Tag: Erdington MP

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP at coffee morning / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

The summer recess has given me the perfect opportunity to do what I love most, focusing my energy right here in our community. I’ve been listening to you across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, away from the busy corridors of Westminster. It’s where I belong, listening, learning, and fighting for our community at every turn.

It was a privilege to host fantastic coffee mornings in Pype Hayes and Perry Common, where I heard directly about the issues that matter most, from the danger of speeding cars on our streets to the pressing need for better, adequate housing. I will be holding another coffee morning in Castle Vale soon, so please keep an eye out more for details.

Erdington High Street’s Summer Fun Day was simply brilliant and full of energy, with so many local groups showcasing the vital work that makes our community special. I was also privileged to host a pop-up surgery there, meeting residents face-to-face and hearing your concerns, just as I’ve always promised.

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

And as always, I am acting on what you’ve shared. As promised, I have scheduled a site meeting with council officers at Conker Island to urgently address the unsafe play equipment and damaged bins that residents have rightly raised.

I hope you enjoyed your summer. I certainly did, meeting so many of you has reinforced why I fight so hard. Now, it’s back to Parliament to tackle the legacy of Conservative chaos and to champion Erdington both here and in Westminster.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

(l-r) Inspector Forder, Sergeant Price, and Paulette Hamilton MP on Slade Road in Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you’re all making the most of the sunny summer break, spending precious time with your family and loved ones. While Parliament is in recess, my focus remains firmly on the issues that matter most to our communities in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

Recently, I joined Inspector Forder and Sergeant Price on Slade Road in Stockland Green, speaking directly with residents and traders about crime and anti-social behaviour.

I’ve pushed for visible patrols, targeted interventions, and faster response times, because your safety is simply non-negotiable. Our local police team is stepping up efforts, but I’ll keep fighting to ensure every part of our community feels safe and secure.

The fight to revitalise Erdington High Street continues. Following the success of Operation Fearless, now a national model for tackling crime, I’m working with Birmingham City Council to explore regeneration opportunities.

(l-r) Paulette Hamilton MP, Andrew Linhop – BCC Principal Planning Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

AThat’s why I recently met with a member of their planning team to discuss a better vision for our high street. We need new developments that deliver jobs, affordable spaces for local businesses, and real community benefits, not empty promises.

On the Conker Island campaign in Kingstanding, we’ve secured a council site visit. I’ll be working with the Friends of Conker Island to arrange a meeting with officers and explore how we can improve this precious green space.

Finally, I’m hosting coffee mornings in Pype Hayes and Perry Common this month, so please keep an eye out for details. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

 

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

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.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

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.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter break. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour and will always remember the courage of those who defended our freedoms. Their sacrifice reminds us to stand united, building a future filled with hope, love, and peace.

This month, I’ve been working with the Friends of Conker Island in Kingstanding, calling for urgent repairs to the children’s play area.

Damaged bins, broken equipment, and hazardous surfaces are putting kids at risk. Our children deserve safe, well-maintained spaces to play, and I won’t stop until the council takes action.

On more positive news, we’ve secured a major win for community safety. After years of pressure and a campaign I led, Erdington High Street now has its own dedicated police team. This is a huge win for local businesses and residents who’ve faced antisocial behaviour for too long. I’ll keep pushing to make sure our streets feel safe for everyone.

(l-r) Inspector Christian Forder and Paulette Hamilton MP / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In Parliament, I’m fighting for women’s health, demanding more research and funding for fibroids and reproductive diseases, conditions that have been ignored for decades.

Just recently, I hosted a parliamentary event with medical experts and campaigners to drive real change. No woman should suffer in silence because of a system that fails her.

From safer parks to better policing and healthcare, my focus remains on delivering for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP with police on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Three years ago, when I was first elected, I made a promise, to tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour plaguing Erdington High Street.

Today, I’m proud to report that Operation Fearless, launched in January with £880,000 in funding from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, is delivering incredible results.

At my latest High Street meeting, Inspector Shameem Ahmed provided a detailed update on multiple arrests and seizures – proof that our community’s persistence is paying off.

Traders who once lived in fear now speak of real transformation, something I saw firsthand during my walkabout with Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and DS Jim Munro last week.

Paulette Hamilton MP with Inspector Shameem Ahmed at a meeting about crime on Erdington High Street, held at St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

But while we celebrate progress, we cannot ignore the recent knife attack in Kingstanding. My heart goes out to the victim, and I pray they make a speedy recovery.

As someone who has recently spoken in Parliament about rising knife crime and as an aunt whose own family has felt its devastating pain, I’m calling for action. That means tougher measures and longer-term, sustainable funding for initiatives like our Violence Reduction Partnership.

Beyond crime, as Chair of the Hospices APPG, I’m also fighting for dignity in dying. Places like John Taylor Hospice in Erdington provide incredible care, yet rely too heavily on charity. They deserve long-term funding, and I’m determined to keep pushing to make that happen.

Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott are stronger when we stand together. We’ve already shown what we can achieve, so let’s keep pushing forward.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP by the Houses of Parliament / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. That’s why I’m proud this Labour Government is increasing defence investment 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the biggest sustained boost since the Cold War.

This commitment strengthens national security and ensures we have the capabilities to protect the UK and our allies.

But security isn’t just about national defence, it’s about keeping our communities safe too. After 14 years of Conservative neglect, our armed forces are stretched thin, and crime and anti-social behaviour are rising. Undoing the damage of the past will take time, but Labour is committed to rebuilding Britain and delivering for our communities.

Locally, I took a firm stand against an HMO application on Mason Road, leading a campaign backed by 386 residents. Birmingham City Council rejected the application, sending a clear message that enough is enough.

HMOs bring increased crime, put pressure on local services, and undermine initiatives like Operation Fearless, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

I joined West Midlands Police for an all-out day on Erdington High Street. With a new Public Spaces Protection Order in place and Operation Fearless making an impact, traders and shoppers are seeing a real difference.

I also held a coffee morning in Kingstanding, where residents raised crime and anti-social behaviour as top concerns. I’ll keep working with the police and local partners to tackle these issues.

From community campaigns to coffee mornings, I will keep fighting for a safer Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

(l-r) Paulette Hamilton MP with Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

It’s always a pleasure to update you on the work I’m doing to make Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott even better places to live, work, and raise a family.

This month, I’ve been focused on standing up for our neighbourhoods. I have written to local residents about the proposed five-bed HMO on Mason Road, which could bring significant challenges to our community.

I will be objecting to the application in the strongest terms and urging the council to reject it. If you haven’t already, please sign my petition to put a stop to this.

I also joined Simon Foster, our Police and Crime Commissioner, on Erdington High Street to hear about the impact of Operation Fearless. This initiative has already led to major arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons, making our high street safer.

Our community deserves to feel secure, and I’ll continue pushing for the resources needed to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Supporting local businesses is also a priority. That’s why I recently met with Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association and walked along the High Street to discuss efforts to revitalise our town centre.

Our independent businesses are the backbone of our community, and I’ll keep working to ensure they thrive.

On a brighter note, I was delighted to join Marsh Hill Primary School in Stockland Green for the opening of their new security gates. It’s fantastic to see investment in school safety, ensuring children can learn and grow in a secure environment.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP at the official launch of Operation Feareless at Villa Park / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I’m thrilled to kick off the new year by sharing some exciting updates about our amazing communities across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

After years of relentless campaigning, I’m proud to announce that we’ve secured £880,000 for Operation Fearless through the proceeds of crime funding, headed up by Simon Foster, Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

This initiative is a game-changer for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, breathing new life into Erdington High Street – the beating heart of our community. Leading this campaign has been an absolute honour, and working with local residents, traders, the police, and the council has truly shown what we can achieve when we work together.

While this funding is a major step forward, it’s just the start of our journey to transform the high street. I remain committed to making our high streets a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone.

Paulette Hamilton MP and young people with Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, Alison McGovern MP, at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Another highlight was welcoming Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, to Erdington. During her visit, she engaged with young people at the Witton Lodge Community Association and joined discussions with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board, which I proudly chair.

We also visited the Erdington Jobcentre to hear from work coaches about their experiences in helping local residents into employment.

Erdington is truly making its mark, attracting vital funding and national attention. These achievements reflect the strength of our community and our shared determination to create a better and safer future for all.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP attending Remembrance Day event at Abbey Primary School / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 20.12.24)

Last month has been one of celebration, remembrance, and important parliamentary debates. I was delighted to join the 30th anniversary celebrations of Witton Lodge Community Association, a cornerstone of our community.

Their remarkable achievements over three decades are a testament to the strength and power of what local communities can achieve by working together.

On Remembrance Day, I had the privilege of joining Abbey Primary School for a heartfelt ceremony to honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Their moving tribute reminded us of the sacrifices that form the foundation of our liberties today.

In Parliament, the Assisted Dying Bill sparked an emotional debate. After much thought, I voted against the Bill, with 70% of the constituents who contacted me urging the same. As a former NHS nurse, I firmly believe in the dignity and value of every life.

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster, London / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I remain deeply concerned about introducing such a law, particularly when our NHS is already overstretched. I am committed to championing improved palliative care, working with Hospice UK, Birmingham Hospice, and others to ensure no one is left without the support they need at the end of life.

November also marked 50 years since the Birmingham Pub Bombings, a heartbreaking chapter in our city’s history. I have written to the Home Secretary, calling for justice for the victims and their families.

As we approach the festive season, I wish everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org