Tag: High Street

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: Partnership working to seize goods on Erdington High Street

(L-R) Officers from Trading Standards with Erdington Sargeant Millard with illegal goods after raid on High Street premises / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless and Erdington neighbourhood officers have been working with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team to seize thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods from Erdington High Street.

Since launching in Erdington in January 2025, Fearless has maintained a presence there, and now has a renewed commitment to tackling High Street organised crime.

On three days in early October, Fearless officers and neighbourhood policing colleagues attended three separate stores on the High Street, carrying out searches of the premises and linked vehicles.

With Trading Standards, they seized a total of more than 150,000 illicit cigarettes, as well as thousands of packets of hand-rolling tobacco, and other unlicensed and counterfeit goods such as tablets and energy drinks.

The value of the goods seized stands at more than £150,000, and an investigation into the shops and those involved is continuing.

Illegal goods confiscated after raid on High Street premises / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Det Sgt Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, said: “Joint operations like this are so important in acting on community concerns around shops selling illegal goods, profiting from them and putting the public at risk.

“Neighbourhood officers are based in Erdington and have excellent knowledge within the community. They are listening to locals, and we are all working together alongside local authority partners to act.

“Op Fearless has a proud history of serving the Erdington community, we know how important the High Street is to everyone in Erdington, and we urge locals to keep passing on information and concerns so we can continue to protect legitimate businesses and keep the public from harm.” 

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

 You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

———

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com 

 

Posted on

NEWS: Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team seize drugs and illegal tobacco from raids across the High Street

Birmingham City Council Trading Standards and Erdington Seargent Claire Millard (right) with seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham City Council

Words by Erdington Local news team

Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) has been cracking down on crime across Erdington High Street, seizing significant amounts of drugs and illegal tobacco products in two raids carried out last week.

The first raid saw officers target a known hotspot in between The Swan pub and Borshch Electrical where police believed drug dealing was taking place. During a high impact broad daylight bust, the NPT and supporting officers seized 27 wraps of what are suspected to be cocaine and heroin.

After the raid, a spokesperson for the local force confirmed: “One man was given a community resolution, and an investigation into the drugs is continuing.”

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Then on Thursday 1 October, in a combined effort with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and support from Operation Fearless, the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team raided a High Street shop suspected of selling illegal cigarettes.

Carrying out the warrant to search the premises and vehicles connected to the retailer, officers discovered more than 50,000 cigarettes and over 2,500 grams of hand rolling tobacco believed to be contraband.

Police seized the illegal tobacco products, estimated to be worth more than £40,000, alongside a vehicle they believe was connected to the crime.

Seized tobacco products from raid on Erdington High Street valued at over £40,000 / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Working further with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards and Operation Fearless, the Erdington NPT are now looking to seek approval from the courts to close the shop.

Current legislation can grant police the powers to close a business for up to six months if they suspect it is being used for criminal enterprise, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently announced plans to extend those terms to 12 months.

Following the raids across Erdington High Street, Sgt Claire Millard, from the Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “We know that locals here in Erdington, who are proud of the High Street, value a visible policing presence, and I hope that it’s clear through our patrols and enforcement activity that we are acting on their concerns.

“When people tell us they’re worried about the supply of drugs and illicit goods on the High Street, enforcement like this is key to dealing with that.

Sgt Millard added: “We’ll keep working with our partners to tackle this, and as ever we are grateful for the support and information from the community.”

Vehicle linked to shop seized during raid on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless are also continuing their work in Erdington and has recently expanded to tackle more forms of criminality on High Streets, working collaboratively with the Home Office and other partners as part of the High Street Organised Crime Unit.

Acting Detective Inspector Chloe Morgan, from Operation Fearless, added: “Fearless originally launched in Erdington, and we remain committed to working with local officers as they work hard to tackle crime on the High Street.

“Given the potential links to wider organised criminality, Fearless is continuing to focus on disrupting the supply of illicit goods and targeting those involved.”

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

Posted on

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON: Erdington High Street Community Market is back on Saturday 26 September – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market is coming back to the Town Centre on Saturday 26 September, held on the pedestrianised area by Wilton Market and B&M Superstore – from 10am to 4pm.

