Tag: Erdington

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NEWS: Arrests made after police start investigation following shots fired on Kenrick Croft in Castle Vale

The entrance to Kendrick Croft from Cadbury Road, on the Castle Vale estate / Image taken from Google Maps

Words by Tracy Fisher and Ed King

West Midlands Police have arrested three people, after starting an investigation into reports of shots being fired in Kenrick Croft on Castle Vale in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to local residents and people who were in the area at the time, an altercation occurred on the street in the early hours – followed by a car arriving at the scene, and a man releasing “three or four” gunshots.

After the shots were fired, according to local residents the car sped off but got lost in the roads that connect the Kendrick Croft to the wider estate – raising question that those involved were not familiar with Castle Vale.

Blue and white police tape / Photograph by Ed King

Emergency services attended the scene, with local residents celebrating the police for arriving “very quickly” after the incident was reported.

Police immediately began knocking on doors and gathering eyewitness accounts and local knowledge about the incident, with a forensic team arriving later and cordoning off Kendrick Croft whilst the began searching for clues.

Blue and white police tape cordoned off Kendrick Croft until mid morning on Sunday 1 June, with cars being blocked from entering or exiting the roads whilst the police investigation was underway.

West Midlands Police have been able to confirm that no one was serious injured in the attack, and that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also quick to arrive at the scene, to support both investigating officers and the local community, and has committed to establishing a special task force to challenge violent crime on the estate.

Police cars parked on Farnborough Road / Photograph taken by Ed King

After the incident, a spokesperson form West Midlands police told: “We’re investigating after disorder where gunshots were fired in Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, at around 2am today (1 June).

“It’s understood a group were involved in a melee, but no-one was present when officers arrived. At this stage, no-one is understood to have sustained gunshot injuries.”

They added: “Following enquiries we later arrested three people on suspicion of being connected to the disorder.

“A 40-year-old man and 41-year-old woman have been detained on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a firearm. They’re currently in custody for questioning.”

“Another man, aged 43, has also been arrested on suspicion of the same offences. He’s currently in hospital and will be questioned in due course.

“We’re carrying out extensive enquiries in and around the area to establish the full circumstances and who was involved. We’ve also stepped up reassurance patrols.”

Councillor Ray Goodwin further told Castle Vale Local: ““I am concerned to hear from local residents this morning there was an incident in Avery Croft and Kendrick Croft – where it seems firearms where discharged.

“I can confirm forensics have been at the scene and West Midlands Police are working on an investigation.

“I am pleased that no one has been seriously injured. However, we must double down on dealing with the perpetrators of crime and I will be working with all agencies to set up a task force – to look at what has happened, and how we can pull in resources to support the community and to stop these crimes from happening again.”

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Labour

He added: “Castle Vale is an amazing community; one I am proud to be a part of and proud to represent. But isolated incidents like this put Castle Vale in the news for the wrong reasons.

“I am sorry the wider community – who have done nothing wrong – and are pulled into the wrongdoing by people who, from what I hear in this incident, don’t live on the estate.

“I will do everything in my power to stop these issues from happening again and to support the amazing Castle Vale community.”

West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may be able to support their investigation to contact them by calling 101 and quoting log 446 of 1/6/25.

Alternatively, people can contact the police via the Live Chat facility on the West Midlands Police website at www.westmidlands.police.uk

 

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NEWS: Erdington Neighbourhood Police to host Volunteer Day on Saturday 31 May

Entrance to Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team are looking for volunteers to support their work around the Town Centre and wider constituency.

Hosting a special Volunteer Day outside Erdington Police Station on Saturday 31 May, the local force will be showcasing many of the initiatives and groups they run in area – hoping local residents and people across Erdington will join up and get involved.

Running from 10am to 12noon, the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team Volunteer Day will be a chance to learn more about groups and initiatives including the Police led Street Watch, Neighbourhood Watch, Special Constables, and the Police Museum in Birmingham City Centre.

There will also be existing volunteers and representatives for the Erdington Police Community Speed Watch, who are targeting reckless drivers and speeding around residential streets – including dangerous hotspots such as near schools and nurseries.

Members of the Police Cadets will also be introducing younger potential volunteers to their group, which invites 13 to 17 year olds to get involved in softer police procedures.

Having relaunched in January 2025, the Police Cadets programme is looking for “passionate individuals” to support community outreach work and learn more about how each police department operates and supports the community.

Erdington PCSO leads the first Community Speed Watch with local volunteers on Spring Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

In a message on the police WMNow newsletter, posted ahead of the Volunteer Day, Erdington High Street PCSO Manider Tagger told: “Erdington Neighbourhood [Police] Team would like to invite you to our Volunteers Day which is taking place on the 31st May 2025 between 10:00am – 12:00pm outside of Erdington Police Station, Wilton Road, Erdington.

“This Volunteers Day we will have our Volunteers in Erdington all in one place advertising what it is they do, their experiences and how you can get involved.”

Sergeant John Reeves, who heads up the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team, previously told Erdington Local: “By working together as a community and actively looking after our area, we can create a better and safer place to live.

“[The community’s] active participation and collaboration are essential to achieving our shared goal of creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone.”

Sgt Gary Grove, High Street Police Team, and Erdington Street Wardens on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington Town Centre has also recently seen the introduction of a dedicated High Street Police Team, headed by Sergeant Gary Grove to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the retail and community hub.

Writing regular updates on local policing in Erdington Local, Sgt Grove recent added: “We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.

“You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.”

For more on the local police in the Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

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NEWS: Free family summer fun days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June, 19 July, 23 August

A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

A series of free family summer fun days are being held on Erdington High Street, to help promote the Town Centre and give local families some free activities over the coming months.

Taking place on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, the first event will be held on Saturday 21 June – running from 12noon until 5pm, outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

(N.B. This event was originally planned for 31 May but has been moved due to uncertain weather conditions.)

The summer fun days will be completely free to attend and suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Children with animals face painting / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Organises have told there will be a variety of family friendly games and activities taking place across the afternoon – including a bouncy castle, animal facepainting, street sports, live music, and arts and crafts for young people.

Local community groups and support agencies will also have stalls at the events, informing local people about the activities and services in their area – as well as looking for new volunteers.

There will also be food and drink available, although these will cost depending on the individual stall holders.

Following the first event on Saturday 21 June, further summer fun days will be held on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August.

Live music and familles on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Weather permitting, all the events will take place on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Market and the old Coop Supermarket – which will soon be reopened as a large B&M store.

A ‘wet weather plan’ will also be in place to move suitable activities to a sheltered location, if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Completely free to attend, the events are being organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign – which hopes to encourage people to celebrate all the positive changes in Erdington Town Centre.

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The Erdington BID is also organising other ‘Love Your Local Community’ events to help support the Town Centre – including a special High Street Community Litter Pick on 7 June.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “These events are a thank you to all the local people who support the High Street, and an invitation to come and enjoy an afternoon in the Town Centre.

“We love Erdington High Street and want to celebrate all the positive things about our Town Centre.”

“With all the extra police attention Erdington High Street has recently had, and continues to have, crime and anti-social behaviour have dropped massively in the Town Centre.”

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “Erdington has a big heart and a bright future, and whilst we recognise there have been challenges, we’re asking people to focus more on the positives rather than repeat the old negative narratives.

“Now is our chance to ‘Love Your Local Community’ and bring some fun back to the High Street.”

Erdington BID is also on the lookout for volunteers who want to help support the activities in and around the Town Centre, working alongside the Town Centre Manager, Street Wardens, and High Street Police team.

Stalls on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

For more information on the summer fun days look out for updates on the Erdington Local website, social media, and within the monthly newspaper.

To find out more about volunteering with Erdington BID, and supporting the activities in and around the Town Centre, please email: [email protected] – or click on the logo below.

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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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NEWS: Erdington Litter Busters awarded £500 from McCarthy Stone to help “clean up Erdington for years to come”

Members of Erdington Litter Busters with representatives from McCarty Stone, and Cllr Robert Alden / Photograph supplied by McCann Birmingham

Words by Ed King

Erdington litter Busters have been awarded a £500 donation by property developers McCarthy Stone, to help the local community group “continue to grow, thrive, and be there to clean up Erdington for years to come” – according to McCarthy Stone Business Development Manager, Declan Fishwick.

The donation comes from the McCarthy Stone ‘Happier, Healthier Project’ – which hopes to help community groups in and around the areas of their residential developments, with small bursaries and financial support.

Erdington Litter Busters were selected by the property developer from amongst the constituency’s strong and varied portfolio of community and volunteer groups, following research into locally led activities and organisations.

Members of Erdington Litter Busters by the Village Green on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by McCann Birmingham

McCarty Stone had previously donated £500 to both the Erdington Foodbank, operating out of Six Ways Baptist Church, and Friends of Witton Lakes – as well as gifting £2000 to Birmingham Hospice, who run the cherished John Taylor Hospice on Grange Road in Erdington.

Ruth Dillon, Chair of Erdington Litter Busters, told Erdington Local: “It’s really quite humbling that we’re just a community group in Erdington and this big company has sought us out without any prompting form us and have given us a very kind donation.”

She added: “But what we’ve found [we’ve got] from today is not just the cheque, but we’ve made a new friend there. They’ve invited us to the project (Botham Place), there’s new ideas that we can work collaboratively on, and that is going to be really important – a lasting link with a new company coming into Erdington.”

(l-r) Ruth Dillon and Dawn Edwards – from Erdington Litter Busters, Cllr Robert Alden, Nicky Broda – from McCarthy Stone / Photograph suppliued by McCann Birmingham

Erdington Litter Busters were awarded the £500 donation by representatives from McCarty Stone at a special presentation on the Erdington Village Green, with members of the litter picking and green space advocates joined by Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden.

Celebrating the recognition of Erdington’s volunteer community, Cllr Alden told Erdington Local: “Erdington Litter Busters are a wonderful organisation who have been making a real difference across the local area – helping green up our green spaces. And what’s wonderful to see is that McCarthy and Stone have come into the area and are now committing to supporting local groups.”

He added: “And that’s really good from businesses coming into Erdington, not just investing in the fabric of the place but also investing in the community of the place – and that’s really important for helping to make Erdington an even better place to live.”

Sign for Erdington Litter Busters on Reservoir Road, Erdingto / Photograph by Ed King

McCarthy Stone is currently constructing a new retirement and residential apartment block on Orphanage Road, called Botham Place, which a spokesperson for the developer states will “offer a mix of one and two-bedroom energy-efficient retirement apartments, featuring private patios or Juliet balconies.”

Personally handing over the cheque to the Erdington Litter Busters on Erdington High Street, McCarty Stone’s Mr Fishwick, added: “We build our own communities, but we like to push into the community that already exists and make sure we’re all one part of Erdington.

“Part of doing that is we have a small sponsorship budget that we like to distribute to local initiatives in the area – and when we were doing some research, we saw the Erdington Litter Busters and we thought fantastic. It aligns massively with what we do as a business, and we wanted to give our support.”

Artist’s impression of new Botham Place development on Orphange Road, Erdington / Graphic taken form McCarthy Stone promotional material

For more on Erdington Litter Busters visit www.erdingtonlitterbusters.com

For more on McCarty Stone’s new retirement and residential development, Botham Place, visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/retirement-properties-for-sale/botham-place-erdington/news-articles/welcome-to-botham-place

 

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NEWS: Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden celebrates “huge honour” of being re-elected as Leader of Birmingham Conservative Group

Cllr Robert Alden standing by Rookery House in Rookery Park, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Conservatives

Words by Ed King

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden has celebrated the “huge honour” of being re-elected as Leader of the Birmingham Conservative Group – following a ballot at the local party’s recent annual general meeting (AGM).

Announcing the appointment via social media, Cllr Alden was quick to thank members of the Birmingham Conservatives for “unanimously” reappointing him to the top spot – which he has held since first being elected in 2014.

Cllr Alden further celebrated the appointment of Cllr Ewan Mackay (Sutton Roughley) as Deputy Leader and Cllr Adrian Delaney (Rubery & Rednal Ward) as the local party Whip – alongside his running mate in the Erdington Ward, Cllr Gareth Moore, being elected as Group Secretary.

Cllr Alden was also quick to challenge “bankrupt Labour’s [Birmingham City Council] double whammy of higher taxes for fewer services” and promised the Birmingham Conservative Group “will continue to stand up for residents being hit” by the city’s increased Council Tax.

(l-r) Cllr Ewan Mackey adn Cllr Robert Alden at Birmingham Conservatives AGM / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Conservatives

Following in his family’s political footsteps, Cllr Alden was first elected as Erdington Ward Councillor in 2006 and has confidently retained the seat for nearly two decades.

Cllr Alden’s father, John Alden was a significant figure in local politics, having represented the Harborne Ward as a Conservative Councillor for 33 years – from when he was first elected in 1983 until 2012, then after being re-elected in 2014 until his retirement in 2018.

Honorary Alderman John Alden sadly passed away earlier in the year, with the news of his death receiving heartfelt condolences from political figures across the aisle.

Cllr Alden’s mother, Cllr Deirdre Alden, was first elected to represent the Conservatives in the Edgbaston Ward in 1999 and remains a prominent and well respected figure in local politics.

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Following his re-election as Leader of the Birmingham Conservative Group, Cllr Robert Alden told Erdington Local: “It is a huge honour to be a Councillor for Erdington and Leader of the Opposition.

