Sergeant Gary Grove standing by police vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team
We’re so grateful for the help and support we get from our volunteers in Erdington, that I wanted to explain more about how we work in partnership with them to keep the area safe.
Our StreetWatch volunteers regularly head out with officers, chatting with residents and offering a reassuring presence. Just recently, they stepped in to help someone during a medical emergency – staying with them until help arrived. That kind of care really shows the heart of our community.
We also have SpeedWatch groups made up of local residents who work with us to tackle speeding. We’ve invested in new equipment to support them, and if speeding is something you’re worried about in your area, please do get in touch so we can look to address it.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering and can spare just a couple of hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line at [email protected]
Meanwhile, our neighbourhood team is continuing to act on what matters most to you. We’ve recently arrested a suspected drug dealer in The Gardens and seized cannabis from a vehicle linked to drugs.
We’re also working closely with Operation Fearless and Trading Standards to crack down on illegal goods being sold on the High Street – seizing several items as part of our ongoing efforts.
As always, if there’s anything you’re worried about or if you have any information to share, please feel free to contact us.
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]
Sgt Gary Grove standing by patrol vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sgt Gary Grove
It’s a busy time for our dedicated Erdington officers as we continue to work hard to make the area as safe as possible.
I’d previously updated you on our new Community Engagement Hub at the heart of the High Street, which was formally opened by Operation Fearless, alongside Paulette Hamilton MP and our community partners.
As ever, we’re welcoming your feedback and thoughts on any issues in the area and how we can work together to tackle them – and the hub should be a place for you to speak to dedicated officers about any concerns.
We’re targeting those looking to cause harm in the area, and we recently arrested a man after seizing several dangerous weapons, another wanted for a serious assault, and two more who were wanted on recall to prison.
We’re also aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in The Feldings, and we’re actively patrolling there as we look to disrupt it. Again, if you have any reports or information about ASB – please do let us know.
We’ve also had complaints from residents about problem vehicles and I’m pleased to say our team recently recovered one van which shouldn’t have been on the road, and recovered another which had been stolen.
Our patrols will continue as we support the Safer Streets Summer campaign, and it’s always a pleasure to join partners and our dedicated Street Watch volunteers. If you’re interested in joining us – please get in touch.
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.
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]
Sgt Gary Grove standing by patrol vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sgt Gary Groves – Erdington High Street police team
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
Firstly, I hope you’ve all been able to enjoy some time outdoors during the longer days. If you’ve been on the High Street, you’ll have hopefully noticed myself and the team out and about as we work to keep the community safe.
That work’s been bolstered by the arrival of our new Community Engagement Hub, at the heart of the High Street.
Some of you have spoken about the need for a public space to report crime, seek advice, and engage with officers – and we hope the hub will deliver just that.
It’ll serve as a base for police and partners including local authority anti-social behaviour officers, and colleagues from the Business Improvement District.
If you are on the High Street – do pop in to say hello.
The team’s work to protect the community has continued at pace, making 29 arrests since the start of May.
Illegal contraband seized from Erdington High Street during police operation / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
We’ve also been working with Trading Standards to act on intelligence from the community about the supply of illegal vapes, cigarettes, and tobacco in Erdington.
The High Street Team supported Operation Fearless colleagues during a day of activity where an estimated £750,000 of potentially harmful and illegal goods were seized from two shops and vehicles.
Your information and updates can be vital, and we will always listen to what you have to tell us.
Pop in to the hub or come and chat to us when we’re on patrol, and I’ll keep you up to date on our progress.
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: [email protected]
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
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.
