Cllr Robert Alden with grit box in Erdington / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words byErdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
With the winter weather, Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been checking on grit bins and reporting empty ones for refilling in case the cold weather returns. We’ve also been challenging the Council to fix the potholes now in our local area.
This month has also seen the revelations that another Birmingham Labour politician has been revealed to have connections to HMO’s and Exempt Accommodation.
They’re not the only one.
This is why Labour keep voting against attempts to stop badly run exempt accommodation.
When Labour are not voting down attempts to tackle badly run exempt accommodation, they are buying up family homes to turn into supported accommodation. Last year the Labour Council bought 100s of houses in Erdington and Birmingham, using taxpayer’s money to outbid local residents trying to get on the housing ladder.
Only backing Birmingham Local Conservatives and kicking Labour out in May’s elections will give Birmingham a chance to stop the growth in badly run exempt accommodation.
Neither Cllr Gareth Moore and I, nor our families, have ever owned exempt accommodation or HMO’s. Sadly, this is not true for many Birmingham Labour politicians. Worse, they consistently refuse to be honest about it.
As other parties come out of the woodwork, with the City Council elections approaching in May, make sure you ask any candidates that you see to put in writing whether they or their family own or have ever owned HMO’s and Exempt Accommodation.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The world feels as though it’s on its axis at the moment, and I believe it is incumbent on anyone in public life to show moral leadership.
That is why I decided to delete my X account. This decision was not taken because I am against free speech, but because I could not associate myself with a social media platform that freely allows the abuse of another individual through the use of AI.
The work I do in Castle Vale has always been about social justice and equality, without fear or favour. It is what I have focused on for the past three and a half years, and it will always guide my moral compass.
As we move into January and the first part of the year, there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Park regeneration is about to begin, and recently the BBC came to Castle Vale and showed what an amazing community this truly is—something we have always known.
The latest IMD figures are now out, and I am over the moon to say that in 2021 Castle Vale was the fourth most deprived ward in the city. Today, we have moved to fourteenth. That is really good news. The statistics also show that crime is down.
There is so much to be proud of: crime down, cleaner streets, regenerated parks, a stronger community.
In 2022, I promised a cleaner, greener, safer Castle Vale—and that is exactly what I am delivering.
(l-r) Alex Richards, Father Christmas, Cllr Clifton Welch at Kingstanding Inn / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
Dear residents,
I thought I’d take this opportunity to outline the type of visits my Local Conservative Campaigner Alex Richards I and have been making over the past six weeks.
On 21 November, Alex and I were proud to attend the memorial for the 51 year anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings, when the IRA murdered 21 innocent people. The memorial was held in the city centre with a church service followed by speeches at the New Street Station Tree Sculpture dedicated to the 21 victims.
On 20 December I met Father Christmas when he visited The Golden Hind pub. The next day Alex and I were lucky enough to have our photo taken with Father Christmas when he attended the Christmas Fun Day at the Kingstanding Inn.
On Christmas Eve, Alex and I attend a carol service at St Lukes Church and stayed for coffee and mince pies. On Boxing Day, Alex and I were invited to the Together in the Community meal dedicated to the homeless and elderly and had a great time enjoying the live music in the evening.
On 12 January, I met the People for People Charity based in College Rd and they outlined their proposals for community engagement through schools, churches, and local outreach.
On 14 January, I hosted the Kingstanding Ward Meeting which covered wide range of issues such as Pride in Place investment, new speed zones around Crossways Lane and Twickenham Road, Burford Road playing fields, and failed bin collections.
Paulette Hamilton MP at coffee morning in Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
As we approach Christmas, I want to wish everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott a peaceful festive season and a hopeful New Year. This is a time for community and reflecting on our shared progress.
My coffee morning in Stockland Green confirmed what I hear time and again, that residents are fed up with the out-of-control spread of HMOs. Many spoke about the impact on stability, safety, and the shortage of family homes. That’s why I’ve been campaigning with local voices like Derek Douglas and Shabrana Hussain to stop a proposed 5-bedroom HMO in Stockland Green.
The recent Autumn Budget delivers real change for families. Lifting the two-child benefit cap will be life-changing, helping 6,430 children in Birmingham Erdington alone. This, plus £20 million for Kingstanding, upgrades to Stockland Green Health Centre, and support with energy bills, shows a Labour government investing in our community.
Paulette Hamilton MP presenting winning Christams card to Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP – Speaker of the House of Commons / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
I’m also pleased that Operation Skybridge is now active across Stockland Green and Erdington. This increased police presence, which I’ve long pushed for, is crucial to tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.
These achievements don’t happen by chance – they result from a strong local MP working with a Labour government committed to communities like ours.
Finally, congratulations to Thomas from Abbey Catholic Primary for winning my 2025 Christmas Card Competition. I proudly presented his design to the Speaker of the House. Enjoy the match with your complimentary Aston Villa tickets!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026.
(l-r) Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore at the Erdington Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch on event / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden
Words byErdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
Christmas time in Erdington is a wonderful time of the year, with all the excellent Christmas community events that residents put on.
