COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating success and creating change on Erdington High Street

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA)

WLCA Chief Executive Afzal Hussain outside Health and Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

We recently celebrated three successful years on Erdington High Street, delivering essential services to more than 7,000 residents from our Health & Wellbeing Hub.

Despite recent news of safety concerns at this location, this doesn’t reflect our first-hand experience, and we are proud that the Erdington Health and Wellbeing Hub continues to be a cornerstone of community support, offering vital services in health, employment, housing, and financial advice.

In 2021, Witton Lodge Community Association made a strategic decision to take on the empty High Street facility. By investing and expanding our services over the years, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to drive positive change on the High Street and for the Erdington community. And as many of you will know we followed this up with ambitious plans to refurbish the former Erdington baths.

In another significant development, West Midlands Police has launched Operation Fearless, a major initiative to tackle crime and improve safety in Erdington.

This operation, funded by £880,000 seized from criminals, targets issues such as drug-related activities, anti-social behaviour, and violent crimes with the dedicated team already bringing tangible improvements to community safety.

Together with local residents, groups and partners, we remain committed to improving lives and livelihoods in Erdington. By working collaboratively, we know we can create a safer, more vibrant Erdington where our community can succeed and thrive.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Looking back and facing forward with Witton Lodge Community Association

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afsal Hussain on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.11.24)

Every year, Remembrance Weekend pulls us into a shared pause, as we honour the sacrifice of those who stood in harm’s way for the sake of our tomorrow. It is a time when history reminds us of the profound cost of freedom and the resilience of the human spirit. We remember them. Always.

I had the privilege of attending a remembrance service alongside veterans, communities, and dignitaries, where we gathered to pay our respects. And in remembering them, we renew a promise: to cherish the peace they fought for and to strive for a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary.

The Autumn 2024 budget gave us a sense of direction and priorities of this new government. Whilst there were some welcome measures, such as investing in our public services, increasing the national living wage, and the earnings threshold for carer’s allowance; the wider economic environment remains challenging.

Locally, the Council’s financial position, unfortunately places further strain on community and youth services, and we will be redoubling our efforts through local and city-wide partnerships, such as B:CAN to work together to minimise the impact of cuts and provide alternative ways of delivering services that are community led.

The Ladders of Opportunity Bursary is just one example how we can invest in future generations. This fantastic initiative, is dedicated to supporting the youth of Erdington with funding and mentorship, helping them achieve their dreams.

I recently had the immense pleasure of meeting the young people who were awarded the bursary. The room was filled with ambition and energy, with aspirations that spanned a wide range of careers and enterprises.

A big thank you to our generous funders: BMet, IM Properties, The Pioneer Group, Urban Devotion and Witton Lodge Community Association. For the year ahead we will be seeking additional partners to expand the fund, levelling the playing field, and supporting more young people who haven’t always had the best start in life.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

FEATURE: “Libraries are so much more than just books,” Erdington rallies to support libraries across the constituency

Words by Ed King / Pics provided by Cllr Welch and Erdington Walking Group – with extra taken from archives

On 27 September, the final consultation period for the future of Birmingham libraries will come to an end – before Birmingham City Council finalise their plans for the future of the city’s Library Service.

Across the Erdington constituency there are four libraries, providing valuable resources for local residents and school children in and around Castle Vale, Kingstanding, Perry Common, and Erdington Town Centre.

But after the end of September the fate of these centres for learning and community will be in the hands of the Council financiers – as city officers look to save £2,300,000 from the library budget.

Erdington Local talked to those who have been championing the need to support our libraries and takes a look at what the future could hold after the Council’s consultation campaign draws to a close.

“Libraries are so much more than just books,” declares Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch. “They are at the centre of any local community. We must do everything possible to keep Kingstanding Library open.”

It’s a familiar battle cry, as local campaigners and politicians alike have been championing the need for libraries in their communities across the city – following the announcement by Birmingham City Council (BCC) that a citywide public consultation would be held to “help shape the future of the library service for Birmingham.”

