Young volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Callum Hodson
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we are proud to celebrate two inspiring Year 9 girls from Erdington Academy who have recently achieved their Youth Volunteer Silver Award—recognising over 60 hours of dedicated community service and leadership.
Their journey with UDB began in Year 4, regularly attending our drop-in clubs and becoming familiar, friendly faces in our spaces. Over the years, we’ve seen them grow in confidence, character, creativity, and commitment.
They’ve taken part in residential trips, collaborative creative projects (including spray paint murals), and numerous skill-building activities—gaining various awards and certificates along the way.
Their volunteering has mainly taken place in the junior drop-in club they once attended as children. Now, they help lead creative play sessions, organise drama and storytelling, host craft activities, and serve food and drinks to the younger children—many of whom now look up to them as role models.
In addition to hands-on volunteering, they’ve completed specialist training in autism awareness, creative play, and safeguarding, all of which have supported their development as compassionate and capable leaders.
Within their friendship circles and local community, they are recognised as ambassadors of UDB, young people who give back with generosity and joy.
At UDB, we believe in walking with young people over time, providing space for them to belong, grow, and lead.
These two girls embody everything we stand for. Their passion, service, and personal growth are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of consistent, community-rooted youth work.
Outside of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development, taken from Mason Road (photograph by Joe Marchant)
Say it loud, say it proud, the former Erdington Baths is 100 years old this May!
The building on Mason Road opened to the public on 6 May 1925, offering the local community a range of exciting new recreational activities with its swimming pool, washing baths for men and women, and Turkish baths.
An Art Deco-inspired design captured the imagination of users and passers-by alike; sleek lines, elegant curves and distinctive brickwork with ornate detail; the facility’s rich history owes as much to its distinctive aesthetic charm as much as the activities it housed.
But after decades of service to the community, Erdington’s much-loved-landmark was closed down in 2014 after falling into a state of disrepair. But with its legacy still casting a proud shadow of former glories across the town, its centenary year brings us onto the cusp of an exciting new era for local residents.
Erdington Baths ticket booth circa 1925 / Photograph supplied by WLCA
The 100 year anniversary of Erdington Swimming Baths is a time to reflect on the cherished memories it gave local people, the bond it cemented with the local community and to use those special attachments and emotions to shape a bright new future for the site.
Witton Lodge Community Association is very proud and privileged to be leading on a project to transform the building into a state-of-the-art Enterprise Hub.
Funded in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, work on the £4million project kickstarted with the creation of a vibrant pocket park and recent strip out works getting the building ready for surveying.
The main entrance and former pool hall will be converted into a co-working space with studio pods and meeting rooms. A restaurant, creche and smaller offices are also included in the new design.
(L-R) WLCA CO Afzal Hussain, with BMet Principal/CEO Pat Carvalho and WM Mayor Richard Parker at launch of ‘Phase One’ of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, said Erdington’s past can be the springboard for shaping a future where it thrives.
“First of all, we, as an organisation, are thrilled to be breathing new life into this much-loved building,” he said.
“Community and people are at the heart of everything we do and want to achieve. We have held a number of engagement events at the site on Mason Road, so people can come and find out about the plans to transform the building into an enterprise hub and, most importantly, help co-design the look and feel of the building.
“We’ve heard so many wonderful stories from residents about learning to swim at the baths and how they took their children there for classes and met people who became their friends and family.
“The baths hold a special place in the hearts of local residents so it was always a priority for us to include those people in the development process; talking to them about how the building should be brought back into use, what should it look like, what services should run from there.”
WLCA welcome local residents and community volunteers to ‘Phase One’ of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
To underline this connection to the 100 year old baths, here are just a few of the comments captured from local people:
“It’s great for the area and will put Erdington on the map in a positive way.” – Mia Werson, Erdington resident and member of Friends of Witton Lakes
“This is exactly what Erdington needs. it will bring the community together.” – Angie Chapman, from The Recovery Foundation
“It is an exciting use of an historic building and a great opportunity to support Erdington’s economic growth.” – Rebekah Roebuck, Erdington resident
“It is nice to see the old swimming pool being used again on a community level.” – Elizabeth Walker, Erdington resident
Visitors see inside of Erdington Bath as ‘Phase One’ launch of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
These sentiments and more are the reasons why, as Afzal explains, the new hub will play a key role in shaping and sustaining success for residents and the community at large, for years to come.
