It’s been another busy month across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, despite the Parliament recess for conference season.
I have had the opportunity to visit some of our amazing community groups, such as Northside Welcome Centre and Growth Path, who do incredible work supporting local people.
Recently, I held my regular Erdington High Street meeting, where I met with residents, traders, Birmingham City Council representatives, and the police to discuss ongoing efforts to address the issues plaguing Erdington High Street.
During this meeting, I also shared the results of my survey, which highlighted the main concerns of residents and their suggestions for improvements. The full survey results are available on my website – www.paulettehamilton.org
Paulette Hamilton MP at meeting with local police
I am pleased to report that, as part of Operation Skybridge in Erdington, the police have successfully removed drugs from the streets and made several arrests. This is a welcome step forward in our fight against crime.
Additionally, I recently hosted the Kingstanding Crime Conference with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and local police. Residents voiced their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, and I am delighted to see that Kingstanding residents are now exploring local initiatives to support our collective efforts.
Addressing crime and antisocial behaviour remains a top priority for me. I am committed to working closely with our partners, the police, and residents to ensure our community remains safe and our neighbourhoods secure.
(Ed’s note: This article was first written by West Midlands Polcie and submitted for publishing in the Oct/Nov newspaper on 11.10.24 – there have continued to be arrests made by Operation Skybridge.)
#OpSkybridge the CID crime team have been in the Erdington area for the last few weeks and [at the time of writing] have made ten arrests.
The team made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers have been a highly visible presence in and around Erdington following concerns raised by the local community.
Since 30 September they’ve made ten arrests [at the time of writing] for offences like possession of an offensive weapon, burglary, driving offences and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
This has also resulted in three people being charged, two people have been remanded in custody until their next court date.
The team work closely with the local neighbourhood team in each area to understand the priorities and concerns of local people. They provide a highly visible presence to deter criminal activity, make arrests and offer reassurance to the local community.
Inspector Shameem Ahmed, from Erdington’s Neighbourhood Team said: “It’s been great to have the additional support to deal with issues the community tells us needs looking at.
“But I want to reassure people that this is not the end of our work in the area, the local policing teams are still there and will continue to disrupt and deal with crime that affects our communities.”
For more from West Midlands Police, and advice on how to report a crime, visit www.westmidlands.police.uk
Words by Ed King / Pics by Grant Archer – with screenshots from the film by Chris Neophytou
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
(Ed’s note – the Oct/Nov printed edition of Erdington Local has a cover story interview with Joe Cook, giving you a one on one insight into the inspiration behind the ‘Odeington’ poem. To be the first to get our monthly newspaper through your door email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com)
Erdington born poet and spoken word artist, Joe Cook, has penned a special poem celebrating the modern day lives and achievements of people from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.
Now set to music with a specially commissioned video, ‘Odeington’ gets its online release on 17 October – available to steam on YouTube and other online media platforms.
The video to ‘Odeington’ was shot by Erdington artist, photographer, and filmmaker Chris Neophytou, making the creative collaboration a very local love letter to the place the people behind it call home.
Challenging the too often held view that Erdington is “all kind of hot spot here, think it’s just gun shot here, police line do not cross here”, Cook uses razor sharp rhyme to champion the litany of success stories that have come – and continue to come – from in and around the B23 and B24 postcodes.
Image by Grant Archer
But first, Cook gives Erdington’s array of international cuisine a roll call of appreciation, from the “smell of jerk chicken rice and pea, drifting through the air of B23” to the “Pane and Vino family, favourite dish of Pavarotti” that run an intimate restaurant on Gravelly Lane.
MMA champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards gets a few verses of recognition, for his “jab from Jamaica, a back hand from Brum” and inspirational career that saw him crowned UFC Welterweight Championship in 2022.
Erdington’s own international clothing brand Hoodrich, who’s founder Jay Williams went from designing and selling just 30 t-shirts to “a fabric mantra” worn across the world, is another local success story Cook is keen to remind us of. Hoodrich celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary in 2024 and is now sold in over 1000 outlets across 24 countries.
Kingstanding’s Jilted Royalty clothing label, launched by local lad Jay Read with sales stretching across the Atlantic, also gets celebrated – with Cook sporting one of the B44 born limited edition t-shirts in the ‘Odeington’ video.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
And whilst no homage to Erdington would be complete without a look back at the rock legends who cut their teeth at the renowned Mothers music club, Cook is quick to remind us to look forward too – listing the modern musicians who are putting Erdington on the international map.
Lady Sanity, Mist, Ashley Allen, Rueben Reynolds… as Cook warns and champions, “we can’t spend our days spinning soundtracks, throwbacks, staring at blue plaques, we’ve got to welcome the next acts.”
Born and raised in Stockland Green, Joe Cook’s family represent the diaspora that has made so many UK towns and cities rich and diverse, with his lineage hailing from Britian, Malta, and Ireland.
Commissioned by Ceol Agency to pen a poem that celebrates Erdington, as part of the St Barnabas Church bicentennial celebration, Joe Cook wanted to use his creative talents to champion the constituency in a modern context – tired of the “Erdington expats” who attack the area from outside.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
Joe Cook is a celebrated local creative who has also worked on many arts and community engagement projects, including The GAP Arts Project, City of Colours, and Soundlounge with B:Music.
Ahead of the online release of ‘Odeington’, Cook told Erdington Local: “I think the idea of being a laureate, or in the West African tradition of a griot, or folk music, it’s all about that localisation and communities – and art should try and serve the community as best as possible. And these are the best kind of examples of what poetry should be, to me.
“From my experience of work on a grassroots level in the community, I’m most proud of are the little everyday things, like people helping people on the school run. Or people checking in on their neighbours, bringing the food round when they’re struggling.”
Image by Grant Archer
He adds: “I think North Birmingham is forgotten about in a lot of ways, economically and whatever, and I think one of the amazing things about Erdington is that people do have each other’s back and do try and help each other. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.
“We haven’t got this big infrastructure, we haven’t got these big community hubs. But there’s these little pockets of grassroots activities that make a big impact on people’s lives. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.”
‘Odeington’ – written and performed by Joe Cook, film by Chris Neophytou
Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
A man has been arrested for a series of distraction burglaries, one of which left an elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
West Midlands Police confirmed they now have a 59 year old man in custody in connection with the robberies, which took place across Birmingham and the West Midlands, after raiding an address in South Yardley on Thursday 10 October.
At the time of writing, West Midlands Police could not confirm or deny if any charges for assault had also been made.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “A 59-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton. He’s currently in custody for questioning.
“We’ve been investigating a series of distraction burglaries over the last month with many targeting elderly victims. An 88-year-old woman was assaulted during one offence in Erdington.”
They added: “We’re grateful for all the support and information we’ve received from [the public] during our enquiries so far.”
Prior to any arrests being made, forces across the country had been chasing a 59 year old man named Bernard McDonagh (also known as Bernard Lovell) in connection with the crimes and for absconding from HMP Spring Hill – a Category D prison for male inmates in the village of Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, over 60 miles from Erdington.
In previous a statement issued to Erdington Local, investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Cannon from Thames Valley Police confirmed: “I am renewing our appeal for anyone with information on [Bernard McDonagh’s] whereabouts to contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220388450.
“Colleagues at West Midlands Police are also searching for McDonagh in connection with distraction burglaries targeting vulnerable elderly women in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Solihull.”
West Midlands Police could not release the name of the 59 year old man they now have in custody for the distraction burglaries, but following the arrest they did confirm to Erdington Local: “Bernard McDonagh is no longer wanted.”
In public statement West Midlands Police added: “We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who has been a victim.
“You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24.
“Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps or taken from Erdington Local archives
Jerry’s Lane, Erdington / Google Maps
Police have apprehended and arrested a man on suspicion of burglary in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Jerry’s Lane.
Responding to call over concerns a break in was taking place, officers from the recently formed Operation Skybridge responded quickly and arrived at the address at around 2am on 8 October.
After searching the scene and surrounding areas, a 28 year old man was found hiding in a nearby garden and arrested on suspicion of burglary.
Tesfa Bernard-Wheeler, from Selly Oak, was subsequently charged with the offence and remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 9 October.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’ve arrested a suspected burglar after promptly responding to a break-in in Birmingham this morning (8 October).
“We were alerted to a burglary taking place in Jerry’s Lane, Erdington, at around 2am. Officers from our Op Skybridge Team – part of the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team – quickly arrived and a suspect was seen leaving the area.”
Jerry’s Lane, Erdington / Google Maps
They added: “A 28-year-old man was found in a nearby garden and arrested on suspicion of burglary. He remains in police custody for questioning.
“The team, made up of plain clothes and uniformed officers, target areas where information is received about crime that affects our communities.”
Operation Skybridge was recently launched with officers from the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team, with a mandate to tackle street level and community crime such as robbery, assault, home invasions, burglaries, and drug dealing.
Initially deployed in Selly Oak and Erdington, the team behind Operation Skybridge wasted little time in making significant arrests.
Thief breaking in with a crowbar / Adobe Stock Images
On 5 October, the special police team announced they had arrested a man the caught on Erdington High Street with 40 wraps of cocaine hidden in his boxer shorts which lead them to make a wider seizure of drugs worth over £5000.
Parts of Erdington High Street have long been blighted by open air drug dealing, leaving many local residents and shoppers alike feeling unsafe in Erdington Town Centre and leading to contact calls for extra police presence
It is hoped by many in the area the new Operation Skybridge might start to turn the tide on crime on Erdington Town Centre and other crime hotspots across the North Birmingham constituency.
Sergeant Leon Butler from Operation Skybridge told: “We’ve carried out dozens of stop and searches, made 12 arrests, disrupted drug dealing on the streets and carried out numerous seizures of weapons, drugs and cars.
“Last week we stopped and searched a man in Erdington to find he had 40 wraps of cocaine in his boxers.
“Through investigation and subsequent warrants we executed, we made a higher value drugs seizure of £5,000. This extra legwork means there is a good chance he will face a greater sanction, which is really good news for the force and for the community.”
West Midlands Police – crest and logo
He added: “We’re also seizing large amounts of drugs from other offenders, arresting nominals for robberies and burglaries and we’ve seized numerous weapons which could have caused real harm out on the streets.
“This is pure proactive policing, causing maximum difficulty and disruption to those who are doing the most harm to our communities.”
West Midlands Police are asking Erdington locals to contact them about crime in the area by calling 101 and quoting #OpSkybridge, stating: “The intelligence we receive will be considered and acted upon.”
Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
Police have released the name of man they want to talk to in relation to a series of distraction burglaries – one of which left on elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
Detectives investigating a number of crimes across Birmingham, Sandwell, and Solihull, are looking for Bernard McDonagh – also known as Bernard Lovell.
Distraction burglaries are where the offender pretends to someone in a position of authority or trust – such as a council official, tradesperson, or a member of the emergency services – to gain access to the victim’s house and steal cash, jewellery, and personal belongings.
The recent spate across the region have told reports of a man posing as a city officer or member of the local water company telling the victims he needs entry to their home “to check their taps”, with elderly women being targeted.
After a number of enquires, detectives involved in the investigation want to speak to Bernard McDonagh and have asked the public to get in touch if they can help track him down.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We need to speak to Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, over the offences.
“Elderly women have been targeted by a man posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps.”
They added: “During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.
“Detectives have carried out a number of enquiries and now need to speak to McDonagh.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Bernard McDonagh, also known as Bernard Lovell, have been asked to call 999 immediately – or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819250/24.
Information can also be given via the West Midlands Police Live chat on the WMP website: www.westmidlands.police.uk
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Video of distraction burglary suspect released by west Midlands Police
Kingstanding Crime Conference poster / Supplied by Paulette Hamliton MP
This evening, 3 October, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, will be attending and speaking at the Kingstanding Crime Conference.
Held at the Kingstanding Leisure Centre, Dulwich Road, from 6pm to 7:30pm, the conference is free to attend and open to members of the general public.
Tickets can be secured by registering through a special Eventbrite page – click here, or type ‘Kingstanding Crime Conference Eventbrite’ into an online search engine.
Organised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, who will also be speaking at the event, the conference has been set up to hear local residents’ concerns over crime in the area and “[lay] the groundwork for key community initiatives” which the MP hopes will “enhance safety and security in Kingstanding.”
Kingstanding Leisure Centre / Google Maps
Ms Hamilton recently became the representative for the entire Kingstanding Ward after the Boundary Commission changed the constituency boarders ahead of the 2024 General Election.
She told Erdington Local: “[Kingstanding residents] feel like nothing is being done” to tackle crime in the area, with a focus on “off-road bikes, gangs, and other forms of antisocial behaviour.”
She added: “I have been working tirelessly across our constituency to tackle these issues head-on. The Kingstanding Crime Conference is an important step in this effort.
“This event aims to bring together the police, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (WMPCC), local partners, and residents. The goal is to provide strong leadership and long-term solutions to the challenges we face in the area.
“Our ultimate aim is to create a community where everyone feels safe and proud to call it their home.”
Simon Foster talking to a member of the public on Erdington High Street / Ed King
After attending similar events in Castle Vale and Erdington Town Centre, Mr Foster – who is responsible for the region’s policing and anti-crime strategy – will now be meeting with Kingstanding residents.
As outlined on the conference agenda, Mr Foster will be telling Kingstanding locals what ‘resources have/can be allocated to help the police’ tackle crime in the area, before taking questions for 30 minutes.
The conference will also be a chance for Kingstanding locals to input into the region’s Police and Crime Plan, which is set to be published in 2025 and will guide the regional anti-crime strategy for the next four years.
Mr Foster will be inviting those attending the Kingstanding Crime Conference to complete a survey that will help shape the final plan.
Police and public / Ed King
Ahead of the Kingstanding Crime Conference, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner told Erdington Local: “The conference is an important opportunity to listen to local residents about matters that are of concern to them, discuss achievements, explain challenges and identify the further action required by West Midlands Police and partners, so that we all work together to prevent and tackle crime, to keep people, families, business and the local community safe and secure.”
He added: “I am in the process of an extensive and wide-ranging consultation, on the preparation of my new Police and Crime Plan.
“It is important the Plan reflects the needs, priorities and objectives of the people and communities of the West Midlands, when it comes to crime, policing and community safety.”
Birmingham City Council House, Victoria Square / Adobe Stock Images
Birmingham City Council (BCC) have told devastated youth workers they are axing all part time staff and potentially putting all youth centres up for sale, in a ploy to save over £100m by 2026.
Following a meeting on 26 September, BCC Youth Service staff were left dumbfounded after Director of Children’s Services, Dr Sue Harrison, outlined the plans in a presentation to city workers which would see 44 jobs lost – including 37 youth support workers.
Youth Service staff have been waiting since April for the results of a review of the three services which deal with young people across Birmingham: careers, 14-19, and the youth service.
At the meeting last week, it was announced all three services will be merged into one service and the remaining staff were told they would not be working out of geographic centres which many fear could break the link between youngsters and their youth workers.
Staff were further told every youth centre in the city would be subject to “expression of interest” meaning third parties who want to buy them will be notified.
Junior football team / Adobe Stock Images
The recent Youth Service cuts come days after the new Labour government promised to invest in youth work, as the city remains in the grip of a teenage knife crime crisis.
But Birmingham’s Youth Service has long suffered cuts, with centres across the city shut down or stripped back. Erdington saw the cherished Malcom Locker Youth Centre close in 2014 after a previous round of council cuts and despite a locally led campaign to save it, with the neighbouring Clifton Road Youth Centre near Sutton Park only open three evenings a week.
Most recently, Foundations 4 the Future CIC – which engages young people through sport and “bespoke” programmes – was forced to give up it’s youth centre at Central Square after owners of the site decided to demolish the building following two failed bids by Birmingham City Council for regeneration funding.
Following the meeting on 26 September, and the news of job losses and asset sales, a Save Birmingham Youth Service (SBYS) spokesman told: “It has been announced that new proposals for the Youth Service will see the loss of 44 jobs. 37 of these will be youth support workers that are vital in running youth clubs and activities across our city.
“The loss of these roles will have an unprecedented effect on the services that Birmingham Youth Service can offer the young people of our amazing city. Further roles will be lost in essential admin and business roles within the new proposals.”
Youth workers flag up children in danger of sexual exploitation, county lines criminality, and many other types of abuse. With a record number of children in the city not attending school their role has become even more important.
Birmingham has long celebrated itself as being the youngest city in Europe, with a reported 40% of its population under 25.
Council Leader Cllr John Cotton recently recognised Birmingham “a young and dynamic city” when attending the development launch of a new Enterprise Hub in Erdington, whilst further paying tribute to the “tremendous assets that we have out in our community”.
In a statement for the press given on Friday 27 September, Dr Sue Harrison said: “Consultation has commenced on a redesign of the council’s Youth Service aimed at creating a service model that is sustainable and provides a consistent approach to youth services across the city that is more aligned with other services working with young people.
“We appreciate that any meeting where staff reductions are proposed can be difficult for staff and we have signposted support from managers as well as the council’s Employee Assistance Programme, for those who wish to take it up.”
She added “Every member of staff will be invited to a one-to-one discussion as part of the consultation process.”
Birmingham City Council is cutting services due to its ongoing financial crisis, after equal pay liabilities and a defunct IT system cost the city hundreds of millions.
After borrowing £1.25bn from central government following to balance its books the council needs to save over £300m over the next two financial years by cutting services, selling off assets, and hiking up the price of Council Tax.
The Children and Families Directorate has been given a savings target of £52.2m for 2024/25 and £63.2m for 2025/26 financial year.
Erdington locals can get their hands on heavily discounted tickets to the UK première run of the musical Becoming Nancy – which comes to the Birmingham Rep theatre from 3 October until 2 November.
With standard tickets costing up to over £50 including booking fee, Erdington residents can pick up a specialticket for only £10 for evening performances on 9, 10, and 11 October – alongside an afternoon matinee on 10 October.