“Help shape” might sound cordial, but the reality is the Council need to save £2,300,300 from the city’s library budget – which currently supports 35 community libraries, a mobile library, a home library service, and the Library of Birmingham. And when the biggest spend is on community library staff, amounting to £4,100,000 – nearly double the Council’s savings target – people’s work lives are literally on the line.

Local Authorities across the UK are bound by law “to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons” under their governorship, as per the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

But Birmingham City Council is broke, after haemorrhaging undisclosed millions on a defunct IT system (the official count is at £139m but many sources feel it could be considerably higher) and being found legally liable for more hundreds of millions in Equal Pay Liabilities across its significant workforce.

And whilst books don’t cost megabucks, people who work for you do – and the buildings you keep both of them in could be worth a few bob if they happened to become apartments.

So, in April 2024, a financially bludgeoned Birmingham City Council launched a public consultation and explored ways to cut costs to the library service of nearly two and half million. Proposals included permanently closing libraries, partnering with local stakeholders to run them, and turning them into Library Community Hubs providing other community services.

There is also the option to relocate the existing library and end up with an empty building or two, which is never a bad thing when you’re trying to sell off assets and realise Council equity. But as with the 21% rise in Council Tax, many felt the people who live in the city were once again set to suffer whilst they cleaned up the mess of the people who run the city. And sufficed to say, it made them angry.

“One of my campaign promises was to take the fight to save Kingstanding Library to the very heart of the Council chamber,” continues Cllr Clifton Welch. “In my maiden speech I was proud to formally second a Conservative motion to save libraries across Birmingham.”

He continues: “Since being elected, it has come as a shock every month to see Labour councillors in the chamber bring forward petitions from their residents campaigning to keep open their local libraries, and yet every single Labour councillor has voted to support the closure of libraries across Birmingham at every opportunity they have been given in the Council chamber.”

Erdington Local has not been able to verify these claims, but the rush by councillors across the city to be seen on social media championing their local libraries did become somewhat comical. All of a sudden, as the clarion call reached fever pitch, councillor’s social media threads were full of selfies with a pensioner or a school child holding a book. And if you didn’t have a library in your own political ward, then borrow one from a colleague.

However, there are those with more longstanding political skin in the library game. Oscott’s Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour), who has been the ward’s elected official since 2004, has been vocal about importance of Kingstanding Library for many years.

During the last Birmingham City Council consultation on its Library Service, which finished in January 2017, Cllr Dring helped generate funds and secure its future through a partnership with Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) – who were looking to deliver services from both Perry Common and Kingstanding Libraries.

Speaking at the Kingstanding Library relaunch event in 2017, Cllr Dring tells: “I’m absolutely delighted to have led on this project for Kingstanding Library, the money put into it has regenerated this library and also Perry Common Library.”

She adds: “The library is at the heart of the community and by doing what we’re doing we have put other services into the library which has enabled us to keep this library alive.”

As part of BCC’s current consultation, “opportunities to work with partners” are being explored as part of Library Services’ ongoing delivery strategy. There are also proposals for 10 Community Library Hubs – one in each constituency – which will provide a range of services from money advice and food pantries, to digital inclusion support and computer access.

Plus, the involvement of external organisations could alleviate the staff costs currently incurred by BCC. This may mean redundancies or loss of working hours for those currently on the Council’s payroll, but BCC promise the Community Library Hubs “could be open on a full-time basis (35 hours per week)”.

WLCA have come to the Council’s bricks and mortar rescue on a few occasions, from their renovation of the crumbling Gatekeeper’s Cottage at Witton Lakes into a well-used Eco Hub, to the recent project to turn the old swimming baths on Erdington High Street into an Enterprise Hub.

And their involvement in Kingstanding Library and Perry Common Library, alongside that of Spitfire Services with Castle Vale Library, have arguably saved three out of four of the constituency’s libraries.

As WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, tells Erdington Local: “Our local libraries are an essential part of the social fabric of our community, offering a lifeline for people to connect, learn and access vital support services.”