“Our vision goes beyond simply transforming the physical structure and appearance of the former baths,” he said.
“We are committed to creating a facility that provides on-site support which nurtures local talent and empowers budding entrepreneurs and social enterprises to develop and flourish.
“As it did in the past, this historic building will sit at the very heart of Erdington life, bringing the community together, so that in 100 years from now, people will have just as many stories to tell and memories to share.”
Thanks to the support and guidance of Intervention Architecture Ltd, work has already been completed on a vibrant new pocket park outside the front of the building.
Dedicated volunteers, alongside members of the public and Erdington Walking Group worked tirelessly for two months, through rain and shine, to paint new life into the exterior of the former baths. Colourful planters and railings now entice passers-by.
To mark the baths centenary, Erdington Walking Group organised a special Commemorative Walk on Tuesday (5 May), also marking the hundredth birthday of Erdington Court Bowls Club later in the month.
Local volunteers working on pocket park outside the Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph supplied by WLCA)
With more than 150 members on its books, the bowls club is part of Erdington Recreational Trust, a registered charity that has existed for over 100 years. Bowls became part of the Club in 1925.
Starting on Mason Road, the 30 minute walk took participants on an information laden stroll to the Bowls Club on Bowling Green Close where people were able to tour the venue and take in its historical photographic exhibition; before returning back to the meeting point.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
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.
(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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.com
Rainbow reflection on Erdington Town Centre sign near Six Ways Island / Photograph taken by Ed King
Erdington Town Centre has been allocated its own dedicated High Street police team to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the once troubled retail hotspot.
Working alongside the Operation Fearless policing initiative, the Erdington High Street police team will bring six constables, led by Sergeant Gary Grove, to the Town Centre – creating “a high visibility presence on the High Street to tackle the issues that matter to residents, shoppers and traders”, according to a West Midlands Police spokesperson.
The officers will also work with the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) Street Wardens, conducting joint patrols on the High Street and sharing intelligence about criminal activity and regular offenders in the area.
Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street as part of Operation Fearless / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police)
The team will also work alongside local partners including Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands, to further tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and build on the work already being delivered by the responsible authorities.
The dedicated Erdington High Street police force, led by Sgt Grove, has been operational since 4 April, working in tandem with the Operation Fearless team to share information and continue the “sustained effort to reduce crime” in the retail hub.
Alongside the 140 arrests made by the Operation Fearless, Sgt Grove’s new High Street police team have made a further 17 arrests in the past few weeks – keeping the pressure on criminals who have operated in the area, including those involved in drug dealing and shoplifting.
Officers talking to members of the public on Erdington High Street / Photograhp taken by Ed King
Sergeant Gary Grove told: “It’s clear to see the difference [Operation] Fearless has made to Erdington, and we’re committed to building on that.
“Myself and my colleagues have experience working as part of the Erdington Impact Area team – and we’re working hard to build on existing relationships around the area.”
Underlining the importance of working with Erdington locals, the business community, and the wider general public visiting the area, Sgt Grove added: “If you’re out and about in Erdington or have any concerns you’d like to discuss, please come and say hello to us.”
The Erdington BID is also currently establishing a High Street Community Support Team to work alongside Sgt Grove and his team – made up of local volunteers and community groups and addressing non-response issues.
The Erdington BID High Street Community Support Team will be investing more into High Street security, and offering help with activities including consumer and visitor advice, litter picking, maintaining the High Street’s green spaces, and helping busy businesses report lower level crimes.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, who act as the link between the local police and retail community, told: “Erdington High Street needs a constant, uniformed, public facing police presence – with the power to arrest criminals and process them to the courts – and having a dedicated High Street police team will be a huge support to the local business community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sergeant Grove and his team to the area and offer our full support.”
They added: “Operation Fearless, and now Sgt Grove and his High Street police team, have given Erdington a real chance to properly challenge the criminal activity in Erdington Town Centre – but we can all help.
“If we want to keep the crime away, and to further deter those repeat offenders who have got away with too much for too long, it should be a team effort. If you live or work in Erdington, or just want to help make a difference to our Town Centre, then please get in touch about joining [the Erdington BID] High Street Community Support Team.”
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Operation Fearless
Operation Fearless was launched in January 2025, bringing a dedicated team of 20 officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour into Erdington Town Centre.
The initiative was supported by £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, as allocated by the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster – who has been a regular visitor to Erdington Town Centre, meeting with both businesses and the general public on the High Street.
Led by Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, the Operation Fearless team have made over 140 arrests [at the time of writing] and seized an array of contraband off the Erdington streets – including an arsenal of offensive weapons, and illegal drugs worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Operation Fearless lead Detective – Detective Superintendent Jim Munro / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
As the Operation Fearless team start to hand over to Sgt Grove and the High Street police team, alongside the pre-existing Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) that covers Erdington Town Centre, a WMP spokesperson confirmed: “The [Operation] Fearless team will continue to provide support and resources to the new High Street team, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained effort to reduce crime.”
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro added: “The new dedicated High Street team will be a constant presence in the area, and although Fearless is expanding to a new location – our Fearless officers will be using their impressive local and operational knowledge to support them.”
Team players celebrate on outdoor lawn at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
An open day at Erdington Court Bowls Club (ECBC) is hoping to attract new members to the sport and “defeat the killer armchair” that stops too many people from enjoying regular exercise – according to a club spokesperson.
Held on Monday 26 May, the free to attend event will give Erdington locals the chance to have a go at lawn bowls on a full sixed indoor pitch, with the hope they will take up the sport as a regular activity.
EBCC boasts a wide range of facilities, with both indoor and outdoor lawns, enabling people of all ages and abilities to take part in the sport – whatever the weather.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic alone, over £150,000 has also been fundraised by ECBC to allow people with a range of physical confidence to take an active part in the club and encourage a variety of new members.
Support has come from funds including the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS), facilitated by Witton Lodge Community Association on behalf of Birmingham City Council and partners.
Fundaraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club – with Paulette Hamilton MP (centre left) and Ray Woods (centre right) holding a cheque / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
The longstanding club also hosts a range of social events and activities for the local community, hoping to challenge social isolation through a healthy and interactive pastime.
The clubhouse has a bar and lounge area, and regular events such as the club’s popular Bowl for Health programme – which combines an hour of bowls on the indoor court with a social event afterwards – have been providing extra sessions for people living with Parkinsons diseases and brain injury.
The Erdington club was also recently shortlisted for two awards in the prestigious Bowls England National Awards 2025, sponsored by AVIVA.
ECBC, which was founded 100 years ago this year, was recognised for its work encouraging new members to the sport and supporting the wider community with a nomination in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ category.
The second nomination is for Club Charity Trustee and lead on community affairs, Ray Woods, who has been celebrated as an ‘Unsung Hero’ for his tireless work at the century old club.
A collage of members and activities at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
A spokesperson for ECBC told Erdington Local: “The open day a part of our campaign to defeat the killer armchair and celebrate our centenary at the same time. It is a chance for people of all ages to try a new sport and meet other people at our club – which is open the whole year round.”
They added: “Too many people now spend hours sitting in armchairs watching sport or flicking through mobile phones – but not being active themselves. We want to reverse that trend and offer local residents of all ages the chance to try bowls for themselves in our full size indoor arena.”
The Erdington Court Bowls Club open day on 26 May is part of the nationwide Big Bowls Weekend, where over 800 bowls clubs across the country will be organising events to promote the sport and encourage new members.
Erdington Court Bowls Club is situated on Bowling Green Close, off Goosemoor Lane, in Erdington.
Graphic of proposed Starbucks drive-thru development for 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Pic taken from planning application
Birmingham City Council (BCC) has recently refused a planning application to turn an old builder’s merchant yard, on an empty site connecting Tybrun Road and Wheelright Lane, into a drive-thru Starbucks coffee shop.
Plans submitted the council officers early this year by Godwin Developments, who officially own the land at 428 Tyburn Road, were rejected by BCC over concerns ‘the proposed development would result in harm to the area’s visual amenity and residential amenity,’ as stated in the planning department’s final report.
Whilst making their decision, BCC explored the impact of the proposed ‘erection of a single story building’ on the surrounding businesses and residential dwellings, as well as the ‘associated parking’ to support customer to the drive thru – which could have seen up to 20 standard parking bays and four points for charging electric vehicles.
Charging station for electric vehicles / Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images
A previous application to turn the neighbouring site at 430 Tyburn Road into a multi-point charging station for electric vehicles was given the green light by Birmingham City Council in 2023, despite resident’s concerns and objections led by Mick Brown (Gravelly Hill, Labour).
The Godwin Group, which has registered offices in both Birmingham and London, had announced their plans for a ‘a brand-new coffee drive thru’ at the 428 Tyburn Road site in June 2024 – heralding the development as ‘contributing to the visual uplift and natural surveillance’, whilst also bringing 30 jobs to the area.
Layout of plans for propsed Starbucks drive-thru at 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Taken from planning application
Releasing information about the proposed coffee shop project on their website, Simon Handslip, Managing Director of Commercial Development at Godwin, said: “[The Starbuck Drive-Thru] is expected to serve not only passing traffic and pedestrians using Tyburn Road, but also the local community, the nearby industrial estates and plentiful retailers in the area.
He added: “This application is one of many similar commercial schemes we are currently progressing with well-known national and international brands. We have a huge appetite for similar sites nationwide and seek partnerships with real estate and retail brands to bring forward new roadside schemes paired with EV charging.”
But in the Council’s Final Decision notice, officers found the development would “fail to visually integrate within its surroundings or enhance the character of the surrounding area”, adding the coffee chain outlet “would be an incongruous addition to the street scene” and “have an adverse impact on the surrounding public realm.”
Layout of plans for propsed Starbucks drive-thru at 428 Tyburn Road, as submitted to Birmingham City Council / Taken from planning application
However, following BCC’s decision to refuse the planning application for 428 Tyburn Road, effectively halting plans, a spokesperson for Godwin Developments explained they were still looking to push the project over the finish line.
They told Erdington Local: “Despite the recent rejection of our plans by Birmingham City Council, we are still actively progressing the redevelopment of the former builder’s merchants yard on Tyburn Road into a new drive-thru Starbucks store.”
They added: “Following productive discussions with council officers, we are currently refining our proposals to align with their requirements. We are confident that this development will not only enhance the area’s visual appeal but will also serve the needs of the local community and customers of the adjacent 24-bay EV charging hub.”
Godwin also own the remaining retail units at what used to be the Central Square shopping precinct on Erdington High Street – having sold the remaining land to a London based property firm, Castle Haven Developments, who previously told Erdington Local they are looking at using the site for residential development.
Words by Steph Porter / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Friends playng at youth group run by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
Friendship is a vital part of life.
Having people to share experiences with and talk to creates a sense of belonging that can be deeply grounding. Not only does friendship support social wellbeing, it’s also linked to improved brain function, lower anxiety, and even longer life expectancy.
For many young people, friendship is everything – messages from friends that wake them up, football at break, deep conversations at lunch, time in the park, or evenings at their local youth club. It’s how they explore the world, build social skills, and develop a sense of self.
You rarely see young people alone, and that’s something to be celebrated. We want young people to experience the joy and growth that comes through connection.
Recent programmes like Adolescence on Netflix have highlighted just how formative these years are, and how vital it is for young people not only to experience healthy friendships, but also to have safe, trusted adults walking alongside them as they navigate the highs and lows of growing up.
Of course, friendship isn’t always easy. Peer pressure, feelings of exclusion, and the pressure to fit in can make it complicated.
That’s why, at UDB, we are passionate about creating spaces where friendship can truly thrive, whether that’s in our clubs or out in the community.
We’re also committed to being a listening ear when young people face worries or fallouts, and we’re privileged to walk alongside them as they figure out this essential part of life.
Teacher Mollie Duncanson and Erdington Academy students with Erdington Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore, Police Commissioner Simon Foster, Florence Cadge and Cllr Waseem Zaffar of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
Students at Erdington Academy have sent a “courageous” message to local leaders about air pollution and road safety at their school – according one of the city’s key spokespeople over transport and clean air.
On Friday, 14 March, pupils from the academy, which is part of Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, welcomed the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster and three Birmingham councillors – to show them first-hand the impact of traffic at the school gates on Kingsbury Road.
Attending the school alongside the PCC were Erdington Ward representatives Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative) and Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative).
Cllr Waseem Zaffar and Florence Cadge of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition outside the Erdingotn Academy gates / Pic supplied by Gary Phleps Communications
The Erdington councillors were also joined by Cllr Waseem Zarrar (Lozells, Labour) who is part of the Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition – a collective of health, transport and environmental organisations with a focus on combatting air pollution.
Cllr Zaffar was on the Sustainability and Transport Overview & Scrutiny Committee at Birmingham City Council until 2025 and was a key advocate of the city’s recent transport plan – which saw planters and concrete blocks pedestrianise residential roads in local neighbourhoods, and the introduction of the Clean Air Zone charges in Birmingham City Centre.
The visit from the local dignitaries to Erdington Academy was the culmination of six months of extracurricular workshops with the students – as delivered by Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition at the academy.
Year 10 student Brycen Olakunle explained: “I think they listened to us. We hope that the councillors can refer our situation to local engineers to get a pedestrian crossing installed outside the school on the main road.”
They added: “We would also like road markings to be repainted, and improved signage around our school.”
Traffic congestion on Kingsbury Road outside Erdington Acadmy / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communication
After working with the students, Cllr Zaffar told: “It’s amazing the way the schoolchildren have come forward and identified a real problem which affects their daily life and have been courageous enough to speak to officials who make those key decisions.
“It’s brilliant to see young people having the confidence to challenge politicians and hold them to account, and also to see the politicians responding.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster also told: “I’m very impressed with the work the children have done and seeing them step up to raise their concerns. They communicated the issues excellently.
“This is an issue we see across the region, and we must ensure we are tackling it. It’s a top priority for West Midlands Police, as outlined in our new plan for 2025, which will soon be published.”
Erdington Academy students students explain to visitors the challenges of road safety and air pollution at the school gates each day / Pic supplied by Gary Phelps Communications
After speaking to the Erdington Academy students, Cllr Gather Moore (Erdington Ward, Conservative) said: “It’s good to see the children are raising the issues that impact them on a daily basis, and it’s very concerning to hear that accidents have happened.
“I look forward to bringing these issues to the council and working with the police and council to do whatever we can to improve road safety and make children feel safe.”
Cllr Robert Alden added: “It’s great to see the passion of the children who want to ensure their journeys to and from school are as safe as possible.”
Police car outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
Perry Common residents have been allowed back home after being evacuated early today, following the discovery of “suspicious items” at a residential address on Hastings Road – just off Witton Lodge Road.
At around 9am on Thursday 20 March, locals living on and around Witton Lodge Road were asked by police to quickly vacate their homes, to make way for a bomb disposal unit which had been brought in to investigate findings of an early morning raid.
Concerns were raised by the police after a “pre-planned warrant” was executed in the early hours and officers found objects that may have been linked to explosive devices.
After cordoning off Witton Lodge Road, from Perry Common Community Hall up to College Road, police at the scene evacuated all residents – with some seeking refuge at Perry Common Hall, whilst others rested at the popular Jacy’s Café on ‘the ring’ or waited on the central grassy area.
Police searching residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
After a few hours, at around 11:15am, the police tape was finally lifted and residents were allowed back to their homes – with some having had to leave so quickly they were still in dressing gowns and pyjamas.
Residents with mobility issue were also asked to move, with police at the scene helping those that needed it to reach a safe place beyond the cordoned off area.
One local resident told Erdington Local: “The police knocked on our door and at first just wanted us to stay indoors, but then they came back not long afterwards and said we had to leave.
“It was still morning, and I hadn’t got dressed yet – it’s just a good thing it’s a nice {sunny] day.”
Police officers remained at the Hastings Road address, after evacuated residents were allowed back to their homes.
And whilst the officers at the scene were able to confirm there was no threat to public safety, the uncertainly about what caused the road closure and mass evacuation remained a mystery for most of those affected – with some residents reporting the army had been drafted in and others stating an old WWII bomb had been discovered.
Police removing bags of items seized from residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Local saw officers from both the local police teams and specialist units oustide and searching an address at Hastings Road – on the corner of Witton Lodge Road and opposite Story Wood Primary School – and removing several bags of items from the residential address and loading them into the back of unmarked police vehicles.
The neighbour of the Hastings Road address that was the focus of police activity, told Erdington Local: “I don’t know what happened, they just knocked on my door this morning at around 9am and told me I had to leave.
“I wasn’t given any information… [all the residents] were just told we had to leave [our homes].”
She added: “I’m allowed back in now, but they’re still here [and searching the address]. And I still don’t know what’s been going on next door.”
Police outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed: “A cordon was put in place this morning after suspicious items were discovered during a pre-planned warrant at an address on Hastings Road.
“This cordon has now been lifted after the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed there was no risk to the wider public.”
They added: “Nearby residents who were evacuated as a precaution have now returned to their homes, and we thank them for their patience.”
Police search a residential address on Hastings Road in Perry Common following mass evacuation
