Tag: Councillor Gareth Moore

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(L-R) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore standing outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied Cllr Alden

Words by Erdington 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.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore outside Erdington Library during recent heavy rains / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Words by Erdington 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.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

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 by Erdington 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.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(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 by Erdington 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

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NEWS: Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Lantern Parade on Erdington High Street – Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December

Words by Ed King

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

 

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NEWS: Christmas lights switch on and Christmas sing-along on Erdington High Street – Saturday 6 December

Words by Ed King

Erdington Town Centre will switch on its Christmas lights this Saturday (6 December) at 5:30pm.

Local families, residents, shoppers, and visitors to the Town Centre are invited to come to this free event and help celebrate the start of the Christmas season on Erdington High Street.

The lights will be switched on at 5:30pm by Santa and the Erdington Ward Councillors, Robert Alden and Gareth Moore – from a raised platform by the Christmas Tree on Erdington High Street, outside B&M and Wilton Market.

From 5pm, there will also be a special Christmas sing-along service led by the SoS Choir – arranged and performed by members of the Erdington Arts Forum.

Everyone is invited to join in with classic Christmas songs and carols such as ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’, and ‘Away in a Manger’.

And as a Santa’s hat tip to the Midland’s, the SoS Choir will also be singing the Slade Christmas classic ‘So Here it is Merry Christmas’ – with buddy Noddy Holders getting a chance to clear their vocal pipes with a festive “IIIITTTTSSS CHRISSSMAASSS…”

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), there will be song sheets available for anyone unsure of the words – and a free Santa’s hat for the first 100 people, to keep them a little warmer on this winter’s evening.

Erdington BID’s hardworking elves will also be serving free hot chocolate, hot drinks, mince pies, and some special Christmas treats – to add a little more festive cheer, as the SoS choir leads the High Street into Christmas.

Hoping everyone will join him on Saturday 6 December, Santa has a special message for Erdington: “Christmas is coming and we want to start spreading some festive cheer across Erdington Town Centre.

“So, come and join us by the Christmas Tree on Erdington High Street this Saturday (6 Dec) for the official Christmas lights switch on and carol service, and grab a free mince pie whilst you’re with us.

“It’ll be a lot of festive fun and everyone is welcome – no matter which list your name is on this year.”

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “Christmas is a time to celebrate community, to reconnect with old friends and take a little time to make new ones.

“Erdington has an amazing community spirit, whatever the time of year, and we hope everyone can come along on Saturday as we brighten up the darker nights and spread a little festive cheer across Erdington Town Centre.”

Erdington local can also see Santa at his Grotto on Erdington High Street, on Saturday 6 December (11am to 3pm), Saturday 13 December (11am to 3pm), Friday 19 December (3pm to 6pm), and Saturday 20 December (11am to 3pm).

Single child tickets are priced at £5 (including a photo opportunity and free gift), with discounts for families 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.

To further celebrate the festive season, Erdington BID are organising a series of special Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – held every Saturday on the run up to Christmas Day (6, 13, and 20 December) from 12noon to 4pm, by Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree.

Following on from the series of community events held over the summer, the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Days will bring back a day of free children’s games and activities to the Town Centre – including a bouncy castle and arts and crafts workshops.

There will also be a chance for Erdington locals – of all ages – to design their own Christmas decoration or lantern, which will be displayed during a special light parade on Erdington High Street on 20 December and welcome in the Winter Solstice.

Erdington High Street’s Winter Warmer Fun Day and Christmas 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.

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NEWS: Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street every weekend in December before Christmas Day

Words by Ed King

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as Santa opens up his Grotto on Erdington High Street and welcomes young people and families to help him kickstart the festive season.

Located outside the entrance to Wilton Market, opposite the Christmas Tree, Santa’s Grotto will be open on the following days:

  • Saturday 6 December (11am to 3pm)
  • Saturday 13 December (11am to 3pm)
  • Friday 19 December (3pm to 6pm)
  • Saturday 20 December (11am to 3pm)

And no matter what list you might be on this year – naughty, nice, or a little of both – everyone visiting Santa’s Grotto can get their picture taken with the big man in red and receive a free Christmas gift to take away.

Santa Claus preparing for Christmas, surrounded by presents and holiday decorations / Image from Adobe Stock

There will also be free hot chocolate, teas, coffees, mine pies and other Christmas treats for everyone as they exit the Grotto – served by the hardworking elves from the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

Single child tickets are prices at £5 (including a photo and free gift), with discounts for families visiting the Grotto at the same time.

No advance booking is necessary, and payments can be made by card or in cash 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 will be also sticking around for a special appearance on Saturday 6 December – to join the Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore as they switch on the Town Centre Christmas lights at 5:30pm.

To celebrate the festive season, Erdington Business Improvement District are organising a series of special Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – held every Saturday on the run up to Christmas Day (6, 13, and 20 December) from 12noon to 4pm, by Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree.

Following on from the series of community events held over the summer, the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Days will bring back a day of free children’s games and activities to the Town Centre – including a bouncy castle and arts and crafts workshops.

There will also be a chance for Erdington locals – of all ages – to design their own Christmas decoration or lantern, which will be displayed during a special light parade on Erdington High Street on 20 December and welcome in the Winter Solstice.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Christmas is a time to celebrate community, and we hope to see everyone on the High Street this December to enjoy a bit of free festive fun and welcome in the yuletide.”

They added: “Santa will be with us every weekend until Christmas Day, and there will be a lot of free games and activities – and mince pies – for everyone to enjoy.

“Come down and celebrate Christmas every Saturday in Erdington Town Centre and help us warm up the winter months.”

Erdington High Street’s Winter Warmer Fun Day and Christmas 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.

 

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Alden taking part on local community gardening / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been continuing to push the Council to back our plan to end the bin strike, balance the Council’s books and clean up the city.

Locally we have been continuing work with partners to try and secure investment into the High Street, getting dumped rubbish cleared, like the recent rubbish dumped overnight in the car park at Rookery Park and planting daffodils to help ensure Erdington is looking bright in the new year.

This includes on the grass verge at the junction of Arthur Road, Moor End Lane and Holly Lane.

Across Erdington we are really fortunate to have wonderful community groups like Erdington Litter Busters who do so much work maintaining and enhancing green spaces, including in this location and the central reservation on Sutton New Road.

Cllr Moore at St Barnabas Church for Remembrance Sunday service / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

As we do every year, earlier this month we also joined residents at St Barnabas Church for the Remembrance Sunday service and to lay a wreath in memory of those gave their everything so we may live free.

Now more than ever we must remember what they fought for and ensure their sacrifice was not in vain and is not forgotten. It was a moving service as always and thank you to the church for hosting and local schools for the events they did to explain Remembrance Day to their school kids.

With Christmas approaching we wish everyone in Erdington a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year!

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

 

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Robert Alden with local residents on Spring Lane / Photograph supplied by Cllr Robert Alden

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been working with residents and the police to tackle speeding and dangerous driving in the Spring Lane area during the year.

Last month we gathered a petition calling on the City Council to fund a raised crossing and speed bumps to slow down cars racing, as well as bollards on the corner of Fern Road to prevent people blocking visibility at the junction.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, backing the campaign. We’ve also been supporting local speed watches with the Police in the area.

This month we’ve met with the officers from West Midlands Police following our letter to the Chief Constable demanding the reopening of the front desk at Erdington Police Station.

We put forward our case for why we feel it is vital to back up the initial success of Operation Fearless and extra police officers locally by now reopening our much needed Front Desk. We will continue to put the case in the coming weeks and months.

We’ve continued to challenge the Council about the ridiculous case of the broken street lights on Wesley Road. The road itself is a private unadopted road. Over the last year all the street lights on the road have broken and the Council refuse to fix them.

Despite the lights having Council asset tags and electric vehicles chargers attached to them installed by the Council!

Hopefully the Council will finally see the light and fix them!

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(l-r) Cllr Moore, Cllr Alden on Erdingotn HIgh Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Over the summer Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued our campaign fighting the growth of badly run exempt accommodation and HMOs in the area.

Every converted house that residents report to us we report to the Council to inspect.

We have been raising issues with a number of exempt accommodation units with Severn Trent regarding if the sewer system can handle all additional bathrooms, the Fire Service to inspect if adaptations have been carried out safely and legally, especially since many are in terraced houses and connect to neighbouring properties, building control to discuss if regulations have been followed for conversion work, and with the Police regarding any incidents that have taken place.

We have also held public meetings (Gareth pictured meeting with residents off Erdington High Street regarding a property being converted) and met providers to raise concerns directly.

Cllr Gareth Moore at public meeting over HMOs / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Conservatives

The big barrier with stopping the growth of supported exempt accommodation is the fact it is currently exempt from planning permission due to the 2004 Housing Act. This literally means that someone does not need planning permission to convert a family house into this type of accommodation.

Clearly this is totally wrong and must change. That is why we have been calling on the Government to introduce a statutory instrument to amend the 2004 housing act so that it requires planning permission going forward and can then be restricted to stop the further loss of family housing.

We have a petition backing this campaign. You can sign at: www.birminghamconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/bring-exempt-accommodation-under-local-planning-control-protect-our-communities

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Jones visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews