Tag: Castle Vale

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NEWS: Bungalow fire on Tangmere Drive puts two Castle Vale residents in hospital

Concerned Castle Vale locals gather whilst emergency services attend incident at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Photograph supplied by local resident

Words by Ed King

A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.

Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.

No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.

At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.

Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.

Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.

In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”

Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.

“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.

“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”

Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident

Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.

The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.

Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities

Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor School pupils launch interactive digital treasure hunt to uncover Castle Vale’s rich history  

Artwork and QR code for The Case of the Lost Legacy Keys

Words by Chivenor Primary School

Chivenor School pupils have officially launched a brand-new, interactive digital treasure hunt app designed to turn their area’s rich local heritage into an engaging summer holiday activity for local families.

The app features a specially mapped one-hour walking route that allows users to learn about the neighbourhood’s rich history.

To create this unique trail, children from the Pupil Parliament embarked on a community walk to pinpoint key historical locations. They then devised a clever series of interactive questions and trivia challenges that participants must successfully answer as they complete the outdoor hunt.

School reception and entrace to Chivenor Primary School / Image supplied by Chivenor Primary School

This innovative digital trail marks the exciting culmination of a deep heritage project. Enthusiastic students spent months thoroughly researching the vibrant evolution of Castle Vale, successfully tracing its ancient roots all the way back to Saxon times.

The young researchers also conducted several insightful interviews with long-term community members, capturing valuable and vivid personal stories from the past about the estate’s dramatic regeneration period during the 1990s.

Organisers shared that the project aims to give residents an entertaining and highly educational way to explore their surroundings over the school break.

While the initiative directly stems from the school’s ongoing anniversary celebrations, the primary focus always remains on providing a lasting, free resource for everyone to enjoy.

Local people can easily join the adventure by scanning a simple QR code, which instantly launches the application.

School leaders noted that the dedicated pupils are incredibly proud to see local families discover the wonderful hidden stories of beautiful Castle Vale today.

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

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

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: YoungStars – Castle Vale Community Hub and youth service provider

Words by Shaun Hand

We don’t usually think of youth clubs as being family affairs, but that’s exactly how Castle Vale’s YoungStars began. “It was started by me and my parents,” explains founder and director Luke McLean.

“It was meant to be a one-night show at St Cuthbert’s Church – young people showing their talents, be it singing or playing an instrument – but all the other parents wanted it to continue.”

That was way back in 2004, when Luke was just 14. Today, he’s in charge, leading a dedicated team that meets a lot of different needs. As he puts it, “It’s gone from being just shows, to being a youth club, to being more about youth services.”

Celebrating Easter at YoungStars / Photograph supplied by YoungStars

YoungStars became a community interest company (CIC) in 2019. “We’re still volunteers; we’ve all got other jobs; but we’ve been able to grow a lot since becoming a CIC,” Luke says. “We’ve got a lot more structure, and we’re able to apply for more pots of funding rather than just relying on donations.”

Part of this growth was finding a permanent home. Luke laughs, “We’ve been based in every building on the Vale you can think of!”, but when the old public library on the High Street was closed YoungStars were able to secure the space for themselves – helping them to expand their remit even further.

Regular events include a wellbeing group for those aged 16 and over on Tuesday evenings (6-8.30pm), where young adults can have a cup of tea and a chat with YoungStars’ Rachel and Adam about whatever’s on their minds (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent) – and there’s a youth club for 5-16-year-olds every Wednesday and Friday evening (also 6-8.30pm).

YoungStars 20 year anniversary celebration / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Friday’s events are run by volunteer Lauren. “She’s come all the way with us,” Luke tells me. “She started coming to the youth club when she was seven. She’ll be 22 this year, and as well as volunteering, she’s on our management Board.”

YoungStars also cater for adults with a ‘nourish and natter’ soup kitchen on Thursdays (5-6.30pm) and a community kitchen selling breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and midday.

Activities at YoungStars Community Hub on Castle Vale / Photograph supplied by YoungStars

However, Castle Vale’s young people remain the focus of YoungStars and Luke is particularly excited that the group has received funding from the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to fund 90 free places for children during the six week school holidays.

“That means all their food and activities are paid for, including swimming and trips to the seaside,” Luke explains, adding that (at the time of writing) there are still places available. To qualify, children have to be receiving free school meals.

YoungStars founder Luke McLean at VE Day celebratoin event in YoungStars’ Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

“We’ve been very lucky,” Luke reckons when talking about the HAF funding. But given his and the group’s longstanding devotion to help Castle Vale’s youth (and their parents), it feels more like sound judgement. From humble beginnings, YoungStars has become a crucial part of Castle Vale’s youth provision.

