As part of a wider health initiative the Witton Lakes Eco Hub team invites you to take part in the Green Mile Challenge – a walking and running distance challenge that is inclusive to wheelchair users and designed to inspire health, fitness, and connection to nature.
Over 12 weeks, your mission is to rack up as many miles as you can, either individually or with a group. You can join anytime within the 12-weeks, but we do recommend at least 6 weeks to see progress.
Get involved in the Green Mile Challenge and enjoy:
Optional Free Mini Health Checks on Week 1 & 2 and 11 & 12 – Booking essential.
Weekly Green Steppers Walking & Striders Running Group – Starting at
Witton Lakes Eco Hub, off Faulkners Farm Drive, B23 7XX.
Witton Lakes Finale Celebration 5k Race Sat 26th April – Register to take part.
HOW IT WORKS Our Route: It’s 1-mile all the way round both Witton Lakes! Take on our scenic 5k loop around Witton Lakes, complete with 1km markers to help track your progress. Perfect for beginners, those training for Couch to 5K or those of you aiming for a personal best on your park run!
Track Your Progress: Download and use the free Strava Fitness App to record your distance and efforts, join The Green Mile WLCA Club.(This app is compatible with all other fitness app and sports watches)
Entrance to Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Pic by Ed King
Join a Group: Take part as an individual or connect with our local walking and running groups:
Red Hot Chilli Steppers Walking Group – Mondays, 11am – 12:30pm: Starting point – Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common, B23 5JD
Erdington Walking Group – Mondays & Fortnightly Thursdays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm: Various Locations, email: erdingtonwalkinggroup@hotmail.com, call 07990 109 117 or search the group via Facebook.
Every Wednesday & Thursday you can also join the Eco Hub’s weekly walking and running programmes. Meet at the Eco Hub Café.
Green Striders Running Group (Couch to 5K) with Jemma – Wednesdays, 9:15am – 10:15am (Beginner to Intermediate).
Green Steppers Walking Group with Scott – Wednesdays, 1pm – 2pm (All abilities). Sensory Stroll with Diane – Thursdays, 11am – 12pm (Easy Walking). Celebrate Your Achievement – Eco Hub & Witton Lakes 5K Race!
At the end of the challenge, we’re hosting a 5K Finale Race Event on Sat 26th April at Witton Lakes, followed by a celebration social at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub with prizes, snacks, and drinks. Bring along your family and friends to cheer you on!
Healthy food and excercise equipment / Pic from Adobe Stock Images
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BENEFITS
This inclusive programme is designed for all fitness levels and offers something for everyone:
Improve Your Health: Gain fitness, enhance your physical and mental well-being, and embrace an active lifestyle.
Spend Time Outdoors: Explore the natural beauty of Witton Lakes while enjoying fresh air.
Make Connections: Meet like-minded people and form new friendships through group activities.
Mini Health Checks
To support your journey, we’re offering free health checks during the first two and final two weeks of the challenge. These health checks include BMI (height & weight), blood pressure, heart rate and hip-to-waist ratio. Please note that health checks are optional. If you are unable to attend during these times, contact us to arrange an alternative date. We accept individual or group bookings.
Week 1 & 2 Mini Health Checks (27 Jan – 7 Feb)
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12 pm & 2pm – 4pm
Saturday 1st Feb: 10am – 12 pm
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Compass Support are inviting community groups from across Castle Vale to a special meeting on Monday 27 January, to help them with an array of “additional support” from finding and applying for funding, to training and advice.
Held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will run from 6:30-8pm and is completely free to attend.
No advance booking is required to attend, with any interested parties invited to arrive at The Sanctuary for the 6:30pm start. Teas and coffees will be provided.
The meeting will also be a chance for local residents and volunteers to find out more about the wide range of community groups and activities on and around Castle Vale.
The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic taken from Google Maps
Organisers hope that the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be a chance for local groups to network and support each other, whilst encouraging anyone who wants to be more involved in local community activities to find out more about what’s happening in their area.
Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, Laura Grigg, said: “Community groups are the foundation for connected communities, they have an enhanced understanding of the needs and wants within communities.
“Compass Support [recognises] the valuable work of community groups but also appreciates that additional support may be needed to sustain, manage, and grow activities.”
She added: “The event on Monday 27 January will be an opportunity to network with other local groups, highlight challenges and explore opportunities for funding, publicity, and support. Join us for a cuppa and a chat.”
Representatives from Castle Vale Local will also be attending and hoping to find volunteers interested in community journalism, whilst also looking to connect with local groups and find out more about their activities and ambitions.
Compass Support’s ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale, on Monday 27 January – free to attend, running from 6:30-8pm.
Content supplied by Kings Rise Academy (KRA) Editorial Team
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 17.01.25)
As we lead into the new year, we leave the previous one behind us, but we keep the memories with us. Let’s review the amazing events that happened at KRA in 2024.
In assembly, we spent every Wednesday practising our singing until finally the moment came to perform in front of the parents. On the 11 December, we had traditional Christmas dinner, with roast potatoes, carrots, Christmas donuts and of course, turkey!
In 2025, Year 6 will start doing their SATS papers from the 12 to 16 May. Also, Year 6 students will find out their school places on the 3 March. It is British Science Week from 10 to 14 March. British Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place each March.
A whole new year is like a blank book. Write your own story in it. This year, may your journey be filled with exciting adventures and a lot of learning. Last year was a great one. Let’s make this year the best. Happy 2025!
PCC Simon Foster at the launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
After months of speculation the Tyburn Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) could be moved off Castle Vale and relocated to Erdington Town Centre, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has now confirmed “no final decision has been made” and any plans are “still under review”.
Castle Vale Local was first informed about the possible Tyburn NPT move in autumn last year, which would see the team of community police officers moved to Erdington Police Station – placing them at least 50minutes walking distance away from the edge of the Castle Vale estate and an average of between 12-20minutes if responding in a police car or vehicle.
A map of the area covered by the Tyburn Neighbourhood Policing Team / Image taken from WMP website
When asked for confirmation if the move was imminent, or being considered at all, spokespeople for both West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) were initially unclear as to who would be making the final decision.
But speaking to Castle Vale Local at the recent launch of Operation Fearless, held at Villa Park on Tuesday 7 January, PCC Simon Foster confirmed that whilst “ultimately that is an operational policing decision for the Chief Constable and the local area police borough commander” his office was not aware that any plans had been finalised.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford at the launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
Furthermore, the West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford confirmed if there was a financially viable option to keep the Tyburn NPT on Castle Vale then “of course [the police would] look at that.”
He added: “In particular, it might be good as a touchdown point for some of our neighbourhood cops and PCSOs. So, I’d never rule anything out. But I’m just being honest and saying my job is to make the pounds go as far as I can squeeze them.”
In previous statements from West Midlands Police, after initial enquiries and calls for clarification, Superintendent Emlyn Richards told Castle Vale Local: “The Tyburn neighbourhood policing team remain based in Castle Vale, however, our lease on their office expires in 2025.”
Reiterating the Chief Constable’s financial concerns surrounding some operational decisions, he added: “Understandably we’re exploring all possibilities to ensure good value for public money balanced our commitment to delivering effective policing.”
Police car parked on Farnborough Road, Castle Vale / Pic by Ed King
When the possible move of the Tyburn NPT was first reported on by Castle Vale Local, Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson began petitioning the police for consultation before any plans were finalised – raising significant concerns about a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour if the public facing police team were to leave the estate.
Since being elected in 2022, Cllr Goodwin fostered a close working relationship with the Tyburn NPT police team and was seen by many, both stakeholders and residents, as having helped the police tackle crime across the estate.
In May 2024, Cllr Goodwin organised a ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ at Greenwood Academy on Farnborough Road, to address residents concerns over crime rates and police presence across the estate. The event was attended by many local residents, alongside Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, PCC Simon Foster, and the then Tyburn NPT Sergeant Edkins.
Broken police tape by the old police station on Castle Vale High Street / Pic by Ed King
After the closure of the police station on Castle Vale High Street, The Pioneer Group had been providing the Tyburn NPT with working space at The Greenhouse – office facilities owned by the housing provider in the centre of the estate – where the local police ran a ‘pop up’ police facility for local residents.
This had been given by The Pioneer Group without rental charges, with the police only liable for “their share of service charges for use of space in our building”, confirmed CEO Simon Wilson, and if the NPT sought to renew their lease “the core terms [would] remain the same – share of service charges and peppercorn rent (i.e.no rent).”
Mr Wilson added “This was to help ensure we could keep the Neighbourhood Policing Team located on Castle Vale.”
In an open letter to both the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner, written and signed by both Cllr Ray Goodwin and Simon Wilson, the local stakeholders expressed their “very genuine concern” and called for any action to be “put on hold” until “meaningful engagement is undertaken” to reach a solution that would not see Castle Vale lose its uniformed police presence.
Police and forenics investigating a violent attack and reports of gunfire on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident
Both West Midlands Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner continue to state that working with partners, such as locally elected officials and housing associations, is a key part of their neighbourhood policing strategy.
In the recent West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition document, setting out the regionwide approach to community policing until 2026, Chief Constable Craig Guildford states how the new “neighbourhood policing model [will] ensure we remain connected and engaged with our communities [and] continue to work with partners” – a sentiment reiterated throughout the sixteen-page mission statement.
Castle Vale Local continues to liaise with all parties involved and will keep our readers updated.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
Arrests, vehicle and drug seizures and £500,000 of counterfeit goods recovered – Operation Fearless has officially arrived in Erdington.
Tuesday 7 January marked the formal launch of Fearless, a major new initiative to drive down crime and improve life in Erdington with a combination of high-profile visible activity and work with partners such as Birmingham City Council (BCC).
Around 150 people gathered at Villa Park to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and others about the ambitious plans to make Erdington a safer and better place to live.
Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street as part of Operation Fearless / Pic by West Midlands Police
In the afternoon, the Fearless team got to work in Erdington, supported by colleagues with dogs, drones, knife detecting equipment and even horses from Thames Valley Police.
The operation saw:
One man wanted on suspicion of burglary in the West Mercia area was arrested in an operation targeting criminals using the bus network to travel into Erdington
One man was arrested for failing to appear at court
Two vehicles were seized – one because it was being used in crime, and another because it was being driven without insurance
Six men were arrested for conspiracy to defraud over the seizure of £500,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods, including cigarettes, vapes, and prescription medication, in a joint operation with BCC’s Trading Standards team
The work of the Fearless team, made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers as well as detectives and other teams, will continue over the weeks to come, and will move into other areas, while working with partners to ensure that the improvements made in Erdington are not undone.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
Det Supt Jim Munro, who leads the Fearless team, said: “[7 January] was a fantastic launch and the support by partners from across the region, from the council to Transport for West Midlands, to immigration and children’s services has been phenomenal.
“We backed up our words with real action… making arrests and removing counterfeit goods from the High Street.
“Fearless will only succeed with the support of people in Erdington though. When you see our officers, chat to them about what concerns you have and where you think we should be directing our work. That will make a real difference.”
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
Erdington High Street has been known as a crime hotspot for several years, with endemic shoplifting underpinning broad daylight drug dealing and a rouges gallery of anti-social behaviour.
But it used to be different, very different. It used to be known as one of Birmingham’s most vibrant retail hubs, with thousands of confident shoppers and respected national brands clamouring for frontage.
Now West Midlands Police have launched Operation Fearless and are set to invest over 20 new officers and £880,000 to tackle criminality on and around Erdington High Steet.
Erdington Local attended the maiden voyage of this ambitious new policing strategy, asking just what impact it hopes to make in the once proud and prominent Erdington Town Centre.
Chief Constable Craig GUildford outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“We’ve only been up and running since the end of November and we’ve already banned two prolific shoplifters,” explains West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, standing on the sun warmed steps of Villa Park at the official launch of Operation Fearless – a slow tide of media and local partners drifting into the conference room below.
“It’s already working quite well and on the back of the prosecutions, with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we’ve got a court order which bans [the shoplifters] from the High Street. Now that’s a really good success.”
Chief Constable Guildford is a no-nonsense copper, with a calm and authoritative air, and a look that would not be out of place in a Sergio Leone Western. After becoming the region’s top police officer he reportedly broke up a fight on Bearwood High Street whilst off duty getting a coffee.
Guildford was brought into post in December 2022, appointed by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, with a mandate to bring back robust community policing, and terms like ‘working with local partners’ and ‘local police presence’ have peppered documents that have come from his office ever since.
Promotional flyers for Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
Indeed, the first-person introduction to the West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition strategy, which sets the local operations aims until 2026, states how ‘affinity and pride in local teams helps us tackle criminality’ before confirming they will ‘listen to and work with the public, partners, voluntary groups… to protect local people and places.’
But Erdington High Street has been arguably a failed case study in community cohesion, with revolving door Sergeants and stripped back public patrols doing little to quell the growing frustration of both local residents and business. And even less to reduce the crime statistics, which UKCrimeStats places at one of the worst in Birmingham – beaten only by Ladywood, Hodge Hill, and Perry Barr.
And the apathy in reporting crimes, especially from the frustrated at best and frightened at worst retailers on the High Street, could nudge these numbers even higher, with many calling for the reopening of the Erdington Police Station front desk and giving up on their unanswered calls to the 101 and 999 emergency numbers.
Promotional vehicles at official launch of Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
It’s a problem across the region, and Chief Constable Guildford admits when he took on his role West Midlands Police were “very poor at answering the telephone, compared to lots of police forces.” Around the same time, prominent Erdington retailers were reporting being on hold for up to an hour when trying to report crimes by calling 101.
Thankfully, the average response time for WMP call handlers has dramatically improved, with 101 at 10 seconds and an almost immediate pick up for 999 emergency calls.
Proud of this “radical shift”, Chief Constable Guildford further urges people to “get the phone picked up, let us know, or stop one of the bobbies that are walking past.” The equation is simple, he says: “We need to know what’s happening to be able to act on it; we’ve got the resources to do it, and we want to be doing it more and more.”
“But first and foremost,” he continues, when quizzed about the arrest to prosecution ratio many retailers feel has also waned on Erdington High Street, “there has to be a consequence; if you prolifically shoplift, you need to be going to court, and the courts need to be determining your future.” And cue the quote used in our headline.
Police car with Operation Skybridge branding parked opposite Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King
Operation Fearless officially launched on Tuesday 7 January, but it’s team of 20 officers – who have been recruited, according to WMP, for their “very diverse skill set” – have been operating for several weeks. Indeed, the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Chief Inspector, Shameem Ahmed, was seconded to give the new policing initiative some valuable local knowledge.
But why now, and why Erdington? “I think it’s probably fair to say I’ve been to Erdington High Street more than any other high street in the entirety of the West Midlands,” tells Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, mirroring a point Erdington Local is often quick to make too.
“I’ve attended resident’s meetings, I’ve been on Erdington High Street with the Street Pastors, with West Midlands Police, with [Erdington Local], and attended numerous resident’s meetings. So, I’ve listened; I’ve heard about the challenges and the impact that the crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street has had and today is about taking the action that is necessary to address those issues.”
But really, why now? What has been the tipping point to push for this extra policing attention in Erdington Town Centre?
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“In terms of ensuring we can launch Operation Fearless immediately I am investing nearly a million pounds of proceeds of crime – seized from criminals,” explains Foster, identifying the curious irony of modern day police funding, that raids made from one end of the High Street will fuel patrols at the other. And if the proceeds of crime cookie jar was always within reach, are we not a little late with our sticky fingers?
But as Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton states at the opening of her speech, to a room of around 150 delegates from local community groups, stakeholders, referral agencies, and citywide partners, “Thank God. We’ve got a New Year [and] we’ve finally got some [police] work going on in Erdington that is so, so, so overdue… high streets are the heartbeats of communities, and if we don’t have our high street, we lose our community.”
And about three miles north of the high-ranking officials and back slapping hyperbole, sits Erdington High Street – the wounded animal stuck in a poacher’s trap.
Police and Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
For those of you who don’t know, and to remind those may find it hard to remember, Erdington Town Centre was once one of the busiest retail hubs in Birmingham – boasting national brands from Woolworth to Marks and Spencer and thousands of confident shoppers. A fall from grace that makes today an even sadder reality.
But since October last year, when Operation Skybridge set the foundations for Operation Fearless to build on, the High Street both looks and feels better. And areas where you could once buy everything from weed to crack, in the doorway of a family supermarket, are now empty, with the dealers not just moved but gone completely.
“I have noticed the difference so much it’s unbelievable” tells Averil Keatley, who volunteers at St Barnabas Church where many of the aforementioned drug deals (and indeed drug use) would take place. “You could go over to the bookies and you’d get stoned as you’d walk past. But that’s cleared up now.”
She adds: “I do not feel as intimidated. I haven’t noticed as many syringes either (in the St Barnabas churchyard).”
Erdington local resident Averil Keatley outside St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street / PIc by Ed King
Further down the High Street, Elaine from Everyone Erdington is leaving the library and heading out into the Town Centre. “They’re really putting a lot of effort in,” she exclaims, also acknowledging an increase in police presence over recent months, “and they’ve arrested a lot of people for drug dealing.”
Her friend, Pauline, from Erdington Lunar Society, quickly mirrors the most noticeable change. “Somebody’s just said to me how they’re happy to shop at Iceland again now,” she tells, “because the drug dealers outside there have now gone.”
Extra police presence and working with partners seem to be working, and these simple yet effective first steps are now turning to strides on Erdington High Street. But fanfare can soon become cacophony, with most negative comments about Operation Fearless being veiled concerns as to how it will make any real and lasting impact.
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moores and Cllr Robert Alden next to Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden
“Hopefully [Operation Fearless] can crack down on the serious anti-social behaviour and crime that’s been taking place on the High Street,” tells Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who lives with his young family near Erdington Town Centre, sits as Chair of the Erdington Business Improvement District, and has spearheaded the area’s repeated campaigns for a Public Space Protection Order.
“And the key thing is now there’s all these additional officers here is making sure both businesses and residents report any crime that they see… because there are the officers here now to deal with them.”
He adds: “It might be a partial numberplate, it might be a partial description, but [people need to report] it in directly to the police. Because that information will get used and pooled together with other intelligence and enable [the police] to carry out raids, to get warrants, and put people behind bars.”
Sign identifying the boundaries of the Public Space Protection Order in Erdington Town Centre / Pic by Ed King
“Regeneration is key too,” explains Erdington Ward Councillor Gareth Moore, who sits on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee and watches communities expand and decline across the city. “Because you want businesses to come and invest, to create jobs and a good local economy and thriving local centre – and they’re not going to do that if people don’t feel safe.”
And borrowing some rhetoric from those with less direct knowledge of what Erdington was, is, and could be again, Cllr Moore concludes: “It’s really important we get the crime issues addressed… we don’t want it to be a ‘no-go area for residents’, we want it to be a no-go area for crime.”
Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25 / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, West Midlands Police
Words supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Minister of State for Employment McGovern & Paulette Hamilton MP meet young people at Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
On Thursday 9 January, the Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP attended a special event at Witton Lodge Community Association to discuss plans for reform of employment and skills in the UK.
The visit included a roundtable discussion with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board as well as hearing directly from local young people about their experiences of looking for work.
Roundtable discussion on Labour reform
Minister McGovern engaged in a productive roundtable discussion with the NBER board including Chair and Erdington MP, Paulette Hamilton who shared their work to boost the local economy in North Birmingham by connecting local businesses and residents with sustainable opportunities.
This collaborative session highlighted the critical importance of community-led approaches in shaping effective employment policies, harnessing economic growth and securing investments, creating employment opportunities and connecting these to local communities.
During the roundtable, the Minister expressed interest in the successes and lessons learned from the partnership, highlighting the importance of place-based partnerships that offer essential wrap-around support. She also discussed effective ways to assist individuals facing significant challenges in securing employment, emphasising the role of local partner organisations in providing support and strategies for their successful integration into the workforce.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, remarked: “We’re thrilled to welcome Minister McGovern and showcase our youth-focused initiatives at Witton Lodge and the progress of the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board.
“Our community-driven strategy is creating opportunities for young people, addressing the critical challenges of youth unemployment in our area. Through collaborative efforts, we’re developing sustainable pathways to connect local young people with meaningful job prospects and skills development programmes, ensuring a brighter economic future for our next generation.”
Minister of State for Employment McGovern and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton meet NBER Board Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Youth employment and skills workshop
Following the roundtable, the Minister actively participated in a busy employment and skills workshop with local young people, organised by Witton Lodge Community Association. This session provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, aligning with NBER’s commitment to creating jobs and enhancing training opportunities tailored to community needs.
This hands-on session provided a unique opportunity for Minister McGovern to directly engage with local young people and hear their firsthand experiences and ideas about employment and career prospects.
During the session the participants provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, revealing concerns about inadequate careers advice, lack of work experience opportunities, and challenges in securing employment due to insufficient childcare provision. It also highlighted the need for more accessible and user-friendly alternatives to traditional job centres that sometimes fall short in providing tailored support for young people.
During the workshop, the Minister listened intently as young participants shared their perspectives on the challenges, they face in the job market and shared some of the government’s plans for improving career opportunities for youth employment.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: “The fantastic work being done here at Witton Lodge Community Association to support young people into employment is exactly what our Get Britain Working Plan is all about.
“As part of these reforms, we will be launching a Youth Guarantee trailblazer in the West Midlands to ensure all 18-21-years-olds are earning or learning. At the same time, we are transforming Jobcentres and connecting local work, health and skills services to boost employment, drive up opportunity and spread prosperity here in Erdington and across the country.”
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton welcomes Minister for Employment Alison McGovern to Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, and supplied by West Midlands Police
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
On Tuesday 7 January, West Midlands Police (WMP) launched Operation Fearless with an afternoon of strong police presence on Erdington High Steet – in “a major new drive to bring down crime” across the troubled retail hub.
Starting with a special event at Villa Park, WMP invited Erdington local stakeholders and representatives of community groups to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster about their ambitions to make Erdington High Street a safer place to live, shop, and visit.
Following their presentations, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour) expressed her relief and gratitude at the extra police attention, telling around 150 delegates “Thank God, we finally have some [extra police] work going on in Erdington” which she further expressed was “so, so, so overdue.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford adress delegates at Operation Fearless launch, Villa Park / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police)
The Erdington Ward elected officials, Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative) and Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative), were also present at the launch and further expressed their appreciation of the increased police activity – having campaigned for years to increase patrols and uniformed presence in Erdington Town Centre.
Operation Fearless states it will work with citywide and hyperlocal partners to reduce crime in the area, including “Birmingham City Council and other agencies such as immigration, bus and rail companies.”
Moving up to the High Street itself, the new police team came out in force for the afternoon – establishing a knife wand and detector pole at Erdington Police Station, and bringing sniffer dogs, drones, horse mounted patrols, and extended foot patrols in a significant show of police presence in the Town Centre.
Officers with knife wand at Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King
Following on from Operation Skybridge that launched – again on Erdington High Street – last October, Operation Fearless will see a dedicated team of 20 new officers working in Erdington Town Centre tackling crimes from drug dealing and shoplifting to anti-social behaviour and assault.
Headed by Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, who is known for his work on WMP’s Homicide team, Operation Fearless has so far arrested several people in connection with crimes including drug dealing and burglary.
The special initiative also recently arrested six men for conspiracy to defraud, following a joint operation with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team where over half a million pound worth of counterfeit and illicit goods were seized form the High Street. The £500,000 plus haul included cigarettes, vapes, and unregulated prescription medication.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
Whilst out with the Operation Fearless police team on Tuesday 7 January, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro told Erdington Local: “We’ve got problems here and now, there’s no two ways about that. Theft, anti-social behaviour, open drug dealing or drug taking… all key things that, quite rightly, concern the community. We know that [Erdington High Street] has also been a hotspot previously for youth violence.
“So those are the things we need to address straight away, and we need to look at those issues and how we look to deter offending. And how we look to reduce that and put people through the criminal process if appropriate.”
He added: “But in terms of bringing back Erdington High Street to the village that it was, we’ve got to work with wider partnerships. It’s wider than the Council. We’ve got to encourage people to reinvest in this area and, quite rightly, people will be reluctant to do that if they feel the area is blighted by anti-social behaviour and crime.
“So our view will be that we will continue to work here in Erdington as long as necessary to hand it into a place, where we feel, it is sustainable.”
Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25
(Ed’s note – this BTS article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and initially published on 20.12.24)
Snow covering the playground and planters at Kings Rise Academy / Pic supplied by Kings Rise Academy
It’s Christmas time at Kings Rise Academy, and we are feeling festive! December is always a magical month at our school, and KRA in the snow definitely set the mood this year. There are so many fun activities happening, and the excitement is in the air!
To start off the month, Scroogical the Musical came and performed at our school, and it was absolutely amazing! Both staff and children were captivated by the show and loved every minute of it. The energy and joy it brought to our school were unforgettable.
One of the highlights of the year is Christmas Dinner Day! It’s a special time when we all sit down together to enjoy a festive lunch with crackers, jokes, and Christmas music filling the air.
Then, on Tuesday, 12 December, it’s time for our much-anticipated Christmas Fayre. There will be games, prizes, treats, and lots of fun stalls. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit while spending time with friends and family.
We’re also looking forward to our Christmas discos, which are always a hit! KS1 will have theirs first and KS2 will get to dance and celebrate a little later. With so many exciting events, there’s truly something for everyone this festive season.
From all of us at Kings Rise, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for making this year so special for our school community.
We can’t wait to see all the exciting things 2025 has in store!
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
50% of adults across the UK will be volunteering and giving their free time to local endeavours this year, according to a survey conducted by the National Lottery Community Fund. And Erdington is heavily supported by a widespread array of community groups – bolstering the constituency with everything from litter picking to providing mental health care services.
But the line between Birmingham City Council’s civic duty and the goodwill of local residents has never been thinner, with several longstanding volunteers feeling the city should be more involved.
With Volunteer Week 2025 just over six months away, Erdington Local kickstarts a series of stories, features, and profiles celebrating our local volunteers and community groups.
One of the silver linings from the Coronavirus pandemic was the rise in people volunteering and setting up constituted groups, supporting their community with everything from food distribution to art therapy, domestic violence outreach to keeping the High Street safe. Amidst the fear and suffering, the brightest side of human nature also shone – with many individuals and groups continuing their community work well after the masks came down and the High Streets opened back up.
But beneath the altruism and community spirit that brought so much good over recent years, with half the UK population now looking at volunteering and 14% of them doing so for the first time, there is a growing argument that mismanaged local authorities are pulling back on their statutory obligations as prominent community groups pick up the civic slack.
Kaleidoscope volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Volunteer Week 2025 starts in June 2025, where people across the country will be encouraged to throw their hat in the ring and get involved in local agendas for free.
Launching a series of articles on the build up next June, Erdington Local asked some existing volunteers and community groups – many of whom rely on the free time given by others – if they felt their support work was properly appreciated by the local authorities.
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Lemia, The Shed – Elim Life Church: “We are running a community outreach activity which has invited several volunteers and we still need more to function fully. Therefore, we do appreciate the presence of the volunteers.”
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The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Emma Sitole, The Recovery Foundation: “Here at The Recovery Foundation we have seen first-hand how charities and voluntary, grass roots organisations are working hard to support our local community. An already overstretched NHS is struggling to cope with the rise in referrals for mental illness and so the third sector steps up. We see this as a privilege, but it’s not without its challenges.
“To be able to support our community is something we love doing. The Recovery Foundation is built on hope and, to end on our favourite quote ‘Hope, the only thing that by giving away, you get more of.”
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Portland Jones, InkWell: “We provide writing sessions for people in recovery from addictions, trauma or life-changing events. What we offer is a different way of meeting people; it is recreational but with additional benefits. It’s a new hobby, a new outlet. Our byline is sharing strength through writing.
“Do we pick up the slack left by other providers? I think what we do is supplement what others do. This is almost a continuation of the recovery process, meeting with people with the same lived experience, who fully understand what you are going through.”
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Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Adam Khan, LBGT+ activist: “Volunteering helps empower communities to overcome barriers and inaction from other providers and institutions creatively.
“Volunteering helps with community cohesion as it builds trust within the community, and often provides the catalyst needed to provide much-needed provisions for communities, especially for those who feel that they have been left behind due to austerity or lack of commitment from local authorities and the government.”
