continuing work with partners to try and secure investment into the High Street, getting dumped rubbish cleared, like the recent rubbish dumped overnight in the car park at Rookery Park and planting daffodils to help ensure Erdington is looking bright in the new year.

This includes on the grass verge at the junction of Arthur Road, Moor End Lane and Holly Lane.

Across Erdington we are really fortunate to have wonderful community groups like Erdington Litter Busters who do so much work maintaining and enhancing green spaces, including in this location and the central reservation on Sutton New Road.

Cllr Moore at St Barnabas Church for Remembrance Sunday service / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

As we do every year, earlier this month we also joined residents at St Barnabas Church for the Remembrance Sunday service and to lay a wreath in memory of those gave their everything so we may live free.

Now more than ever we must remember what they fought for and ensure their sacrifice was not in vain and is not forgotten. It was a moving service as always and thank you to the church for hosting and local schools for the events they did to explain Remembrance Day to their school kids.

With Christmas approaching we wish everyone in Erdington a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year!

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

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe this Winter – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.

If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.

Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.

Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.

Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.

Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.

Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP

We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.

Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.

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

 

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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

 

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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

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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