Tag: Erdington Local

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NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 23 August

Words by editorial team

The next Summer Fun Day comes to Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

Completely free to attend, the August Summer Fun Day runs from 12noon to 5pm on the pedestrianised area between Wilton Market and the B&M Superstore.

Hosting a range of free games and activities for children, there will be arts and crafts sessions, live music from local artists and choirs, and a bouncy castle for young people – all free to enjoy and paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.

Children on bouncy castle at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Alongside the activities for young people, local community groups and services will be hosting tabletop displays, introducing residents to the volunteer and support activities they can access across the constituency.

Groups that have been present at the Summer Fun Days include Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Walking Group, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Aquarius, Hope in Action, POMOC, Make a Change, Incredible Surplus, Arts All Over the Place, Erdington Arts Forum, Witton Lodge Community Association, and Erdington Local.

Erdington Lunar Society stall at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington BID will also be hosting a special pop-up kitchen, cooking up some burgers, hotdogs, and baps with fresh produce from longstanding Erdington butchers, City Meats – located in Wilton Market.

All money raised for the sale of food will be reinvested straight back into Erdington Town Centre, supporting future community events and projects on and around the High Street.

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will also be hosting a constituency surgery from a branded gazebo between 12noon and 2pm, inviting residents to talk to her directly about their concerns and issues affecting them on the local area.

Community groups stalls at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Members of the local police team will be at the event, meeting local residents and talking to people about the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Police Team across the Town Centre and wider constituency.

West Midlands Fire Service Green Watch will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station and inviting people to explore the emergency response vehicle and meet the fire fighters.

Organised over the summer months, the Summer Fun Days have run from June to August – brining hundreds of people and families to Erdington High Street, as part of a programme of community focused events from the new Town Centre Management team.

Children and families sitting on hay bales at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Darren Dodd

Erdington BID has organised the Summer Fun Days as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – encouraging people to celebrate the positives of Erdington Town Centre.

As the autumn and winter months come in, future events will be held that reflect the seasons – utilising the pedestrianised area and others spaces up and down the High Street for community activities and engagement.

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “We’re looking forward to another fantastic Summer Fun Day and hope to see families, residents, and shoppers back in the Town Centre for another free afternoon of family fun.”

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY banner and volunteers at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “We’ve had a lot of fun over the summer months, and it’s been amazing to see so many people have such a good time back on Edrington High Street.

“Now we’re looking at what we can do in autumn and winter, how we can build on these first community events, how we can better celebrate our Town Centre, and how we can continue to encourage people to LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.”

Check out some pictures from the previous Erdington BID Summer Fun Day events.

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day on 21 June / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Selina Gooden

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Erdington BID’s second Summer Fun Day on 26 July / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Ed King

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

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

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NEWS: Erdington Fire Service and working fire engine at Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

Fire Service and working fire engine at community evemt / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Fire Service

Words by editorial team

Erdington Fire Service will be coming to the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street this Saturday (26 July), giving locals a chance to meet the team and explore a real-life working fire engine.

A crew from Erdington Fire Station, situated on the corner of Orphanage Road and Edwards Road, will be driving the fire engine onto the High Street for 2pm.

Parked up alongside B&M Superstore, children and families attending the Summer Fun Day event will be invited climb aboard and explore the fully kitted emergency response vehicle.

Working fire engine out on call / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

Fire crew will also be offering helpful advice and guidance around issues including fire safety and safer driving. The team will also be offering support around water safety – as concerns over children and young people plating around open water are heightened in the summer months.

A spokesperson from Erdington Fire Station confirmed: “[Erdington Fire Service] will be attending in the afternoon from about 2pm.

“We will be showing children around the appliance (fire engine) and giving out advice around home fire safety, safer driving and water safety.”

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.

The event is part of a wider year long programme of activity in the Town Centre, in line with the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.

Completely free to attend, the Summer Fun Day will offer free games and activities for children – alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.

Face painting at Erdinigton BID’s Summer Fun Day in June / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Young people will be able to get their face painted free of charge, with free arts and crafts sessions also being run by local creative group Arts All Over the Place.

Inclusive sports charity Make A Change will also be running games that people of all physical abilities can enjoy, including wheelchair basketball and soft play archery – helping to promote inclusivity through sport and encourage physical activity.

There will also be a free bouncy castle for young people to enjoy, with event staff on hand to keep all the activities safe and make sure everyone gets a go. Very small children will be able to enjoy the front space of the bouncy castle, under supervision of a parent or carer.

Bouncu Castle at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd

The Summer Fun Day will also have a series of tabletop displays and stalls from local community groups, engaging with local people and letting them know about the community activities and services in their area.

Attending the Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July will be Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Local, and members of the Erdington local police force.

There will also be displays from POMOC – a local charity that represents Erdington’s Eastern European community, and Incredible Surplus – offering some free food and snacks, as part of their mission to challenge food waste.

Stalls from local community groups and services at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

Taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin, the Lazy Fifty gig will be completely free to attend – with tickets allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.

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.

New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty – performing a free live gig at Okos Cafe on Saturday 26 July

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.”

The first Summer Fun Day was held in June, with another free event planned for Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August.

Erdington BID is supported by local businesses and retailers, raising extra money for the Town Centre through from community events and fundraising.

PICTURE GALLERY: Games and activities at Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day / Photographs by Selina Gooden and Darren Dodd

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

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

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NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

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: [email protected]

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

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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: Two women taken to hospital after “medical episode” leads to car crashing through Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street

Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

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

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NEWS: Emergency services cordon off High Street after car crashes into Lloyds Bank

Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

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
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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: Planning approved to turn HMO on Goodway Road into children’s care home for young people with “vulnerabilities and difficulties with behaviours”

Words by Ed King

Existing and proposed floor plans for development at 55 Goodway Road, Kingstanding / Graphics taken from planning application

Planning has been approved by Birmingham City Council to turn a house in multiple occupancy (HMO) at 55 Goodway Road into a children’s care home.

The semi-detached property is currently housing eight people as an HMO. But on 8 May, Birmingham City Council planning committee gave developers the green light to change its use – allowing for a conversion to house three young people aged between six and 17 years old and their onsite carers.

In the ‘Statement of Purpose’ submitted to Birmingham City Council, the applicant states the development would “provide care and accommodation” for the young people “who identify as being in need of residential care due their vulnerabilities and difficulties with behaviours.”

According to Government findings, the number of children in care and ‘looked after’ by social services across the UK was up to 83,630 – based on data collected from 31 March 2023, to 31 March 2024.

The number of care homes and residential provision for vulnerable young people across the country, based on data from the same time period, was up to 3491 – a rise of around 12% from the previous year.

First submitted to BCC on 28 October 2024, the plans received objections from both local Oscott Ward councillors, Barbara Dring (Labour) and Darius Sandhu (Conservatives) – citing the vulnerability of local young people and pensioners as a concern, as well as the potential disruption to a predominately residential area.

A total of 32 letters from local residents objecting to the change of use were also received, with the planning committee’s report referencing concerns including pressure on local services and a lack of clear consultation.

Further concerns that were highlighted, as raised by local residents in their letters of objection, included the “applicant’s legitimacy” and “perceived financial motives” for the development of a children’s care home.

The application to change the use of 55 Goodway Road to allow for the development of a children’s care home was made by Stockport based care provider, iCare Solutions.

On their website, the company states it “is on a mission to empower lives with compassionate care and transformative support for children” and provides “top-notch residential childcare and support,

In their most recent Care Quality Commission inspection, published in March 2023, iCare were rated ‘Good’ – having addressed previous concerns raised by the CQC inspectors over a “[failure] to ensure safe recruitment practice”.

Alongside caring for children from birth to 18 years old, the organisation is also listed as providing care for adults both over and under 65 adults on the CQC database. It further offers support for people living with conditions from dementia and learning difficulties to physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

Outside of the Council House in Birmingham City Centre – with ‘BROKE’ stamp added / Photograph supplied by Adobe Stock Image and adapted for publishing

In a bid to balance the books after the financial crisis at Birmingham City Council, the Local Authority has approved cuts to children’s services provision by a reported £39m in the city’s budget for 2025/26.

Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, responded to the cuts by stating she was “massively frustrated and furious” – especially when the area governed by Birmingham City Council has previously had “real problems in terms of child deaths and child safeguarding issues.”

In an interview with ITV News Central, Dame de Souza when on to state: “We need to make sure child safeguarding is supported, children are supported, and that children’s services are the last things that get cut.”

Gravelly Hill Cllr Mick Brown (Labour) and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

When previously asked by ITV News Central if the cuts could endanger life, Gravelly Hill Cllr Mick Brown, who is the current local Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, told: “It’s obviously a concern… It’s something that we need to be aware of, and I think we need to avoid being complacent.”

Planning officers at Birmingham City Council have granted iCare Solutions three years to complete their proposed development at 55 Goodway Road, Kingstanding.

For more on iCare Solutions visit www.icaresolution.co.uk

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FEATURE: Remembering Rose Hanks, Erdington’s pioneering TT sidecar racer

Rose Hanks in official racing attire / Pic supplied by Hanks family

Earlier this year, Erdington’s pioneering TT sidecar racer Rose Hanks passed away. A stalwart in the male dominated sport, Rose Hanks became the first female competitor to stand on the winners’ podium at an Isle of Man TT – inspiring women and girls everywhere to take up motor racing.

LOCAL AMBASSADOR and journalist, Sheila Pennell, interviewed Rose for a feature in Yours Magazine some years ago – and with fresh quotes from her family, and some kindly donated photographs, Sheila has put together a special feature remembering the life and achievements of this exceptional woman.

With thanks to the Hanks family.
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Words by Sheila Pennell / Pics donated by the Hanks family

Erdington’s dare-devil sidecar racer, Rose Hanks, passed away peacefully in February this year, aged 86. Her achievements in the sport, including becoming the first female rider to stand on the winners’ podium at the Isle-of-Man TT, were featured in the Radio 4 show Last Word with input from her daughter, Julie Hanks-Elliott.

Julie’s twin daughters, Jamie and Bobby, are ensuring that today’s growing female interest in TT and motorcycle sports will live on – with Julie currently competing at the World Women’s Road Race Championships.

Rose Hanks (left) with grandaughter Jamie (middle) and daughter Julie (right) / Pic supplied by Hanks family

The Hanks motorcycle dynasty had humble beginnings, starting life after the war when Fred Hanks and his wife Maizie opened Fred Hanks Motorcycles at 247 Slade Road, Erdington.

Fred decided ‘motorisation’ was going to be the future, and ran the Slade Road store with his two sons – Norman who often raced with Rose, and Roy who was the one who finally won her heart.

However, being a woman in a male dominated sport at the time garnered attention from some more surprising places.

Rose remembered: “When the Duke of Edinburgh passed on, I had an urge to look through my scrap book and reminisce about the time I met him at the TT races in 1968 – and, in typical Prince Philip style, he asked ‘if I ever scraped my bottom on the ground’ as he presented my award. I blushed and replied that the double rubbers protected us quite well.

“What a vivid memory – I was the first woman to take a place on the winner’s rostrum in 65 years of racing. I’d won second place in the sidecar 750cc Race.”

A young Rosetta Barty / Pic supplied by Hanks family

Rose Hanks was born Rosetta Barty, in Bedworth, in 1938. The oldest child, Rose was soon followed by six sisters and two brothers, and it was in her family home where her interest in motorbikes began. “My Dad always had motorbikes, and I started to love them so much I can remember every registration number,” admitted Rose.

“To get away from all the kids at home, I moved to Birmingham. I worked as a gas welder, making hoods for sports cars – but hankered after a bit more excitement in life.

“Then one day a friend, Ken West, took me out to an airfield. He’d bought a scramble outfit and said ‘Rose, come on, sit in and have a try’ – and I never looked back. In that position, low down and keeping the bike balanced, you ‘look forward’ all the time.”

Rose Hanks and Norman Hanks racing / Pic supplied by Hanks family

But as the racing bug took hold, Rose built ambitions that were more than just getting out of the house – and soon she would get to start living her dream.

“My ambition was to ride in the TT. And in the TT Jubilee year, 1967, I got my big break – the chance to ‘passenger’ for a local chap, Norman Hanks. Well, we had engine problems and came 27th, but it turned out the ‘top prize’ was just twelve months away.”

Rose continued: “Dozens of weekends away came and went. Norman and I entered events all over the country – Mallory Park, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park – gaining some wins, vital experience, and a few lucky escapes with our lives along the way.

“The word ‘passenger’ might make it sound easy, but I had to lie flat on the straights and put my weight where it was needed on the bends.

“1968 was the first year of the TT’s 750cc Sidecar class and, riding a 750cc BSA with Norman, we came second. Our time for the three laps – 113 miles – was 1.21.44.0, our speed 83.1 mph – only a point or two behind the winners Terry Vinicombe and John Flaxman. I’d secured my place on the winners’ rostrum; I could hardly believe it.

“The other sidecar crews gave me a bouquet and I was taken on to Hillberry to be presented to Prince Philip. The American and Canadian Division of the Women’s International Motorcycle Federation presented me with a trophy too.”

Rose Hanks meeting Prince Phillip / Pic supplied by Hanks family

Despite a recognised dare devil on the track, Rose was to face other obstacles as a woman racing on a notoriously mal dominated track – and racing at a time when conversations about equality in sport were only just beginning to happen.

She remembered: “The headlines that year in the national press wouldn’t go down well nowadays. ‘Housewife stars among the 130 mph men’; ‘A wife doing a man’s job’; ‘A rider for the girls to root for’, and ‘A woman’s world now’.”

But Rose’s legacy lives on, both on the track and at home, inspiring her daughter and granddaughters to compete in motor sports as they grew to love what is now a family tradition.

After her mum passed away, Rose’s daughter Julie Hanks-Elliott, paid a final tribute to LOCAL AMBASSADORS: “When I was born, Dad said perhaps best mum stay home more. I’m not sure if she did, but she made a brilliant job of everything – even when her knees started to go.”

Julie added: “We miss her terribly but are so proud of her achievements. The rest of us live – and still do – within five houses of each other in Erdington. The Hanks-Elliott dynasty will race on. Mum has inspired us all.”

PICTURE GALLERY: Rose Hanks and family

To see more tributes to Rose Hanks, and other members of the TT Riders community, visit www.facebook.com/TTRidersAssociation

For more on the racing activities and achievements of Rose’s granddaughter, Jamie Hanks-Elliot, visit www.facebook.com/hanksracing

To find out more about the LOCAL AMBASSADORS programme, email: [email protected]

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NEWS: Planning application refused for drive-thru Starbucks on Tyburn Road

Words by Ed King

Graphic of proposed Starbucks drive-thru development for 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Pic taken from planning application

Birmingham City Council (BCC) has recently refused a planning application to turn an old builder’s merchant yard, on an empty site connecting Tybrun Road and Wheelright Lane, into a drive-thru Starbucks coffee shop.

Plans submitted the council officers early this year by Godwin Developments, who officially own the land at 428 Tyburn Road, were rejected by BCC over concerns ‘the proposed development would result in harm to the area’s visual amenity and residential amenity,’ as stated in the planning department’s final report.

Whilst making their decision, BCC explored the impact of the proposed ‘erection of a single story building’ on the surrounding businesses and residential dwellings, as well as the ‘associated parking’ to support customer to the drive thru – which could have seen up to 20 standard parking bays and four points for charging electric vehicles.

Charging station for electric vehicles / Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images

A previous application to turn the neighbouring site at 430 Tyburn Road into a multi-point charging station for electric vehicles was given the green light by Birmingham City Council in 2023, despite resident’s concerns and objections led by Mick Brown (Gravelly Hill, Labour).

The applicant, Metalcraft Developments Ltd, has been given until November 2026 to complete this development – subject to conditions placed on them by the BCC Planning Department. (Click here to read Erdington Local’s previous report on the developments at 430 Tyburn Road.)

The Godwin Group, which has registered offices in both Birmingham and London, had announced their plans for a ‘a brand-new coffee drive thru’ at the 428 Tyburn Road site in June 2024 – heralding the development as ‘contributing to the visual uplift and natural surveillance’, whilst also bringing 30 jobs to the area.

Layout of plans for propsed Starbucks drive-thru at 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Taken from planning application

Releasing information about the proposed coffee shop project on their website, Simon Handslip, Managing Director of Commercial Development at Godwin, said: “[The Starbuck Drive-Thru] is expected to serve not only passing traffic and pedestrians using Tyburn Road, but also the local community, the nearby industrial estates and plentiful retailers in the area.

He added: “This application is one of many similar commercial schemes we are currently progressing with well-known national and international brands. We have a huge appetite for similar sites nationwide and seek partnerships with real estate and retail brands to bring forward new roadside schemes paired with EV charging.”

But in the Council’s Final Decision notice, officers found the development would “fail to visually integrate within its surroundings or enhance the character of the surrounding area”, adding the coffee chain outlet “would be an incongruous addition to the street scene” and “have an adverse impact on the surrounding public realm.”

Layout of plans for propsed Starbucks drive-thru at 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Taken from planning application

However, following BCC’s decision to refuse the planning application for 428 Tyburn Road, effectively halting plans, a spokesperson for Godwin Developments explained they were still looking to push the project over the finish line.

They told Erdington Local: “Despite the recent rejection of our plans by Birmingham City Council, we are still actively progressing the redevelopment of the former builder’s merchants yard on Tyburn Road into a new drive-thru Starbucks store.”

They added: “Following productive discussions with council officers, we are currently refining our proposals to align with their requirements. We are confident that this development will not only enhance the area’s visual appeal but will also serve the needs of the local community and customers of the adjacent 24-bay EV charging hub.”

Godwin also own the remaining retail units at what used to be the Central Square shopping precinct on Erdington High Street – having sold the remaining land to a London based property firm, Castle Haven Developments, who previously told Erdington Local they are looking at using the site for residential development.

For more on the Godwin Group visit www.godwingroup.co.uk