Tag: Erdington BID

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NEWS: Free and family friendly Summer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June

Words by editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held between 12noon and 5pm on Erdington High Street by the entrance to Wilton Market.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly day will have stalls from local community groups, live music, arts and craft activities, and free children’s games and entertainment – such as animal face painting and a bouncy castle.

There will also be an ice cream van stationed at the event, making sure people have something cold to enjoy as the summer weather heat up – with seating, shade, and free water also available.

The Summer Fun Day will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, near the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.

A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

All children’s games and workshops will be free of charge, with those attending asked to stay with their young people whilst they are enjoying the activities.

Being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s Love Your Local Community campaign, which is encouraging people to focus on the positives of the Town Centre – and to bring in a programme of community events and outreach activities – further Summer Fun Day events are planned for July and August.

Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, there will be a variety of stalls from local community groups and support services.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will be hosting a ‘pop up’ surgery, inviting local people to have a face to face session with the local Member of Parliament – outside of her regular sessions across the constituency

Erdington Local will be inviting people to go in front of the camera at their Vox Pop stand – recording short interviews with members of the public, asking them about what they feel is good and bad in the Town Centre.

Arts All Over the Place will be running free arts and craft workshops for children and young people, getting them making and creating their own designs in supervised sessions – with all the materials provided.

Live music will be played throughout the day, from musicians and singers from the Erdington Arts Forum.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

People will also get the chance to learn more about volunteer activities and support services across Erdington, with special displays and information from local groups including Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, FC Elite, Erdington Redeemed Church of God, and Aquarius.

Then at 2:30pm, all eyes will turn to the international art project Mothers Without Hands as they hold a special procession down the High Street – starting from Oikos Face and heading towards St Barnabas Church.

Led by renowned Birmingham based artist Tereza Bušková, the parade will feature a specially made headdress as it’s central theme – which has been adorned by items crafted over a series of sessions with local creative community group, Arts All Over the Place.

Mothers Without Hands procession in Walsall Town Centre – led by international artist Tereza Bušková / Photograph supplied by Mothers Without Hands

The Mothers Without Hands project – raising awareness of violence towards women and girls, through performance and art inspired by traditional Czech Republic folklore – has held previous events across Europe and the UK, coming to Erdington Town Centre on the final part of its international tour.

Following the first Sumer Fun Day on Saturday 21 June, Erdington BID have planned more events on Saturday 26 July – in conjunction with the Birmingham Blues and Jazz Festival – and again on Saturday 23 August, kicking of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The events are being organised as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign, which hopes to encourage people to celebrate the positives in and around the Tonw Centre – and across the Erdington constituency.

Volunteers collecting rubbish on Erdington High Street at the first LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY litter pick on Saturday 7 June / Photograph by Ed King

The LYLC campaign has already started a programme of community litter picks to help tidy up Erdington High Street, with their first ‘pick’ help on Saturday 7 June and supported by many local residents and groups.

Erdington BID is looking for more active community members to join the LYLC campaign and be part of future activities.

Erdington BID is funded by annual levies from local retailers and business in the Town Centre, and further supported by external funding, grants, and donations.

A spokesperson from the Erdington BID told: “With the support of the local shops and businesses, the Erdington BID is excited to host our Summer Fun Days across the coming months – bringing some free and family friendly events to the High Street.

“We’re also looking at more events in autumn and around Christmas, as well as more community litter picks and other outreach activities to celebrate the Town Centre.”

They added: “We’d love to see everyone come out and have some fun on Saturday 21 June, and support the shops and retail communities that are the heart of our Town Centre.”

Anyone wanting more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign please email the Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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NEWS: Erdington launched Operation Fearless sets out national debate on high street policing

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton opens a Westminster Hall debate into high street policing / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed

Words by Ed King

Operation Fearless has set out the national debate around high street policing, after being presented as the centrepiece of a sitting in a Westminster Hall to discuss the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour affecting retail hubs across the country.

Raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton on Thursday 5 June, and chaired by MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss, the committee heard how Operation Fearless had provided “a proven model” for community policing in retail areas – and how the achievements of the policing initiative had introduced “a new era… for Erdington High Street.”

Operation Fearless was announced in January 2025, supported by £880,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspots across the city – with a dedicated police force working in partnership with local stakeholders and retailers.

Westminster Hall debate into high street policing – as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed

Launched in Erdington Town Centre, Operation Fearless made over 140 arrests in its first few months and seized hundreds of thousands of pounds worth off illegal drugs and contraband from incidents on and around the High Street – alongside an arsenal of offensive weapons.

In a wider operation to tackle knife crime in the area, the Polce and Crime Commissioner’s office further reported “a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single [weapons amnesty] bin” outside the New Testament Church of God on Goosemoor Lane from January to March 2025.

Addressing the Westminster Hall Backbend Business Committee on 5 June, the Erdington Member of Parliament also celebrated the “incredible leadership” of both the Operation Fearless Lead, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, and local Inspector Shameem Ahmed – who worked alongside DS Munro during Operation Fearless and continues to oversee policing across Erdington.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster by weapons amnesty bin / Photograph supplied by the OPCC

Paulette Hamilton MP further explained how “the lesson of Operation Fearless is clear” and the “Erdington’s story proves that change is possible”.

Positioning the Erdington launched policing initiative as a blueprint for combatting a nationwide crime crisis, she added: “But let’s be clear, this is not just about one high street. It’s about every community fighting for safety and pride.

“It’s about recognising that policing must be visible, proactive, and rooted in partnership.”

Since Operation Fearless has wound down its work in Erdington Town Centre, as the core team move to tackle crime in Birmingham City Centre’s Southside, Erdington High Street has welcomed the introduction of a dedicated police team to support the retail hub.

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Led by Seargent Gray Grove, the Erdington High Street Police team are now working alongside the Neighbourhood Police Team, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), and the Erdington Street Wardens to maintain effective police presence and community support in the Town Centre.

After establishing the High Street team Sgt Grove previous told Erdington Local: “Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items.

“Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.”

He added: “We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.

“You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.”

Sgt Grove and the Erdington High Street police team, with Erdington BID Street Wardens on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “There has been a remarkable improvement in Erdington Town Centre, and the levels of crime have dropped significantly – but we must stay vigilant.

“Our Street Wardens have been standing on the front line against violent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour for years. But following Operation Fearless, and with Sgt Grove and his High Street Police Team now in place, there is a real show of force in and around Erdington Town Centre.

“And with some great family friendly street parties and events planned for across the summer, Erdington High Street moving away from the problems of its past and looking towards a much brighter future.”

Erdington BID are hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held outside the entrance to Wilton Market on Erdington High Street – with free children’s games and activities.

Click here to watch the live Westminster Hall debate about high street policing, as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton.

For more on the local police in the Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

 

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NEWS: Join the ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Erdington High Street – Saturday 7 June

Volunteers picking up litter / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is calling out for local volunteers to join their ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Erdington High Street – on Saturday 7 June.

With the litter pick itself running from 1pm until 3pm, volunteers are invited to meet at Oikos Café from 12:30pm – allowing some time for teas and coffees, paid for by the Erdington BID, before heading out across the High Street.

The ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Saturday 7 June will be focusing on the areas around the Village Green and the entrance to Wilton Market, with pickers also heading up to the shops on Erdington High Street towards St Barnabas Church.

Erdington Town Centre sign with rainbow splash / Photograph by Ed King

All equipment will be provided by the Erdington BID, with all ages welcomed – although younger people and those under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Anyone interested in joining the ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick has been asked to email the Erdington BID in advance at: [email protected]

Volunteers can also turn up to support the litter pick at Oikos Café from 12:30pm on Saturday 7 June – although equipment cannot be guaranteed for anyone who has not given advance notice.

Once the litter pick has finished, all the volunteers who took part will be invited back to Oikos Café for some well-earned refreshments and to enjoy some social time together – as a thank you gesture from the Erdington BID for their time, help, and support.

Erdington Litter Busters on Slade Road, Erdington (Photograph by Ed King)

Active volunteers and members of local community groups, including the Erdington Walking Group and Erdington Litter Busters, have already shown their support – with organisers looking for more proactive people who can help clean up the High Street on Saturday 7 June.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “Our High Street needs a bit of a spring clean, and we’re looking for some positive and proactive litter pickers to come and join us for a couple of hours on Saturday 7 June.

“There will be time to socialise too, with some drinks and refreshments at Okos Café for anyone who can help out and get involved.”

The special Town Centre tidy up is being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign, which is encouraging people to take positive action to support Erdington High Street – as supported by Erdington Local.

The BID spokesperson added: “We know there are challenges to High Streets across the city, with the problems in Erdington Town Centre sadly also facing many communities around Birmingham and beyond.

“But Erdington has a community of active volunteers and passionate local residents that you don’t see elsewhere – and we’re looking to use that incredible people power to make some real and positive changes to Erdington High Street.

“There has been too much focus on the negatives, and we want to turn that tide and do something wholeheartedly positive.

“So come down, get involved, and Love Your Local Community with us. Be part of the change and part of Erdington’s future.”

Sign in one of the green spaces cared for by Erdington Litter Busters (Photograph by Ed King)

The BID is also organising a series of Summer Fun Days on Erdington High Street, giving local families a chance to enjoy some free children’s games and activities over the coming months.

The first Sumer Fun Day will be held on Saturday 21 June, with more planned on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August. Erdington BID is looking for volunteers to help support the family friendly events and the wider ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign.

Erdington BID is funded by annual levies from local retailers and business in the Town Centre, and further supported by external funding, grants, and donations.

Anyone wanting more information about the Erdington High Street litter pick on Saturday 7 June, or the wider ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign, please email the Erdington BID at [email protected]

For more information on Oikos Café, including contact details and location, visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

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NEWS: Free family summer fun days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June, 19 July, 23 August

A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

A series of free family summer fun days are being held on Erdington High Street, to help promote the Town Centre and give local families some free activities over the coming months.

Taking place on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, the first event will be held on Saturday 21 June – running from 12noon until 5pm, outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

(N.B. This event was originally planned for 31 May but has been moved due to uncertain weather conditions.)

The summer fun days will be completely free to attend and suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Children with animals face painting / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Organises have told there will be a variety of family friendly games and activities taking place across the afternoon – including a bouncy castle, animal facepainting, street sports, live music, and arts and crafts for young people.

Local community groups and support agencies will also have stalls at the events, informing local people about the activities and services in their area – as well as looking for new volunteers.

There will also be food and drink available, although these will cost depending on the individual stall holders.

Following the first event on Saturday 21 June, further summer fun days will be held on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August.

Live music and familles on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Weather permitting, all the events will take place on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Market and the old Coop Supermarket – which will soon be reopened as a large B&M store.

A ‘wet weather plan’ will also be in place to move suitable activities to a sheltered location, if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Completely free to attend, the events are being organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign – which hopes to encourage people to celebrate all the positive changes in Erdington Town Centre.

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The Erdington BID is also organising other ‘Love Your Local Community’ events to help support the Town Centre – including a special High Street Community Litter Pick on 7 June.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “These events are a thank you to all the local people who support the High Street, and an invitation to come and enjoy an afternoon in the Town Centre.

“We love Erdington High Street and want to celebrate all the positive things about our Town Centre.”

“With all the extra police attention Erdington High Street has recently had, and continues to have, crime and anti-social behaviour have dropped massively in the Town Centre.”

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “Erdington has a big heart and a bright future, and whilst we recognise there have been challenges, we’re asking people to focus more on the positives rather than repeat the old negative narratives.

“Now is our chance to ‘Love Your Local Community’ and bring some fun back to the High Street.”

Erdington BID is also on the lookout for volunteers who want to help support the activities in and around the Town Centre, working alongside the Town Centre Manager, Street Wardens, and High Street Police team.

Stalls on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

For more information on the summer fun days look out for updates on the Erdington Local website, social media, and within the monthly newspaper.

To find out more about volunteering with Erdington BID, and supporting the activities in and around the Town Centre, please email: [email protected] – or click on the logo below.

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ERDINGTON HIGH STREET POLICE: Keeping Erdington High Street safe – A message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sgt Gary Grove from the Erdington High Street police team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m Sgt Gary Grove, your new High Street policing team Sergeant. It’s my pleasure to introduce myself and share how we’re working hard to keep our community safe.

With the Op Fearless team relocating to Southside, we’re focused on building on their success and making sure Erdington remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Their work led to more than 140 arrests, acting directly on concerns from residents and businesses. Fearless will return to Erdington from time to time to work with us, but now it’s our job to keep up momentum.

Sgt Grove talking to Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items. Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.

This month, we’ll be out engaging with local businesses alongside partner agencies, ensuring the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is enforced by tackling street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.

Sgt Grove, the High Street police team, and Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.

I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress, successes, and future initiatives.

Stay safe, Sgt Gary Grove

For more on the local police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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FREE SANTA’S GROTTO at Erdington Library, Erdington High Street – Saturday 2 December

Words by Ed King / Pics by Connor Pope

On Saturday 2 December, the big man in red and white will be setting up a FREE SANTA’S GROTTO at Erdington Library at the end of Erdington High Street – inviting local children and families to meet him and his elves as they prepare all the presents for Christmas Day.

Open from 10am until 3pm, no booking is required for the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO – families and children are invited to just come down to Erdington Library and join the fun.

A queue system will be in place, getting people in to meet Santa first come first served, with Santa’s elves on hand to help keep the younger ones occupied with special Christmas crafts and fun.

Plus, the main library will be open with all it’s fantastic books and resources. And if the FREE SANATA’S GROTTO is especially busy there are a host of cafes and shops near to the library where you can grab a quick drink or bite to eat, or make a last dash for those special gifts ahead of the big day.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) and supported by local businesses and retailers, the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO will help take the financial sting out of the festive season – offering Erdington families a free way to meet Santa and join in on the winter celebrations.

Erdington Town Centre Mangere, John Hodgkiss, told: “With the challenging year which we have all had, it’s that time again when we focus on Christmas and maximising on footfall in Erdington Town Centre throughout late November and December.”

He added: “Everything is totally free to attend, paid for by the BID and supported by the local shops and businesses. In these difficult times we still want people to be able to together and celebrate our wonderful Erdington community.

“Winter brings the longer nights and colder weather, but we look forward to welcoming local families, residents (and even the occasional reindeer who might fly by) for a bit a festive fun to brighten up the darker days. See you all on the High Street.”

On Saturday 25 November, Erdington High Street celebrated the official Christmas Lights Switch On event – where local Councillor Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservative) and BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar kicked off the festive season and High Street illuminations, joined by a host of other familiar faces and family fun.

All EBID Christmas activities in Erdington Town Centre are supported by local retailers and businesses, who pay a yearly levy for bring services and activities to encourage people to use Erdington Town Centre.

Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID), for example, pay for the Street Wardens who patrol the High Street and act as an immediate line of defence against shoplifters – often in the absence of any effective police presence, and with community police resources having been significantly stripped back over recent years.

Erdington once had one of the busiest High Street’s in Birmingham, with a thriving market community and a bustling variety of independent traders and shops.

But the Covid pandemic, rising cost of living, rising energy prices, and increase in online retail hass seen shops across the country pull down their shutters and the culture of High Street shopping and community diminish.

Crime and anti-social behaviour have also affected Erdington High Street, with some local residents and shoppers becoming increasingly concerned about aggression and criminality in the Town Centre.

Organised activities such as the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO and Christmas Light Switch On event hope to encourage more people to visit Erdington High Street and support the local shops and businesses there.

Erdington Town Centre Manager, John Hodgkiss, added: “The festive period is a crucial time for retail in general, so once again, we want to focus on showing Erdington in its best light and provide family entertainment to increase footfall from the end of November through until New Year.”

For more from the Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or follow the on Facebook at www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & SANTA’S GROTTO: Celebrate the festive season on Erdington High Street – free Christmas Lights Switch On (Sat 25 Nov) and Santa’s Grotto (Sat 2 Dec)

Words by Ed King / Pics by Connor Pope

The festive season kicks off on Erdington High Street from Saturday 25 November, with an afternoon of free and family fun to celebrate the official Christmas Lights Switch On and welcome winter to the Town Centre.

Come and enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, markets, food, drinks, and all the winter warming shopping you can squeeze into a Saturday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar.

Plus, there will be some very special guests arriving from the world of Pokemon to have their pictures taken with anyone, big or small, who wants to take home a special Christmas memory.

Starting at 12noon and running until the sun and shop shutters go down at 6pm, all activities are completely free of charge and open to children and adults of all ages – even the ‘big kids’ who still get excited when they know Christmas is in the air and a special someone is coming to town.

Then on the following weekend, on Saturday 2 December, Santa will be flying back into Erdington Town Centre coming back to Erdington High Street – inviting children and families to visit his free Santa’s Grotto at Erdington Library between 10am and 3pm.

Completely free, with no advance booking required, Santa hopes you can come and say hello before he flies off around the world delivering presents for Christmas Day.

There will also be free festive craft workshops at Santa’s Grotto, making sure everyone is entertained whilst waiting to see Santa – with his elves on hand to help people of all ages.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) and supported by local shops and businesses, the annual Christmas Lights Switch On not only illuminates the High Street as the nights draw in but helps celebrate all the fantastic shops and destination venues in Erdington Town Centre.

Need to catch up on some Christmas shopping? Why not check out all the bargains at Wilton Market, dazzle a loved one with a special something from Goldbar Jewellers, or get the kids excited with toys and games from Griffins Gaming.

Or if you just want to catch up with friends and family you can grab something delicious to eat and drink up and down the High Street – from pancakes and smoothies at Oikos Café, to the main meals and fully stocked bar at The Charlie Hall (children welcome if accompanied).

Erdington BID and Town Centre Manager, John Hodgkiss, tells: “Erdington High Street invites everyone to come and celebrate the festive season with a fantastic, and free, afternoon of music, dance, markets, food, and drink, on Saturday 25 November – building up to the official Christmas Light Switch on that evening.

“Everything is totally free to attend, paid for by the BID and supported by the local shops and businesses. In these difficult times we still want people to be able to together and celebrate our wonderful Erdington community.

“Winter brings the longer nights and colder weather, but we look forward to welcoming local families, residents (and even the occasional reindeer who might fly by) for a bit a festive fun to brighten up the darker days. See you all on the High Street.”

A quick guide to the Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 25 November:

  • Completely free and open to all ages
  • Live music and dance on the High Street from midday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar
  • Salvation Army Band – playing your favourite Christmas carols and traditional winter songs
  • The Nitecrawlers playing live rhythm and blues – following on from the success of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival
  • Bangra dance for children and adults – from award winning performer and CBeebies presenter, Sohan Kailey
  • Come and meet larger than life Pokemon characters – have your picture taken with Pikachu and Alakazam
  • A special winter market by the Village Green – outside Oikos Café and The Swan

Check out some of the pictures from last year’s Christmas Lights Switch On and Santa’s Grotto in our special PICTURE GALLERY below.

25 NOVEMBER: Christmas Lights Switch On – 12noon to 6pm, Erdington High Street (free)
2 DECEMBER: Santa’s Grotto – 10 am to 3pm, Erdington Library (free)

Watch out for more about the festive fun on Erdington High Street on the Erdington Business Improvement District Facebook page: www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID

 

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OPINION: Festive fun comes to Erdington High Street on 25 November and 2 December

Words by John Hodgkiss, Erdington BID & Town Centre Manager

With the challenging year which we have all had, it’s that time again when we focus on Christmas and maximising on footfall in Erdington Town Centre throughout late November and December.

The festive period is a crucial time for retail in general, so once again, we want to focus on showing Erdington in its best light and provide family entertainment to increase footfall from the end of November through until New Year.

Erdington’s Christmas Lights will be officially turned on 25 November, on what will be a packed day of entertainment and fun and maybe even a brief visit from Father Christmas himself! From The Salvation Army Band to Bhangra Dancing, there will definitely be something for everyone to enjoy as the festive season kicks off!

Then he will be back on 2 December at his HQ in Erdington Library, with a FREE Santa’s Grotto for Erdington Children, so it’s best to stay on his good list!

Further details of Christmas events through until the day itself will be advertised and posted online throughout the next month.

(Ed’s note… Erdington Local will be publishing a full CHRISTMAS SPECIAL feature on Sunday 12 November, giving you more info on what’s coming to Erdington High Street over the festive season.)

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A quick guide to the completely free Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 25 November

Check out what will be happening across the afternoon as we countdown to the official Erdington Christmas Lights Switch On. Five, four, three, two, one…

  • Completely free and open to all ages
  • Live music and dance on the High Street from midday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar
  • Salvation Army Band – playing your favourite Christmas carols and traditional winter songs
  • The Nitecrawlers playing live rhythm and blues – following on from the success of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival
  • Bangra dance for children and adults – from award winning performer and CBeebies presenter, Sohan Kailey
  • Come and meet larger than life Pokemon characters – have your picture taken with Pikachu and Alakazam
  • A special winter market by the Village Green – outside Oikos Café and The Swan

Watch out for more about the festive fun on Erdington High Street on the Erdington Business Improvement District Facebook page: www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID

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LOCAL Q&A: John Hodgkiss, Erdington Town Centre Manager

Pics by Connor Pope & Ed King

John Hodgkiss was appointed Erdington Town Centre Manager in August 2022, after his longstanding predecessor, Terry Guest, left the role. Responsible for delivering the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) agenda, and supporting the businesses that finance the EBID, the position stands between the retail community and local stakeholders and blue light services.

Now a year in post, Erdington Local caught up with John Hodgkiss to look back at the last 12 months and sneak a peek at the next.

___________

What have been the biggest challenges facing Erdington High Street?

Like every town centre in the county, the cost of living crisis has continued to cause uncertainty for retailers and shoppers on the High Street.

This all comes at a time when town centres are moving in a new direction in the Post Covid era, such as becoming a home for community projects and charities able to connect more widely with those who need help.

The biggest challenge facing Erdington High Street has proven to be the raising level of crime and anti-social behaviour. To really be able to continue growing footfall and attract inward investment, it is vital that we work hard to reduce crime which will in turn change people’s perception of Erdington High Street, enabling us to do so much more when marketing the town centre in the future.

 

And what have been the main highlights and achievements from your time as Town Centre Manager?

The main highlight has been working with some of Erdington’s great charity projects. I haven’t worked in a town before with such a strong community as in Erdington. There is so much great work going on out there. Erdington is most certainly a leader in this field, but more work needs to be done here in getting the word out about these organisations, not only to Erdington residents, but Birmingham-wide.

The Christmas, Easter, and Jazz & Blues Festival events were great fun, and they were opportunities to welcome visitors from outside Erdington and showcase the town.

Another highlight has been applying for and securing funds over and above what we receive via BID levy in order to pay for extra events this winter and to employ a second Street Warden to patrol the High Street.

 

We agree, especially the Jazz & Blues Festival gigs at Oikos – any more events like this planned?

We’re really pleased with how the Birmingham Jazz and Blues gigs turned out. Despite the awful weather, the town pulled together to make sure the show went on.

It was the first time that Erdington had taken part in the city-wide festival. The feedback was extremely positive with great attendance. We have already been asked to take part again next year, so let’s hope we can make it even bigger and better in 2024 and attract people from all over Birmingham to attend.

 

As we head out of summer and into autumn and winter, are there any seasonal events in the pipeline – over Halloween or Christmas for example?

Believe it or not, we have been working on Christmas for a few weeks now, recruiting community members and volunteers to help make Christmas in Erdington even bigger and better this year.

We were really pleased with the turnout for the switch-on last year, but we aim to improve in 2023 and put on a great switch-on as well as other events throughout December.

November and December are crucial times for retail, so we want to work alongside retailers to bring in as many shoppers possible, reminding local residents and shoppers further afield that they can get so much of their Christmas shopping in Erdington.

 

The EBID was reinstated for its next five year tenure a few months before you took over, do you feel it is making headway on its campaign promises – to tackle crime, encourage higher footfall, and promote Erdington to a wider audience?

These issues are still those that are the most important to deliver for Erdington during the lifetime of this EBID tenure and it’s very evident how these goals are ultimately linked, with a ‘knock-on’ effect on each other.

As mentioned, crime is still the biggest issue facing Erdington at the moment. By recently employing a new Street Warden, we hope to see a decrease in anti-social behaviour and crime, making full use of the Public Space Protection Order.

Through getting to grips with crime, we would expect greater footfall, bringing back those shoppers who have been concerned to visit the High Street more recently. At this time, it is vital that we continue communicating the positives about Erdington far and wide and encourage shoppers to revisit and enjoy Erdington Town Centre. Therefore, it’s essential that these three promises stay at the top of the list for delivery.

 

The EBID recently helped set up meetings between the retail community, local police teams, and elected officials, to draft a 10 point plan for the High Street – can you update our readers on this?

The formation of this 10 point plan dates back to February this year with a public meeting to discuss a way forward with the crime situation in Erdington. The latest meeting took place in May and the next I believe is to go ahead in October (later confirmed to be scheduled for 19 October).

The EBID has been involved by offering to take details of crime from retailers on the High Street due to the wide-spread observation that they are unable to get though the 101 non-emergency number to report crime.

We were also very keen to help with the provision of a ‘pop-up’ police surgery, providing an essential point of contact for those affected by or concerned about crime on the High Street.

We are still waiting on updates on progression with these projects, which is why we felt it necessary to do what we could in the private sector, by seeking extra funding to employ another Street Warden to help alleviate the worsening situation right now.

We will continue to apply for extra funding where we can ‘step-up’ what the EBID is able to do in order to achieve lower crime rates in Erdington.

 

You have a strong history of working with BIDs in London and the West Midlands, do you feel they work well with other local stakeholders – such as the Council and police?

BIDs can certainly work well and closely with other stakeholders, but it is important to clarify that BIDs are here to provide services over and above what public sector organisations are funded to provide.

The EBID brings in just over 100k per year, so we’re working hard at the moment to apply for as much extra funding as possible to deal with the crime situation and make sure that we also deliver the projects outlined and voted for in the business plan. Unfortunately, we are unable to ‘pick up’ funding shortages of others.

 

You mentioned to Erdington Local before that you were keen to establish Erdington High Street as and LGBTQ+ ‘safe space’, can you tell us any more about this ambition?

This came up in response to the report that there was a lack of grass roots LGBTQ+ support in North Birmingham and the fact the team at the Recovery Foundation had launched an LGBTQ+ support programme, ‘Rainbow Minds Matter’.

Together, we want to highlight the fact that Erdington is safe and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community by highlighting the safe spaces throughout the High Street. This is a project we will be working on in the near future to get the message of diversity and inclusivity across.

 

Are there any other aims for the EBID in the next twelve months?

Looking at the next 12 months, tackling crime will continue as a priority, evaluating the improvement on the High Street over this time.

We will continue reporting on the many positives regarding Erdington Town Centre, enhance our events programme, and increase a higher percentage of shoppers from outside Birmingham.

Another important aim is to attract new retailers, both national and independent into Erdington Town Centre.

 

If you could wave a magic wand and change any aspect of Erdington High Street overnight, what would you want to see when you woke up in the morning?

I would love to see Erdington as leading the way in what a quickly evolving British town centre looks like. So many town centres are in a transition period at the moment due to many external and economic pressures not experienced to this extent before.

The exemplary community projects are here in Erdington already, so an ambition would be to have an Erdington Community Hub with a home on the High Street, to bring together as many opportunities and assistance together for the community together in one place and the perfect way to shout about everything Erdington!

For more on the Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or visit the EBID Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ErdingtonTownCentre

(Ed’s note: This LOCAL Q&A was first submitted to Erdington Local before the announcement of any Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)

Posted on

OPINION: Making Erdington High Street a safer and more exciting place to visit

Words by John Hodgkiss, Erdington BID & Town Centre Manager

Our focus this summer has been to tackle both retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Erdington Town Centre.

We are delighted to welcome a new Street Warden to Erdington. They will be working closely with the existing Warden, John, patrolling the BID area to improve the current crime situation in Erdington which in turn will allow us to attract future inward investment into the Town Centre.

By concentrating on safety and security in Erdington and tackling this problem now will enable us to welcome new visitors to the High Street, as well as welcome back those who have not visited for some time.

By putting the fundamentals such as crime reduction in place, we can actively try and attract both new independent and national retailers on to Erdington High Street. It will also mean that footfall will increase as a result, making Erdington a far more positive economic prospect for investment.

With £19,000 extra funding secured this month, we will use this effectively to promote and market Erdington over the winter and festive season, with events to attract regular and new visitors alike.

If you have any suggestions on what events you would like to see hosted by the BID this winter, then please contact the BID on [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you! 

For more on the Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID

(Ed’s note: This column was first submitted to the Erdington Local newspaper on 4 September, before the announcement of a Section 114 notice issued by Birmingham City Council.)