Paulette Hamilton MP (centre) with Linda Hines (centre left) and Afzal Hussain (centre right) from Witton Lodge Community Association, alongside local police officers, at the launch of the Community Pod on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
Summer is here, and it’s been wonderful meeting so many of you recently, including at my pop-up surgery during the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street.
We officially opened the new Community Pod on the High Street, a fantastic space for the Police and local groups to work together.
Residents have asked me whether this replaces a front desk at Erdington Police Station. It does not. Last year, Simon Foster, our Police and Crime Commissioner, confirmed that a front desk will reopen at Erdington Station, and that commitment still stands. I’ll share an update as soon as I have it.
It was also a pleasure to visit Sainsbury’s in Castle Vale to see how they’re offering affordable, healthy food options, a small but important step in tackling food inequality in our community.
Paulette Hamilton MP by Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
In Parliament, I’ve been standing up for Erdington. Over 11,000 PIP claimants and 3,000 carers in our constituency were at risk from welfare changes.
I joined more than 120 Labour MPs in demanding protections. We pushed back against Clause 5, which would have imposed harsher eligibility thresholds, and we secured vital exemptions for existing claimants. A hard-fought win.
On assisted dying, I voted against the bill. While I respect differing views, I believe the core issue is chronically underfunded palliative care. Until every terminally ill person has access to dignified, high-quality support, changing the law risks leaving the vulnerable behind.
From local policing to fair welfare, I’ll keep fighting for every corner of Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott.
New Zealand blues rockers, Lazy Fifty, are playing a free afternoon gig at Oikos Café on Saturday 26 July – coming to Erdington Town Centre as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.
Doors at the popular Erdington High Street venue will open at 4pm, with Lazy Fifty playing a headline set at around 4:30pm. All ages are welcome.
A local support act will also be performing a short warm up set, getting the Erdington crowd up and jumping – as provided by Ceol Agency and the Erdington Arts Forum.
Lazy Fifty are an established blues rock trio from New Zealand, renowned for their dynamic live performances and melodic rock – and taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin.
Lazy Fifty in concert – photograph taken from the band’s solcia media.
Travelling over 10,000 miles to play their first gigs in Birmingham, Lazy Fifty are in the city for the Jazz and Blues Festival 2025 – joining hundreds of other musicians from across the world, playing at 115 venues across the West Midlands over a ten-day festival programme.
Lazy Fifty released their 10 track debut album, Petra et Volvo, to critical acclaim in 2017 – following with their sophomore album, Fifty Shades of Lazy, a year later.
After a short break form recording the band released their third album, The Broken Stone, in 2020.
A year later saw the release of Lazy Fifty’s fourth studio LP, 2021: A Lazy Odyssey, which was described by leading New Zealand music website music.nz as “an absolute blast from start to finish” and “a sheer delight… channelling Sabbath, or George Thorogood.”
Lazy Fifty’s latest release – their five track EP The Good, The Bad and The Lazy – was released in May 2025.
But the stalwarts of the international blues and rock circuit are also known for being watertight live musicians, who embrace the essence of blues, rock, and a self-declared “healthy dose of funk” through their “dynamic” on stage performances.
In a special video posted on the band’s YouTube channel, ahead of the gigs in Birmingham, Lazy Fifty dusted off a “Lazy Sunday” version of their track ‘Vigilante Blues’ – taken from the band’s debut album, Petra Et Volvo (2017).
A spokesperson for Lazy Fifty told: “To celebrate our upcoming gig at the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival we’ve delved into the archives to bring you this lazy Sunday version of ‘Vigilante Blues’.”
They added: “It’s seven minutes long and that’s what we love about the blues – long, mellow, lazy and chilled – just like us when we play the blues.
“Bring it on Birmingham.”
Watch Lazy Fifty perform ‘Vigilante Blues’ at Harley Owners Group National Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand
Having run for 41 years, the Jazz and Blues Festival 2025 is the brainchild of Jim Simpson, one time manager of Black Sabbath and longstanding musical figurehead in Birmingham and beyond.
The widely respected festival added Erdington back onto its programme after being invited to the area by the Erdington Business Improvement District, as supported by local retailers, and the Erdington Arts Forum.
In the Blues and Jazz Festival 2025 brochure, festival organisers describe Lazy Fifty as a “powerhouse blues-rock trio… playing a mix of toe tapping blues-rock that’ll see you bringing out your air guitar and traditional blues with emotion pouring out of the guitar.”
Playing a special free at Oikos Café, Lazy Fifty will get to perform down the road from where bands like Sabbath and Led Zeppelin cut their teeth at the pivotal music venue Mothers Club.
Erdington BID is listed as an official supporter of the Blues and Jazz Festival 2025 alongside other BIDs from Southside, Jewellery Quarter, and Sutton Coldfield – as well as larger governing bodies including the West Midlands Combined Authority, Sandwell and Dudley Council, and Wolverhampton City Council.
For more on Lazy Fifty visit www.lazyfifty.com For more on the wider Blues and Jazz Festival 2025, including a full vent programme and details on artists performing, visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
Promotional poster for Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July
Words by editorial team
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.
Following the success of their first event in June, Erdington BID will be bringing back the summer fun in July – with free games and activities for children, alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.
Completely free to attend, there will be face painting, arts and crafts sessions, and a bouncy castle for young people – all paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.
Families and young poeple enjoying the bouncy castle at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID
The event will be held in the same location, on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street in between the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.
A family friendly day out, Erdington BID is organising the Summer Fun Days as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – to bring a programme of events back to Erdington Town Centre and give local families something fun to do on the High Street that won’t cost them a penny.
Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, local community groups and service providers will have information displays and engagement activities – including Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Lunar Society, Short Heath Fields Trust, Aquarius, and Witton Lodge Community Association.
Face painting at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
West Midlands Fire Service will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station, on site between 2pm and 4pm – with adults and children alike invited to get up close and personal with the emergency vehicle, to meet the fire fighters, and learn about fire safety.
Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.
New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin. Free to attend, tickets will be allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.
Stalls from local community groups and services at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.
“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”
They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.
“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”
Children’s free arts and craft sessions at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
Another Summer Fun Day is being organised on Erdington High Street for Saturday 23 August.
Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.
PICTURE GALLERY: Check out our photographs from Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day
GALLERY #1 / Photographs by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID
Gallery #2 / Photographs by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Paulette Hamilton MP with officers at Erdington Police Station / Photography supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
This month, I’ve been standing up for our community, putting Erdington on the national stage in Parliament, while standing shoulder to shoulder with local volunteers and campaigners at home.
In Westminster, I led a debate on police presence, shining a spotlight on Operation Fearless, our local success story. Since securing £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, this initiative has led to 140 arrests, and helped reduce antisocial behaviour on Erdington High Street.
It’s a model other MPs are now looking to replicate in their own constituencies. But our work doesn’t stop here. I’ll keep pushing for the long-term investment we need to regenerate our town centre and support safer streets.
Paulette Hamilton MP meeting residents at Erdington Methodist Church / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Back in Erdington, it was a pleasure to meet residents at my recent coffee morning at Erdington Methodist Church. These events are a brilliant way to share updates and listen to your concerns. I look forward to welcoming residents at the next one in Pype Hayes!
I’m also proud that our petition to improve Kingstanding’s Conker Island Park has now passed 150 signatures. In partnership with the Friends of Conker Island, we’re calling on the council to repair play equipment, install bins, and tackle antisocial behaviour, because every child deserves a safe place to play.
And finally, I was delighted to join the police and volunteers at Erdington Police Station to thank them for their service. Their dedication keeps us safe.
From Erdington and Kingstanding to Castle Vale and South Oscott, our strength is in our people. Let’s keep moving forward.
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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Emergency services have confirmed two women have been taken to hospital after a “medical episode” resulted in a driver losing control of their vehicle and crashing through the frontage of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street.
Ambulance, police, and fire crews arrived quickly on the scene, after the terrifying accident was reported at around 12:45pm today (6 June).
From the road it could be seen that a vehicle had fully entered the High Street bank, having been brought to a stop by the internal ATM machines in the main lobby near the entrance.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service told Erdington Local: “We were called to reports of a car that had crashed into a building and collided with a woman on High Street in Erdington at 12.45pm, two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor, with a critical care paramedic, attended the scene.”
Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “On arrival we discovered two patients. Crews were told the driver of the car, a woman, had suffered a medical episode prior to the incident. Following assessment she was transported to Good Hope Hospital.
“The second woman was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.”
Earlier in the day, after emergency services were at first the scene and responding to the situation, a statement from West Midlands Police had also confirmed: “We were called Erdington High Street just before 12.45pm after a woman was hit by a car.
“The woman, believed to be in her 80s, was taken to hospital. The car driver, in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.”
The bank remains guarded by police as a cleanup operation is underway, with the automatic doors having been smashed beyond repair by the collision.
Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King
A marble public bench, which sat on the pavement just outside the bank – in front of the ATM machine facing onto the High Street, has also been uprooted and moved from its fixed location. It was speculated that the vehicle collided with the bench before veering into the bank’s frontage.
Whilst the current status of those involved in the incident – both the driver of the car and the woman who was struck by the vehicle – remains unclear, police were seen reversing the car, a new grey Nissan Juke, out of the Lloyds Bank later in the afternoon.
Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King
The car was functioning and able to be driven without assistance, before being moved to the side of York Road to be collected by a vehicle recovery service.
On closer inspection, the car was scratched and dented along the driver’s side – but little other damage could be seen.
Police have asked for anyone with information about the incident to contact them via calling 101, and quoting log 2231.
Vehicle being driven out of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street after crashing through frontage
Emergency services have cordoned off part of Erdington High Street today, after a car crashed through the frontage of Lloyds Bank in a dramatic incident at around 1pm on Friday 6 June.
West Midlands Police have confirmed it was an ccident and not a crime, with a driver losing control of their vehicle and careering through the frontage of the High Street Bank – injuring at least one person inside the premises.
A spokesperson from West Midlands police confirmed: “We were called Erdington High Street just before 12.45pm after a woman was hit by a car.
“The woman, believed to be in her 80s, was taken to hospital. The car driver, in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.”
They added: “Enquiries continue and anyone with information should get in touch via 101, quoting log 2231.”
Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Members of the public who were around the scene at the time also told Erdington Local they had seen someone had “lost control” or their vehicle and ended up mounting the pavement and careering into the bank’s frontage.
From the road, a grey vehicle can be seen fully inside Lloyds Bank – having been brought to a stop by the internal cash machines near the entrance – with the automatic doors showing smashed glass and clear signs of being heavily damaged.
The marble bench positioned on the pavement just outside the front of Lloyds, in front of the ATM machine facing onto the High Street, has also been uprooted and moved from its fixed location.
Fire engines could be seen stationed around the top of Church Road and Erdington High Street, with several ambulances and police cars also positioned around the area.
Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Blue and white police tape has been stretched out across the High Street – blocking access to Iceland Supermarket and the businesses neighbouring Lloyds Bank – with traffic being kept clear from the scene.
One delivery drive told Erdington Local he had been trapped there “for about an hour”, whilst many local residents and shoppers were being asked by police to stay away from the area.
Police at the scene were also asking curious onlookers to not film the incident with their phones, as emergency services were “working to support the victim” and were concerned for those who may have known or be related to those affected by the crash.
Erdington Local has contacted all the emergency services present for any updates and official statements.
Out thoughts are with those injured or affected by the incident.
Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
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 erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
For more information on Oikos Café, including contact details and location, visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk
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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.com– or click on the logo below.
Erdington litter Busters have been awarded a £500 donation by property developers McCarthy Stone, to help the local community group “continue to grow, thrive, and be there to clean up Erdington for years to come” – according to McCarthy Stone Business Development Manager, Declan Fishwick.
The donation comes from the McCarthy Stone ‘Happier, Healthier Project’ – which hopes to help community groups in and around the areas of their residential developments, with small bursaries and financial support.
Erdington Litter Busters were selected by the property developer from amongst the constituency’s strong and varied portfolio of community and volunteer groups, following research into locally led activities and organisations.
Members of Erdington Litter Busters by the Village Green on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by McCann Birmingham
McCarty Stone had previously donated £500 to both the Erdington Foodbank, operating out of Six Ways Baptist Church, and Friends of Witton Lakes – as well as gifting £2000 to Birmingham Hospice, who run the cherished John Taylor Hospice on Grange Road in Erdington.
Ruth Dillon, Chair of Erdington Litter Busters, told Erdington Local: “It’s really quite humbling that we’re just a community group in Erdington and this big company has sought us out without any prompting form us and have given us a very kind donation.”
She added: “But what we’ve found [we’ve got] from today is not just the cheque, but we’ve made a new friend there. They’ve invited us to the project (Botham Place), there’s new ideas that we can work collaboratively on, and that is going to be really important – a lasting link with a new company coming into Erdington.”
(l-r) Ruth Dillon and Dawn Edwards – from Erdington Litter Busters, Cllr Robert Alden, Nicky Broda – from McCarthy Stone / Photograph suppliued by McCann Birmingham
Erdington Litter Busters were awarded the £500 donation by representatives from McCarty Stone at a special presentation on the Erdington Village Green, with members of the litter picking and green space advocates joined by Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden.
Celebrating the recognition of Erdington’s volunteer community, Cllr Alden told Erdington Local: “Erdington Litter Busters are a wonderful organisation who have been making a real difference across the local area – helping green up our green spaces. And what’s wonderful to see is that McCarthy and Stone have come into the area and are now committing to supporting local groups.”
He added: “And that’s really good from businesses coming into Erdington, not just investing in the fabric of the place but also investing in the community of the place – and that’s really important for helping to make Erdington an even better place to live.”
Sign for Erdington Litter Busters on Reservoir Road, Erdingto / Photograph by Ed King
McCarthy Stone is currently constructing a new retirement and residential apartment block on Orphanage Road, called Botham Place, which a spokesperson for the developer states will “offer a mix of one and two-bedroom energy-efficient retirement apartments, featuring private patios or Juliet balconies.”
Personally handing over the cheque to the Erdington Litter Busters on Erdington High Street, McCarty Stone’s Mr Fishwick, added: “We build our own communities, but we like to push into the community that already exists and make sure we’re all one part of Erdington.
“Part of doing that is we have a small sponsorship budget that we like to distribute to local initiatives in the area – and when we were doing some research, we saw the Erdington Litter Busters and we thought fantastic. It aligns massively with what we do as a business, and we wanted to give our support.”
Artist’s impression of new Botham Place development on Orphange Road, Erdington / Graphic taken form McCarthy Stone promotional material