He adds: “WLCA is committed to maintaining our collaboration with local libraries to secure their long-term viability for future generations.”

But the beating heart of community often comes from the people marching the ground. And, in Erdington at least, none are more committed to both than Erdington Walking Group (EWG) founder Selina Gooden, who recently organised a round trip walk from Erdington Library to Perry Common Library to encourage people to take part in the Council consultation and to champion the importance of libraries to the community.

The walk was also to celebrate 90 years since the opening of Perry Common Library and organised for the day of the anniversary.

Alongside her passion for health and social inclusion, Selina is also a songwriter and poet, which (mirroring the sentiments of Jack Reacher novelist Lee Childs) came from her salad days devouring poetry.

“Where did I go to find such poetry books…?” tells Selina. “The library. As a child I had no idea what would become of my love for poetry, how it would help me create so many songs and poems – all thanks to the library.”

She adds: “Libraries are incredibly important, because not only do they provide resources and services for literacy and education, but they also help us to expand our network – which goes a long way where connectedness is concerned.”

The EWG walk between the two libraries gained a lot of local attention and support, with Selina recounting “a real sense of unity and pride” between those involved – even picking up some library staff members along the way, who joined the EWG in solidarity.

But the opportunity to “help shape” the future of Birmingham’s Library Services is still on the table, through the face to face consultation sessions or the Council’s own online questionnaire.

“All our libraries are faced with a challenging financial situation and are now required to make considerable budget savings… which will affect all who live, work and/or study in Birmingham.

“Now you have the chance to shape a better Library Service that will benefit you and people across our city for years to come,” adds Selina.

“The consultation outcomes will help inform decisions taken by the Council after it has ended. Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by, have your say before it’s too late.”

The last face to face library consultation in Erdington will be at Perry Common Library on 23 September. Birmingham City Council’s questionnaire will be online until 27 September at: www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

(Ed’s note – this feature was first published in the Erdington Local printed edition dated September/October ’24.

The original feature references Witton Lodge Community Association/WLCA as being involved in the “the running of Kingstanding Library” – whereas WLCA were in fact delivering services from the library, after a partnership with Birmingham City Council Libraries Team in 2017.

Erdington Local issues a full apology for any misrepresentation in the original feature. For further information and to see the source material used, please click here. )

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Hope flourishes through community action: transforming lives together

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

During the summer, we were delighted to welcome the local community and stakeholders to the former Erdington Baths, to take a peek inside and see first-hand the ambitious plans to transform it into an Enterprise Hub, breathing fresh life into this iconic, much-loved local building and inspiring the next generation of creators, makers and innovators.

The creation of the pocket park marks the first ‘visible’ step in this journey. Residents that have already seen the new park have commented how it has already changed the look and feel of the building and surrounding area.

A huge thanks to local residents and groups that have actively volunteered to not only shape plans but also helped to build and maintain the pocket park.

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we know that when local residents share their insights and experiences it leads to a deeper understanding of the issues and opportunities. And their active engagement leads to better decisions, and a genuine sense of ownership and pride in local projects services.

One way that you can influence what happens in your neighbourhood is to join Community Voice, a new influential forum that invites people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities from North Birmingham to share their lived experiences and discuss the issues that matter most.

Founded by Witton Lodge Community Association and developed by local residents, this initiative aims to enhance community life and improve service delivery by focusing on the needs and voices of the people.

To make your voice heard and be part of the decision-making process for your community contact us on 0121 382 1930 or email [email protected]

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

NEWS: WLCA call out for volunteers to help with ‘pocket park’ and regeneration of Erdington Swimming Baths

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant (images under copyright)

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are putting the call out for people to help them with the ongoing regeneration of Erdington Swimming Baths, turning the century old pool into a new Erdington Enterprise Hub.

Looking for volunteers to join them at two sessions on Friday 6 September, one held at 10am-12pm and another between 1-3pm, WLCA will be working on renovating the main site entrance on Mason Road.

