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.
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Morre and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington HIgh Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words byCouncillor 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.
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.
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.
(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.
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Words byCouncillor 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.
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.
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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.
Paulette Hamilton MP on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
I have lived in our area for nearly 40 years. I raised my children here. This is not just the constituency I represent; it is my home. So when our community is threatened, I fight back with everything I have.
Over the years, residents have rightly raised concerns about the spread of HMOs. That is why I have made it my mission to stand with you and challenge inappropriate developments.
My record speaks for itself. Time and again, we have stopped HMO applications across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, including a recent victory in Castle Vale.
Now, new HMO proposals are becoming increasingly rare. That is down to all of us. Residents who refuse to stay silent and an MP who refuses to back down.
But I am increasingly concerned about the growing influx of exempt accommodation, which is often being used as a Plan B when an HMO application has been refused. Landlords can lease properties to supported accommodation providers, who can then house a range of unrelated occupants, including people released from prison, without being subject to the same planning controls.
I have therefore written to the Housing Minister demanding an urgent update on plans to close this gap. I have also met with a fellow Birmingham MP to build a cross city alliance to tackle poorly managed exempt accommodation head on.
Too often, when one loophole is closed, another opens. But I want residents to know that I am watching this issue very closely.
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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The head of the of the Birmingham Liberal Democrats group, Cllr Roger Harmer (Acocks Green), was voted in as Leader of Birmingham City Council at a Full Council meeting yesterday.
Convening in the Council chamber at 6pm on 5 June, all 101 councillors from across the city were invited to attend and vote for the individual they wanted to take up the top job – which brings with it a special Responsibility Allowance of £56,579 on top of the Basic Allowance granted to all councillors of £19,952.
The vote for Council leader was called after no party managed to secure a majority in the recent Local Elections held in May 2026, with no majority coalition subsequently formed.
Official prepare to vote for city leader in Birmingham Council Chamber / Photograph by Ed King
Cllr Harmer was nominated by Birmingham Green Party leader, Cllr Julien Pritchard (Druids Heath & Monyhull), as part of a minority coalition between the two parties and independent councillors from the Better Birmingham Independent Group.
Also nominated, by members of their own parties, were the leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington) and the leader of the Birmingham Reform UK group Cllr Jex Parkin (Kingstanding).
Following the nominations, a 20 minute recess was taken before the three candidates were allowed five minutes to address the chamber and deliver a speech as to why they would be right person to form a Cabinet and lead the city’s elected officials.
Cllr Roger Harmer addresses chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King
Speaking in the order they were nominated, Cllr Harmer was the first to address the chamber, presenting a “coalition built on partnership” and asking those present to allow him to establish a Cabinet that would “put right the failures of the past” – seemingly referring to the 14 year long Labour run administration which ended with the city effectively declaring bankruptcy and an unresolved bin strike.
Addressing the city’s elected official next was Cllr Robert Alden, who began by declaring Birmingham “the greatest city in the world” before reminding the room and those hoping to govern that “just blaming the failures of the last 14 years will not be accepted” by the city’s residents.
Cllr Robert Alden addresses chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King
Cllr Alden further warned against the “frankly geographical [political] spilt across the city” following the recently Council elections, which saw concentrations of elected councillor from both political parties and independents in certain areas of Birmingham.
“None of us have a majority,” added Cllr Alden, “and no one over the next four years [until the next Council elections] should forget that.”
Cllr Alden’s speech received applause from across the Birmingham Council Chamber.
Last to address the room was the recently appointed head of Birmingham’s Reform UK group, Cllr Jex Parkin, who leads the lion’s share of Birmingham’s elected officials – overseeing 23 councillors, four more than Birmingham’s Green Party which sits as the second political group in the city.
Cllr Jex Park sits with Birmingham Reform councillors in Birmingham Council Chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King
After describing how Birmingham is still “deciding how we interpret on of the most significant results”, which also saw the Birmingham Labour Party lose 48 councillors, Cllr Parkin called for “co-operation across all political boarders” and warned against a “chaotic coalition of musical chairs.”
Leader of both the largest and newest political party in the city, Cllr Parkin closed his argument by listing the attributes that Birmingham Reform councillors could bring to their potential governorship of the city, and declaring “life experience beats political experience each and every time.”
Councillors present were then asked to voice their votes for the Council Leader, a process which had been postponed after the previous Full Council meeting in May ran out of time due to the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry.
After the results were counted, Cllr Roger Harmer won with a clear majority of 40 votes – against 19 votes for Cllr Robert Alden and 18 votes for Cllr Jex Parkin.
Birmingham City Council House, as viewed behind Heras fencing / Photgraph by Ed King
Analysis of the results showed that the Liberal Democrats and Green Party has used their party whips effectively, retaining support from all their elected officials – alongside those from the Better Birmingham Independent Group.
The Birmingham Local Conservatives group also received votes from all its 16 councillors, alongside additional support from independents Cllr Amar Khan (Stockland Green) and Rinkal Shergill (Holyhead).
Birmingham’s Reform UK party however only received 18 votes from its body of 23 councillors, with their recently elected Kingstanding Councillor Graham Green absent from the meeting.
Of the last two remaining Labour councillors in the Erdington constituency, Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale) abstained and Cllr Mick Brown (Gravelly Hill) was absent.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also received one vote, although it was not officially counted in the final results.
Representatives from Seddon Housing Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group has announced plans to develop two new housing sites at Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive, delivering 36 new social rent homes as part of its wider commitment to providing high‑quality, affordable housing across North Birmingham.
Work on both sites has begun, marking an important step in Pioneer’s ambition to build the right homes in the right locations.
The Pioneer Group is the modern day community led housing association, managing over 2500 homes across Castle Vale and other areas, that grew from the old Housing Action Trust (HAT) established in 1993 – as part of Government led a nationwide initiative to give more local power to underprivileged housing estates across the country.
Other Housing Action Trusts were established in London, Liverpool, and Hull.
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive developments form part of Pioneer’s wider strategy and development programme, which aim to deliver around 250 new homes over the next five years, supporting housing need while maintaining a strong focus on quality, affordability and place‑making.
At Burcote Road in Erdington, Pioneer will deliver 10 new homes for social rent with construction undertaken by partner Seddon. The scheme is being built on land purchased from Birmingham City Council and will be supported by funding from Homes England and Pioneer, with Seddon appointed as build partner.
Located within Erdington Ward, the development aligns closely with Pioneer’s Development Plans, which focuses on placing appropriate schemes in well‑connected locations where they can best meet local housing needs.
Tony Clark, Regional Director, Seddon Housing Partnerships, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Pioneer Group to deliver much-needed affordable homes at Burcote Road. This development reflects our shared commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that will make a lasting positive impact for local communities.”
At Lindridge Drive in Minworth, Pioneer have put spades in the ground on a 26‑home social rent development, delivered in partnership with Morro Partnerships. The scheme will provide a mix of modern, high‑quality homes designed to support individuals, families and long‑term community sustainability.
Representatives from Morro Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Lindridge Drive development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Tom Broadway, Managing Director (West Midlands), Morro Partnerships said: “Delivering sustainable homes and helping communities thrive is our core focus at Morro. Choosing timber frame construction for our first project with our partners at Pioneer will not only speed up delivery, but also ensure the homes are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for future residents.
He added: “Building with the future in mind is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are excited to be working with Pioneer to deliver much needed homes in the area.”
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive schemes are supported by Homes England funding, alongside Pioneer’s own private financing to ensure schemes remain both deliverable and financially sustainable. This also includes just over £1.4 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has enabled Pioneer to move from an affordable rent model to social rent, helping to keep rents as low as possible for new tenants.
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group (Copyright Phil Greig)
As an anchor organisation based in Castle Vale, Pioneer remains focussed on staying local, responsive and connected to the communities it serves.
While both Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive sit outside the Castle Vale estate, the developments reflect Pioneer’s commitment to using its strong local foundations to deliver affordable homes where they are most needed.
These projects also reflect Pioneer’s wider priorities to deliver great homes, support resilient communities and sustain the legacy of regeneration for future generations.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward these two new developments, which represent another positive step in our long‑term commitment to delivering high‑quality social rent homes.”
He added: “By investing in the right sites, working with trusted partners and securing strong financial foundations, we can continue to meet housing need and support communities now and, in the years, ahead.”
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.
