Tag: Birmingham City Council

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NEWS: Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team seize drugs and illegal tobacco from raids across the High Street

Birmingham City Council Trading Standards and Erdington Seargent Claire Millard (right) with seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham City Council

Words by Erdington Local news team

Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) has been cracking down on crime across Erdington High Street, seizing significant amounts of drugs and illegal tobacco products in two raids carried out last week.

The first raid saw officers target a known hotspot in between The Swan pub and Borshch Electrical where police believed drug dealing was taking place. During a high impact broad daylight bust, the NPT and supporting officers seized 27 wraps of what are suspected to be cocaine and heroin.

After the raid, a spokesperson for the local force confirmed: “One man was given a community resolution, and an investigation into the drugs is continuing.”

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Then on Thursday 1 October, in a combined effort with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and support from Operation Fearless, the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team raided a High Street shop suspected of selling illegal cigarettes.

Carrying out the warrant to search the premises and vehicles connected to the retailer, officers discovered more than 50,000 cigarettes and over 2,500 grams of hand rolling tobacco believed to be contraband.

Police seized the illegal tobacco products, estimated to be worth more than £40,000, alongside a vehicle they believe was connected to the crime.

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Working further with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and Operation Fearless, the Erdington NPT are now looking to seek approval from the courts to close the shop.

Current legislation can grant police the powers to close a business for up to six months if they suspect it is being used for criminal enterprise, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently announced plans to extend those terms to 12 months.

Following the raids across Erdington High Street, Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “We know that locals here in Erdington, who are proud of the High Street, value a visible policing presence, and I hope that it’s clear through our patrols and enforcement activity that we are acting on their concerns.

“When people tell us they’re worried about the supply of drugs and illicit goods on the High Street, enforcement like this is key to dealing with that.

Sgt Millard added: “We’ll keep working with our partners to tackle this, and as ever we are grateful for the support and information from the community.”

Vehicle linked to shop seized during raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless are also continuing their work in Erdington and has recently expanded to tackle more forms of criminality on High Streets, working collaboratively with the Home Office and other partners as part of the High Street Organised Crime Unit.

Acting Detective Inspector Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, added: “Fearless originally launched in Erdington, and we remain committed to working with local officers as they work hard to tackle crime on the High Street.

“Given the potential links to wider organised criminality, Fearless is continuing to focus on disrupting the supply of illicit goods and targeting those involved.”

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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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Castle Pool Community Partnership

Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

Words by Shaun Hand

Back in 2013, when Birmingham City Council announced their plans to close Castle Vale’s swimming pool on Farnborough Road, long-time local resident Amanda Cutler started a petition to save it. She couldn’t have known then that she and her family would end up helping to run it.

“An asset transfer [taking over full responsibility for the site] was the only way we could save the pool,” she explains today. “So we went through that and formed the Castle Pool Community Partnership. We carried on running it, unpaid, for three years. We were the only ones in Birmingham doing that at the time.”

Amanda Cutler (right) and staff member at Castle Pool / Photogroah by Ed King, Erdington Local

Local estate stakeholder, Spitfire Services, were on hand to oversee the complicated process and have been supporting subsequent fundraising endeavours.

But today the running of Castle Pool remains a family affair, with Amanda, her two sons, her nephew, and two volunteers sharing the lifeguard and teaching duties.

They offer swimming for adults, 12-1 pm Monday-Wednesday, but their main focus is on providing swimming lessons for children, including disabled children, on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays.

Signage by swimming pool at Castle Pool / Photgraph by Ed King, Erdington Local

“Pools are closing all over the place,” Amanda tells. “And kids need swimming lessons, especially with all the drownings lately, but lessons are expensive. Because of where we are, we offer them at £5 per week.

“We don’t do ourselves any favours at that price, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, and the people here love it. It’s a family environment. All the local disabled schools come to us.”

