(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.
(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.
(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.”
(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.
(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.
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.
(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.
(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.
Santa will be back in his Grotto on Erdington High Street for two last chances to visit ahead of Christmas Day – on Friday 19 December (between 3pm and 6pm) and Saturday 20 December (between 11am and 3pm).
Hoping to meet as many Erdington children as possible, before he has to fly off across the world delivering presents, every child coming into the Grotto will get a chance to have their phot taken with Santa – and receive a special free gift.
Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
Single child tickets are priced at £5 (including a photo opportunity and free gift), with discounts for families of over two children visiting the Grotto at the same time. No advance booking is necessary, with payments made on the day.
Organised by the Erdington Rotary Club and Erdington BID, all money raised at Santa’s Grotto will go back into supporting local projects and Erdington High Street.
Santa has been in his Grotto for the last two weekends, having already met hundreds of local children and families.
Families queing to visit Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
Ahead of the last weekend he will be back in his Grotto, Santa told Erdington Local: “Ho, ho, ho… we’ve had a lot of fun on Erdington High Street this Christmas – and there’s still time for you to come and visit my Grotto this weekend, before I have to get the reindeers and presents ready for all our Christmas deliveries.”
He added: “Christmas is a time for friends, family, and community, and however you celebrate the festive season, from everyone at the North Pole – and on Erdington High Street – we wish you a very merry Christmas.”
Free Christmas treats and children’s activities at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
On Saturday 20 December, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be organising another Winter Warmer Fun Day community event, taking place around Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree – by the entrance to Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.
An afternoon of free family fun, from 12noon until 4pm there will be a bouncy castle (children only), arts and crafts workshops, and a children’s face painter.
The Erdington BID Winter Warmer tent will also be giving away free hot chocolate, hot drinks, and Christmas treats to those coming out of the Grotto and enjoying the activities.
Children enjoying arts and craft workshop at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
Then at 4:30pm, a special Christmas Lantern Parade will be held – starting from the Village Green and walking to the Christmas Tree and then back to the Green.
Beautifully decorated lanterns and illuminated props will be paraded along the High Street by local children and volunteers, with live music and a Christmas sing-along to keep the crowds engaged and welcome in the Winter solstice.
Over the past few weeks, local children have been decorating the special Christmas lanterns in arts and crafts sessions – as part of the previous Winter Warmer Fund Days on Erdington High Street.
Children decorating lantern for Christmas Lantern Pararde at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District
All ages are invited to come and celebrate the last Santa’s Grotto, Winter Warmer Fun Day, and watch the beautiful Christmas Lantern Parade on Saturday 20 December – with free Santa’s hats for the first 50 people attending the Parade.
Erdington High Street’s Christmas and community events are being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – and are part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
PICTURE GALLERY: Santa’s Grotton and Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street