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First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Stephen Hughes, Short Heath Fields Trust: “We have only secured a one-year licence with Birmingham Education Department… under this licence Shirt Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), in partnership with FC Elite, now cut the grass, paint the lines and maintain the playing fields. But still, due to Birmingham City Council’s financial situation, we are waiting and fighting to secure the long-term future of Short Heath Playing Fields (SHPF).
“Local councillors Jane Jones and Amar Khan (Stockland Green, Labour) and neighbouring councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) say they’re supporting what SHFT are doing at Bleak Hill Park and SHPF, but what are they actually doing?
“The simple answer is nothing, while SHFT is working hard to develop sport and secure the future of SHPF and struggle to raise funding because we don’t have a long-term lease, these councillors have done nothing.”
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Rev. Emma Sykes by St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street – Pic by Ed King
Rev. Emma Sykes, St Barnabas Church: “We are consistently seeing an increase in numbers of people accessing our community hub for support and signposting to other agencies and support services. There are several areas where we pick up the slack.
“We are constantly dealing with and supporting people with complex mental health issues. We provide a place where [addiction] support services can come and meet with their service users – we are able to provide a safe and free meeting point.
“We are often engaging with both the victims and perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and are able to liaise with the police to aid in reporting offences.
“We regularly are engaging with people who need help with poor housing – SIFA are based with us most Friday afternoons to offer housing support – and our Friday Warm Welcome attendance has increased significantly over the last few weeks and we envisage it will increase further as the colder weather sets in.”
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Harold MacDonald-Taylor (3rd right) with Erdington Walking Group (EWG) at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by EWG
Harold MacDonald-Taylor, volunteer: “I recently volunteered to help out with ‘tarting up’ the outside of the old Erdington Swimming Baths, with Witton Lodge Community Association – who paid for all the materials, wooden planters, soil, bark, plants, shrubs, floor chippings, paint, brushes, etc.
“As well as enjoying the fresh air, exercise, and general banter with the other volunteers, I couldn’t help but notice just how many passersby would go out of their way to come over and say thanks for our efforts.”
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Cathy Crossley, Arts All Over the Place: “There are at least three volunteers working away each week, setting up, making tea, welcoming folk and clearing up. Some teach skills to others, from crochet, to how to manage their phone etc.
“The volunteers say it’s a great way of building their confidence and helping them gain experience which could be included on a job application.”
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Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Jobe Sullivan, Ceol Agency: “We’ve had some volunteers who have donated 100s of hours over the seven years I’ve been around. That being said, sometimes just one volunteer donating one hour, or literally donating resources, can give you such an incredible will and desire to keep going and can really rally the group.”
“Volunteers that come to mind are Rob Tanley for his tireless work setting up the Erdington Traditional Irish Music Sessions, Mig Braithwaite (sp) for extending this into another, first Sunday session, and Tamara Francis, one of our longest serving camera-volunteers. That’s regular, monthly graft for the community.”
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Zuzanna Kiewel, POMOC: “POMOC, a non-profit organisation that organised Eastern European migrants towards justice, safety and community cohesion.
“We have been slowly building our base of Polish migrants in Erdington, aiming to develop a campaign that would eventually involve all residents and create bridges for understanding between different marginalised groups.”
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Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray Woods, Erdington Court Bowls Club: “To me volunteers are golden nuggets. They should be treated with respect – and a thank you costs nothing.
“Our Club has no paid staff – we are all volunteers. Some do more than others, but every little bit of help counts when you have a large facility like ours to run.
“At a time when City Council facilities are being cut back, more volunteers than ever are needed in all sorts of ways in the community – including our Club.
“Volunteering can be a great way for younger helpers to build up their CV’s for future employment.”
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Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters: “Volunteering is not only good for the community but can improve a person’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. It encourages someone to learn new skills, to make new friends and above all to give something back to society.
“Getting out into the local area will develop a sense of connection to others, enhance one’s confidence, improve how things work for the better and above all, show commitment.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Community groups and volunteers from across the Erdington constituency
Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Evening of Creativity at Secret Art Space Studios as lockdowns ease-min
First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Local is looking to expand its network of COMMUNITY ANCHORS, volunteers, and community groups. If you are an active member of the local community we want to hear from you.
Please email our Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS correspondent, Hema Chumber: hema@erdingtonlocal.com
