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.
Tensions flared earlier this month after the presence of a protest group on the car park by Castle Pool, off Farnborough Road, limited access for local schools coming for swimming sessions.
On Thursday 5 February, members of Unite the Union supporting industrial action by the city’s bin workers organised an afternoon of public engagement.
But staff from the swimming pool warned coaches bringing local children in to use the facility would have been blocked from accessing the public car park.
Speaking to our Castle Vale Local reporter as the protest was still taking place, a senior member of staff from Castle Pool told: “I did ask them to move, purely because we have schools come in and… they need somewhere to park, and [the Unite members] wouldn’t move and still haven’t moved now.”
They added: “I found [the Unite members] to be very rude to be honest. Not the best at all, just ransacking everybody who’s walking through just to take [rubbish to] the bins.
“It’s not good, it’s not good at all… its safeguarding for us at the pool as well, it’s not good.”
Local resident taking wheelie bin to MHWC on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
Local residents were also hampered getting their rubbish to the Mobile Household Waste Centre (MHWC), a Council operated free to access waste collection unit scheduled to be on the car park from 7.30am to 12.30pm.
Residents were seen parking elsewhere and having to walk their wheelie bins to Mobile ‘Tip Truck’ at the preapproved collection point on the car park.
One of the protest group, identifying themselves as part of Unite the Union, explained: “We’re here to try and raise awareness to the residents of Castle Vale, because a lot of people are still unaware of why we’re striking.”
When asked about reports the presence of the group had been making it difficult for residents to access the Mobile Tip Truck, with cars unable to fully access Castle Pool car park, they added: “No, no we haven’t. We’ve just been talking to local residents, explaining why we’re here, what we’re doing.
“Mostly once they’ve understood the situation, and why we’re here and why we’re striking, a lot of the local residents [are] totally supporting us now…. we’ve had a couple that were against us and we’ve managed to sway them and now [they] fully support us.”
Unite the Union strike protest group on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
One local resident, John, who was at Castle Pool Car Park whilst Unite were present and regularly uses the Mobile Tip Truck, told Castle Vale Local: “I think with the amount of Unite people here it’s a bit intimidating.”
He added: “But you know, I listened to them, what they had to say, because there’s always two sides to every story.”
The Unite the Union bin workers dispute with Birmingham City Council has been ongoing since March 2025 amid concerns over job losses and heavy pay cuts. In a recent ballot, Unite members voted to continue the strikes until September this year.
The industrial action is part of an ongoing issue over between Unite the Union, representing waste management staff, and Birmingham City Council, that has been affecting the city since John Clancy was Leader in 2018.
Earlier in the morning of 5 February, there were added reports of friction between Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and the Unite bin striker protest group.
Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Cllr Goodwin, who is also Birmingham Labour’s Chief Whip, has been active in securing the MHWC trucks in coming to Castle Vale – with the North Birmingham estate receiving more visits than other areas across the city.
The senior member of staff from Castle Pool previously quoted also witnessed the altercation with Cllr Goodwin. They told: “It wasn’t very nice, they (protest group members) were like pushing him (Cllr Goodwin) really, to move out the way…”
They added: “There was about ten (protest group members) there… there’s absolute no need for that anyway, whatever you’re trying to do.”
Castle Pool is run Castle Pool Community Partnership, made up of local staff and community volunteers, following an asset transfer from Birmingham City Council in 2015 which saved the swimming pool from closure.
A member of the protest group identifying themselves as a Unite member confirmed: “We had a local councillor here this morning… [He] got a bit upset when I asked him whose pockets were being lined through this, so that says it all doesn’t it.”
Flyer for ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ on Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Councillor Goodwin and Unite the Union for further comment. At the time of writing, neither has responded with a public statement.
Others quoted in this article have had their identities shielded for fear of reprisals.
An event labelled ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ is being held at the Castle Vale Residents Association Club, on Yatesbury Avenue, on Thursday 19 February – between 6pm and 8pm.
Flyers for the event invite Castle Vale residents to “come along and ask questions to bin workers about the strike”, with “light refreshments provided”.
The Mobile Household Waste Centre is scheduled to be back on Castle Vale on 28 March (by Castle Pool) and 31 March (321 Yatesbury Avenue).
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or have something you’d like to add to the story, please get in touch by emailing: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
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.
Chivenor Primary School pupils and teacher in front of Remembrance Day poppy display / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words by Chivenor Primary School
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 18.11.25)
Chivenor Primary School has unveiled a deeply meaningful display to mark Remembrance Day, ensuring the sacrifices of past generations are not forgotten.
The tribute holds extra resonance for the local area, which is historically significant: Castle Vale was home to the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, producing over half of all Spitfires built during World War II.
Every child at the school contributed to a magnificent wall display featuring a silhouette of the iconic Spitfire aircraft surrounded by hundreds of individually crafted poppies.
Fr Jules Mambu and Chivenor Primary School pupils by veteran’s memorial at St Cuthbert’s Church, Castle Vale Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The vibrant tribute faces the busy local roundabout, offering a powerful, visible reminder to the local community as they pass by. This collaborative project allowed every student to directly participate in honouring veterans and those who served.
In a further act of remembrance, the school’s Head Boys and Head Girls proudly represented the school. They visited the nearby St Cuthbert’s Church, where they solemnly laid a poppy wreath at the war memorial nestled in the church garden.
This Proud Tradition reinforces the strong community ties and commitment to teaching respect and history.
To complete their efforts, the school also donated a giant poppy, which is now on display at The Sanctuary, Executive Head Lisa Guest commented: “The children have shown immense respect and pride in creating these tributes. It’s a vital part of their education to understand the importance of Remembrance Day.”
The Chivenor Primary displays serve as a moving testament to the community’s commitment to memory, courage, and peace.
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
West Midlands Police have confirmed the rush hour chaos and widespread traffic gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas earlier today was caused by “a collision involving five vehicles”.
The local force also confirmed that despite the number of vehicles involved, and the busy location in which the incident occurred, none of those involved were “seriously injured”.
Reports came in early this afternoon after traffic on Chester Road was brought to a standstill following an incident – suspected to be near the M6 motorway interchange – that was creating widespread disruption across the area.
At around 5pm traffic was still at an absolute standstill, trapping hundreds of drivers trying to make their way across Northeast Birmingham on a Friday afternoon.
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Vehicles travelling along Fort Parkway, Chester Road, and leaving the Castle Vale estate were ground to a halt – as police tried to keep frustrated drivers calm and deal with the situation.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We were called to reports of a collision involving five vehicles on Chester Road, Birmingham, just before 3pm.
“Thankfully, no one was reported to have been seriously injured.”
They added: “Anyone who witnessed the collision can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log 3109 of 21 November.”
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale reporter Tracy Fisher, who spoke to officers at the scene, told how much of the uniformed police presence was involved in talking to drivers who were becoming “increasingly frustrated” at the gridlock.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also at the scene and told Erdington/Castle Vale Local that he witnessed a BT Open Reach van likely involved in the collision, that was “a bit dented”, but that by around 6:30pm police were successfully moving the traffic and the congestion was starting to ease.
Cllr Goodwin also noted other drivers who were becoming distracted by the incident and putting themselves and potentially others at risk.
Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Early this evening, whilst still at the scene, Cllr Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “There has been a road traffic incident [on Chester Road] and people should stay away from the Chester Road area whilst police deal with this incident and keep people safe.”
He added: “The traffic is starting to move, but not a quick as you would normally see. Can people please drive safely as well, as it could cause another accident.”
An incident has sent the rush hour traffic into chaos on and around the Chester Road by Spitfire Island and up to the M6 motorway interchange – putting hundreds of drivers in “gridlock”.
Cars and vehicles are currently locked bumper to bumper on large parts of the Chester Road, from the Tyburn Road roundabout right up to the M6.
The incident has also created equal congestion on Fort Parkway, with drivers leaving the City Centre now forced into a standstill.
Traffic coming off the Castle Vale estate is also backed up with pictures on social media showing lines of stationary cars up Farnborough Road and Tangmere Drive.
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Erdington/Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher was at the scene and has taken a series of photos showing just how bad the traffic jam has become.
According to her report, traffic was in complete “gridlock” and drivers were becoming “increasingly frustrated” and irate – with some “honking their horns” and shouting.
Tracy tells that police attending were talking to drivers to try and temper their frustration, but there seemed to be little movement or improvement to the standstill
She was also told by emergency services at the scene there had been an incident near the M6 interchange but there had been “no serious injuries.”
Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “I would advise everybody to stay at home and avoid both the Chester Road and the surrounding areas as there has been an incident which has now caused gridlock – on the estate and surround roads.
“Please avoid leaving the estate unless you really need to, as emergency services deal with the ongoing incident. And our thoughts are with anyone who may have been involved in the incident.”
Erdington/Castle Vale Local has reached out to all emergency services for an update.