Amanda goes on to outline the stark reality of being responsible for a former Council asset; it costs a lot of money to run and maintain. Local schools hire the pool for lessons, and swimming clubs such as S4, Boldmere, and Kingsbury hire it in the evenings.

But even with that money going straight back into running the pool, more is needed to fund much-needed refurbishments on the 43 year old building.

Safety equipment hung up poolside at Castle Pool / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

Castle Pool Community Partnership recently won some funding that allowed the plant room — the invisible machinery that keeps the pool clean and safe — to be updated. However, as Amanda also explains, there’s still a lot to do.

“The major work downstairs is done, but upstairs needs upgrading,” she says. “We need new changing rooms, new doors, new toilets. We keep it as clean as we can, but it’s an old building. Everything’s dated.”

The outdated plant room also meant the pool had to keep shutting because of old, failing equipment, and then close completely for it to be replaced, meaning loss of income. Amanda is therefore constantly on the lookout for anyone willing to help or lend a hand.

“We never have any complaints about the teaching,” she says. “But we do need to update the place, so we need funding, donations… someone who can help us out with some new doors. Anything.”

For more on Castle Pool Community Partnership call (0121) 748 3196 or visit www.facebook.com/CastlePoolCommunityPartnership

If you know of a community group or individual that deserves a COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT shone on them, email us at: community@erdingtonlocal.com

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at constituency office in Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP (Birmingham Erdington, Labour)

Protecting our communities remains one of my top priorities, and this summer I’m stepping up my campaign to stop more family homes being lost to poorly managed HMOs and fight for stronger safeguards against exempt accommodation.

Here’s an update on the work I’m doing on your behalf.

I’ve recently been made aware of a planning application for a new 7-bedroom HMO on Tyburn Road. Our area already has far too many poorly managed HMOs, and I don’t believe we need another. That’s why I’ve launched a campaign opposing this application.

I’m also continuing my fight to close the loophole that allows some failed HMO applications to become exempt accommodation.

If you’d like to support these campaigns, please sign my Tyburn Road HMO and exempt accommodation petitions at www.paulettehamilton.org

It was wonderful to welcome so many residents to my recent community coffee morning at Maryvale Community Centre in Oscott. These coffee mornings are a great opportunity to hear your concerns, answer your questions and discuss the issues that matter most.

Paulette Hamilton MP at Maryvale Communty Projectr / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP’s constituency team

I look forward to my next coffee morning on 14 August in Kingstanding as I continue meeting as many of the 122,000 people I represent as possible.

Finally, I hope you’re enjoying the summer holidays and spending quality time with family and friends.

With the Government’s August free bus travel scheme for children aged 5 to 15, I hope many families have been able to make the most of the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

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

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OPINION: A message from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

(l-r) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore (Erdington Ward, Local Conservatives)

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been clear that we believe weekly bin collections should remain – at the elections Local Conservatives pledged to save them if we took control of the Council.

Sadly, we did not and the new Green/Lib Dem/Independent administration has gone ahead with trialling scrapping weekly bin collections in North Birmingham, and later the rest of the city.

Over the last few months’ Local Conservatives have been leading the push for weekly bin collections to be reinstated including challenging the Leader and Cabinet Members at the City Council.

In addition, we have been working with residents to raise issues that have existed in the rollout of the service across our local area as well.

Gareth and I have been reporting missed collections, bins that have not been delivered and taking senior officers on site visits locally to show the Council issues on roads which are simply not suitable for the new scheme.

Such examples include flats on Avalon Close, Hepburn Edge and Somerton Drive, amongst other roads, where residents are not allowed or don’t have the space to store the increased number of bins.

We are updating residents on our Facebook page – www.faceboo.com/ErdingtonNews – with all the latest on the changes to the bins and our campaign to reinstate weekly bin collections.

If you are experiencing issues in Erdington please contact Gareth (gareth.moore@birmingham.gov.uk) or myself (Robert.alden@birmingham.gov.uk) and we will try to help.

The Council can also be contacted on EngageWithWaste@birmingham.gov.uk with issues relating to the bin rollout.

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.

I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.

But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.

Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.

I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.

There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.

This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.

Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.

I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.

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

 

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Following the significant investment secured from central government earlier this year for Stockland Green Health Centre, it was a pleasure to mark the start of the new 32-bed purpose-built facility at the Highcroft site.

This long-awaited investment is a major step forward, and I’m proud we’re now seeing real progress.

Our faith and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together. That’s why it was a pleasure to join Pastor Aaron and the congregation at Charlton Road Church as they celebrated their 90th anniversary in Kingstanding.

It was a wonderful reminder of the dedication of volunteers, faith leaders and local organisations that make our area special. With Kingstanding benefitting from £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, I’m determined to ensure local people are at the heart of shaping that investment for years to come.

(l-r) Church Elder David Read, Paulette Hamilton MP, Pastor Aaron Reyes / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Alongside securing investment, I’m continuing to campaign on the issues that matter most.

I recently challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over the loophole allowing some landlords, whose HMO applications have been refused, to convert properties into exempt accommodation with far less scrutiny.

Our communities deserve a proper say, and I’ll keep pressing the Government for stronger protections. You can support my campaign by signing my petition at www.paulettehamilton.org

Finally, as schools break up for the summer, I hope you and your family enjoy some well-earned time together.

Whether you’re staying local or heading away, I wish everyone across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott a safe, happy and relaxing summer.

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

 

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OPINION: A message from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Morre and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington HIgh Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore

Cllr Gareth Moore and I continue to fight to get the roads across Erdington and the City repaired.

The current state of them is totally unacceptable. At the election the Local Conservatives called on the Council to fix the potholes now and while we did not take control of the Council, we continue that push for action.

This has seen Station Road partially resurfaced last month. Finally bringing one of the worst roads up to an acceptable standard. We continue to demand repairs to Chester Road, Gravelly Lane, Holly Lane and many more as well.

Before/after images of Council repairs to damaged surfaces on Station Road / Image supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Recently it was also revealed that the Labour Government has cancelled the Highways PFI deal that gave the Council £51m a year, for 25 years, for highways repairs.

This is being reduced to just £17m this year and no deal for future years currently.

This is a massive cut, reducing funding for highways repairs in the city by two thirds. It is even more disgraceful that this decision was taken in March but hidden from the public until after the Local Elections this May.

You can back our campaign for this funding to be restored by signing the petition here – www.birminghamconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/save-birminghams-highways-funding

This month has also seen the listed building consent application submitted for the much-needed works to Erdington Library. We continue to push the Council to deliver this work as quickly as possible.

This is a key milestone needing to be granted to allow work to start.

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

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.

That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.

The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.

However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.

Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.

Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.

I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.

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

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OPINION: Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore – Erdington, Local Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Local Conservatives

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Robert Alden

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have recently met with the Council to chase repairs to our much-loved Erdington Library.  Chasing this work was one of our first actions following our re-election as it is so important to our area.

The assessment and initial design work was completed in April. This work includes replacement of the roof, replacement of the windows, a lighting upgrade and the reinstatement of public toilets.

The Council will now be seeking Listed Building Consent to enable these works to happen, and an application is expected to be made soon. However, delays within the Department mean a decision is not expected until October, meaning work could not start till November – which is a substantial delay.

We’ve made it clear that a new roof is desperately needed before the winter to avoid the risk of further damage during cold weather.

It’s hugely disappointing that there are further delays to repair and restore Erdington Library.

At the City Council a new Leader of the Council has been appointed following a vote at the Council AGM. Cllr Harmer came first in the vote followed by myself as Leader of the Local Conservatives in second, the Reform Leader came last after they refused to back the Local Conservatives to take control of Birmingham City Council.

One of the Reform Councillors even voted for the new Green, Lib Dem, Independent administration.

The Local Conservatives will be leading the scrutiny of the new administration and holding them to account in the year ahead.

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.

These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.

West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.

It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.

On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.

Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.

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