Tag: Ed King 2210

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NEWS: “The goodwill is disappearing fast” as local community group chases council over rubbish in Bleak Hill Park

Words by Ed King / Pics by Ed King and Short Heath Fields Trust

Abandoned tents and rubbish on Bleak Hil Park / Short Heath Fields Trust

A prominent local community group has warned Birmingham City Council (BCC) “the goodwill is disappearing fast” after weeks of chasing a response over dangerous debris and hard rubbish left in Bleak Hill Park by squatters.

Initially reported in late August by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT) and Friends of Bleak Hill Park (FoBHP) up to four tents had been found on Bleak Hill Park – accumulating significant rubbish, akin to fly tipping.

Alongside the abandoned tents, the people who had set up camp on the green space – used regularly by local children and dogwalkers – left behind waste including sodden mattresses, old clothes, and even a microwave.

SHTF and FoBHP further reported “drug paraphernalia left in the bushes” where one tent had been pitched, proposing a hazard to any rubbish removal without proper equipment in case of discarded needles or items that could carry possible infection.

Abandoned tents and rubbish on Bleak Hil Park / Short Heath Fields Trust

Alongside seeking help from BCC over the clearing the refuse, SHFT reached out to the people camping in the park and contacted StreetLink on their behalf – a charity which connects people sleeping rough to support agencies and services.

In a strongly worded series of emails to the BCC Parks Department and several members of the council, SHFT Secretary, Paul Smith, challenged the “total lack of response” from Stockland Green Ward Councillors Jane Jones (Labour) and Amar Khan (Labour) – the elected officials responsible for the area.

Having initially been told the debris would be cleared by 28 August, after the BCC Parks Department raised an official incident report, Mr Smith continued to ask for the agreed help but found “the level of inactivity and lack of communication [from Birmingham City Council] increasingly frustrating”.

Short Heath Fields Trust logo

Mr Smith did receive some support from Councillor Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservative) who is technically not responsible for Bleak Hill Park but referred the issue on to the Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Majid Mahmood (Bromford and Hodge Hill Ward, Labour).

In the final email dated 21 September, Mr Smith, who is involved in other local community groups that help support Erdington’s green spaces and keep the streets clean, continued: “There are many proactive community volunteer groups operating in Erdington, who regularly pick up the slack when Birmingham City Council let its constituents down. but just occasionally we ask for your help.

“If we all ignored the issues we find in our communities, as you have done in this case, Erdington would be in a far poorer state.”

He added: “I sometimes feel it is only the commitment of hardworking community groups that is keeping Erdington afloat, but goodwill and hard work will only go so far.”

Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign / Ed King

At the time of writing this article, the rubbish remains on Bleak Hill Park and no members of Short Heath Fields Trust or Friends of Bleak Hill Park have received any further communication from anyone at Birmingham City Council – nearly two months after it was initially raised.

Short Heath Fields Trust became invested in the upkeep of both Short Heath Fields and Bleak Hill Park after having successfully fought a council plan to build an 84 strong housing estate on the beloved green space.

Since stopping the development, SHFT have organised a series of well attended community events on the parkland – alongside organising regular maintenance of the grass and shrubs, and planting new trees with the Woodlands Trust.

The Trust also build a community Covid memorial by the pathway that connects Short Heath Road to Marsh Lane and are an active community group well known by the surrounding ward councillors and BCC Parks Department.

Short Heath Fields Trust Covid memeorial on Bleak Hil Park / Ed King

After being contacted by SHFT about the issue, Erdington Local reached out to both Jane Jones (Stockland Green Ward, Labour) and Cllr Amar Khan (Stockland Green Ward, Labour) for comment.

Cllr Jones responded: “I personally missed the emails from Mr Smith while on holiday in August and so did Councillor Khan who was out of the country with his family.

“After I had read the first two emails the gentlemen had departed the park (so we were told) and I admit that removing the rubbish was not my priority at that time as I had hundreds of emails to action.

“As councillors we receive many many emails on a daily basis and after a holiday the number was substantial.”

Short Heath Playing Fields / Ed King

She added: “My concern is for the gentlemen having to live in tents in the park along with the many homeless individuals on a nightly basis sleeping in doorways in the City Centre.

“Homelessness is a major crisis in the UK and urgent action is required as successive governments have failed to undertake the mass house building of social housing to help remedy the current housing catastrophe.

“Councillor Khan and I will work with the appropriate Cabinet Members to resolve the issue that has angered Mr Smith and apologise to him for our poor response to date.

“We will also visit the gentlemen who currently reside in the park to obtain their back story and see what help can be undertaken on their behalf.”

For more on Short Heath Fields Trust visit www.shortheathfieldstrust.godaddysites.com

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NEWS: Birmingham City Council announce cuts to Youth Service with job losses and youth centres up for sale

Words by Erdington Local Editorial Team

Birmingham City Council House, Victoria Square / Adobe Stock Images

Birmingham City Council (BCC) have told devastated youth workers they are axing all part time staff and potentially putting all youth centres up for sale, in a ploy to save over £100m by 2026.

Following a meeting on 26 September, BCC Youth Service staff were left dumbfounded after Director of Children’s Services, Dr Sue Harrison, outlined the plans in a presentation to city workers which would see 44 jobs lost – including 37 youth support workers.

Youth Service staff have been waiting since April for the results of a review of the three services which deal with young people across Birmingham: careers, 14-19, and the youth service.

At the meeting last week, it was announced all three services will be merged into one service and the remaining staff were told they would not be working out of geographic centres which many fear could break the link between youngsters and their youth workers.

Staff were further told every youth centre in the city would be subject to “expression of interest” meaning third parties who want to buy them will be notified.

Junior football team / Adobe Stock Images

The recent Youth Service cuts come days after the new Labour government promised to invest in youth work, as the city remains in the grip of a teenage knife crime crisis.

But Birmingham’s Youth Service has long suffered cuts, with centres across the city shut down or stripped back. Erdington saw the cherished Malcom Locker Youth Centre close in 2014 after a previous round of council cuts and despite a locally led campaign to save it, with the neighbouring Clifton Road Youth Centre near Sutton Park only open three evenings a week.

Most recently, Foundations 4 the Future CIC – which engages young people through sport and “bespoke” programmes – was forced to give up it’s youth centre at Central Square after owners of the site decided to demolish the building following two failed bids by Birmingham City Council for regeneration funding.

Following the meeting on 26 September, and the news of job losses and asset sales, a Save Birmingham Youth Service (SBYS) spokesman told: “It has been announced that new proposals for the Youth Service will see the loss of 44 jobs. 37 of these will be youth support workers that are vital in running youth clubs and activities across our city.

“The loss of these roles will have an unprecedented effect on the services that Birmingham Youth Service can offer the young people of our amazing city. Further roles will be lost in essential admin and business roles within the new proposals.”

(SBYS have an online petition to stop the proposed cuts to Birmingham Youth Service, to learn more about their campaign and sign up click here.)

Youth workers flag up children in danger of sexual exploitation, county lines criminality, and many other types of abuse. With a record number of children in the city not attending school their role has become even more important.

Birmingham has long celebrated itself as being the youngest city in Europe, with a reported 40% of its population under 25.

Council Leader Cllr John Cotton recently recognised Birmingham “a young and dynamic city” when attending the development launch of a new Enterprise Hub in Erdington, whilst further paying tribute to the “tremendous assets that we have out in our community”.

In a statement for the press given on Friday 27 September, Dr Sue Harrison said: “Consultation has commenced on a redesign of the council’s Youth Service aimed at creating a service model that is sustainable and provides a consistent approach to youth services across the city that is more aligned with other services working with young people.

“We appreciate that any meeting where staff reductions are proposed can be difficult for staff and we have signposted support from managers as well as the council’s Employee Assistance Programme, for those who wish to take it up.”

She added “Every member of staff will be invited to a one-to-one discussion as part of the consultation process.”

Birmingham City Council is cutting services due to its ongoing financial crisis, after equal pay liabilities and a defunct IT system cost the city hundreds of millions.

After borrowing £1.25bn from central government following to balance its books the council needs to save over £300m over the next two financial years by cutting services, selling off assets, and hiking up the price of Council Tax.

The Children and Families Directorate has been given a savings target of £52.2m for 2024/25 and £63.2m for 2025/26 financial year.

For more on the Save Birmingham Youth Service campaign visit www.facebook.com/savebhamyouthservice

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Queensbury School showcases student artwork at Direct Art Action Gallery

Words and pics by supplied by Queensbury School

Queensbury School recently held an exhibition at the prestigious Direct Art Action Gallery (Sutton Coldfield), showcasing the creative talents of its students.

The event provided a platform for young artists to display a variety of works, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media creations.

Each artwork offering a unique perspective on various themes such as identity, culture, and artist inspirations. Teachers and art instructors worked closely with the students to prepare their works, helping them refine techniques and explore creative ideas.

Parents, teachers, and community members viewed the exhibition, praising the students’ artistic talents and dedication. Many were impressed by the depth of expression and creativity demonstrated by the young artists.

The Direct Art Action Gallery, known for supporting emerging artists, offered a professional space for the students, allowing their work to be presented in a real gallery setting.

The exhibition not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in education.

This successful event promises to be the first of many more collaborations between the school and Direct Art Action Gallery.

For more Queensbury School visit www.queensburysch.com

Queensbury 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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BACK TO SCHOOL: Kingsthorne Year 5 visit Tally Ho Police Centre

Words by Paisley, Year 5 / Pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School

This September, Year 5 went on a 30 minute trip to Tally Ho Police Centre. First thing we saw were these incredibly trained police dogs. They knew who the bad person was and went straight to them so the police could arrest them. The police were very good actors; the dogs even found a mobile phone just from smell.

Next, we watched the police march and we even joined in. We learnt what you had to do when they shouted out the words. It sounded very confusing but when you learnt it, it wasn’t that hard. After that we went to the police van and they even shut the door for the full experience.

I felt like a real police officer. Then, we got to see what happened if there was a serious car crash. They took the whole car apart to get the injured person out. They took off the boot, the windows, roof… the whole thing. After, we finally had lunch.

Then after lunch, we got into our groups. My group went to Bob, which isn’t a real person but just as fun. We hit it with a bat and pepper sprayed it, but it was only water because real pepper spray would have been dangerous.

Next, we did a bleep test when you had to run to the line before the phone bleeped. Someone in our group even beat one of the police officer’s highest score.

Then, we went into a police boat and even tried on the helmets and vests they wear on the boat. After that, it was almost time to get back to school but we quickly got some freebies. We got pens, sweets, and pencils. Then it was time to go back to school.

We all had so much fun. The police even said we were trained and ready to be a police officer. Then, after a wonderful day we went home to tell our families all about the amazing stuff we did.

For more on Kingsthorne Primary School visit www.kingsthorneprimary.co.uk

Kingsthorne 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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NEWS: Erdington locals get discounted tickets to UK première of Becoming Nancy at Birmingham Rep

Words by Ed King / Rehearsal pics by Mark Senior

Erdington locals can get their hands on heavily discounted tickets to the UK première run of the musical Becoming Nancy – which comes to the Birmingham Rep theatre from 3 October until 2 November.

With standard tickets costing up to over £50 including booking fee, Erdington residents can pick up a special ticket for only £10 for evening performances on 9, 10, and 11 October – alongside an afternoon matinee on 10 October.

A maximum of four tickets can be purchased per household and buyers will need a valid Erdington postcode whilst booking – simply click here to contact the Birmingham Rep Box Office and use the promotional code: ERDINGTON.

Becoming Nancy cast / Mark Senior

Based on the debut novel by composer Terry Ronald, released in 2011, Becoming Nancy tells the story of talented student David Starr (Joseph Peacock) who auditions for the school performance of Oliver! – the musical adaption of the Dickins classic Oliver Twist.

Hoping to be cast as Fagin, the show’s lovable rogue and male lead, David’s impressive vocal range and pop star pretentions win over the school production’s director who instead casts him as Nancy – the most prominent female lead.

The unconventional casting grabs the attention of everyone in town and at school, with divided opinion about whether he should take the role – as David finds solace in his no-nonsense friend Frances (Paige Peddie) and surprising co-star and school football team captain Maxie (Joseph Vella).

The story follows the characters as they navigate a difficult coming of age journey, challenged by small town fervour and the battle between who they want to be and who their friends and family think they should be.

Becoming Nancy was adapted for the stage by Elliot Davis, with music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Additional songs were also penned by the author of the original book, Terry Ronald, and Elliot Davis.

Taking to the stage for the first time in 2019, Becoming Nancy has its world première at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia – directed and choreographed on its first run by Jerry Mitchell.

Joseph Peacock (David Starr) and Jospeh Vell (Maxie Boswell) / Credit Mark Senior

Known for his extensive work in musical theatre – which credits productions including Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Devil Wears Prada, Hairspray, Pretty Woman: The Musical – Jerry Mitchell is back as both director and choreographer for the UK première run of Becoming Nancy.

In an interview made as part of the promotion for the UK run, Mitchell told: “It’s an amazing experience to discover a hit musical before it becomes a hit on the West End or Broadway – and I think Becoming Nancy has that potential.”

Becoming Nancy / Interview with Jerry Mitchell, director and choreographer  

Becoming Nancy makes its UK première at the Birmingham REP theatre, running from 3 October and run until 2 November – with discounted tickets for Erdington locals available on 9, 10, and 11 October.

For more information direct from the theatre, with links online ticket sales, visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy

For more on Becoming Nancy the musical visit www.becomingnancymusical.com

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NEWS: Government issues official Notice to Improve “on financial grounds” to Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Photography taken from Erdington Local archives

The Government has told the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which runs five schools in Erdington, to urgently address their financial problems – issuing the trust with an official Notice to Improve “on financial grounds”.

In a joint letter from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Department for Education (DfE), ATLP was told it had been found “in breach of… the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH)” as it had been “unable to approve a balanced budget for 2023/24.”

The letter also stated how “The ESFA has also provided the trust with exceptional financial support” and went on to acknowledge “the open and constructive way the trust has engaged” and “the actions undertaken so far by the trust”.

ALTP, whose head office is based in Sutton Coldfield, run the following five schools in the Erdington constituency: Stockland Green School, Brookvale Primary School, Paget Primary School, Slade Primary School, and Osbourne Primary School.

One of the most recent additions to the trust, Paget Primary School in Pype Hayes, only joined the ALTP portfolio on 1 June 2024 alongside Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant School in Witton.

Having grown rapidly grown in the last decade, ALTP now employs more than 1,500 staff and is responsible for the education of over 10,000 students in its 24 primary and secondary schools across Birmingham, North Warwickshire, and Staffordshire.

Paget Primary School / Ed King

However, after failing to balance their books for 2023/24, the trust has now been put in financial straight jacket with any major decisions needing approval by the EFSA until the situation is rectified.

In the joint letter from the EFSA and DfE, sent to the ALTP Chair of Trustees Mr John Vickers on 9 September, it continues to explain how ALTP has lost several powers due to the Notice to Improve.

Ahead of a list of financial restrictions, the letter states ALTP “must seek approval in advance from the ESFA” over a litany of spending criteria, including “special staff severance payments, compensation payments, writing off debts and losses, and disposals of fixed assets beyond any limit in the funding agreement.”

The letter further warns if ALTP does not carry out its obligations under the Notice to Improve, and adhere to the Academy Trust Handbook rules, it would be “deemed a funding agreement breach and may lead to termination”. ALTP could then be referred to the Charity Commission and Insolvency Service for “further investigation, as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.”

ALTP will only be released from the Notice to Improve restrictions if the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, decides its finances are in order.

The letter further recognises what “may be an uncertain time for the trust and its staff” and urges ALTP to “ensure appropriate provision is in place to support all its staff” – directing the trust to the Government’s ‘Education staff wellbeing charter’.

It also states the trust is “required to publish the Notice on its website within 14 days” of it being published on the DfE website, as it was on 20 September 2024.

Classroom teaching at Stockland Green School / Supplied by Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Erdington Local contacted the ALTP head office for comment and was directed to a statement published on the trust’s website by ATLP Chief Operating Officer Richard Gill CBE.

In the statement, Mr Gill said: “I would like to update you on our current financial situation. Despite our diligent efforts to manage resources efficiently, we find ourselves facing a budget deficit. The situation is complex and sector-wide and, in this letter, we would like to give some context and assurances.

“The deficit is the result of a variety of factors including climbing energy and catering bills, staff costs, inflation and our determined commitment to support all children including those who need it most in what remain complex times.”

He adds: “While we have taken proactive measures to mitigate these issues and indeed have made significant progress, the current financial landscape presents challenges. As a result, the ATLP has been issued with a notice to improve (NTI) from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).”

Paulette Hamilton MP with children from Stockland Green School / Supplied by Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

At the time of writing, it was unclear when the statement from Mr Gill was published, or if the parents and carers of children who attend ALTP schools have been notified directly.

Erdington Local could not find any communication about the issue on the individual school websites and has asked ATLP to clarify how those responsible for children at their schools have been informed of the ongoing financial difficulties.

In the statement published on the ALTP website, Mr Gill concludes: “Children remain at the heart of everything we do. Despite the financial challenge, we will continue to provide support to sustain the improvement of schools and the services we provide for our learning communities.”

For more on the Arther Terry Learning Partnership visit wwwatlp.org.uk

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NEWS: Large scale “hybrid” planning application submitted for new business park on old GKN factory site

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from planning application documents

A large scale planning application has been submitted for a brand new business park on the site of the former GKN factory site on Chester Road.

The “hybrid” application includes the demolition of the sprawling factory, which employed thousands of local people over its seven decade history.

Replacing the factory on the 4.87 hectare site will be a 22 unit industrial park, an electric vehicle charging station – and facing onto Chester Road will be a retail unit and a restaurant.

The full plans submitted to Birmingham City Council for the CB Erdington Investment LLB led development include 128 supporting documents and are so extensive the application fee alone is estimated at over £90,000.

CB Erdington Investment LLB was incorporated in September 2023 and has a registered business address in London.

Birmingham architect firm Corstorphine & Wright have designed the new business park, which colour scheme will be a mixture of green and grey hues. Corstorphine & Wright present Birmingham development projects including Smallbrook Queensway, Upper Trinity Street, Aston Place, and Cortland Broad Street (The Square) in their portfolio.

Describing the new multi level development, the architect’s statement said: “The proposal has been subject to an extensive design process including pre-application and voice provided by the local authority.

“Particular attention has been given to the buildings’ design scale and massing in order to respond to neighbouring properties and immunity it delivers a financial variable scheme that has optimised the use of this sustainable and previously developed site to provide a modern and fit for purpose employment led mixed use scheme.”

The multi-million pound development has the potential to create hundreds of much needed jobs in the area.

The statement added: “The scheme has the potential to deliver realistic quantum of employment space given the available sites area whilst considering and respecting adjacent residents and business users.

“The design approach offers a clear and logical layout that will provide not only a safe and secure working environment but also be an enhancement to the local region.”

The developers hope Chester Road’s excellent transport links, with close proximity to the motorway network, will attract multinational companies needing new warehouses, logistic centres, or headquarters.

Bury firm HiTec Demolition has been given the contract for flattening the huge factory, and specialist teams have already cleared the buildings of asbestos.

The company said: “Asbestos removal has already been complete to the site, the only remaining asbestos on site is the roof areas, they are asbestos cement roofing, see method for removal.”

The comprehensive application also includes reports about bats and their preservation, light, noise and flooding reports, alongside a further raft of environmental impact submissions and sustainability plans.

As well as extensive landscaping there will also be a staff well-being garden and park space on Egerton Road.

Melrose Industries bought GKN for £8 billion in 2018 in a controversial and protracted takeover which included a promise the UK’s biggest engineering firm would not be sold within five years.

However, in 2021 the firm announced plans to close the Chester Road factory with the loss of 519 highly skilled manufacturing jobs – despite repeated efforts to save the site from both Erdington’s late MP Jack Dromey and the region’s erstwhile mayor Andy Street.

Following a Unite led strike, workers eventually accepted redundancy packages and the generations of motor vehicle parts production ended which an estimated 1,500 jobs being lost in the local supply chain of companies.

To find out more about GKN Automotive visit www.gknautomotive.com

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FEATURE: “Libraries are so much more than just books,” Erdington rallies to support libraries across the constituency

Words by Ed King / Pics provided by Cllr Welch and Erdington Walking Group – with extra taken from archives

On 27 September, the final consultation period for the future of Birmingham libraries will come to an end – before Birmingham City Council finalise their plans for the future of the city’s Library Service.

Across the Erdington constituency there are four libraries, providing valuable resources for local residents and school children in and around Castle Vale, Kingstanding, Perry Common, and Erdington Town Centre.

But after the end of September the fate of these centres for learning and community will be in the hands of the Council financiers – as city officers look to save £2,300,000 from the library budget.

Erdington Local talked to those who have been championing the need to support our libraries and takes a look at what the future could hold after the Council’s consultation campaign draws to a close.

“Libraries are so much more than just books,” declares Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch. “They are at the centre of any local community. We must do everything possible to keep Kingstanding Library open.”

It’s a familiar battle cry, as local campaigners and politicians alike have been championing the need for libraries in their communities across the city – following the announcement by Birmingham City Council (BCC) that a citywide public consultation would be held to “help shape the future of the library service for Birmingham.”

“Help shape” might sound cordial, but the reality is the Council need to save £2,300,300 from the city’s library budget – which currently supports 35 community libraries, a mobile library, a home library service, and the Library of Birmingham. And when the biggest spend is on community library staff, amounting to £4,100,000 – nearly double the Council’s savings target – people’s work lives are literally on the line.

Local Authorities across the UK are bound by law “to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons” under their governorship, as per the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

But Birmingham City Council is broke, after haemorrhaging undisclosed millions on a defunct IT system (the official count is at £139m but many sources feel it could be considerably higher) and being found legally liable for more hundreds of millions in Equal Pay Liabilities across its significant workforce.

And whilst books don’t cost megabucks, people who work for you do – and the buildings you keep both of them in could be worth a few bob if they happened to become apartments.

So, in April 2024, a financially bludgeoned Birmingham City Council launched a public consultation and explored ways to cut costs to the library service of nearly two and half million. Proposals included permanently closing libraries, partnering with local stakeholders to run them, and turning them into Library Community Hubs providing other community services.

There is also the option to relocate the existing library and end up with an empty building or two, which is never a bad thing when you’re trying to sell off assets and realise Council equity. But as with the 21% rise in Council Tax, many felt the people who live in the city were once again set to suffer whilst they cleaned up the mess of the people who run the city. And sufficed to say, it made them angry.

“One of my campaign promises was to take the fight to save Kingstanding Library to the very heart of the Council chamber,” continues Cllr Clifton Welch. “In my maiden speech I was proud to formally second a Conservative motion to save libraries across Birmingham.”

He continues: “Since being elected, it has come as a shock every month to see Labour councillors in the chamber bring forward petitions from their residents campaigning to keep open their local libraries, and yet every single Labour councillor has voted to support the closure of libraries across Birmingham at every opportunity they have been given in the Council chamber.”

Erdington Local has not been able to verify these claims, but the rush by councillors across the city to be seen on social media championing their local libraries did become somewhat comical. All of a sudden, as the clarion call reached fever pitch, councillor’s social media threads were full of selfies with a pensioner or a school child holding a book. And if you didn’t have a library in your own political ward, then borrow one from a colleague.

However, there are those with more longstanding political skin in the library game. Oscott’s Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour), who has been the ward’s elected official since 2004, has been vocal about importance of Kingstanding Library for many years.

During the last Birmingham City Council consultation on its Library Service, which finished in January 2017, Cllr Dring helped generate funds and secure its future through a partnership with Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) – who were looking to deliver services from both Perry Common and Kingstanding Libraries.

Speaking at the Kingstanding Library relaunch event in 2017, Cllr Dring tells: “I’m absolutely delighted to have led on this project for Kingstanding Library, the money put into it has regenerated this library and also Perry Common Library.”

She adds: “The library is at the heart of the community and by doing what we’re doing we have put other services into the library which has enabled us to keep this library alive.”

As part of BCC’s current consultation, “opportunities to work with partners” are being explored as part of Library Services’ ongoing delivery strategy. There are also proposals for 10 Community Library Hubs – one in each constituency – which will provide a range of services from money advice and food pantries, to digital inclusion support and computer access.

Plus, the involvement of external organisations could alleviate the staff costs currently incurred by BCC. This may mean redundancies or loss of working hours for those currently on the Council’s payroll, but BCC promise the Community Library Hubs “could be open on a full-time basis (35 hours per week)”.

WLCA have come to the Council’s bricks and mortar rescue on a few occasions, from their renovation of the crumbling Gatekeeper’s Cottage at Witton Lakes into a well-used Eco Hub, to the recent project to turn the old swimming baths on Erdington High Street into an Enterprise Hub.

And their involvement in Kingstanding Library and Perry Common Library, alongside that of Spitfire Services with Castle Vale Library, have arguably saved three out of four of the constituency’s libraries.

As WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, tells Erdington Local: “Our local libraries are an essential part of the social fabric of our community, offering a lifeline for people to connect, learn and access vital support services.”

He adds: “WLCA is committed to maintaining our collaboration with local libraries to secure their long-term viability for future generations.”

But the beating heart of community often comes from the people marching the ground. And, in Erdington at least, none are more committed to both than Erdington Walking Group (EWG) founder Selina Gooden, who recently organised a round trip walk from Erdington Library to Perry Common Library to encourage people to take part in the Council consultation and to champion the importance of libraries to the community.

The walk was also to celebrate 90 years since the opening of Perry Common Library and organised for the day of the anniversary.

Alongside her passion for health and social inclusion, Selina is also a songwriter and poet, which (mirroring the sentiments of Jack Reacher novelist Lee Childs) came from her salad days devouring poetry.

“Where did I go to find such poetry books…?” tells Selina. “The library. As a child I had no idea what would become of my love for poetry, how it would help me create so many songs and poems – all thanks to the library.”

She adds: “Libraries are incredibly important, because not only do they provide resources and services for literacy and education, but they also help us to expand our network – which goes a long way where connectedness is concerned.”

The EWG walk between the two libraries gained a lot of local attention and support, with Selina recounting “a real sense of unity and pride” between those involved – even picking up some library staff members along the way, who joined the EWG in solidarity.

But the opportunity to “help shape” the future of Birmingham’s Library Services is still on the table, through the face to face consultation sessions or the Council’s own online questionnaire.

“All our libraries are faced with a challenging financial situation and are now required to make considerable budget savings… which will affect all who live, work and/or study in Birmingham.

“Now you have the chance to shape a better Library Service that will benefit you and people across our city for years to come,” adds Selina.

“The consultation outcomes will help inform decisions taken by the Council after it has ended. Please don’t let this opportunity pass you by, have your say before it’s too late.”

The last face to face library consultation in Erdington will be at Perry Common Library on 23 September. Birmingham City Council’s questionnaire will be online until 27 September at: www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

(Ed’s note – this feature was first published in the Erdington Local printed edition dated September/October ’24.

The original feature references Witton Lodge Community Association/WLCA as being involved in the “the running of Kingstanding Library” – whereas WLCA were in fact delivering services from the library, after a partnership with Birmingham City Council Libraries Team in 2017.

Erdington Local issues a full apology for any misrepresentation in the original feature. For further information and to see the source material used, please click here. )

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NEWS: Birmingham City Council “investigating” after man dies trapped under forklift at yard on Station Road

Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps

Birmingham City Council (BCC) are “investigating” after a man tragically died at a yard on Station Road in the morning of Tuesday 17 September.

Reports from the scene state the man, believed to be in his 50s, was crushed to death underneath a forklift truck.

A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an industrial incident on Station Road at 10.11am [17 Sept], two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We were called to reports of a man trapped under a forklift truck at a premises on Station Road, Erdington at around 10.14am this morning (17 Sept).

“A man believed to be his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries to establish exactly what happened are ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”

Following initial media reports, it was claimed the yard – on the corner of Station Road and Summer Road – was regulated by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and any assessment of the site should come from Council officers.

After West Midlands Police referred the tragic incident to BCC, Erdington Local reached out to the Council for confirmation.

A spokesperson from BCC told: “West Midlands Police have informed us about the incident.

“Health and safety inspectors from the council’s environmental health team are on site and are investigating.”

Erdington Local has requested any updates from Birmingham City Council as the investigation continues.

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NEWS: Erdington emergency services left with “major gaps” in radio coverage if new mast is not approved

Words Erdington Local Editorial Team

Emergency services across Erdington and the surrounding areas could be left with “major gaps” in their mobile communications and radio coverage if plans for a new mast are not approved.

Airwave Solutions Ltd, which operates mobile communications networks for emergency services across the UK, currently has a mast on Edgemond Avenue, Pype Hayes.

However, following a Notice To Quit (NTQ) order the vital communications tower is being taken down by November 2024 to allow the landowner to proceed with plans for a residential development.

The potential loss of mobile and radio coverage for the emergency services on the front line has forced Airwave to submit an application to build a replacement mast at the Erdington Industrial Estate, Chester Road.

In supporting documents, the blue light services communications provider warns that not replacing the mast will put all emergency services at risk – with radio and mobile communication only possible from “a mixture” of sources “dependent upon precise location of officers, of vehicular sets and walkie talkies at street level.”

The organisation, who were bought out by Motorola in February 2016, further warn that without adequate communications infrastructure, radios used by the police, fire, and ambulance services would have “no penetration inside any buildings whatsoever.”

Airwave Solutions continued: “…officers in some areas would only have been able to communicate with each other when using car / fire engine / ambulance vehicle communication sets and no hand held calls will be able to made by officers who are either on the street or inside buildings, whilst in other areas some hand held walkie talkie units will be able to be used but only by officers on the street.”

They added: “The ramifications for public safety and national security if the site is not replaced will be extreme particularly at this precise moment in time of social unrest and rioting – potentially the police would have had no communications between officers and control rooms/commanders, leaving the residents of these areas and essential businesses in the districts unnecessarily more exposed to crime.

“Potentially the fire service would have been similarly exposed to no communications between fire fighters and unable to coordinate a response to any fire in this area; and this would have been no different for the ambulance service and would have been a severe risk to human life in and around the aforementioned town centre and surrounding districts.”

The planning application for the new blue light emergency services communication mast was submitted to Birmingham City Council in August and registered with the Planning Committee in the first week of September.

The application was made for a ‘replacement 24m high telecommunications mast with associated 3no. antennas, 2no. dishes, equipment cabinets and ancillary development works’, with any challenges or comments to be to the Planning Committee made by 3 October.

However, similar applications across the country have been held up by concerns from local residents, businesses, which lead to planning committee refusals or the application being eventually denied by the Planning Inspectorate.

Local elected officials listed as ‘consultees’ on the application are Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Basharat Mahmood (Pype Hayes Ward, Labour), and Birmingham Conservatives Leader Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservatives).

To view the application online, click here to visit Birmingham City Council’s planning application portal and search using the reference: 2024/05239/PA.