To find out more about YoungStars’ activities or remaining summer holiday places, visit www.facebook.com/youngstarshub or contact Luke or Lauren on 0121 661 7879.

For more on YoungStars visit www.weareyoungstars.com

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: community@erdingtonlocal.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor School celebrates 60 years of history, heritage and community spirit

Chivenor Primary School 60 year anniversary event / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

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

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

Words by Chivenor Primary School

Chivenor School officially marked its 60th anniversary year with a vibrant Heritage Evening, bringing together generations of students, staff, and community leaders to honour six decades of local education.

Co-Heads of School Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett opened the evening by reflecting on Chivenor’s unique beginnings in 1965. Originally designated as ‘School Number 1’ under founding headteacher Mrs Wise, the institution famously had no pupils when it opened. However, growth was rapid; by 1967, enrolment soared past 1,000 children, prompting the opening of a second school on the Vale.

The celebration seamlessly blended past and present, highlighting the revival of beloved traditions like balancing a sweet tin on children’s heads for their birthday.

Recognition was a central theme, with certificates awarded to the Head Boys and Girls, Pupil Parliament members, and dedicated ‘Heritage Heroes’ who championed the history project.

Attendees, including current and former staff, alumni, and community representatives, enjoyed uplifting performances from the school choir and the St. John’s Ambulance Brass Band who had the children dancing in the aisles.

Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett shared that the event aimed to honour Mrs Wise’s 1965 vision for Chivenor. A newspaper article stated that she wanted Chivenor to be “A place of happiness where children grow in body, mind, and spirit”.

Sixty years later, the joint heads noted that these core values remain alive through the school’s modern pillars of High Achievement, Wide Horizons, and Proud Traditions and they hoped these values would remain strong in 60 years time.

PICTURE GALLERY: Chivenor Primary School’s 60 year anniversary event / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

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

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

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

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

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.

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

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

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

 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Inspirational Chivenor Teaching Assistant runs marathon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease research

Claire Almond, Teaching Assistant at Chivenor Primary School, at the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon 2026 / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Usually found guiding the youngest learners at Chivenor Primary School, teaching assistant Claire Almond demonstrated a powerful lesson in perseverance by completing a half marathon on Sunday, 10 May.

Almond tackled the gruelling 21-kilometre Leeds Marathon course to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, a cause close to her heart.

The challenging route began and ended at Headingley Stadium, the hallowed home ground of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. For Almond, a dedicated women’s rugby player, Burrow’s courageous battle with the neurodegenerative condition served as a profound inspiration.

Runners running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

After witnessing the impact of the disease on the sporting community, she felt compelled to trade her rugby cleats for running shoes to make a difference.

Almond’s journey to the finish line, which she completed in an impressive two hours and twenty minutes, is particularly remarkable given her recent start in the sport.

Having only begun running last summer through the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ program, the transition to a half marathon represented a monumental leap in distance and endurance. “I never even thought I’d be able to run 5 kilometres, let alone 21K,” Almond shared, reflecting on her rapid progression from novice jogger to long-distance fundraiser.

Her grit and determination have resonated throughout her community.

The children and staff at Chivenor Primary School are incredibly proud of Claire’s fantastic achievement.

By pushing her physical limits, she has not only raised essential funds for MND research but also provided an inspiring example of dedication for her students.

For advice from the NHS about Motor Neurone Disease visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/motor-neurone-disease

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

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

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Building affordable homes across Erdington and Minworth

Representaives from The Pioneer Group and Seddon at Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group

As a community-focussed organisation, Castle Vale will always be at the heart of everything we do. Our roots are here, and with the vast majority of our homes based on the Vale, our commitment to both our tenants and local residents remains as strong as ever.

You may have seen that we’re beginning work on two new housing developments nearby, in Erdington and Minworth.

While they sit just a five-minute drive from Castle Vale, they give us an opportunity to respond to the growing need for affordable homes in our wider neighbourhood. For us, it’s about building the right homes in the right places, while staying true to our purpose and values and continuing to invest in our local communities.

We know that Castle Vale is more than just where we provide housing, it’s a community.

That sense of community extends beyond our homes too. Castle Vale Stadium continues to be a place where people come together, whether through sport, events or shared activities, and it plays a vital role in bringing people of all ages together.

Alongside this, The Sanctuary offers a wide range of support, from Early Help and youth services to health and wellbeing programmes.

These services are there for our residents and the wider community alike, helping people access the support and guidance they need, when they need it most.

The Sanctuary on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group

As we look ahead, our focus remains the same, supporting strong, connected communities and making a positive difference both on Castle Vale and the local area.

For more on The Pioneer Group visitwww.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the May to June ’26 Erdington Local newspaper.