“I am incredibly grateful to the trust and faith fellow Councillors have put in me to lead the Opposition Local Conservative Group at Birmingham City Council.”

He added: “Looking ahead to the all-out elections in Birmingham in 2026 the ruling Labour group only need to lose 12 seats to lose control, Birmingham Local Conservatives are best placed to win those 12 seats and deliver real change for local residents and that is what we’ll be working to do.”

Alongside being Leader of the Birmingham Conservative Group, Cllr Robert Alden also sits on the Council Business Management Committee, Employment Committee, General Assembly of the Local Government Association, and WMCA Transport Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Committee – alongside observer member positions on further committees.

For more on Cllr Robert Alden, including a list of surgery times and locations, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/councillors/7/robert_alden

To hear more about the work being done in the Erdington Ward by Cllr Robert Alden and Cllr Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale and the armed forces are inextricably linked; if it wasn’t for the Spitfire where we would be. Built at RAF Castle Bromwich, the planes took off from the runways, which as I write is this very special piece where I am based on Castle Vale.

Everywhere you go on the estate you sense the history and importance of the impact this community had – most of the streets and roads are named after either people or places that are stepped in history. For example: Spitfire Way Lancaster Drive, Lofthouse Close.

There are even rumours of Spitfires being buried under Farnborough Fields.

So, it was right and proper that we did something special for VE day and raised a flag in Centre Park with the ‘Last Post’ playing. We have a war memorial which is located behind a fence in St Cuthberts church. I am wondering if this is the right place for this.

More importantly, a memorial that celebrates our veterans should be located somewhere also.

Listening to residents, I think the memorial should be located by the flagpole in Centre Park and we name it the ‘Memorial Park’ or ‘Veterans Corner’. I am not sure of the logistics of this, but it is worth exploring.

As Churchill said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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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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FEATURE: Operation Fearless – introducing a dedicated High Street police team after over 140 arrests made in and around Erdington Town Centre

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Operation Fearless

Operation Fearless has made a significant impact on Erdington High Street since it launched in January this year, with 140 people arrested so far and the seizure of dangerous weapons and hard drugs from in and around Erdington Town Centre.

West Midlands Police have also now established a dedicated Erdington High Street police team, with a Sergeant leading six officers focused on crime and anti-social behaviour in the retail and shopping hub.

Giving Erdington Local readers the latest information on the special policing initiative, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro – the officer leading the Operation Fearless team – has a direct update for Erdington locals and residents.

Words by DSI Jim Munro / Pics supplied by Operation Fearless

Operation Fearless lead Detective – Detective Superintendent Jim Munro / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

“We’ve made a really big step in making Erdington High Street a safer place. Since January, we’ve arrested over 140 people. This is a huge number and shows that we’re really listening to what you’ve been telling us.

“You were worried, and rightly so, about feeling unsafe walking down the High Street. You told us about shops being targeted, about drugs causing problems, and about the fear of violence. We heard you loud and clear.

“We’ve also taken dangerous weapons off the streets of Erdington before they could do any harm, seizing a live firearm, a zombie knife and multiple other weapons in separate incidents.

“We’ve arrested dangerous individuals for a whole range of offences including – robbery, burglary, assault, shop theft and much more. Other successful arrests saw one man arrested for child sex offences, and another for domestic kidnap.

Officers talking to members of the public on Erdington High Street / Photograhp taken by Ed King

“This success isn’t just because of the police. It’s because of you, the people who live here in Erdington.

“You called us when you saw something suspicious, you shared information with us, and you trusted us to do our jobs. Without your help, without you being our eyes and ears on the ground, we couldn’t have achieved this. We’re so thankful for all your support.

“And the good news doesn’t stop there. We’re hearing from you that things are changing. You’re telling us you feel safer in the area and businesses are noticing a real difference too. That’s exactly the kind of change we wanted to see.

“But we know we can’t stop now. We need to keep this momentum going, keep pushing for a safer Erdington. That’s why we’re putting a dedicated High Street team in place.

DSI Munro, PCC Simon Foster, Paulette Hamilton MP talking to staff in Iceland on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

“At the end of March, I had the privilege of walking the High Street with MP Paulette Hamilton and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster. We discussed the progress and future plans for Op Fearless.

“We all agree that while we’ve made strides, there’s still more to be done. Regeneration takes time, and we’re committed to tackling crime and making Erdington a place where everyone feels safe and proud.

“I’m optimistic about the future, especially with the collaboration we’re building between the new High Street team, the council, BID, and our security partners.

Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road / Photgraph by Ed King

“The new team, consisting of six officers and a Sergeant, will be a constant presence on the High Street. They’ll be walking the streets daily, engaging with residents, and ensuring a visible and reassuring presence. Their focus will be on building relationships and maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

“As the Fearless team prepares to move to its next location at the end of this month, please know that our commitment to Erdington remains strong.

“While the team will be physically moving, we’ll continue to provide support and resources to the new High Street team, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained efforts to reduce crime.

Police tape on Erdington High Street as officers conduct investigation / Photograph by Ed King

“We know how important it is for you to stay informed about what’s happening in your community. That’s why we’re changing things up a bit. We want to keep that line of communication open and strong. So, from now on, you’ll be hearing directly from the person leading the charge on the High Street.

“I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be handing over this column to Sergeant Gary Grove, who will be heading up the new High Street team. They’ll be your go to source for updates on the work being done in the area.

“I encourage you all to engage with Sergeant Grove and their team. Share your feedback, voice your concerns, and continue to be an active part of making Erdington better.

“Thank you for your continued support.”

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless

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Erdington drug dealer jailed for possession with intent to supply thousands of pounds worth of crack cocaine and heroin

Words by Ed King

(Left) Drugs seized by officers during search of Kenyjah James car and residential address, (right) Kenyjah James following arrest for possession with intent to supply / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police

An Erdington drug dealer has been jailed for possession with intent to supply Class A narcotics including crack cocaine and heroin, taking thousands of pounds of dangerous drugs off the streets.

The arrest and processing through the courts comes as the Operation Fearless policing initiative continues to clampdown on crime in Erdington Town Centre – working alongside the recently introduced Erdington High Street police team and local partners.

Appearing before Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday 10 April, Kenyjah James, aged 25, pleaded guilty to the charges against him and was sentenced to four years in prison – avoiding a longer term for a crime that could have seen him face life imprisonment, based on the amount of drugs and his role within the supply chain.

Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless and High Street officers apprehended James after responding to reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour on Tuesday 25 February, after the police were alerted to a man damaging a car park gate.

Whilst attending the scene, officers detained James and searched his vehicle – discovering around 190 ‘wraps’ of both cocaine and heroin and two mobile phones, with potential links to a drug dealing operation.

Following a further search of his home address, police officers discovered yet more Class A and Class B narcotics and charged James with possession and intent to supply a controlled substance.

Sign outside Birmingham Crown Court / Photgraph by Ed King

After sentencing, a spokesperson from West Midlands Polcie confirmed: “A man [has] been jailed for drug offences after he was arrested by our Operation Fearless officers in Erdington.

“Kenyjah James, aged 25, was sentenced to four years in prison when appeared at Birmingham Crown Court last Thursday (10 April).”

They added: “He had pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing Class A drugs including crack cocaine and heroin, with intent to supply.

“The drugs were… confirmed as being approximately 190 wraps of cocaine and heroin, with an estimated value of around £2,000.”

Operation Fearless has been in action across Erdington Town Centre since January 2025, making over 140 arrests (at the time of writing) and stamping down on crime and anti-social behaviour in the once troubled retail district.

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Handing over from the main Operation Fearless team, as they begin to deploy officers in other hot spots across the city, Erdington High Street has also welcomed a dedicated police team – including a Seargent and six uniformed officers that will focus on crime in and around the Town Centre.

The Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is also “beefing up” their High Street security and leading a High Street Community Team of local partners and community groups, to further support the incoming High Street police team and retail hub.

A spokesperson from the Erdington BID told: “The extra policing we’ve seen this year, under Operation Fearless and now with the new High Street police team, has made a significant impact on the crime in Erdington Town Centre – but it needs our support to make it last.

Rainbow falls on Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

“We will be beefing up our High Street security, who have a strong relationship with the retail community here and know many of the repeat offenders – and who can directly support both the Operation Fearless and new High Street police team through joint patrols and intelligence sharing.

“We will also be establishing a High Street Community Team, made up of local community groups and volunteers – to help with everything from supporting a series of family friendly events on the High Street, to litter picking and looking after the green spaces.”

They added: “Erdington High Street was once one of the busiest in the city, and whilst many businesses have moved online we still want a Town Centre that is a vibrant and family friendly place to shop and socialise.

“Following in the footsteps of Operation Fearless, the new dedicated High Street police team – supported by our Street Wardens and local community groups – gives us a chance to break the cycle of crime and make a real and lasting change in the heart of Erdington.”

To find out more about working with the Erdington Business Improvement District to support the High Street and Town Centre email: [email protected]

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless