Paulette Hamilton MP outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
Like you, I’ve watched the news from the Middle East this week with a heavy heart. The renewal of conflict, with airstrikes on Iran, is deeply troubling.
It forces us to reflect on Britain’s place in a volatile world.
While I condemn the abhorrent actions of the Iranian regime, as your MP my first duty is to you. That is why I support the Government’s decision to ensure the UK is not automatically dragged into another distant war.
We cannot afford to enter conflicts at the behest of others. We must never forget the painful mistakes of the past, particularly the war in Iraq. Any decision involving our armed forces must have one thing at its core: the safety and security of British citizens and a clear, achievable goal.
We cannot commit to conflict without an exit plan.
Locally, I was pleased to host my coffee morning in Gravelly Hill, listening to residents. Whether we are talking about local priorities or our NHS, your voice shapes my work in Westminster.
It also means fighting for the things that hold our community together. I’ve been pressing hard for answers on Erdington Library. Our cherished Grade II-listed building has been left in limbo. I’m pleased that structural surveys are finally approved and plans are moving forward.
I will keep the pressure on for a clear timeline and the funding needed to bring this vital community hub back to life.
Please keep an eye out for my next coffee morning, I hope to see you there.
(L-R) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore standing outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied Cllr Alden
Words byErdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
Tireless local Councillor Gareth Moore and I recently met senior officers and the Cabinet Member at Erdington Library to discuss the urgent need for repairs, a library provision during the current closure and to inspect the damage that the library has suffered.
We also since have held a public meeting to update residents on the latest and the next steps.
Sadly the damage to the roof has been significant, part of the ceiling has now fallen down and there has been significant water ingress.
Birmingham City Council have reiterated, following our campaign to save Erdington Library, they are committed to repairing and reopening the library.
(L-R) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden standing by community artwork / Photograph supplied Cllr Alden
We have secured the following repairs: roof and skylights to be replaced, damaged plaster repaired, single glazed windows replaced, public toilets reinstated, lighting upgraded, reinstate hot water in staff areas, inspections of stone coping and underground heating pipework.
It’s vital that residents have a library service locally. So before the work begins, we’ve asked the Council to reopen the community room for bookings and book drop off.
With work expected to take around a year, longer term we are working with the Council to find a temporary location to house a library service for Erdington as well as for increased visits from the mobile library truck.
The Mobile Library will now visit the High Street every Wednesday 12.30pm-2.30pm – starting Wednesday 25 March and one Saturday per month 3.10pm-4.00pm – starting Saturday 11 April.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.
One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.
The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.
I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.
I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.
There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.
On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.
For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.
(L-R) Local campaigner Alex Richards and Cllr Clifton Welch in the Council House / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
Dear residents,
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen some extraordinary scenes in the Birmingham Council Chamber when Labour – who have run Birmingham for the past 14 years and with an overall majority – were unable to pass their budget for 2026/27.
It required a second emergency meeting some six days later for Birmingham Labour to be able to pass their own budget.
In the original Council meeting, I was lucky enough to be called on to speak. Below are some extracts from my speech: “Birmingham Labour talk about fresh ambition’s, is that a joke? You are responsible for this mess.
“The proposed Council Tax increase of 5% means residents will be paying 82% more than when Labour took office and for what? Bin strike into its second year; Zero green waste collection; Weekly waste collections to be scrapped; Fly Tipping out of control; Pot holes like third world; Oracle IT system not working; Equal Pay crisis…
“Is this what Birmingham Labour calls fresh ambition?”
“But the agony for Birmingham residents is nearly over. Labour have broken Birmingham, but the Conservative alternative budget can start the process of fixing it.
“The Conservative alternative budget would provide: Cleaner streets, better local services, fixing the potholes, a community chest fund for local councillors to decide what to spend funds on.
“Our alternative budget is fully costed and funded. There is hope for residents once we get rid of this Labour Council.”
On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street – with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal.
The special event is to celebrate the 10 and 15 year anniversaries of the Church and Café respectively, and the many years that Oikos has been a vibrant and cherished part of the Erdington community.
Ahead of the anniversary Fun Day celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder.
Words by Nicola Murray
A decade of coffee and community is being celebrated on Erdington High Street as Oikos Café marks its 10 year anniversary, as well as 15 years of Oikos Church serving the area.
Since opening its doors in 2006, Oikos café has grown into far more than a place to eat and drink, it has become a vital “third space” – a place between home and work where connections are formed and cemented.
Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.”
Outside of Oikos Cafe on a sunny day on Erdington High Street / Yellow Mustard Photography
To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.”
This event will bring people together through food, activities and family entertainment. The celebration is designed as a thank you to the community that has supported Oikos Café over the last 10 years – and the people they have reached through their church over the last 15 years.
Community focus is what makes Oikos shine, with many customers remarking it is what sets the café apart. Loyal customers often call it “one of the best things about Erdington,” reiterating the café’s reputation as a social anchor on the High Street.
It has become a real community hub where people feel known, and a part of something bigger.
Staff serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photgraphy
Over the years, the café has opened its doors to a variety of groups and events. “It has been so great to see so many different groups using the space, from the Women’s Institute to schools and music groups,” said Mandley.
Oikos Café plays a significant role as a flexible venue where different parts of Erdington life intersect and are celebrated.
One of the main highlights of the decade has been its regular and free Community Meal, held on the last Thursday of each month.
“It is an evening where we feed over 100 people from all walks of life and backgrounds,” adds Mandley. “The diverse community of Erdington is represented on these evenings and people get to know each other; many friendships have been made off the back of those events.”
The success of Oikos Café would not be possible without their volunteers, who have been central to making the vision of Oikos a reality.
Oikos Café reflects the church’s long-term commitment to Erdington. In a time when many public social spaces are disappearing, Oikos has left its mark on the community.
There are over 30 volunteers every week that make the café function. Over the past decade, more than 250 volunteers have offered their time, supporting everything from events to daily hospitality.
The café has helped offer paid work, and the ability to develop skills.
Outside of Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
And as the 10 and 15 year celebrations begin, the focus is not only on the past but the future, “We have loved doing it over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10 years” Mandley remarked.
The Oikos anniversary Community Fun Day will be held on Saturday 28 February, between 11am and 3pm – outside Oikos Church and Café on Erdington High Street.
The event is partnering with the Erdington BID as part of LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – with support from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Mayor’s Market Fund.
Paulette Hamilton MP outside Yenton Primary School, Chester Road, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
The new year has begun with real progress for families across our community. I am delighted that Gunter, Yenton, and Chivenor Primary Schools will soon open Labour’s free breakfast clubs, building on the support already reaching local schools.
That commitment to fairness is matched by decisive national action. After years of decline under the Conservatives, I was proud to see West Midlands rail services brought back into public ownership.
Services at Erdington and Gravelly Hill stations will now be run for passengers, not shareholder profit, helping to deliver the simpler, more reliable railway our communities deserve.
After the success of securing Kingstanding’s £20 million Pride in Place funding, I have been meeting residents and local organisations, listening directly to those who know the area best. Their voices will shape the priorities for this funding.
The next crucial step is appointing a chair to the local board, and I encourage anyone who lives or works in Kingstanding South East and shares our vision for renewal to apply.
Yet, as we deliver, the Conservatives are descending into chaos. Senior Tories like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, architects of their party’s failed immigration policy and economic wreckage, are now rebranding themselves within the ranks of Reform.
They are one and the same. This is a desperate reshuffle of the same failed deck, offering no real solutions for communities like ours.
Despite the political noise, I remain committed to fighting for investment, fairness, and opportunity for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, today, tomorrow, and every day.
(l-r) Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore outside Erdington Library during recent heavy rains / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives
Words byErdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
Before Christmas Erdington library’s roof sprung a leak and despite an initial repair, it flooded a second time that has now seen it closed since then for repairs.
Over the last month Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued to push the Council to get the roof repaired and the library reopened asap. We have asked officers for an urgent meeting on site to inspect the damage.
At the recent Council meeting we asked the Cabinet Member in charge of Libraries, Cllr Suleman, to hurry up and sign off funding for the repairs and to meet us on site to discuss the damage and how important Erdington Library is to our local community.
Sadly, this damage is another example of the cost of the Labour Council continually putting off proper maintenance. Gareth and I, along with the local Friends group, have all been warning the Council that the roof needed wholesale replacement.
This work was promised but has been delayed again and again by the Council. Now the damage and cost to repair it will be far greater.
Gareth and I know just how important our historic library is locally and we will not rest until we have got Erdington Library reopened.
This month has also seen the Labour run City Council announce another double whammy on residents with further Council Tax rises and service cuts announced for the next year. It means since Labour took control of the Council in 2012 Council Tax will have DOUBLED under their plans.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.
Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.
But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.
This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.
I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.
Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.
Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.
(l-r) Cllr Clifton Welch and local campaigner Alex Richards at Conker Island, Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by Cllr Clifton Welch
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
Dear residents,
During the bad weather in January Local Conservative Campaigner Alex Richards and myself were out reporting dozens and dozens of grit boxes that needed refilling. Residents also asked for several additional grit boxes across the ward which I have formally requested.
On 23 January Alex and I took the opportunity while looking at the new litter bins on Conker Island, to plant some daffodil bulbs close to the newly installed bins. I’m looking forward to seeing them bloom.
On 24 January, I took part in a group Litter Pick at the King George V playing fields.
On 26 January I was able to speak at the Full City Council. I took the opportunity to name a dozen plus roads in Kingstanding that had not had a waste collection for two weeks. I also raised the case of Greenholm Primary School that by mid January had gone a month without a waste collection, and still had the remains of the schools Christmas Lunch to be collected.
I also mentioned St Lukes Church which had gone at least two months since a waste collection.
Since my last Update on Pride in Place there have been some major changes. The main change is that the Programme now starts from April 2026 and the appointment of the so called Independent Chair has to be approved by the local MP.
The selection process for the Chair starts now, so if you are interested keep an eye on local social media for details.
Paulette Hamilton MP (centre) with local community group memebers / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
A very happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a restful Christmas and were able to spend quality time with family and loved ones, just as I did at home here in Erdington.
Over recent weeks, I have been meeting with local groups including the Friends of Conker Island, Together in the Community and New Heights to listen directly from residents about their priorities for Kingstanding. These conversations will shape how the £20 million Pride in Place fund is delivered. This investment has the potential to bring real, lasting change, but only if it is driven by local voices, local needs and local ambition.
I have also seen some surprising claims from local Conservatives attempting to take credit for this funding. Let me be clear. After 14 years of Conservative government, Erdington was repeatedly overlooked for investment, including a rejected £10 million Levelling Up bid for Erdington High Street. That is their legacy; this £20 million is ours.
To keep this conversation going, I am hosting a public meeting for Kingstanding residents on Friday 23 January, 11am–1pm, at New Heights, St John’s Centre. I encourage you to come along and have your say.
Community safety remains a top priority. I recently met Sgt Fulford for a local policing update and was encouraged by progress under Operation Skybridge, which has already led to arrests, reduced crime and the disruption of a major cannabis farm.