Stalls will be presenting a range of unique and handcrafted items, with a chance to pick up something special that you won’t find in the shops.

Regular and new traders will be selling items from originally designed and handmade jewellery to vibrant clothing lines, crystals and healing goods, original artwork from local artists, colourful and crocheted gifts from local crafters, and homemade treats and sweets from local bakers.

Stall selling crystals and well being goods at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

There will be lots of free children’s activities at the High Street Market too, with a free bouncy castle, arts and crafts workshops from Arts All over the Place, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, and the return of the popular inflatable football shooting range.

Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Aquarius, and Surgeons Children’s Trust will also be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services – with some fun engagement activities for younger children.

Children playing on bouncy castle at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Live music will also be played throughout the market day, with the popular steel pan drummer The Mighty Jamma back on the High Street – celebrating the end of the summer with reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on last Saturday of every month.

A couple browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The events are part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.

“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”

A couple browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.

“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON will also be hosting a weeklong festival of events and activities all across the Town Centre from Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October – giving local families something free and fun to do during the half term holidays.

Watch out for more CELEBRATE ERDINGTON events being announced through the pages of Erdington Local and on the CELBRATE ERDINGTON Facebook page – click here.

A couple enjoying a hot drink at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is supported by the Cultural Action Area, Birmingham City Council, and the West Midlands Combine Authority.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu

Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, with the next event scheduled for 26 September – running from 10am to 4pm.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

 

 

 

Posted on

NEWS: Volunteers wanted for Central Square clean up and hand crafts decorations – 12noon on Thursday 24 September

Frontage of Central Square shopping centre on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is calling out for volunteers to help with a clean up of the Central Square atrium on Thursday 24 September – starting from 12 noon.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, and would like to help make the High Street a bit brighter anc cleaner, then please head over to Central Square at midday on Thursday – or email Erdington BID at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

The Central Square clean up team will be sweeping up rubbish from the concourse, wiping down the pillars, and putting up battery powered fairy and festoon lighting.

Hand crafted decorations made by Arts All Over the Place / Photograph by Ed King

Once cleared, the BID and any volunteers will then assist Arts All Over the Place – a local arts and crafts group – to hang handmade decorations they have been producing in weekly workshops at their community space in Central Square and from the High Street Hut outside Wilton Market.

All equipment will be provided, and Erdington BID will arrange for light refreshments for all volunteers from shops and outlets on Erdington High Street – such as House of Chai or the recently opened Love Patties.

Hand crafted decorations made by Arts All Over the Place / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Sometimes a good clean up can make a place that feels forgotten come back to life, and we want to see Central Square become the hive of activity that it once was. So come and join us – great a broom and a bin bag and let’s do something positive.”

They added: “Erdington High Street is facing two possible futures, and we firmly believe there is enough community spirit to make it a bright one. But we need to chip in; we need to see and say the positive more than the negatives. And if we do it together it will transform our Town Centre.”

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON – events and activities across the Town Centre from 27-31 October

The Central Square clean up and hand craft decorations are part in preparation for a weeklong programme of events and activities taking place at Central Square from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON October programme.

Arts and crats workshop at the High Street Hut – led by Arts All Over the Place, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON programme of events and activities / Photograph by Ed King

CELEBRATE ERDINGON events will also be taking place at St Barnabas Church, Oikos Café, the High Street Hut, and on the wider pedestrianised area from B&M down to the Village Green.

On Saturday 31 October, there will also be a special Halloween themed High Street Community Market – with a friendly competition for the best dressed ghouls and goblins.

Poster for weekly arts and crafts sessions at the High Street Hut – led by Arts All Over the Place, as part of the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON programme of events / Photograph by Ed King

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is a campaign to encourage positive engagement around Erdington Town Centre – led by Erdington BID and supported by local community groups and partners including Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Artists Conversations, Erdington Arts Forum, PFG Consultancy, and Arts All Over the Place.

CELEBRATE ERDINGTON is further supported by Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Follow the CELEBRATE ERDINGTON campaign on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: The importance of visible policing presence on Erdington High Street

Profile picture opf Sgt Millard / Photogrpah supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Seargent Claire Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As the nights (sadly) start to draw in and we say goodbye to the warmer weather and the demands that summer places on us, I wanted to update you on our policing plans for Erdington High Street.

Our team works hard across the area to listen to your concerns, respond to your issues, and proactively tackle crime – and we know how important the High Street is to so many residents.

With a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer, PC Boyle, already working specifically on the High Street, and another in PC McDowell having recently joined our team, you can expect to see a high-visibility presence up and down the High Street, with our team ready to act to address crime and anti-social behaviour, while continuing to protect those who are vulnerable.

Police questioning suspect in rdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

As ever, we are grateful to you for the information you provide to us. With this, we can better shape our plans and understand the issues affecting the High Street, and the wider area.

With that in mind, I’ll be alongside some of our team at St. Barnabas Church on Friday 25 September to have a pop-up Police Station between 2-4pm to listen to what you have to tell us, and I’d be delighted to see as many locals there as possible.

We do have several plans in place for the coming months to disrupt criminality and target offenders, and as ever I will keep you updated as these progress.

Thank you for your continued support in making Erdington as safe and welcoming as possible.

Sgt Claire Millard.

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

 

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Seargent Claire Millard

Seargent Claire Millard from Erdingotn’s Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Seargent Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

Tackling anti-social behaviour on the High Street is one of our team’s top priorities – and as I’ve mentioned before on these pages, we’re continuing to work hard with our partners to find a solution and prevent it from happening.

This work has stepped up during the school holidays, and we’ve made sure to carry out regular, high-visibility patrols to reassure those who share our aim of making the High Street as safe and welcoming as possible.

Police questioning suspect in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

These patrols include interaction with young people and business owners, and I’m pleased to have heard such positive feedback from locals that they are feeling safer on the High Street.

As ever, what’s important is for the local community to share any intelligence and information with us. Often, no matter how small the issue may seem, we can use this information to adapt our patrol plans and operations to make sure we’re having the maximum impact we can.

We know there’s more work to do on the High Street, and our work is continuing.

What I can guarantee is that we will continue to hold regular police surgeries and information events to offer you a chance to raise any concerns and share intelligence with us – and in turn our team will update you in more detail on how our policing plan.

Safer Towns Summer, which continues, allows us to focus even more on this vital area which we should all be proud of.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sergeant Claire Millard.

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

Posted on

NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market cancelled due to severe weather warnings

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market has cancelled its event on Saturday 29 August.

The decision was made by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – who organises the monthly markets – after severe weather warnings from the Met Office and various forecasters.

Several outlets have been warning of severe weather conditions throughout the week, with the Met Office issuing rolling warnings against potential flooding, thunderstorms, and winds reaching up to 45 kmph.

Severe weather warning sign with lightning cloud / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Stall holders were contacted earlier today (Friday 28 August) after days of organisers monitoring the weather and exploring potential sites to relocate the event. But in the interest of public safety, it was decided to cancel the August event – with the next Erdington High Street Community Market scheduled for Saturday 26 September.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s been a difficult decision to cancel, but after consulting with our stall holders and events team we’ve concluded that the weather could be too much of a safety concern or deterrent.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had to cancel hosting something on the High Street since we started our new programme of community events in February 2025. It feels awful to think we won’t be there on Saturday [29 August] but the forecasts are really bad.”

A dramatic silhouette of modern structures under a menacing sky / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

They added: “We will be back with the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 26 September, and we’re lining up alternative locations if we have such bad weather forecast again.

“Plus, we’ve got a lot more events planned up and down the High Street from September and across the months running to Christmas, and we hope to see everyone back on the High Street soon.”

A red umbrella turned inside out and torn by strong winds / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Organised as part of Erdington BID’s Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street, the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the last Saturday of every month.

Erdington BID is also working with several local community groups and stakeholders on their events programme, promoting the pedestrianised area of the High Street as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

 

Posted on

NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 29 August – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington High Street Community Market will be hosting its next event on Saturday 29 August, bringing an array of stalls and free family entertainment to Erdington Town Centre.

Running from 10am to 4pm, local stall holders will be selling handcrafted gifts, unique clothing lines, original artwork, children’s toys, homemade baked treats, and much more.

Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Erdington Artists Conversations, Aquarius, Erdington Local/Local Ambassadors, Arts All Over the Place, and Kharis Church will be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

And The Mighty Jamma will be back, playing live steel pan drums throughout the event – sending the summer out in style with a day of reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.

There will also be loads of free children’s games and activities, including a bouncy castle, an inflatable football shoot out, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, kids karaoke session, and arts and crafts workshops.

All the children’s games and activities are completely free and suitable for a variety of ages – although the bouncy castle is reserved for younger children only.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the High Street between Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, on the last Saturday of every month.

The events are part of the Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.

“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.

“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”

Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Several local community groups and stakeholders are promoting the pedestrianised area as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – and have plans to host regular events and activities on the High Street.

Watch out for more events being announced in across Erdington Tonw Centre from September, with a special programme of Christmas events and activities to follow.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu

Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.

The next Erdington High Street Community Market is scheduled for 29 August – running from 10am to 4pm.

For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: Safer Towns Summer – How we’re working to keep Erdington safe this summer

Words by West Midlands Police

This year, we have launched our Safer Towns Summer initiative, and in Erdington this includes efforts being stepped up to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour, tackle town centre crime, solve problems, and provide visible reassurance.

We know that you feel safest when you can see our officers out and about, and understand the work that is being done to protect the community.

The initiative is running until the end of September, and we’ll be keeping you updated as it progresses.

Safer Towns Summer isn’t about introducing something new; it’s about sharing more of an insight into the work that happens every day, in Erdington and across the West Midlands, to reassure that we’re listening to your concerns and acting on your behalf.

Sign at the entrance to Erdington Town Centre by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

With warm weather, longer days, and lighter nights, we know that issues around anti-social behaviour continues to cause concern for residents, and our patrols will take action against that, as well as drug-dealing, and street drinking.

We’re also working closely with local businesses, as we understand the impact that retail crime has on them. By working with them, we hope that we can tackle crime like shop theft and keep retail workers safe.

We’re also working closely with our partners to directly address some of the causes of this crime and build on the work of dedicated local neighbourhood officers.

We’ll keep you up to date on our social media channels and WMNow as we work to make our area the safest and best place it can be.

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

 

Posted on

NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 July – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s High Street Community Market is back on Saturday 25 July – with stalls and children’s games open to the public from 10am to 4pm.

Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the Community Market will bring back some of its favourite regular local traders – joined by some new stalls – selling arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade cakes, brownies, and sweet treats.

The free bouncy castle will be open to children from 10am to 4pm, with a free face painter decorating young face from 11am to 2pm.

Children enjoying a free bouncy castle at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Arts All Over the Place will also be back with their arts and crafts stand – offering a peaceful time out for both young people and adults, in a shady corner of the High Street.

Live steelpan drum music will be played by Jamani, giving Erdington High Street some calypso vibes as people have a relaxing browse across the stalls and local businesses.

Browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Erdington Business Improvement District will also be offering free bottled water from the High Street Hut through the event, with the occasional free ice cream handed out to attendees during the day – helping everyone stay cool in the summer heat.

Click here to visit the Facebook event page for the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 July.

Having a cuppa and a natter at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The Community Markets are organised by the Erdington BID, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – as part of the BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY and Celebrate Erdington campaigns, helping promote Erdington Town Centre.

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “Our July High Street Community Market will be mark six months since we started these monthly events, and it has been an absolute joy to see people come into Erdington Town Centre and have a fun afternoon together.

“Plus, the stalls are selling some truly unique gifts – from local traders and crafters – which you simply won’t find anywhere else.

“So, if you’re looking for a special birthday present or gift, then you should definitely come down and check out what’s on offer.”

Browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph byBianca Pirvuceanu

Erdington BID is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu

For more from the Erdington Business Improvement District visit www. erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

Or follow Celebrate Erdington on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington