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NEWS: Police arrest two men over attack by Village Green in Erdington Town Centre

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photograph supplied by Erdington bid

West Midlands Police have confirmed they have arrested two men over an attack by the Village Green in Erdington Town Centre last week.

The force further confirmed the men are “in custody” and will be facing questions on “suspicion of wounding”, which can carry maximum jail terms of between five years to life imprisonment – depending on the severity and intent of the assault.

On Wednesday 2 July, emergency services responded to a call regarding a violent altercation between individuals on the pedestrian area near Oikos Café and The Swan Pub, with police cordoning of a large section of the High Street whilst investigating.

Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Erdington Local was also at the scene and was by told by staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the incident, how one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout beer from a rubbish bin and used it to attack another man following a verbal altercation.

An Erdington Street Warden, who works with Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to help support and secure the Town Centre, was also at the scene and administered first aid to one man – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming from his back.

To read Erdington Local’s initial article following the reported attack, click here.

Police tape off pedestrianised area around crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

After a week of investigating and enquiries, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police has now confirmed that arrests have been made and those responsible for any crime will be questioned and processed accordingly.

West Midlands Police told: “Operation Fearless officers have arrested two men after an assault on Erdington High Street, where a man was attacked with a glass bottle outside a pub on 2 July.

“He was taken to hospital with injuries that thankfully, were not life-changing.

“We’ve been carrying out a thorough investigation and this morning (9 July) officers from Operation Fearless arrested two men aged 35 and 58.

“They are both currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of wounding.”

Suspected blood and broken glass on the pedestrianised area inbetween Oikos Cafe and The Swan pub / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

They added: “Operation Fearless, which recently expanded to the Southside area of Birmingham, continues to support colleagues in Erdington and together they are committed to making it the safest possible area for people to live and work.

“Fearless and our dedicated Erdington High Street team will be continuing patrols around the area as we support #SaferStreetsSummer.

“If you have information about crime in the area, call us on 101.”

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, which is supported by local retailers and businesses, told: “There are legitimate concerns from local businesses that the space by the Village Green is in danger of becoming a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour.”

“Over recent weeks, there has been a rise of incidents and reports made over issues around the Village Green area, after Operation Fearless has driven certain activities and individuals out of the centre of the High Street.”

Area between The Swan pub and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph suppliued by Erdington BID

They added: “Erdington BID is in constant talks with the local police teams and wider units, as well as the Operation Fearless team and other partners, to increase police presence and enforcement in the area.

“We welcome the extra efforts being made and the increasing partnership work between uniformed officers on patrol in the Town Centre and our own Steet Wardens – alongside our incredibly resilient retailers.

“There has been a very positive change made on Erdington High Street after Operation Fearless and everyone, including the police, are 100% committed to moving forward and not backwards.”

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: “Incident” by Village Green leaves part of Erdington High Street cordoned off as emergency services respond

Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

An “incident” on the pedestrianised area by the Village Green left part of Erdington High Street cordoned off by police on Wednesday 2 July.

Blue and white police tape stopped shoppers from walking through the crime scene at around 1:30pm yesterday, as emergency services responded to a 999 call from a local business – following reports of two men fighting in the street.

Blood and broken glass could be seen in the centre of the High Street, with several local people reporting a man had been “stabbed” with a broken bottle.

Police tape was finally removed from the area and members of the public were allowed back onto the concourse at around 3pm.

Broken glass and what is believed to be blood seen behind blue and white police tape aftre incident on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We were called to Erdington High Street at around 1.30pm yesterday (2 July) following reports a man had been assaulted.

“It’s believed he was attacked with a glass bottle… and he was taken to hospital with injuries thankfully not believed to be life-changing.”

They added: “A full investigation has started with officers reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.

“Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting crime reference 20/295081/25.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an incident on High Street in Erdington at 1.30pm and sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who they treated for serious, but not life-threatening injuries, before conveying him to hospital.”

Police tape on lamppost near crime scene on pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local

West Midlands Police were also quick to attend the scene, with people in the area saying the response teams arrived “in a few minutes” and began gathering local intelligence.

Erdington Local was also at the scene and was told the incident had been filmed by members of the public and it was hopped the man responsible for the attack could be clearly identified.

It was also reported that the Erdington Street Warden on duty at the time was one of the first at the scene and was quick to administer first aid the victim – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming out from underneath his clothes on his back.

Staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the reported assault, told Erdington Local how after a verbal altercation between two men, one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout from a rubbish bin and used it to attack the other man.

Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

Erdington Local could see broken parts of a Dragons Stout bottle – a high percentage beer that is mainly sold in off-licences and not in any of the neighbouring licenced premises – on the ground next to a small pool of what looked like drying blood.

People in the area further informed our reporter that before the fight they had seen the attacker sitting on a small wall in between the Borch Electrical store and The Swan pub – where the rubbish bin is located.

Neither businesses have been implicated in the incident by any emergency service.

The bin had been put there by local volunteers to help tackle the rising rubbish, including empty bottles and fast-food packaging, around the growing hotspot for street drinking and visible drug taking.

Several local residents and businesses vocalised to Erdington Local they believe the area is becoming troublesome in part after anti-social behaviour has been displaced from other areas of the Town Centre by the recent police initiative, Operation Fearless.

Area between The Swan and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local

The sunny weather is also cited as a potentially exacerbating factor, although people are known to gather in the area during all conditions.

A spokesperson for the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), which is supported by local retailers and pays for the Street Wardens, confirmed the area has been highlighted to local law enforcement who took the situation “very seriously” and had promised to address concerns over criminality there.

Only a few days previously, on Tuesday 24 June, police had responded to reports of another “disorder” in the area, where officers confirmed they “arrested two men aged 32 and 39, and recovered two knives” – adding that “thankfully, no-one was seriously injured.”

Area covered by the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a around Erdingotn Town Centre / Image supplied by West Midlands Police

The High Street around the Village Green falls inside the ‘restricted zone’ of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), that covers Erdington Town Centre and some of the surrounding streets.

A PSPO is a widely used law enforcement tool, which gives local police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and to remove repeat offenders from the designated area.

Erdington Local has asked West Midlands for any updates or developments surrounding the incident on Wednesday 2 July.

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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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Get into the groove for community engagement – return of live annual music event Track Friday

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association are delighted to once more throw the doors open on our annual live music event Track Friday.

Residents are invited to enjoy a showcase of singing, dancing and poetry at Perry Common Community Hall on 11 July when some of North Birmingham’s most creative young talents take centre stage.

Once the lights go down people can enjoy the artistry of Chyna Victoria, Zach Gallagher, Tee Leonie, Ray Ritess, Sensei Jay, Spencer, Amadeus TMM, Satch, Chardevaughan, Rochae, Dsix Seven Ess, Roman, and Raja. A special artist hour will also feature Juddah James and Rufus Rose.

Local singer Jamie Lee, who appeared at last year’s Track Friday, will be back to wow the crowds again. Having stolen the show 12 months ago, Witton Lodge’ directors booked her to perform at our 30th anniversary gala in November!

Performing artists and event founder, Dellano Lewis (second from right), at Track Friday 2024 / Photograph supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Dellano Lewis, Community Engagement Officer at Witton Lodge, established Track Friday in 2016. The annual community engagement showpiece provides a platform for the organisation to connect young people to some of its services.

Dellano, who will also be performing at the event as his creative alter-ego, BeeNiice, said: “Track Friday is more than just a live music show.

“It gives the performers, and everyone who attends the show, the opportunity to access Witton Lodge services which can support their education, training and employment needs.”

This year’s event is being sponsored by, and delivered in partnership with, Birmingham Metropolitan College; with a number of its students set to perform.

Hosted by Junelle Jae, with music courtesy of DJ Gaz H, and featuring guest speaker Evo Wiser, the doors open on Track Friday 2025 at 5.30pm at 87 Witton Lodge Road (B23 5JD) with the live performances starting at 6pm. There will also be a prize raffle, food and refreshments.

Entry is FREE to this amazing night of music and creativity. To attend, simply book your free ticket via Eventbrite – CLICK HERE. You must be aged 16 or over to attend.

For more details, please call Dellano on 0121 382 1930 or email: [email protected]

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Thriving through play with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Young people enjoying group sports and play, as organised by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham

Words by Amy Heyes

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

One of the lasting impacts of the Covid pandemic was a nationwide Play Deficit, as lockdowns limited opportunities for children and young people to play.

Play is vital for healthy development with wide-reaching benefits including emotional regulation, cognitive development, social skills and resilience.

To help address this locally, we partnered with Compass Support to launch Play Lists, a three-year project funded by The National Lottery which comes to an end next month. Designed to help young people in Erdington recover from the effects of the Play Deficit, it’s been a huge success.

Over the past three years we have registered young people engaging with play over 1,500 times, 250 new hobbies have been introduced and 60 young volunteers have been recruited and trained.

Scan QR code for more on the activites and services from Urban Devotion Birmingham

Play has enriched all that we do at Urban Devotion Birmingham, and that legacy will continue long after the grant ends.

Here’s what some of the young people involved have said:
“It’s one of the highlights of my week and has really boosted my mental health.”
“I feel like I’m becoming more creative.”
“[It] has made me realise how creative children can be and the part I get to play in helping that.”
“I like that I can learn something new here then go home and try it out myself.”

It’s clear; play helps young people thrive. We’re committed to continuing to make space for children and young people to play, explore, and grow in the years to come.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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NEWS: Free and family friendly Summer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June

Words by editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held between 12noon and 5pm on Erdington High Street by the entrance to Wilton Market.

Completely free to attend, the family friendly day will have stalls from local community groups, live music, arts and craft activities, and free children’s games and entertainment – such as animal face painting and a bouncy castle.

There will also be an ice cream van stationed at the event, making sure people have something cold to enjoy as the summer weather heat up – with seating, shade, and free water also available.

The Summer Fun Day will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, near the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.

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

All children’s games and workshops will be free of charge, with those attending asked to stay with their young people whilst they are enjoying the activities.

Being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s Love Your Local Community campaign, which is encouraging people to focus on the positives of the Town Centre – and to bring in a programme of community events and outreach activities – further Summer Fun Day events are planned for July and August.

Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, there will be a variety of stalls from local community groups and support services.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will be hosting a ‘pop up’ surgery, inviting local people to have a face to face session with the local Member of Parliament – outside of her regular sessions across the constituency

Erdington Local will be inviting people to go in front of the camera at their Vox Pop stand – recording short interviews with members of the public, asking them about what they feel is good and bad in the Town Centre.

Arts All Over the Place will be running free arts and craft workshops for children and young people, getting them making and creating their own designs in supervised sessions – with all the materials provided.

Live music will be played throughout the day, from musicians and singers from the Erdington Arts Forum.

Children enjoying free arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

People will also get the chance to learn more about volunteer activities and support services across Erdington, with special displays and information from local groups including Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, FC Elite, Erdington Redeemed Church of God, and Aquarius.

Then at 2:30pm, all eyes will turn to the international art project Mothers Without Hands as they hold a special procession down the High Street – starting from Oikos Face and heading towards St Barnabas Church.

Led by renowned Birmingham based artist Tereza Bušková, the parade will feature a specially made headdress as it’s central theme – which has been adorned by items crafted over a series of sessions with local creative community group, Arts All Over the Place.

Mothers Without Hands procession in Walsall Town Centre – led by international artist Tereza Bušková / Photograph supplied by Mothers Without Hands

The Mothers Without Hands project – raising awareness of violence towards women and girls, through performance and art inspired by traditional Czech Republic folklore – has held previous events across Europe and the UK, coming to Erdington Town Centre on the final part of its international tour.

Following the first Sumer Fun Day on Saturday 21 June, Erdington BID have planned more events on Saturday 26 July – in conjunction with the Birmingham Blues and Jazz Festival – and again on Saturday 23 August, kicking of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The events are being organised as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign, which hopes to encourage people to celebrate the positives in and around the Tonw Centre – and across the Erdington constituency.

Volunteers collecting rubbish on Erdington High Street at the first LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY litter pick on Saturday 7 June / Photograph by Ed King

The LYLC campaign has already started a programme of community litter picks to help tidy up Erdington High Street, with their first ‘pick’ help on Saturday 7 June and supported by many local residents and groups.

Erdington BID is looking for more active community members to join the LYLC campaign and be part of future activities.

Erdington BID is funded by annual levies from local retailers and business in the Town Centre, and further supported by external funding, grants, and donations.

A spokesperson from the Erdington BID told: “With the support of the local shops and businesses, the Erdington BID is excited to host our Summer Fun Days across the coming months – bringing some free and family friendly events to the High Street.

“We’re also looking at more events in autumn and around Christmas, as well as more community litter picks and other outreach activities to celebrate the Town Centre.”

They added: “We’d love to see everyone come out and have some fun on Saturday 21 June, and support the shops and retail communities that are the heart of our Town Centre.”

Anyone wanting more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign please email the Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Volunteer Recruitment Event at St Barnabas Church – 12 June

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

If you would like to develop new skills, meet new people and enjoy new experiences, then you should try volunteering.

Whether your passion is gardening, cooking, DIY, engineering, IT, marketing or childcare, there’s something for everyone.

On Thursday, 12 June, a Volunteer Recruitment event takes place from 11am to 2pm at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street.

A range of organisations will be attending to promote all their volunteering opportunities and offering advice and guidance on how you can support local people and local communities while learning something new.

So, if you have a few hours to spare each week, why not start a new adventure. Volunteering has so many benefits.

Call 0121 382 1930 for more details.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

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NEWS: Two women taken to hospital after “medical episode” leads to car crashing through Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street

Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Emergency services have confirmed two women have been taken to hospital after a “medical episode” resulted in a driver losing control of their vehicle and crashing through the frontage of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street.

Ambulance, police, and fire crews arrived quickly on the scene, after the terrifying accident was reported at around 12:45pm today (6 June).

From the road it could be seen that a vehicle had fully entered the High Street bank, having been brought to a stop by the internal ATM machines in the main lobby near the entrance.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service told Erdington Local: “We were called to reports of a car that had crashed into a building and collided with a woman on High Street in Erdington at 12.45pm, two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor, with a critical care paramedic, attended the scene.”

Police drive car out of Lloyds Bank after it crashes through frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “On arrival we discovered two patients. Crews were told the driver of the car, a woman, had suffered a medical episode prior to the incident. Following assessment she was transported to Good Hope Hospital.

“The second woman was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Heartlands Hospital.”

Earlier in the day, after emergency services were at first the scene and responding to the situation, a statement from West Midlands Police had also confirmed: “We were called Erdington High Street just before 12.45pm after a woman was hit by a car.

“The woman, believed to be in her 80s, was taken to hospital. The car driver, in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.”

The bank remains guarded by police as a cleanup operation is underway, with the automatic doors having been smashed beyond repair by the collision.

Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King

A marble public bench, which sat on the pavement just outside the bank – in front of the ATM machine facing onto the High Street, has also been uprooted and moved from its fixed location. It was speculated that the vehicle collided with the bench before veering into the bank’s frontage.

Whilst the current status of those involved in the incident – both the driver of the car and the woman who was struck by the vehicle – remains unclear, police were seen reversing the car, a new grey Nissan Juke, out of the Lloyds Bank later in the afternoon.

Car involved in crash at Lloyds Bank on Erdingotn High Street, parked on York Road before being remvoved by recovery services / Photograph by Ed King

The car was functioning and able to be driven without assistance, before being moved to the side of York Road to be collected by a vehicle recovery service.

On closer inspection, the car was scratched and dented along the driver’s side – but little other damage could be seen.

Police have asked for anyone with information about the incident to contact them via calling 101, and quoting log 2231.

Vehicle being driven out of Lloyds Bank on Erdington High Street after crashing through frontage

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NEWS: Emergency services cordon off High Street after car crashes into Lloyds Bank

Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Emergency services have cordoned off part of Erdington High Street today, after a car crashed through the frontage of Lloyds Bank in a dramatic incident at around 1pm on Friday 6 June.

West Midlands Police have confirmed it was an ccident and not a crime, with a driver losing control of their vehicle and careering through the frontage of the High Street Bank – injuring at least one person inside the premises.

A spokesperson from West Midlands police confirmed: “We were called Erdington High Street just before 12.45pm after a woman was hit by a car.

“The woman, believed to be in her 80s, was taken to hospital. The car driver, in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.”

They added: “Enquiries continue and anyone with information should get in touch via 101, quoting log 2231.”

Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Members of the public who were around the scene at the time also told Erdington Local they had seen someone had “lost control” or their vehicle and ended up mounting the pavement and careering into the bank’s frontage.

From the road, a grey vehicle can be seen fully inside Lloyds Bank – having been brought to a stop by the internal cash machines near the entrance – with the automatic doors showing smashed glass and clear signs of being heavily damaged.

The marble bench positioned on the pavement just outside the front of Lloyds, in front of the ATM machine facing onto the High Street, has also been uprooted and moved from its fixed location.

Fire engines could be seen stationed around the top of Church Road and Erdington High Street, with several ambulances and police cars also positioned around the area.

Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Blue and white police tape has been stretched out across the High Street – blocking access to Iceland Supermarket and the businesses neighbouring Lloyds Bank – with traffic being kept clear from the scene.

One delivery drive told Erdington Local he had been trapped there “for about an hour”, whilst many local residents and shoppers were being asked by police to stay away from the area.

Police at the scene were also asking curious onlookers to not film the incident with their phones, as emergency services were “working to support the victim” and were concerned for those who may have known or be related to those affected by the crash.

Erdington Local has contacted all the emergency services present for any updates and official statements.

Out thoughts are with those injured or affected by the incident.

Emergency services respond after car crashes through Lloyd Bank frontage on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
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NEWS: Erdington launched Operation Fearless sets out national debate on high street policing

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton opens a Westminster Hall debate into high street policing / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed

Words by Ed King

Operation Fearless has set out the national debate around high street policing, after being presented as the centrepiece of a sitting in a Westminster Hall to discuss the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour affecting retail hubs across the country.

Raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton on Thursday 5 June, and chaired by MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss, the committee heard how Operation Fearless had provided “a proven model” for community policing in retail areas – and how the achievements of the policing initiative had introduced “a new era… for Erdington High Street.”

Operation Fearless was announced in January 2025, supported by £880,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspots across the city – with a dedicated police force working in partnership with local stakeholders and retailers.

Westminster Hall debate into high street policing – as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed

Launched in Erdington Town Centre, Operation Fearless made over 140 arrests in its first few months and seized hundreds of thousands of pounds worth off illegal drugs and contraband from incidents on and around the High Street – alongside an arsenal of offensive weapons.

In a wider operation to tackle knife crime in the area, the Polce and Crime Commissioner’s office further reported “a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single [weapons amnesty] bin” outside the New Testament Church of God on Goosemoor Lane from January to March 2025.

Addressing the Westminster Hall Backbend Business Committee on 5 June, the Erdington Member of Parliament also celebrated the “incredible leadership” of both the Operation Fearless Lead, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, and local Inspector Shameem Ahmed – who worked alongside DS Munro during Operation Fearless and continues to oversee policing across Erdington.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster by weapons amnesty bin / Photograph supplied by the OPCC

Paulette Hamilton MP further explained how “the lesson of Operation Fearless is clear” and the “Erdington’s story proves that change is possible”.

Positioning the Erdington launched policing initiative as a blueprint for combatting a nationwide crime crisis, she added: “But let’s be clear, this is not just about one high street. It’s about every community fighting for safety and pride.

“It’s about recognising that policing must be visible, proactive, and rooted in partnership.”

Since Operation Fearless has wound down its work in Erdington Town Centre, as the core team move to tackle crime in Birmingham City Centre’s Southside, Erdington High Street has welcomed the introduction of a dedicated police team to support the retail hub.

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

Led by Seargent Gray Grove, the Erdington High Street Police team are now working alongside the Neighbourhood Police Team, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), and the Erdington Street Wardens to maintain effective police presence and community support in the Town Centre.

After establishing the High Street team Sgt Grove previous told Erdington Local: “Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items.

“Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.”

He 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.”

Sgt Grove and the Erdington High Street police team, with Erdington BID Street Wardens on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “There has been a remarkable improvement in Erdington Town Centre, and the levels of crime have dropped significantly – but we must stay vigilant.

“Our Street Wardens have been standing on the front line against violent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour for years. But following Operation Fearless, and with Sgt Grove and his High Street Police Team now in place, there is a real show of force in and around Erdington Town Centre.

“And with some great family friendly street parties and events planned for across the summer, Erdington High Street moving away from the problems of its past and looking towards a much brighter future.”

Erdington BID are hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held outside the entrance to Wilton Market on Erdington High Street – with free children’s games and activities.

Click here to watch the live Westminster Hall debate about high street policing, as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton.

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: Two men from Yardley charged with firearms offences following alleged shooting at Kenrick Croft

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

Words by Ed King

Two men from the Yardley constituency have been charged with firearms offences and other crimes, following an alleged shooting at Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, on the morning of Sunday 1 June.

In a statement issued by West Midlands Police (WMP), following an investigation after the incident was reported in the early hours, the force confirmed: “Detectives from our Major Crime Unit have now charged Elliot Foley, aged 40, and Abid Khan, 43, with violent disorder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.”

Castle Vale Local pressed the police to confirm the home addresses given by those charged, with a WMP spokesperson quickly confirming Elliot Foley was from Stoney Lane and Abid Khan was from Berkeley Road.

Both addresses are from the Yardley constituency in Birmingham and are about a 15 minute drive from Kenrick Croft on the Castle Vale estate.

Blue and white police tape / Photograph by Ed King

West Midlands Police further confirmed: “The disorder happened on Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, at around 2am on Sunday.

“As well as the firearm, we recovered a quantity of shotgun ammunition, a number of bullets and a knuckle duster from an address in Birmingham as part of the investigation following the disorder.

“[Abid] Khan has also been charged with possession of prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

“[Elliot] Foley has also been charged with assault by beating of a police officer. Both were remanded in custody to appear before city magistrates today (Tuesday).”

Castle Vale statue by Chivenor Primary School / Photograph by Ed King

West Midlands Police also stated that a 41 year old woman had been treated for “shotgun injuries”, and whilst being arrested had been released on bail without charge.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) was also quick on the scene following the reports made on Sunday morning, and has promised to establish a “multi agency taskforce” to stand up to crime on the estate.

Soon after another violent incident on Castle Vale last year, were four men were seen brandishing machetes and residents reported gunfire, Cllr Goodwin organised a Community Crime and Safety Summit at Greenwood Academy – bringing the Police and Crime Commissioner to address concerns from people across the estate.

After the most recent statement from West Midlands Police regarding the Kenrick Croft arrests, Cllr Goodwin told Castle Vale Local: “Having received an update from West Midlands Police confirming the two individuals charged with firearms offensives were not from Castle Vale, I am relieved to know those currently in custody are not from our estate.”

“But we must double down and do everything we can to protect this amazing community from these acts of violence – which have no place on Castle Vale.”

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Labour

He added: “Whether it was an isolated incident or not, it has reportedly involved a firearm and people have been charged with intent to endanger life. This is not acceptable.”

“I will not rest, and as previously promised I will be organising a muti agency taskforce to look at what more can be done to protect our residents and the amazing Castle Vale community moving forward.”

West Midlands Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and officers have been “examining CCTV and mobile phone footage, and speaking to witnesses”.

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 June.

Alternatively, people can contact the West Midlands Police via the Live Chat facility at www.westmidlands.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.