The jobs at hand include tending to the ‘pocket park’ that now decorates the frontage, a special urban oasis set up to bring the outside of the old Swimming Baths back into community use whilst the Enterprise Hub building work inside continues.

WLCA are looking for help turning the spoil, planting new plants, and painting the wooden planters.

Volunteers will also be asked to help lay ‘eco-rubber’ to the flooring in the morning session and add the finishing touches in the afternoon, depending on the weather conditions.

A full briefing will be given at the start of each session, with all necessary equipment provided. People are asked to bring clothes they can comfortably work in and will be suitable for the day.

WLCA will also provide a special lunch and refreshments for the group of local volunteers.

Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to register their interested with WLCA by emailing their Head of Programmes and Partnership, Waheed Saleem, on [email protected] – or by calling WLCA on (0121) 382 1930.

Witton Lodge Community Association recently secured £4m to start the ambitious Enterprise Hub project from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council, which has been in planning stages since before the Coronavirus pandemic.

‘Phase One’ of the development, which will futureproof the old Erdington Swimming Baths building by turning it into a creative hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs, was officially launched on Thursday 18 July.

(Click here to read our initial news report and click here to read our follow-on feature.)

Speaking at the ‘Phase One’ launch, WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, told: “We’ve got the funds secured; we’ve got the plans in place, we’ve got the teams in place, we’ve got the community on side… it feels great. It feels great that we’re able to take that next step.”

Birmingham City Council Leader John Cotton, who gave a public address to attendees, further told Erdington Local: “It’s so incredibly exciting for Erdington, clearly this is about bringing a heritage asset – something at the heart of the community – back into use.”

He added: “I think this also pays tribute to the tremendous assets that we have out in our community – organisations like Witton Lodge that have been driving this forward and are rooted in the heart of our communities.”

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Empowering Community Voices in North Birmingham

Words and pics supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association has launched the Community Voice Forum to empower North Birmingham residents in shaping local services through direct involvement in decision-making processes.

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of residents across North Birmingham, to play an important role in shaping the services that impact their lives.

Through a new Community Voice Forum, we are excited to facilitate a cohort of passionate, motivated individuals to be involved in decision-making processes, directly influencing the creation and delivery of support services across Erdington and Sutton Coldfield.

To kickstart this new initiative, we recently welcomed over 40 local residents from across our community to hear about our goal to develop sustainable, resident-driven forums.

Community Infrastructure Facilitator Steve Sharma said: “We had a fantastic turnout at the launch of the Community Voice Forum at Perry Common Community Hall.

“Being community-led is at the heart of everything we do at WLCA, and we were delighted to connect with local residents, sharing our plans for the Community Voice initiative.

“We’re so encouraged by the positive response we received at the event and want to thank everyone that joined us on the day.

“Community Voice has the potential to make a significant impact in our communities, and seeing residents come together to use their voice and take control is incredibly inspiring. We’re very excited for the future of this much-needed initiative.”

Together, we want to connect with those who are passionate about their community and eager to help shape services and support across our six key themes: Housing, Employment, Health, Enterprise, Environment, and Volunteering.”

The Community Voice Forum welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities from across North Birmingham to share their lived experiences and discuss the issues affecting them.

By doing this, we can gather tangible evidence of the issues facing our communities, identify gaps in existing services and work together to identify the support needed to address them.

Individuals passionate about their community with a desire to be part the decision-making process can join the Community Voice Forum by contacting Community Infrastructure Facilitator, Steve Sharma at WLCA via email at [email protected] or phone on 0121 382 1930.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

FEATURE: ‘Phase One’ of WLCA Enterprise Hub development officially launched, securing the future of a 100 year old asset in Erdington Town Centre

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant

On Thursday 18 July, Witton Lodge Community Association officially launched ‘Phase One’ of their latest suburban development – transforming the near century old Erdington Swimming Baths into a vibrant Enterprise Hub.

