Category: Opinion

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

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

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

Since I last wrote my article a view from the Vale there has been a high-profile incident where a firearm was discharged. Whilst this was an isolated incident, it also reminded me that we simply need to be on the front foot always and put residents’ safety first.

We did a great amount of work last year when a similar incident took place, to ensure we kept our Neighbourhood Police Team in place.

Whilst I am extremely grateful to West Midlands Police for their diligence in dealing with the incident, I am aware the new model being introduced in Erdington will leave Castle Vale at a policing deficit. This I something I will be picking up with the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

I will now be pulling together a Community Safety Summit to collaborate with partners to produce tangible solutions that reduce the risk of such high-profile incidents happening again.

Castle Vale is an amazing community, and it is my promise that whilst I am the Councillor for Castle Vale I will do everything in my power to protect residents and this community. Words are good but my continued actions are there to help keep residents safe.

As Mahatma Gandhi said: “The future depends on what you do today.”

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 collecting rubbish on Conker Island / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

Hello, I thought I’d tell you about some of the things I’ve been involved in around Kingstanding in the past month.

On 23 May, my colleague and local campaigner Alex Richards and I visited Conker Island. Our original purpose was to look at the condition of the waste bins which turned out to be in a dreadful state, in some cases almost falling apart.

I’ve reported the state of the bins together with the fact that exercise equipment is missing and not replaced or broken, and matting in the play area is missing or in poor condition. Alex and I also took the opportunity to do an extensive litter pick of Conker Island as the photo above shows.

In early June, I was contacted by member of staff at Greenholm Primary School and sent a video of the waste bags that had not been collected for almost six weeks. I was shocked and very concerned at the obvious threat to public health of primary school aged children.

I wrote to the CEO of Birmingham Council the same evening I received the video, asking her to use her authority to get the waste collected from the school as a matter of urgency. I was delighted to hear and see photos showing the waste had been collected the next working day.

But within two hours I was sent another video from Warren Farm Primary School almost identical to Greenholm. This demonstrated this was not an isolated incident.

Birmingham Labour Council are putting the public health of small children and staff members at risk; this is simply unacceptable.

To contact Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch email clifton.welch@birmingham.gov.uk

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP with officers at Erdington Police Station / Photography supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

This month, I’ve been standing up for our community, putting Erdington on the national stage in Parliament, while standing shoulder to shoulder with local volunteers and campaigners at home.

In Westminster, I led a debate on police presence, shining a spotlight on Operation Fearless, our local success story. Since securing £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, this initiative has led to 140 arrests, and helped reduce antisocial behaviour on Erdington High Street.

It’s a model other MPs are now looking to replicate in their own constituencies. But our work doesn’t stop here. I’ll keep pushing for the long-term investment we need to regenerate our town centre and support safer streets.

Paulette Hamilton MP meeting residents at Erdington Methodist Church / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Back in Erdington, it was a pleasure to meet residents at my recent coffee morning at Erdington Methodist Church. These events are a brilliant way to share updates and listen to your concerns. I look forward to welcoming residents at the next one in Pype Hayes!

I’m also proud that our petition to improve Kingstanding’s Conker Island Park has now passed 150 signatures. In partnership with the Friends of Conker Island, we’re calling on the council to repair play equipment, install bins, and tackle antisocial behaviour, because every child deserves a safe place to play.

And finally, I was delighted to join the police and volunteers at Erdington Police Station to thank them for their service. Their dedication keeps us safe.

From Erdington and Kingstanding to Castle Vale and South Oscott, our strength is in our people. Let’s keep moving forward.

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

(l-r) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

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

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been continuing our campaign for West Midlands Police to reopen a public front desk at Erdington Police Station. Having recently secured the additional Police team for the ward, we are clear that this is best complimented by the reopening of the front desk for at least part of the week.

While the Police pod placed on the High Street is nice to support community groups, it is clearly not a replacement for a Police Front Desk. Therefore, we have again written to the West Midlands Police Chief Constable, calling on him to reopen the front desk.

Other things we’ve been doing for residents recently include campaigning against a planning application to convert four much needed bungalows behind 41 Deakin Road into care homes, tackling dumped rubbish and missed bin collections, securing a further visit from the Mobile Waste Trucks for residents to be able to get rid of rubbish during the strike, and supported community events like the recent volunteers day as well as much more.

We also spoke at a recent licensing review meeting against Drinks 2 Go, where we were calling on the Council to close the premises. Sadly, this was rejected by the Council, who added a further condition on the premise.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who took part in the first Love Your Local Community High Street Litter Pick. It is hugely appreciated.

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

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OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch

(l-r) Conservatives Leader Kemi Badenoch MP and Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch / Photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch

Words by Cllr Clifton Welch

This month I’d like to talk about one of the biggest issues I get asked about – potholes across Kingstanding.

After the cold winter that we had, I spent a little time inspecting local roads for potholes and reporting them for repair.

Sadly, Birmingham Labour have been trying to axe £20 million a year from the road repair budget at a time that the roads across Kingstanding – and Birmingham in general – have needed investment more than ever.

Across Kingstanding we are starting to see the damage in our local roads of a decade of bankrupt Birmingham Labour’s mismanagement of the Council and its finances. Many of these potholes – such as on Rivington Creescent, Epwell Road, and Warren Farm Road – are dangerous and require urgent attention.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to update you on the Kingstanding and Perry Common Libraries.

The good news is the campaign that local Conservatives launched to save these libraries was a success and Birmingham Labour backed down on their closure plan, and they are both going to remain open. However, the opening times will be reduced to just three days a week with no commitment to open on a Saturday.

There is also a risk that Birmingham Labour will use any reduced visitor numbers as an excuse to come back next year to close either or both libraries.

So, I can pledge Local Conservatives will continue to fight to protect both Libraries and in the longer-term fight for the return of full-time services.

To contact Kingstanding Cllr Clifton Welch email clifton.welch@birmingham.gov.uk

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

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

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale and the armed forces are inextricably linked; if it wasn’t for the Spitfire where we would be. Built at RAF Castle Bromwich, the planes took off from the runways, which as I write is this very special piece where I am based on Castle Vale.

Everywhere you go on the estate you sense the history and importance of the impact this community had – most of the streets and roads are named after either people or places that are stepped in history. For example: Spitfire Way Lancaster Drive, Lofthouse Close.

There are even rumours of Spitfires being buried under Farnborough Fields.

So, it was right and proper that we did something special for VE day and raised a flag in Centre Park with the ‘Last Post’ playing. We have a war memorial which is located behind a fence in St Cuthberts church. I am wondering if this is the right place for this.

More importantly, a memorial that celebrates our veterans should be located somewhere also.

Listening to residents, I think the memorial should be located by the flagpole in Centre Park and we name it the ‘Memorial Park’ or ‘Veterans Corner’. I am not sure of the logistics of this, but it is worth exploring.

As Churchill said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

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

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter break. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour and will always remember the courage of those who defended our freedoms. Their sacrifice reminds us to stand united, building a future filled with hope, love, and peace.

This month, I’ve been working with the Friends of Conker Island in Kingstanding, calling for urgent repairs to the children’s play area.

Damaged bins, broken equipment, and hazardous surfaces are putting kids at risk. Our children deserve safe, well-maintained spaces to play, and I won’t stop until the council takes action.

On more positive news, we’ve secured a major win for community safety. After years of pressure and a campaign I led, Erdington High Street now has its own dedicated police team. This is a huge win for local businesses and residents who’ve faced antisocial behaviour for too long. I’ll keep pushing to make sure our streets feel safe for everyone.

(l-r) Inspector Christian Forder and Paulette Hamilton MP / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In Parliament, I’m fighting for women’s health, demanding more research and funding for fibroids and reproductive diseases, conditions that have been ignored for decades.

Just recently, I hosted a parliamentary event with medical experts and campaigners to drive real change. No woman should suffer in silence because of a system that fails her.

From safer parks to better policing and healthcare, my focus remains on delivering for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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

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OPINION: Jack Brookes, representing Reform UK in Erdington

Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Birmingham, Erdington in 2022 / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes

Words by Jack Brookes

First and most importantly, I hope all of you had a marvellous Victory in Europe Day; it is a time for all of us to reflect on what the brave fought and died for 80 years ago – throughout the world and peoples of all nationalities. They gave their tomorrow for our today.

In regards to the Commonwealth: “My thoughts go out to the innocents caught in the conflict between India and Pakistan at this incredibly difficult time.”

Now to political matters…

Reform recently gained: 2 Mayors, 1 MP, more than 600 councillors and 10 council majorities. England has displayed that it wants resolve, restoration and Reform. It must be remembered that this political change is greater than one person.

Reform’s local policies are clear. All wasteful government spending will be eradicated with the implementation of our own DOGE departments and the abolition of the unnecessary DEI and environmentalist jobs.

Taxpayers must get value for money otherwise more councils will go bankrupt like the Labour run Birmingham City Council. The Reform wave has momentum and we can win control of Birmingham City Council and save the city.

In other news, the Labour Government has perhaps negotiated the worst deal possible between the UK and India.

As stated on Reform’s Twitter/X page: “Two Tier Keir betrays British workers. It is now 20% cheaper to hire Indians than British people. He has cut taxes (National Insurance exemptions) for Indian workers and hiked them for British workers.” Thus, creating an unfair labour market.

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

Cllr Alden and police on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Cllr Gareth Moore and I are delighted to confirm that Erdington High Street will now have its own dedicated Police team in addition to the existing Neighbourhood team.

This is something we have been campaigning for over the last few years and is a very welcome change which will mean more police on both the High Street and across the rest of Erdington.

It is also part of what we have been arguing is needed following success of operation fearless to maintain the progress made. Another part we continue campaigning for is for the front desk at Erdington Police Station to reopen.

(l-r) Ray Woods from ECBC, Selina Gooden from EWG, and Cllr Alden at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Photograph suppplied by EWG

Over the last month we have joined residents at a number of wonderful community events including the Good Friday Walk of Witness, Easter Egg hunt by Short Heath Fields Trust, 100th Birthday Walk for the Erdington Baths building by Erdington Walking Group (EWG), where regeneration work to convert it into an Enterprise Hub has started, and VE Day 80th remembrance service.

We’ve also been helping residents with various issues including, dumped rubbish on Johnson Road, litter bins emptied and getting the pedestrian crossing lights, on Station Road, repaired.

I am currently collecting a petition opposing a planning application to convert the old plumbing shop on Mason Road into a takeaway and against an application to convert four much needed bungalows into supported accommodation on Deakin Road.

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

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ERDINGTON HIGH STREET POLICE: Keeping Erdington High Street safe – A message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sgt Gary Grove from the Erdington High Street police team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m Sgt Gary Grove, your new High Street policing team Sergeant. It’s my pleasure to introduce myself and share how we’re working hard to keep our community safe.

With the Op Fearless team relocating to Southside, we’re focused on building on their success and making sure Erdington remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Their work led to more than 140 arrests, acting directly on concerns from residents and businesses. Fearless will return to Erdington from time to time to work with us, but now it’s our job to keep up momentum.

Sgt Grove talking to Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items. Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.

This month, we’ll be out engaging with local businesses alongside partner agencies, ensuring the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is enforced by tackling street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.

Sgt Grove, the High Street police team, and Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.

I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress, successes, and future initiatives.

Stay safe, Sgt Gary Grove

For more on the local 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