Based on the debut novel by composer Terry Ronald, released in 2011, Becoming Nancy tells the story of talented student David Starr (Joseph Peacock) who auditions for the school performance of Oliver! – the musical adaption of the Dickins classic Oliver Twist.
Hoping to be cast as Fagin, the show’s lovable rogue and male lead, David’s impressive vocal range and pop star pretentions win over the school production’s director who instead casts him as Nancy – the most prominent female lead.
The unconventional casting grabs the attention of everyone in town and at school, with divided opinion about whether he should take the role – as David finds solace in his no-nonsense friend Frances (Paige Peddie) and surprising co-star and school football team captain Maxie (Joseph Vella).
The story follows the characters as they navigate a difficult coming of age journey, challenged by small town fervour and the battle between who they want to be and who their friends and family think they should be.
Becoming Nancy was adapted for the stage by Elliot Davis, with music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Additional songs were also penned by the author of the original book, Terry Ronald, and Elliot Davis.
Taking to the stage for the first time in 2019, Becoming Nancy has its world première at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia – directed and choreographed on its first run by Jerry Mitchell.
Joseph Peacock (David Starr) and Jospeh Vell (Maxie Boswell) / Credit Mark Senior
Known for his extensive work in musical theatre – which credits productions including Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Devil Wears Prada, Hairspray, Pretty Woman: The Musical – Jerry Mitchell is back as both director and choreographer for the UK première run of Becoming Nancy.
In an interview made as part of the promotion for the UK run, Mitchell told: “It’s an amazing experience to discover a hit musical before it becomes a hit on the West End or Broadway – and I think Becoming Nancy has that potential.”
Becoming Nancy / Interview with Jerry Mitchell, director and choreographer
Becoming Nancy makes its UK première atthe Birmingham REP theatre, running from 3 October and run until 2 November – with discounted tickets for Erdington locals available on 9, 10, and 11 October.
Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from planning application documents
A large scale planning application has been submitted for a brand new business park on the site of the former GKN factory site on Chester Road.
The “hybrid” application includes the demolition of the sprawling factory, which employed thousands of local people over its seven decade history.
Replacing the factory on the 4.87 hectare site will be a 22 unit industrial park, an electric vehicle charging station – and facing onto Chester Road will be a retail unit and a restaurant.
The full plans submitted to Birmingham City Council for the CB Erdington Investment LLB led development include 128 supporting documents and are so extensive the application fee alone is estimated at over £90,000.
CB Erdington Investment LLB was incorporated in September 2023 and has a registered business address in London.
Birmingham architect firm Corstorphine & Wright have designed the new business park, which colour scheme will be a mixture of green and grey hues. Corstorphine & Wright present Birmingham development projects including Smallbrook Queensway, Upper Trinity Street, Aston Place, and Cortland Broad Street (The Square) in their portfolio.
Describing the new multi level development, the architect’s statement said: “The proposal has been subject to an extensive design process including pre-application and voice provided by the local authority.
“Particular attention has been given to the buildings’ design scale and massing in order to respond to neighbouring properties and immunity it delivers a financial variable scheme that has optimised the use of this sustainable and previously developed site to provide a modern and fit for purpose employment led mixed use scheme.”
The multi-million pound development has the potential to create hundreds of much needed jobs in the area.
The statement added: “The scheme has the potential to deliver realistic quantum of employment space given the available sites area whilst considering and respecting adjacent residents and business users.
“The design approach offers a clear and logical layout that will provide not only a safe and secure working environment but also be an enhancement to the local region.”
The developers hope Chester Road’s excellent transport links, with close proximity to the motorway network, will attract multinational companies needing new warehouses, logistic centres, or headquarters.
Bury firm HiTec Demolition has been given the contract for flattening the huge factory, and specialist teams have already cleared the buildings of asbestos.
The company said: “Asbestos removal has already been complete to the site, the only remaining asbestos on site is the roof areas, they are asbestos cement roofing, see method for removal.”
The comprehensive application also includes reports about bats and their preservation, light, noise and flooding reports, alongside a further raft of environmental impact submissions and sustainability plans.
As well as extensive landscaping there will also be a staff well-being garden and park space on Egerton Road.
Melrose Industries bought GKN for £8 billion in 2018 in a controversial and protracted takeover which included a promise the UK’s biggest engineering firm would not be sold within five years.
However, in 2021 the firm announced plans to close the Chester Road factory with the loss of 519 highly skilled manufacturing jobs – despite repeated efforts to save the site from both Erdington’s late MP Jack Dromey and the region’s erstwhile mayor Andy Street.
Following a Unite led strike, workers eventually accepted redundancy packages and the generations of motor vehicle parts production ended which an estimated 1,500 jobs being lost in the local supply chain of companies.