With a projected cost of £6.5m, the ribbon was finally cut on the ambitious project which has been in planning stages for years and survived a global health crisis, local authority financial collapse, and a change in national government.

Erdington Local previously reported from the July opening ceremony, click here to read.

But as Birmingham watches the garage sale of its public assets, to buy sand for the city’s multi-million pound financial meltdown, the future of Erdington Swimming Baths is now very publicly secured – bringing with it a brand new community hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs in Erdington Town Centre.

The word ‘gamechanger’ is being said, several times, by several different people – as a group of local stakeholders, elected officials, and community groups are introduced to the new Enterprise Hub from Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).

The project, which now official enters ‘Phase One’, is set to turn the near 100 year old Swimming Baths into a centre of commerce and community for startup businesses and freelance creatives.

It’s hyperbole, ‘gamechanger’, and used so often it’s in danger of devaluing its meaning. But this time, in this place, after all it took to get here and with all it could mean to Erdington, it feels like an appropriate description. Just look at what The Custard Factory did for Digbeth.

Plus, the project has committed to not only saving the historic building but keeping “as much of the memory and history of these Baths” during its development – tells Rob Annabelle from Axis Design Architects, who worked on the Eco Hub with WLCA and was brought in at the Enterprise Hub concept stage before handing over to the Digbeth’s Intervention Architecture.

“We went in with a light touch,” continues Rob, “inserting something into the building that didn’t need to strip any internal surfaces out.

“So, the original tiling and details from the Baths would remain. The original structure would be in place. And I suppose fundamentally, using the depth of the pool space so it maintains the edge of the pool – so it could still feel like a swimming pool, from the shallow end to the deep end.” There’s probably a metaphor relative to the world of commerce in there somewhere, but let’s have a look back at the money.

Erdington Local first reported on the Enterprise Hub back in October 2022, when WLCA has secured £795,000 from Birmingham City Council (BCC) Community Infrastructure Levy – following a previous £2m commitment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Both have different figureheads now, with their predecessors respectively booted and voted out of office. And both are still here to celebrate and support the ‘Phase One’ launch of the project, which has fought for survival through a global health crisis and the effective bankruptcy of the city it needed to support it.

Recently elected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is quick to recognise the work done by Andy Street to help get the Enterprise Hub over the line, deftly addressing the support the region’s erstwhile Mayor gave the project.

Cllr John Cotton, the now Council Leader, is less vocal about the Shard End councillor who came before him – although BCC has now matched the WMCA investment of £2m to support the initial development, an increase of £1,205,000 from the cheque on the table when Cllr Ward was running the city. Mind you, a lot has changed financially in Birmingham since then.

“It’s so incredibly exciting for Erdington,” Cllr Cotton tells Erdington Local, after coming out of his tour of the swimming pool space now under development, “clearly this is about bringing a heritage asset – something at the heart of the community – back into use.”

And what about the city’s heritage assets, many of which now have a starting price tag and could be under the hammer anytime soon? How does it feel to be saving and not selling a red brick building in the city’s portfolio?

“I think this also pays tribute to the tremendous assets that we have out in our community,” adds Cllr Cotton. “Organisations like Witton Lodge that have been driving this forward and are rooted in the heart of our communities.

“And certainly, as we address some of the challenges we face as a Council that partnership with organisations like Witton Lodge, and many others across the city, is going to be crucial to addressing those big challenges we know we still face.”

The elephant in the room, at last. Erdington Local has been asking the Council’s press office for clarification on their funding for the project, with only months of “we’ll get back to you” and then silence.

But as nearly one and a quarter million more has been granted from the city’s coffers, after Birmingham became effectively bankrupted, we ask again. Face to face, can the city’s top politician now confirm there is actually enough cash in the Council kitty?

“That (BCC investment money) was agreed in July of last year,” explains the Council Leader, “through a Cabinet report and was subsequently signed off through our Section 151 processes that we’ve got in place during the current financial challenges.

“So that money is accounted for, allocated, and available to support the project.”

He adds: “I think it’s got a massive impact, when you’re talking about creating jobs and opportunities for people. Also, the money will input into the local supply chain with the refurbishment to the building… there’s a huge multiplier effect to all of this.

“And fundamentally you’ve got something that’s a long-term heritage asset for this part of the city that’s got a bright future – but is also building bright futures for all the people who will come through its doors. So, I think it’s an absolute win win.”

Surrounding us are the team from Witton Lodge Community Association, who no doubt mirror the sentiments of the Council Leader. And who’s tenacity and belief in the project have made it the only real development on Erdington High Street since the area lost out on two multi-million pound government regeneration bids – the Future High Streets Fund in late 2020 and the Levelling Up Fund in early 2023.

It is worth noting, that since Erdington Local has been on shelf – over four years ago – WLCA has also managed to convert a century old gatekeeper’s cottage by Witton Lakes, that was in serious Council neglected disrepair, into a new Eco Hub and community café.

They also took over the abandoned Walk In Centre on Erdington High Street, once the axe finally dropped and the facility was moved by NHS bosses to Stockland Green.

And now it’s Erdington Swimming Baths, which you could have bet good money would have ended up on the commercial market – a place the neighbouring Erdington Library is in significant danger of finding itself.

“In all honesty, it’s still sinking in,” tells Witton Lodge Community Association CEO, Afzal Hussain. “When you’ve been at something for such a long time and you reach this milestone – which is huge, in the sense that we can really look to the future with confidence.

He adds: “We’ve got the funds secured; we’ve got the plans in place, we’ve got the teams in place, we’ve got the community on side… it feels great. It feels great that we’re able to take that next step.

“And today (‘Phase One’ launch event) I think is really important, not least because of the development at the front, with the ‘pocket park’ (a community involved project to brighten up the frontage whilst building work takes place inside).

“But it’s a way to start to engage, reengage, and reconnect with our local businesses and communities, and build that support over time.”

And after over five years of planning and negotiating, the money now in the bank will deliver the core of the project – turning the central pool hall into a space for local entrepreneurs, with a range of options from hot desks to stand alone units to house a variety of sized businesses.

But what about the rest, where’s the £2.5m for the project’s bells and whistles coming from? “We’re always looking,” continues the WLCA Chief Executive Officer. “I think the difference is this, with the £4m (from BCC and WMCA) we will be able to preserve the building and restore the roof.

“We’ll be able to create a café, open it up to the public, and really convert the pool with the co-working spaces, the pods… so that means the project works as it stands.”

And the patience already shown by WLCA and the project’s partners will stand them in good stead, because “even with a fair wind it will still take us a couple of years before the building is open” admits Afzal Hussain.

He adds: “But we now know the building will be open – and I think that’s the gamechanger.”

And there’s that word again.

Erdington Enterprise Hub ‘Phase One’ launch event / Pics by Joe Marchant

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: When the bonds of community are tested

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)

At Witton Lodge Community Association, community has always been at the heart of who we are, and what we stand for.

There are times when these bonds of community are tested. Over recent weeks we have seen shocking scenes of violence and attacks against some of the most vulnerable in our society. Despite what some say, we know that these are not protests in the proud traditions of our country, they are acts of deliberate violence and intimidation intended to create fear, sow division and cause chaos.

In Birmingham, we appear to have avoided the worst of these, however, the risk remains, and we must be vigilant.

At these times (of hardship), it is up to all of us to demonstrate who we really are, and what we stand for – our shared values, common humanity, and solidarity. At the worst of times, we often see the best of people, and there have been many uplifting moments of unity and togetherness.

We know that our country has a proud history of overcoming such challenges and emerging even stronger, so whether it was the Blitz spirit during World War II, or more recently the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic – the power of community has been, and remains, a beacon of hope and unity.

Social media has made life better and easier on many many fronts, however, there is increasing awareness about the dangers of misinformation. Please remain alert and help your neighbours and communities distinguish between facts and falsehoods.