This year, as always, we have tried to support as many of them as possible. Events such as the Abbey Church Christmas Fayre show Erdington at its finest as residents come together to celebrate a time of hope and salvation.
Cllr Gareth Moore and I also had the honour of helping Father Christmas switch on the Christmas lights on the High Street as well.
Thank you to all the residents, volunteers, charities, schools, churches and the Erdington Business Improvement District for all their efforts arranging Christmas events, Santa’s sleigh and grotto. It is really appreciated.
(l-r) Cllr Alden, Mrs Claus, Santa Claus, Cllr Moore at the official Christmas Light Switch On event on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
Away from Christmas we have continued to push for Erdington to get the level of police needed to cover the High Street and the residential areas. We are seeing an extra two officers joining the local team in January, however we will not be stopping there and will continue to push for further support.
We also raised the need for more support for areas like Erdington at the recent Full Council meeting. We’re also continuing to demand the front desk at Erdington Police station is reopened as well.
Finally, we’ve been chasing the Council about the urgent need for them to fix potholes on roads such as Gravelly Lane, Chester Road and many others.
Cllr Gareth Moore and I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit https://www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews
Cllr Clifton Welch at Port Talbot / Photograph supplied by Cllr Welch
Words byCllr Clifton Welch
This is the time of year when we all tend to look back over the past 12 months as well as thinking ahead to the new year.
Looking back residents have had to suffer an awful 12 months under this Bham Labour Council. The ongoing bin strike is now 12 months old, 12 months of rubbish piling up, Rats the size of cats and zero recycling across Birmingham. It takes a special level of incompetence to have the agency staff Labour brought in to beat a strike actually go on strike themselves.
We have seen Kingstanding Library opening hours reduce, social care centres closed, potholes left unrepaired, pavement slabs in a dangerous state, and buildings being used without planning permission.
But it does not have to be like this. Looking forward to May 26 residents have an opportunity to get rid of this awful Labour Council for good. By voting for my colleague Alex Richards and myself Clifton Welch, Kingstanding will have Councillors so proud of their country and who have fully supported and continue to support the flags flying across Kingstanding.
Since being elected in May 24 I have fought and continue to fight to save Burford Park from being built on, to get planning to enforce regulations in Hawthorn Rd and Warren Rd, got additional concrete bollards in Kings St to enforce road safety and soon will see 20 MPH Zones in Crossway Lane and Twickenham Rd. Local Conservatives make a difference.
Finally, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale welcomed the festive season in spectacular style as hundreds of residents gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Centre Park on 1 December.
The event, made possible through the support of The Pioneer Group and a number of dedicated local partners, was a powerful reminder of the remarkable community spirit that defines our estate.
The evening opened with a heart-warming performance from our very own Pioneer Choir, whose beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols set the perfect tone for the celebrations.
Castle Vale’s Christmas Tree lights switch on event in Centre Park / Photograph supplied by The Pinoeer Group
Excitement grew as families waited for the arrival of our special guest – Santa himself – who delighted children and adults alike before helping to officially illuminate this year’s impressive Christmas tree.
This stunning centrepiece, proudly standing at the heart of Castle Vale, was generously donated along with the lights by Nationwide Windows and M&BG. Klassic Donuts added to the festivities with sweet treats that kept everyone warm and smiling throughout the night.
As the lights flickered on and the crowd cheered, it became clear that this event was more than a seasonal tradition; it was a celebration of togetherness.
Organisations such as Upcycle Birmingham, The Sanctuary, Castle Vale Community Environmental Trust, Spitfire Services, YoungStars Community Hub and Castle Pool Community Partnership all played a part in bringing the community together for an evening of joy, connection and pride.
With the unveiling of a special Christmas flag and more festive surprises to come, Christmas at the Vale is officially underway.
This year’s celebration stands as a shining example of what Castle Vale can achieve when we come together.
On Tuesday 27 November, Oikos Café opens its doors and invites all Erdington locals to another free Community Meal – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.
Doors at the High Street hotspot open at 5pm, with the Community Meal continuing until 6:30 – providing local families and individuals a hearty hot meal and a chance to socialise in the café.
Held on the third Thursday of every month, the Oikos Community Meal is a lively and popular event that attracts people from all over Erdington.
Free Community Meal at Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Oikos Cafe
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be setting up a couple of stalls outside the front of Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November, from 4:30pm, giving away a few special Christmas treats and free hot drinks.
Erdington BID will also be kicking off a series of festive arts and crafts workshops on Thursday, where young people and locals can design their own Christmas decoration – with all materials will provided by Erdington BID.
The unique and handcrafted decorations can then be hung up and displayed up Erdington High Street on Saturday 20 December – ahead of a special Christmas lantern parade, organised by Erdington BID, which will usher in the yuletide and Winter solstice.
More ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshops will be held on Saturday 6, Saturday 13, and Saturday 20 December – alongside the Santa’s Grotto and Winter Warmer events, in conjunction with Erdington Rotary Club, coming to Erdington High Street on the run up to Christmas Day.