Incident causes gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photgraphs by Tracy Fisher
(l-r) Representatives from Birmingham United FC and Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words supplied by The Pioneer Group
Birmingham United FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey — the first team will now play its home fixtures at Castle Vale Stadium, marking the first time since adopting the name Birmingham United that the senior side will compete within the city of Birmingham itself.
This move represents more than just a change of venue — it is a homecoming, a statement of intent, and a foundation for further impact and growth.
Founded with the goal of creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Central Birmingham, Birmingham United FC has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the pitch.
Sign outside Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King
The relocation of the first team to Castle Vale aligns with the club’s mission to be based at the heart of the Birmingham footballing community and to use sport as a tool for positive change.
“Playing in Birmingham has always been a key goal for us,” said Rajab Noor, Birmingham United FC Chairman.
He adds: “Castle Vale Stadium offers fantastic facilities and a passionate local community. We’re excited not only to bring semi-professional football to the area but also to support the next generation of players through new grassroots and youth initiatives.”
The club intends to work closely with The Pioneer Group – who own and operate Castle Vale Stadium – and other local stakeholders in and around Castle Vale to create accessible football pathways for children and young people.
Public attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King
Plans are already underway to expand Birmingham United’s grassroots programme — developing new youth teams, delivering coaching sessions, and supporting initiatives that harness the positive social impact of sport.
A spokesperson for the local football club added: “Football has the power to transform the lives of young people, unite communities together and remedy society’s greatest inequalities.
“By basing ourselves in Castle Vale, we feel well-placed to have a significant positive impact on young people across the area.”
As Birmingham United FC embarks on this exciting new chapter, the club invites local residents, fans, and supporters to join them at Castle Vale Stadium and be part of a growing movement that champions opportunity, ambition, and community spirit.
Irfan Mehboob, The Pioneer Group’s Head of Community Facilities, told: “It’s fantastic to have Birmingham United FC hosting their home games here at Castle Vale Stadium. The stadium remains an integral part of our community, and we’re delighted to see more people making use of this great facility.”
He added: “Since investing in the stadium, we hope even more people will take advantage of the excellent facilities we have here.”
For more on Birmingham United FC and links to the club’s social media visit: www.linktr.ee/bhamutd
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.
Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.
Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.
The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.
Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.
Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.
At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.
He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”
Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.
Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.
PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
VE Day 80 year anniversary decoration at YoungStars Community Hub / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
(Ed’s note – this feature was first published in the Erdington Local newspaper on 15 May 2025. To be the first to get your copy of Erdington Local delivered to your door each month, email subscribe@erdingotnlocal.com for more details.)
As the country and Commonwealth celebrated the 80 year anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, when Hitler’s Germany surrendered to the Allied forces – ending World War Two – bunting, decorations, and Union Flags could be seen all over the streets and houses of Birmingham.
But not many places in the second city were so important to the war effort as Castle Vale, which produced many of the Spitfire Fighters and Lancaster Bombers that successfully defended our skies during the Battle of Britian and beyond.
Castle Vale resident and daughter of a Navy serving family, Tracy Fisher, explores the pivotal military history and proud legacy of the Castle Vale estate.
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Silhouette of sculpture at Spitfire Island / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
From Spitfire Island to Farnborough Road, between the crofts and walks that entwine our community, lies the remarkable history of Castle Vale.
On 8 May 2025 people celebrated the 80 year anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE day) marking the German surrender and end of World War Two. But nestled amidst its street names and shops is a constant reminder of Castle Vale’s deeply rooted aviation past and crucial contribution to our armed forces during the six year conflict with Germany and the Axis powers excluding Japan.
So let me take you back… The year, 1943.
Three years on from the Battle of Britain and factory workers are busy on the production line located at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory (CBAF) – the current site of Jaguar Land Rover. The war effort continues at pace with an estimated weekly rollout of 320 Spitfires and production of the first Avro Lancaster Bomber.
Chief Test Pilot Alex Henshaw and his team of 25 test pilots carry out the necessary flight tests to ensure that aircraft waiting in the hangars are ready for combat, then ferried to various locations by the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). Imagine the rumble of the Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers, the smell of aviation fuel, the heavy noise of the propellers as they prepare to depart from the runway, taking to the skies above the Vale.
Look up, do it now and imagine what it would’ve looked like, how it felt to be there.
It is testament to the men and women of the CBAF that by the end of the war the factory produced around 12,000 Spitfires and 350 Lancaster Bombers, a contribution that enabled Allied forces to defeat Germany.
People celebrating VE Day 80 year anniversary at The Meeting Cafe / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
As victory in Europe was declared on 8 May 1945, jubilation on the streets of Britain and Allied countries ensued. Dancing, street parties, moments of joy and tears for those who came back from war, those who sacrificed their lives, and the six years of sacrifice made by those at home – but despite everything, still a community.
Fast forward 80 years, and I find myself asking ‘is it possible to mirror that same pride the country felt in 1945 among our own community today?’ Coming from a military family – with my father, uncle, and aunt all having served in the Royal Navy and WRNS – I would say a similar sense of local pride was echoed when my Uncle David Hughes, who grew up on Castle Vale, came back from the Falklands War in 1982 having served on HMS Fearless.
The bunting was proudly displayed, ‘Welcome Home Dave’ read the huge handwritten sign strewn across the front of the house. Neighbours, friends, and family, all welcoming him back home safely.
As with every war or conflict, whether it is 80 years ago or more recent, what often binds a community together is a shared history and mutual respect.
(l-r) Cllr Ray Goodwin and Castle Vale veteran Frankie Ward display VE Day 80 year anniversary commemorative flag in Centre Park / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Having seen active service in Afghanistan, Frankie Ward, a Castle Vale Army veteran, believes that “as tensions rise worldwide, we need to remember the old wars such as World War One and World War Two so we don’t fall into the same mistakes again,” adding that Castle Bromwich Aerodrome “played a pivotal role in this country’s history where Spitfires and Lancasters had their final tests done before they went to defend Britain.”
He continued: “The flying of the Union Flag would highlight what this area stood for and the great foundations of the previous use of this land”.
Frankie’s proposal, backed by Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) finally happened on the morning of the VE Day 80 year anniversary – as a Union Flag, bearing an image of a Spitfire, was hoisted and is now proudly flying high in Centre Park.
I had the privilege to spend time with staff and cadets from 165 Squadron Castle Bromwich Air Cadets, to the celebrate their VE Day 80 year anniversary – as they held their own unit ‘street’ party, complete with bunting, food, games, and a DJ playing music from the 1940’s.
165 Squadron Castle Bromwich Air Cadets / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
The wartime festivities continued into the evening, ending with a rendition of Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and several cadets dancing together, keeping in with the spirit of the occasion.
It was clear that local military pride remains high among the younger generation. On the importance of celebrating and remembering not only VE Day but also more recent conflicts, one female cadet told: “It is important to commemorate those across Europe instead of just in the UK, as a person not from the UK.”
I also asked if any of them would consider joining the Armed Forces in the future, with another cadet saying she wanted to “carry on the legacy of family”.
As the years pass by, the way each generation remembers past wars and conflicts will inevitably change. But how we recall these events to future generations is equally important.
Even the youngest of Castle Vales’ residents enjoyed some VE Day fun during the 80 year anniversary celebrations – at a special event held at the YoungStars Community Hub – with games, food, music, and by creating their own artwork to commemorate the occasion.
Girl dressed up for VE Day 80 year anniversary celebration at YoungStars Community Hub / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Luke McClean of YoungStars explained: “As Castle Vale played a vital role in World War Two, we believe it’s crucial to teach [young people] about their inheritance and what came before them.”
He added: “It is great for us to show before and after photos of Castle Vale, showing them what our estate used to look like [and] sparking interesting conversations between the kids. It has been great to see how invested they have been.”
So, celebrate and remember those who served, and continue to serve on the ground, ocean and skies. They will never be forgotten; there will never be goodbyes.
PICTURE GALLERY: VE Day 80 year anniversary celebrations on Castle Vale / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale and the armed forces are inextricably linked; if it wasn’t for the Spitfire where we would be. Built at RAF Castle Bromwich, the planes took off from the runways, which as I write is this very special piece where I am based on Castle Vale.
Everywhere you go on the estate you sense the history and importance of the impact this community had – most of the streets and roads are named after either people or places that are stepped in history. For example: Spitfire Way Lancaster Drive, Lofthouse Close.
There are even rumours of Spitfires being buried under Farnborough Fields.
So, it was right and proper that we did something special for VE day and raised a flag in Centre Park with the ‘Last Post’ playing. We have a war memorial which is located behind a fence in St Cuthberts church. I am wondering if this is the right place for this.
More importantly, a memorial that celebrates our veterans should be located somewhere also.
Listening to residents, I think the memorial should be located by the flagpole in Centre Park and we name it the ‘Memorial Park’ or ‘Veterans Corner’. I am not sure of the logistics of this, but it is worth exploring.
As Churchill said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