In Erdington, our many communities and local groups play a pivotal role in promoting understanding and fostering cooperation between and within our communities.

This sense of belonging and connection contributes to us all feeling safe. Together we are stronger!

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

NEWS: Witton Lodge Community Association officially launch ‘phase one’ of new Enterprise Hub

Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant

On Thursday 18 July, Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) officially launched ‘phase one’ of their new Enterprise Hub, transforming the old Erdington Baths into a community workspace and entrepreneurial hotspot.

Attending the launch were local partner organisations and stake holders, representatives from local community groups and religious bodies, recently elected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, and Birmingham City Council Leader John Cotton.

WLCA hope the ambitious development, which will give Erdington entrepreneurs a place to take affordable office space or utilise hot desk facilities, will not only breathe life into Erdington’s High Street but “futureproof” the cherished swimming baths from private sale or development.

Once complete, the creative centre will also house a crèche and onsite play area – giving professionals with young families and a place to work from whilst meeting their childcare responsibilities.

There are further plans for the Enterprise Hub to house a community café, and an outdoor area for street food markets, music, arts, and community events.

The development has been four years in planning, with talks beginning before the Covid pandemic and continuing through the city’s financial crisis.

Despite the global health crisis and Birmingham’s own fiscal meltdown, WLCA have continued to push through with the project – recently securing £2m from the West Midlands Combined Authority and £2m for Birmingham City Council to bankrolling ‘phase one’.

The money now on the table will guarantee the Enterprise Hub will open with the office space, hot desks, community café, and the majority of its planned facilities – with a further £2.5m needed to add the additional resources to complete the overall plan.

And whilst Birmingham City Council is looking at assets it can sell to address its multi-million pound financial crisis, the highest ranking politician in the city has confirmed the £2m coming from the Council coffers for the Witton Lodge Enterprise Hub is guaranteed.

Speaking to Erdington Local at the official launch, Council Leader John Cotton confirmed: “That (£2m) was agreed in July of last year through a Cabinet report and was subsequently signed off through our Section 151 processes that we’ve got in place during the current financial challenges

“So, that money is accounted for and allocated.”

Standing with Cllr John Cotton as they toured the development site, Witton Lodge Chief Officer Afzal Hussan explained that “even with a fair wind” the Enterprise Hub will take a couple of years to fullyopen.

And that they were “always looking” for the further £2.5m investment for the final plans, with the money coming from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, after over four years of planning the Enterprise Hub in Erdington is now a reality.

He added: “We now know the building will be open, and I think that’s the gamechanger. With the £4m we will be able to preserve the building and restore the roof. We’ll be able to create a café, open it up to the public, and really convert the pool with the co-working spaces and the pods.

“So, that means the project works as it stands.”

For more on the Witton Lodge Enterprise Hub visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: New life for Erdington Baths

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

After almost six years of perseverance and the tireless support of our community and stakeholders, we were delighted to finally secure the £4million needed for the first phase of works that will breathe fresh life into the former Erdington Baths.

The Baths are almost a century old, and have stood empty since they were closed in 2014. Many residents have already shared their treasured memories of growing up and visiting the Baths with family and friends, and I’m certain we will hear many more as the project develops.

With work expected to start later in the year, the first phase will see funds invested into the overall fabric of the building to restore the roof, undertake essential repairs, create a main reception area, and convert the pool hall into a co-working space, studio pods, events and community space.

Situated between Erdington Library and the Erdington Skills Centre, it is a great opportunity to create a Learning, Skills and Enterprise Quarter in the heart of Erdington.

Complex projects such as these are only possible with the support of many stakeholders – our community, local businesses and partners. We want to thank Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority for investing in the project.

We are particularly appreciative of the Council’s leadership for taking this brave decision, especially as it deals with its financial challenges. Mayor Andy Street continued to back the project even against the backdrop of three failed funding bids to government.

The late Jack Dromey and more recently Paulette Hamilton MP have been huge advocates, and Cllr Robert Alden has been on this journey with us right from the outset. Thank you!

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.