Tag: Ed King

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NEWS: Discover “hidden treasures” at first Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February

Words by Ed King

The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders – plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall.

Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more.

Local trader selling children’s toys and gifts at LYLC Winter Warnmer event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local

Stalls will be situated on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market, giving local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding indoor market as well – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and electronics to luggage and clothing.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.

“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular Community Markets on the High Street.”

Stalls and public engagement LYLC Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local

They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.

“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special hidden treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”

The Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February will be running alongside a Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm – organised by Oikos Church and Café, celebrating their respective 15 and ten year anniversaries on Erdington High Street.

The Oikos Community Fun Day will include free family fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and craft workshops, and live music – supported by Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign.

Oikos will also be hosting a special Community Meal, undercovers outside on the High Street, where people can join together to enjoy good food and company.

Oikos host a Community Meal at their High Street venue every month which attracts a friendly crowd from across the local community.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display on information stand at Community Fun Day / Photograph by Ed kIng for Erdington Local

Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign was set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre.

With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LYLC campaign hosted a series of Summer Fun Day and Winter Warmer events in 2026 and has a programme of activity planed for Erdington Town Centre across 2026.

For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: [email protected]

 

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NEWS: Tensions flare up on Castle Pool car park as “very rude” Unite bin strike protest group limit access for schools and residents

Unite the Union strike protest roup on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)

Words by Tracy Fisher and Ed King

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: [email protected]

 

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NEWS: Local traders and stall holders wanted for new Community Markets on Erdington High Street

Words by Ed King

Local traders are wanted for a new outdoor Community Market coming to Erdington High Street, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

From established traders to start up stalls, Erdington BID is looking for market traders selling a range of items – from homemade arts and crafts, children’s toys and games, fresh fruit and veg, to bargain goods and everyday essentials.

Stall selling children’s toys at Erdington BID Winter Warmer community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Local community groups and services are also welcomed to secure a tabletop, giving them the chance to let Erdington locals and visitors to the Town centre know more about their activities and services.

The Community Markets will be held from 11 am to 5pm on the pedestrianised area near the Village Green – in between the entrance to the B&M Superstore and Wilton Market.

With the first Community Market planned for Saturday 28 February, running alongside the Oikos anniversary celebrations, Erdington BID are asking anyone interested in a pitch to contact them by emailing: [email protected]

Another Community Market is scheduled for Saturday 28 March – with plans to host more events at least every quarter.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID and Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.

“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular series of Community Markets on the High Street.”

Stall holder at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.

“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special shopping treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”

Organised by Erdington BID, the Community Markets are being delivered with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the ‘Mayors Market Fund’ – as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign stickers on information stall at Erdingotn BID Summer Fun Day community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign celebrates positive community action in the Town Centre and invites people to be part of a brighter future for Erdington High Street.

Up to 10 free stalls and traders training sessions

To encourage new traders and local bright business sparks who want to try running a market stall, Erdington BID is offering up to 10 free spaces for the first three Community Markets – alongside a series of free traders training workshops.

Organised by business support provider Good2Great, the traders training sessions will offer valuable advice to both experienced traders and start up stall holders – starting on Thursday 12 February.

Stall holder and public at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Delivered in both a group and one to one setting, the traders trainings sessions will also offer first hand advice from Kate Gittens – who ran Shrewsbury Market Hall and won Britain’s Favourite Market in 2018, 2023 and 2024.

Erdington BID is also offering a limited number of free stall spaces to any trader who has recently lost a patch elsewhere in the city due to closures – such as Oasis Indoor Market in Birmingham City Centre and Market Village in Sutton Coldfield.

Places are limited so anyone interested in a free stall space and traders training session should contact Erdington BID as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in securing a stall at the Erdington Community Markets, or wanting more information about the free stalls and traders training sessions, should email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

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NEWS: First free Community Meal of 2026 at Oikos Café on Thursday 29 January – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.

Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington

Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.

One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”

They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”

Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.

Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.

“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”

They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.

“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

 

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NEWS: Win a Christmas hamper worth £130 from City Meats and Erdington BID – entries close midnight on Sunday 21 December

Owner of City Meats, Frank, holding a sign showing all the contents of the Christmas Hamper / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Words by Ed King

City Meats and Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) are giving one lucky local family the chance to have a packed Christmas cupboard this year for free – with a competition to win a special Christmas Hamper worth £130.

But hurry, as this yummy yuletide competition is only open this weekend – so get your entries in before midnight on Sunday 21 December if you want to bin in the draw to win a slap up Christmas dinner for free.

Specially prepared by City Meats, the longstanding Erdington butchers who have been trading for over 45 years and are a well-known family run business on Erdington High Street, the City Meats Christmas Hamper will include joints of beef, pork, lamb, gammon, a turkey crown, and jumbo packs of bacon and sausages.