Erdington High Street’s Christmas lights will also be switched on at 5:30pm on Saturday 6 December – with Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gather Moore joining Santa to officially illuminate the festive season in Erdington Town Centre.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We are officially kicking off our Christmas programme by supporting the fabulous Oikos Community Meal this Thursday [27 November], and giving away some free Christmas treats and hot drinks outside Oikos Café.
“Come down, say hello, and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and mince pie on us.”
They added: “And why not design your own Christmas decoration whilst you’re with us – which can then be hung up on the High Street on 20 December. We’d love to see everyone’s personal decorations on display this Christmas, showing some love for the local community and celebrating the spirit of the season.
“We really hope you can join us at Oikos or any of our Winter Warmer events, on Erdington High Street every Saturday across December – up to Christmas Day.”
The design your own Christmas decoration workshops, Santa’s Grotto, and Winter Warmer events are being organised as part of Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to celebrate Erdington Town Centre and encourage more positive engagement on the High Street.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY projects are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Erdington’s creative and wider community have been reeling from the shocking loss of one of their most cherished members, and a man whose murals and paintings brought joy to so many.
Bunny Bread (Rudel James – aka Create Not Destroy) passed away in late October from a surprise and fatal heart attack.
Erdington resident and multi-media artist – with talents in photography, videography, aerosol art, illustration, music, and murals – Bunny Bread began his creative journey in the mid 1980’s.
Skilled in capturing the characters he saw in the world around him, Bunny’s work represents a beautiful gallery of creativity and community, from musicians and performers to the individuals that shine their light on the everyday streets.
Bunny Bread’s mural of Louvina Moses on Coton Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread
In Erdington, one of Bunny’s best loved pieces is the large mural of Louvina Moses, on Coton Lane – just off Erdington High Street.
The piece was commissioned as part of the ‘Queens of the Commonwealth’ programme – supporting a special documentary celebrating 22 women who migrated to the UK from Commonwealth countries, produced ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.
When interviewed by Erdington Local in October 2022, Bunny told: “I spent as much time on the ground chatting to people than I did up the ladder painting. People were so interested what I was doing, normally they would walk past me without giving me a second glance but when I start painting murals people are suddenly interested.”
He added: “There is a real appetite for art in Erdington, through our [Artists Conversations] group we know there is talent in the area and art can make a difference. I want art to become part of Erdington, like how the murals and art really are part of Brixton; there is no reason why Erdington cannot be the Brixton of Birmingham.”
Bunny Bread mural / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread
Following the news of his death, messages of love and condolences flooded social media.
The Erdington based Birmz is Grime collective posted: “Great loss to this world. Rest in peace Bunny. Thank you for leaving the world a bit more brighter. Was lucky enough to call this guy a friend.”
Lincoln Moses MBE, son of Louvina Moses, expressed his “regret to announce the passing of Bunny, the esteemed graffiti artist” who painted the widely loved portrait of his mother.
Co-founder of Erdington Litter Busters (ELB), Dawn Edwards, expressed the local community group’s “sincere condolences”, and praised “this very talented and thoughtful man who loved working with and in the community”.
Bunny had been commissioned by ELB to paint a mural celebrating the local volunteer community, situated on Minstead Road.
Extended family of Louvina Moses pose for group photo in front of her mural, painted by Bunny Bread, on Coton Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread
Erdington Arts Forum also dedicated part of their November Evening of Creativity (EoC) showcase to Bunny Bread, at Oikos Café on Friday 21 November.
EoC co-founder, Claire Marshall, who was working with Bunny on a three part art installation at the Peddimore development in Sutton Coldfield, told: “Rudel James (Bunny Bread) of Create Not Destroy was one of the most incredible human beings.”
She added: “He created his best work from capturing the essence of a person or place and amplifying the beauty. It’s such a loss to not have more of his creativity, and the work he leaves behind is a gift for our communities.”
Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community News desk at: [email protected]
Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
October and November have been months of reflection, change, and community spirit in Castle Vale. As we move from autumn into winter, we’ve continued to see that spirit of unity and progress shine.
October kicked off with another successful Mobile Tip Truck event, helping residents tackle fly-tipping and keep our streets clean.
It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together, showing real pride in our community. When we work side by side, we not only improve our environment but strengthen our connections.
Community safety remains a priority. Following concerns about antisocial behaviour and off-road biking, I’ve been working closely with local police, housing officers, and partners to ensure everyone feels safe.
I’ll continue pushing for quicker responses and stronger enforcement.
Exciting news: the rebuilding of our parks will soon begin. These green spaces are vital to families, children, and older residents alike, offering places to relax and connect.
(l-r) Cllr Ray Goodwin and local veteran raise ‘Lest We Forget’ flag in Centre Park on Remembrance Day / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
On Remembrance Sunday we attended the Remembrance Day service at St. Cuthbert’s Church, which bought the community together, and at 11:00am on the eleventh month we stood together as a community to raise the flag and honour those who served and sacrificed.
It was a meaningful moment of reflection and unity.
As the festive season approaches, we look forward to the Christmas tree light switch-on and supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal. Together, we’ll ensure that every child in the Vale has something special to look forward to.
Castle Vale is a place of determination, unity, and hope. Together, we’ll face whatever comes next.
