Tag: Ed King

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 30 May – 10am to 4pm – with free children’s games and activities

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 30 May – celebrating its fourth event, taking place on the last Saturday of every month.

Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats from local traders and crafters.

There will also be a variety of free children’s fun and games at the Erdington Market, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary face tattoos, and two arts and crafts stands – with one even offering a peaceful time out for adults, from local community group Arts All Over the Place.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

This month, The Might Jamma will also be at the Erdington Community Market – bringing some Steepan summer vibes to the High Street throughout the event. Click here to check out some of Jamma’s music online.

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY hub will also be offering some free soft drinks and water bottles, whilst talking to those attending about some exciting new events and activities coming to Erdington High Street later this year.

Completely free to attend, there is no charge to attend the Erdington High Steet Community Market or for any of the activities on offer.

Click here to join the Erdington High Street Community Market events page and be the first to get updates and special offers for each event.

The Community Markets are organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We launched the Erdington High Street Community Markets in February this year, and the events have been absolutely fantastic – with some really unique and creative stall holders, all from in and around Erdington.

“They are a lot of fun, for both adults and children, and a really wonderful way of the Erdington community to come together and enjoy and afternoon on the High Street.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “This month, in May, we’ve got a few more stall coming along – as the Community Market is picking up interest from new traders and people looking to try their hand at a pop up stall.

“The market is growing, and we would love to welcome more people down to the High Street to have a browse and a bite to eat and join us in celebrating our fantastic Erdington community. See you on the High Street this Saturday [30 May].”

Erdingotn High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February 2026 and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King

Check out our picture gallery below, showing some of the highlights from previous Erdington High Street Community Markets.

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska and Ed King

 

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NEWS: Residents at Phoenix Court on Castle Vale call for extra security after tenant charged with firearm and weapon offences

Outside of Phoenix Court, showing secured entrance on Yatesbury Avenue (image taken from Google Maps)

Words by Ed King

Residents at Phoenix Court on Yatesbury Avenue, Castle Vale, have started a petition calling for extra security in their building – following concerns regarding a tenant who has been charged with firearm and weapon related offences, and who is currently registered as living in the over 55’s housing complex.

The tenant in question is being processed through the Birmingham courts for a list of offences relating to threatening behaviour, firearms and weapons.

According to the court listing, they are facing the following charges: threat to damage / destroy property, [possession of] a firearm without a certificate, [possession of] an offensive weapon in [a] private place.

It is further believed that threats to endanger life were made by the tenant towards at least one staff member at Phoenix Court.

Sign outside Birmingham Crown Court (Photograph by Ed King)

As part of their initial bail conditions, the tenant facing the charges was reportedly blocked from entering municipal areas at Phoenix Court or entering the building unsupervised.

However, according to other residents at Phoenix Court the problem tenant has been tailgating people entering the housing complex and bypassing the front door security locks.

After raising concerns over safety at a recent meeting with the estate management team, worried residents are now circulating a petition asking The Pioneer Group, who own and operate Phoenix Court, to “arrange for a security person in the front entrance… until [the tenant is] incarcerated or evicted from [their] flat.”

Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)

The tenant identified in the petition has previously been at the centre of various disturbances, including a dramatic armed police response in June 2022 after it was believed they then too had a firearm – where other Phoenix Court residents were held under “siege” whilst the police cordoned off the housing complex and made their arrest.

One resident told Castle Vale Local: “After that siege, four years ago, [they] shouldn’t have been allowed back in here – a block full of vulnerable people.”

They added: “You don’t know what [they] can be capable of, [they] threatened to blow [a staff member] in [their] car.”

British armed police officer (Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images)

Owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social Housing landlord, Phoenix Court houses around 60 elderly residents – encouraging independent living and community, within a supported accommodation setting.

The Route2Wellbeing website describes Phoenix Court as “a personalised approach supporting the wellbeing of older people by promoting independence through the development of friendships, reducing isolation and offering a wide range of activities and opportunities that promote wellbeing and increased quality of life.”

After receiving the petition from Phoenix Court residents, on Friday 22 May a spokesperson for The Pioneer Group told Castle Vale Local: “We are aware of an ongoing issue involving a tenant at Phoenix Court.

“We are working closely with tenants to ensure the building remains safe and are taking the appropriate course of action to address the situation.”

They added: “As an added reassurance, we have arranged for a security guard to be present during the evenings over [the Bank Holiday] weekend. We also have CCTV in place both internally and externally, with our teams actively monitoring and reporting any sightings.

“We have been in contact with the police, who have reassured us that they will carry out additional internal patrols.”

Residents confirmed a security guard was present over the Bank Holiday Weekend, but at the time of writing has not returned to the front entrance of Phoenix Court.

Castle Vale Local has further reached out to The Pioneer Group about potential cost implications over additional security and the housing provider’s eviction policies and process.

The tenant facing charges is scheduled to reappear in court in June.

Castle Vale Local will continue to follow the story.

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LOCAL POLITICS: “We need change” – Erdington MP calls for Keir Starmer to step down following Labour’s Council election losses

Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer in Erdington during by-election camapign in 2022 / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s MP Paulette Hamilton has called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as Labour Party leader, telling the BBC’s Sarah Montague “we need change” in an interview on Radio 4’s World at One programme.

Appearing on Monday 11 May, a few days after Labour suffered drastic loses in the recent Council elections – and where Reform UK and independent candidates took eight of the twelve local seats across the Erdington constituency – Ms Hamilton told the broadcaster there was a need for an “orderly transition” of power at the top of the Labour Party.

“At the moment, people are burying their heads in the sand,” added Ms Hamilton, before describing how over the last year and a half “I have seen where we are, people are just not listening. They do not trust anything [Labour] have to say.”

Promotional poster for BBC Four’s World at One with Sarah Montague

“They’re telling you, ‘I have voted Labour all my life but I am not voting for Keir Starmer,’” she continued, “if you know the Brummie way of doing things, [the general public] have made it clear they are not voting for Keir Starmer.”

Earlier in the interview, Ms Hamilton had outlined the threat she believes is being faced by the Labour Party over issues with its leadership, stating: “I am telling people today, unless we wake up smell the roses we may as well hand the keys of Number 10 over to Reform in the next couple of years.”

This was highlighted in a recent and razor thin battle for the Stockland Green Ward, where the Labour candidate Derek Douglas lost to Reform UK’s Mansoor Butt by only one vote.

At the official count, Mr Douglas told Erdington Local he felt the loss was a direct result of negative feelings towards the national party.

Reform’s Mansoor Butt in an empty Utilita Arena after Stockland Green recount / Photograph by Ed King

The Erdington MP’s strong words today mirror a campaign spearheaded by Catherine West MP (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour) to oust the Labour leader and establish a fresh face in Number 10 ahead of the next General Election.

At the time of writing, over 50 MPs across the UK have backed the call for a leadership challenge – with Sir Starmer making an impassioned speech to buoy support from his backbenchers and Cabinet, highlighting plans to potentially nationalise British Steel, and provide better opportunities for young people.

The Labour Leader was also clear on his plans to “[rebuild] our relationship with Europe” and put “Britain at the heart of Europe” – which many see as paving the way for a potential re-entry to the European Union.

Ms Hamilton MP also referenced this in her Radio 4 interview, stating she “was for Europe” and was “happy with what [Keir Starmer] said” in his speech, but that people in Erdington were contacting her constituency office the Labour leader’s stance.

“I’m telling you, residents have already started writing to me telling me they don’t like it,” Ms Hamilton told the BBC. “That’s the point. At the moment I’m starting to get mail into my office saying, ‘why has he (Kier Starmer) come out with that?’”

Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer in Erdington during by-election camapign in 2022 / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

Erdington Local reached out to Paulette Hamilton’s office for further comment on the issues over Europe and the EU and received the following statement from the Erdington MP:

“I campaigned to remain, but Britain voted to leave. That’s democracy. Residents have told me on the doorstep and by email that we voted to leave, and they’re right.

“A good relationship with Europe is important, but the ‘new direction’ won’t put us back to where we were in the EU.”

At the recent Council elections, Reform UK candidates won both seats in both Oscott and Kingstanding, and one of the two seats up for grabs in Stockland Green – with the other going to incumbent independent Amar Khan. Reform also one the single seats contested in Pype Hayes and Perry Common.

Elsewhere, Labour incumbents retained their seats in Gravelly Hill and Castle Vale – with the Local Conservatives also holding onto their two seats in the Erdington Ward.

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: Local Conservatives propose “transformation” of Erdington High Street by relocating Birmingham Museums Collection Centre to near Six Ways Island

AI generated design for Birmingham Museum Collection Centre development on Erdington High Street / Image supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Words by Ed King

Birmingham’s Local Conservatives have published an ambitious plan they claim would see the “transformation” of Erdington High Street if they win a majority in the upcoming Council elections on 7 May.

The proposal is to relocate the Birmingham Museum Collections Centre, currently in Nechells, to nearby Six Ways Island, and to open up the storage centre of rare antiquities to the general public as a tourist attraction.

Birmingham Museum Collections Centre houses 80% of Birmingham Museum Trust’s stored collections, featuring everything from exotic animals and old steam engines to ancient sculptures, tools and weapons.

The huge archive, akin to the closing scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark, totals to ‘around a million items – many offering a real insight into life in Birmingham and the West Midlands over the centuries’, according to the Museum Collection Centre’s website.

AI generated image of byzantine artifacts preserved inside museum / Image from Adobe Stock Images

This drastic development would help “unleash Erdington’s full potential” and encourage outside investment into the area – according to Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who is also Leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives group.

Erdington has a rich history of Birmingham luminaries that helped shape both the county and city, including William Wilberforce, Josiah Mason, Thomas Holte, and Sir Benjamin Stone.

The High Street also houses the two century old St Barnabas Church, a Carnagie built library, and was once the location for globally recognised music venue Mothers – which showcased rock legends such as Black Sabbath, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.

Looking up Erdington High Street from St Barnabas Church to Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

Cllr Alden added: “The High Street has been neglected for a number of years and what we constantly get on the doorstep are local residents saying they want to see the High Street returned to how it used to be.

“The idea of this plan is to bring in somewhere where people will spend their time – so increasing dwell time – and would help a café/restaurant culture develop on the High Street, as you’d have more people around.”

When quizzed about the potential damage such a large scale development would have on the existing retail community – which is a mix of national brands including Dixons and Peacocks and independent convenience stores and take aways, Cllr Alden was clear about his party’s vision for Erdington High Street.

Sign at the entrance to Erdington High Street by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

“The idea of this is those businesses that provide a useful service to the area we would try and relocate elsewhere on the High Street,” told Cllr Alden.

“But frankly, those businesses which are a drain on the local area we would look to be getting rid of as part of this.”

He added: “What we want to see is a step change in transformation, bringing back a High Street that is a vibrant place that people want to take their families and hopefully resolve those long term anti-social behaviour issues.”

The plan to relocate Birmingham Museum Collections Centre was published in a 20 page manifesto outlining how the Local Conservatives group would “clean up” everything from housing to transport across the city, if they took control of the Council after the local elections on 7 May.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham City Centre / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Museums Trust

In a section outlining their plans for ‘Culture & Heritage’ across Birmingham, the Local Conservatives list a 22 projects and proposals they would drive forward if elected as Council leaders.

These include supporting St Partrick Day and St George’s Day celebrations across the city, developing an “Armed Forces Community Garden” and “veterans’ village”, and promoting the city’s musical lineage through the global UNESCO heritage sites network.

The document also clarifies the Local Conservatives’ position on the promulgation of Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags, following a series of unauthorised campaigns that have attached the flags to street furniture across the city.

The manifesto states: “British and English flags are a unifying force, celebrating our shared heritage, culture and history. We would fly our national flags and City Coat of Arms from all Council buildings. Where communities would like [we would] install formal displays of our national flags.”

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

When speaking to Erdington Local, Cllr Alden also highlighted the Local Conservatives plans to increase high street security networks, support Business Improvement Districts, and “to reconvert exempt accommodation back into family homes” across the city.

Councillor Robert Alden is seeking re-election as Erdington Ward’s representative on 7 May – alongside his Conservative running mate Councillor Gareth Moore.

To read the entire ‘Our Plan to Clean Up the City’ manifesto from Birmingham Local Conservatives click here.

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NEWS: Man apprehended on Short Heath Road will face “no further action” after arrest and investigation

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Words by Ed King

A man apprehended on Short Heath Road yesterday (28.04.26) over concerns related to firearms and intent to cause violence has been released by police and will face “no further action”.

Following dramatic scenes in the Erdington suburb, and a swift response from West Midlands Police, a man in his twenties was taken into custody after unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road.

The road remained blocked whilst officers gave chase to the suspect, with traffic halted and members of the public redirected away from the incident.

Local residents watched as the suspect was taken from a nearby residence, put into handcuffs and into the back of a marked police car.

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Taking no chances, officers responded with significant force and speed to close down what could have been a potentially dangerous situation – after following up reports made to police earlier in the day.

But after robust action and investigation, West Midlands Police questioned and released the individual, with members of the public assured there are no continuing threats from the incident.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told Erdington Local: “We arrested a 24-year-old man on Short Heath Road on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at around 3pm yesterday.

“It followed an incident earlier in the day, also on Short Heath Road, when another man reported that he had been threatened and hit with a firearm.”

They added: “After a number of enquiries were carried out, the suspect was released and will face no further action.”

Short Heath Road / Image from Google Maps

The dramatic daylight police action is part of a wider effort to crush crime around the Erdington constituency, in a combined effort from police and partners – following the return of Operation Fearless officers to the area in March and April.

Recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who oversees the neighbourhood police team, has been upping uniformed presence on Erdington High Street and surrounding hotspots.

The area is further also supported by two Designated Neighbourhood Officers, with a long connection to Erdington and significant local knowledge.

Inspector Hayley Thompson, who has been in post covering both Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since the end of summer last year, will be moving on – with a new inspector currently being recruited to support the local neighbourhood team and continue the impact made by Operation Fearless.

 

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COMPETITION: Win 10 x £10 vouchers at Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April

Words by Ed King

Get down to the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April and win a free £10 voucher to spend at any of the stalls.

All you have to do is register your name and an email address before 12noon at the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY information hut – then 10 lucky winners will be pulled out of the hat at 12:30pm.

Vouchers will then be issued, which can be exchanged at any of the stalls for good up to the value of £10.

Stalls will be trading from 10am to 4pm, and entries can be made from 10am – one per person, with no age limit to take part.

Vouchers can only be exchanged for goods being sold at Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April, with no change given.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month – located on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore.

The events are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “There are some really wonderful crafts, gifts, and homemade treats on sale at the Erdington High Street Community Markets – and loads you can buy for £10 or under.

“Our £10 voucher giveaway is a fun way of helping people come down, have a bite and a browse through the stalls, and help support local traders.”

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “It’s a really fun afternoon at the Erdington High Street Community Markets, and wonderful to see so many people enjoying an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

“So come and join us on Saturday and help us champion the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.”

The Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.

The Erdington Lunar Society will also have a stall, offering information on the guest speakers and talks the local group regularly organise – alongside their campaign to save Erdington Library.

Running on the last Saturday of every month, regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Arts and crafts session at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.

As well as organising the Erdington High Street Community Markets, the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025 – including ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display at information hut / Photograph by Ed King

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 25 April.

Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.

Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February this year and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

There is no charge for any of the activities, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Erdington has a rich history or markets and traders, and our outdoor High Street Community Markets are a continuation of that proud and local tradition.”

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “All the stalls are run by local artisans, chefs, and creatives, and are a great chance to find those hidden gems you can only uncover from a community market.

“There’s lots of fun for families and young people, so come down – have a bite and a browse – and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.”

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.

Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.

The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 March – 11am to 5pm

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Words by Ed King

Erdington Community Market returns to Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 March for the second event in its regular monthly programme, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.

The first Community Market was held in February and saw hundreds of Erdington locals and visitors enjoy an afternoon of family friendly fun on the High Street – see our PICTURE GALLERY from the February market below.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets will offer a range of handmade crafts, original artwork, unique gifts, children’s toys, and homemade food from local traders.

The Community Markets will also showcase several local bakers selling homemade sweet treats, with a wide range of brownies, cakes, biscuits, and much more – including gluten free and vegan options.

Alongside the stalls will be a variety of free children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The Erdington High Street Community Market will be held on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.

The busy location also gives local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding high street retailers – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and groceries, to electronics, household goods, and clothing.

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “The first Community Market in February was a lot of fun, and we’re really excited to bring back the stalls and children’s entertainment to Erdington Town Centre. has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.

“We’ve got a few new stall holders joining us this month too, and it’s exciting to watch the interest in our Community Markets grow – which we hope to build on each month.”

They added: “The Erdington High Street Community Markets are not only a chance to find those special gems that you only get from a local market, but also a chance to socialise and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

“It was a really lovely event in February, and everyone is excited about coming back on Saturday 28 March – we hope to see you on the High Street.”

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are supported by the Mayor’s Market Fund from the West Midlands Combined Authority – with additional support from Birmingham City Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The events are part Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre – through community events, volunteering opportunities, arts and culture.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

 

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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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

 

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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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com