The City Meats Christmas Hamper will be enough to feed any Christmas dinner table, with loads left over for the New Year.

City Meats signage and counter in Wilton Market, Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

All you have to do is send your name and address (including your postcode) along with a contact telephone number to [email protected] – with the subject heading ‘CHRISTMAS HAMPER COMPETITION’.

You can also enter by coming to the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Day on Saturday 20 December, between 12noon and 4pm, and submitting your details to staff at the Winter Warmer food and drinks tent next to Santa’s Grotto – just outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

The lucky winner will be selected at random, with names pulled out of Santa’s hat, and issued a special token to claim the Christmas Hamper direct from City Meats – which can be collected anytime up to 4pm on Tuesday 23 December.

Sign promoting Christmas offers at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

The only rules to enter this festive online competition are that entries need to be made by families with at least one child aged 16 or under – who live in the Erdington constituency.

Before claiming their prize, the winner will be required to provide Erdington BID with photographic ID and proof of address, as well as proof of their family status.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “Christmas is a festive and fun time of year, but it can be a big expense too – especially if you got several hungry mouths to feed on Christmas Day.

“So, at the Erdington BID thought we’d spread a little yuletide cheer and give Erdington locals the chance to win a bumper Christmas meats hamper for free.”

Sign promoting Christmas offers at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

They added: “City Meats have been serving this community for over 60 years and are one of our longest High Street traders, and a belly busting hamper form them seems like the perfect Christmas gift for one lucky Erdington family.”

City Meats have been serving good quality fresh meats for just under half a century and are a well-established family business on Erdington High Street.

Always promoting special offers and family sized deals, to help your Christmas budget go a little bit further City Meats are currently offering: 3 packs of pigs in blankets for £10, 3 packs of gammon for £10, a jumbo leg of lamb for £23, half turkey crowns for £18, packs of turkey drumsticks for £6, any joints of any meat for £16, and special Christmas deals on ribs of beef.

Christmas charity donations box on counter at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Head into City Meats and speak to Frank, Dave, Emma, or any staff member and see what you can get cooking from your local butcher this Christmas.

The City Meats Christmas Hamper competition is organised as part of the Erdington BID LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positives of Erdington Town Centre and Erdington High Street.

City Meats can be found at the entrance to Wilton Market, Erdington High Street, Birmingham B23 6RP – to contact the butchers directly you can call 07976 696 724.

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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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NEWS: Free Community Meal and ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshop at Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November

Words by Ed King

On Tuesday 27 November, Oikos Café opens its doors and invites all Erdington locals to another free Community Meal – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Doors at the High Street hotspot open at 5pm, with the Community Meal continuing until 6:30 – providing local families and individuals a hearty hot meal and a chance to socialise in the café.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the Oikos Community Meal is a lively and popular event that attracts people from all over Erdington.

Free Community Meal at Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Oikos Cafe

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be setting up a couple of stalls outside the front of Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November, from 4:30pm, giving away a few special Christmas treats and free hot drinks.

Erdington BID will also be kicking off a series of festive arts and crafts workshops on Thursday, where young people and locals can design their own Christmas decoration – with all materials will provided by Erdington BID.

The unique and handcrafted decorations can then be hung up and displayed up Erdington High Street on Saturday 20 December – ahead of a special Christmas lantern parade, organised by Erdington BID, which will usher in the yuletide and Winter solstice.

More ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshops will be held on Saturday 6, Saturday 13, and Saturday 20 December – alongside the Santa’s Grotto and Winter Warmer events, in conjunction with Erdington Rotary Club, coming to Erdington High Street on the run up to Christmas Day.

Erdington High Street’s Christmas lights will also be switched on at 5:30pm on Saturday 6 December – with Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gather Moore joining Santa to officially illuminate the festive season in Erdington Town Centre.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We are officially kicking off our Christmas programme by supporting the fabulous Oikos Community Meal this Thursday [27 November], and giving away some free Christmas treats and hot drinks outside Oikos Café.

“Come down, say hello, and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and mince pie on us.”

They added: “And why not design your own Christmas decoration whilst you’re with us – which can then be hung up on the High Street on 20 December. We’d love to see everyone’s personal decorations on display this Christmas, showing some love for the local community and celebrating the spirit of the season.

“We really hope you can join us at Oikos or any of our Winter Warmer events, on Erdington High Street every Saturday across December – up to Christmas Day.”

The design your own Christmas decoration workshops, Santa’s Grotto, and Winter Warmer events are being organised as part of Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to celebrate Erdington Town Centre and encourage more positive engagement on the High Street.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY projects are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

For more on Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Police confirm no one “seriously injured” in five vehicle collision on Chester Road that caused widespread traffic gridlock

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Ed King

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.”