FEATURE: Police and partners join forces for and All Out Day on Erdington High Street

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

Words by Ed King

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

On Friday 30 September, Erdington High Street welcomed another All Out Day – where local police, security, and partners came together to deliver a full day of enforcement and support services across the Town Centre.

Organised by Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) Community Safety Team, the day began with local services reaching out across the High Street – with agents from agencies such as Change Grow Live and Trident Housing offering advice and guidance over drug and alcohol misuse, rough sleeping, homelessness, mental health support, and other concerns.

The afternoon saw a more strong-arm approach from local enforcement agencies, directly tackling street crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street.

Caroline Anson-Earp (centre) Community Safety Partnership Manager for Birmingham North, with Birminngham City Council Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Officers from the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT), Transport Safety, Birmingham City Council Safety Team, and the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) Street Wardens all joined forces to address criminal behaviour and ‘hotspots’ across the Town Centre.

PCSOs from the local police team were also present at the Community Hub outside the new B&M Superstore, engaging with members of the public face to face to address non-emergency concerns and more general police enquiries.

Birmingham City Council also brought out a strong show of force from enforcement officers to challenge issues such as shops encroaching onto the pavement, the build up of rubbish and waste, and illegal and inconsiderate parking.

Community Safety Team sign and gazebo outside St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Natalie Kibble, Community Hub Manager at St Barnabas Church, told Erdington Local: “The All Out Days are a great opportunity for St Barnabas to offer support to those that need it most. It’s a chance to collaborate and partner with local charities, agencies and services in a collective way.”

She added: “The All Out Days are beneficial for St Barnabas for us to work closely with other services so that we can continue our signposting and encourage people to accept much needed support.”

Simon Anderson, North Hub Services Manager for Change Grow Live (CGL), also told: “At CGL, we support adults who want to make positive changes in their lives due to issues and difficulties with drugs or alcohol… While completing outreach work in Erdington, CGL staff came across a member of the public who was homeless.

“Staff supported the individual to access warmth and safety at St Barnabas, where colleagues from Trident were able to engage with them and help secure temporary accommodation.”

Community sfaety partenrs talking to public outside St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

He added: “The benefits of All Out Days for individuals are truly priceless. We hope these days continue to grow, with even more partners joining us so we can reach more people and spread the message that help and support are available to anyone who needs it.”

Erdington High Street and Town Centre have seen significant changes in the levels of street crime and anti-social behaviour in recent months, thanks in a large part to the impact made by Operation Fearless – a special police initiative to stamp out criminality in hotspots across the city.

Launched in Erdington Town Centre, and now operating in Birmingham Southside, Operation Fearless was brought to B23 through the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner – following extensive lobbying from Erdington’s elected representatives, including Paulette Hamilton MP.

Designated Neighbourhood Officer (DNO) talking to member of the public on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Showing support for the action of local police and partners at the All Out Day on 30 September, Paulette Hamilton MP told Erdington Local: “This is a turning point for Erdington High Street. While our challenges are no secret, our recent All Out Day proved the power of partnership.

“With the police, the council, the Erdington BID and community groups standing shoulder to shoulder, we sent a clear message that our High Street matters.”

She added: “Operation Fearless was just the start. These All Out Days prove that Erdington is not forgotten. When we all pull together, residents, traders and elected representatives, we can secure the safety, growth and investment our High Street deserves.”

PICTURE GALLERY: Police and partners in Erdington Town Centre for All Out Day / Photography by Ed King)