Tag: Paulette Hamilton

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)

As Parliament enters its summer recess and schools have broken up for the holidays, our community in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott is bursting with activity. This period is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together and for me to focus on local issues that matter to you.

I have been very concerned about the recent developments at John Taylor Hospice. That’s why I have written to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to express my deep concerns about the hospice’s future.

Recently, I joined the local police and partners for the ‘All Out Day’ event on Erdington High Street. It was a fantastic day of community interaction and engagement. I am also pleased to say that police response officers have been redeployed at Erdington Police Station, strengthening local policing.

I had the pleasure of attending the Hesketh Neighbourhood Watch’s Summer Fete. It was heartwarming to see so many residents come together to celebrate and support each other.

Events like these highlight the strength and unity of our community, especially with the violence and disorder our country is witnessing on our streets. I’m proud to work with our local mosques and places of worship, community groups, and the police to ensure our community is a welcoming place for all.

As we enjoy the summer, let’s continue to work together to address our local challenges and celebrate our successes. Your support and involvement are what makes our community a wonderful place to live and work.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In the early hours of Friday 5 July, millions of people across the country woke up to the news that they had elected a Labour government, putting their faith in change after 14 years of Conservative chaos.

Closer to home, in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, I was proud to be re-elected as your Member of Parliament for the place I call home.

I want to thank everyone who put their trust in me and voted for change. And even if you didn’t vote for me, I will still be your MP and my door is always open.

In my acceptance speech, I emphasised my commitment to continue listening to the voices of local people. A key concern was around Erdington High Street and the work has already started to address the issues, by working with the local police, council, traders, residents, and community groups.

However, I recognise the need for additional support. Improving our High Street remains a top priority for me, which is why I will be raising this issue with the new government.

I will also fight for better funding for the area, support for local residents facing rising costs, more police on the streets, and easier access to GP and dentist appointments. Additionally, I aim to continue confronting the challenges posed by HMOs that are blighting our neighbourhoods.

While the scars of Tory neglect run deep after 14 years of chaos, a new dawn has broken, giving millions across our country hope for the future.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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LOCAL Q&A: Paulette Hamilton retains Erdington for Labour as constituency makes a historical political shift

Lead pic supplied by Birmingham Labour – additional pics by Claire Taylor and Ed King

On 4 July, people across the country took to the ballot boxes to vote in their Members of Parliament and to determine the political elite who would in turn run the country. The Conservative Government was toppled, and Labour won by a landslide. But not without both losing significant ground to Independents and minor parties up and down the UK.

Paulette Hamilton retained the Birmingham Erdington seat and kept the red flag flying over the traditionally Labour stronghold. But Reform UK stepped over the Conservatives to be the constituency’s official opposition, marking the first time in Erdington’s history the political battle was not just between red and blue.

Erdington Local caught up with Paulette Hamilton to find out some of the MP’s thoughts on the recent General Election, and what the new political playing field could mean for the future of Erdington.

Congratulations on securing the Birmingham Erdington seat in your first General Election. What are your priorities now you can continue to serve as Erdington’s MP?
“Thank you. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in this democratic process by casting their vote. Regardless of whether you voted for me or not, I am committed to working tirelessly on your behalf, and my door is always open if you need assistance.

“It is an honour to be re-elected as your local MP on the priorities I outlined during the election. These priorities include assisting struggling families with the cost of living, investing in our NHS to expand dental and GP appointments, increasing police presence on our streets, building more affordable homes, addressing the HMO issue and tackling the problems we face on Erdington High Street. These are the issues that residents consistently bring to my attention, and I remain focused on addressing them.”

Are you disappointed not get a place in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet?
“My commitment first and foremost is to the people of Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott. I entered politics to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Having lived in Erdington for 37 years and raised my family here, and with 25 years of experience as an NHS nurse where I started my career in Kingstanding, I am deeply connected to our community. Local people have elected me to be their voice in Parliament, and that remains my top priority.

“I’m delighted that Labour have been given the opportunity to serve and I will continue to support Keir and all my colleagues in Government. My place is in representing our community and fighting for their needs and that commitment drives my actions.”

With a Labour Government now in Westminster, and MPs familiar to your constituency with key cabinet positions, what changes do you hope this could bring to the people of Erdington?
“Our area urgently needs investment, opportunities, and hope for future generations, which it did not have under the Conservatives.  With a Labour Government now in Westminster, I am committed to using every opportunity to highlight the challenges our community faces.

“Although it’s still early days, I’ve already begun speaking up for our area. Rest assured; our voices will be heard in Parliament and Government.”

And how will the change in Westminster affect the wider city’s ongoing financial crisis?
“Our country faced over a decade of Tory austerity, resulting in a £1 billion cut from Birmingham City Council’s budget. Youth services, police numbers, and public finances were severely impacted. The Tories’ unfunded tax cuts crashed our economy that resulted in higher mortgage rates, higher bills, and surging inflation.

“I am under no illusion that the state of our economy inherited by the Labour Government presents a huge challenge. While promising overnight improvements would be neither honest nor responsible, the Labour Government is focused on economic growth to enhance spending on public services. Their approach includes providing multi-year funding settlements to councils, ending wasteful competitive bidding, and supporting local audit system reforms to ensure better value for taxpayers.

“Councils across the country are facing crisis, and the Labour Government has a comprehensive plan to address these challenges and work for the benefit of local communities.”

For the first time in the constituency’s history, the two leading parties are not just Labour and Conservative – with Reform UK taking 22.9% of the votes for second place. What is your response to the new opposition party in Erdington?
“The Conservatives’ track record has left many communities feeling let down, leading to frustration at the ballot box. In contrast, Labour secured a huge mandate with 411 seats nationwide, and a substantial majority of 172. Here in Birmingham Erdington, our majority doubled.

“The results in places like Erdington highlight the frustrations. Local people have experienced years of failure under the Tories, and this shift reflected their desire for change.”

Dr Shaukat Ali stood as an Independent, achieving 6.7% of the votes and virtually coming in joint fourth with the Green Party candidate. Independent candidates did well in the 2024 General Election, challenging some seats and taking others – such as Perry Barr. What can you now do to address the concerns of voters who feel disillusioned with the main political parties?
“To address the concerns of voters who feel disillusioned with the main political parties, I commit to actively listening to feedback. I understand that some voters were frustrated and felt unable to vote for me or any of the major parties.

“Under a Labour Government, I want to see communities brought together, rather than divided. My message to you is this: I hear your concerns, and I am dedicated to continuing to engage with you, listen, and work together toward addressing the issues that you care about.”

What do you feel about the reports of aggressive campaigning and intimidation that have arguably besmirched parts of this General Election?
“Where it is established that intimidation and aggressive behaviour towards candidates and campaigns has occurred, it must always be called out and condemned, and if necessary, investigated by the authorities.

“I’m proud to live in a country that values democracy. Here in Birmingham Erdington, the conduct of other candidates in our area was not reflective of that in other parts of the city. While we can have our political differences and debates, they need to be put forward respectfully. That’s the minimum standard expected from the people we want to represent.”

Crime is a constant issue for our readers and Erdington residents, and you have been vocal about your concerns over the approach to the region’s policing under Chief Constable Craig Guildford. The Reform UK candidate Jack Brookes is also clear on his concerns over crime and policing. What will you now look for from the PPC’s office to really address these concerns?
“Since 2010, police funding has been stripped. The country has seen significant cuts to police numbers and services by the Conservative Government and in the West Midlands, we have lost over 2,000 police officers and hundreds of police staff.

“I know that local people are seeing the results of these cuts, especially on Erdington High Street, which is the main reason people contact me and my office.

“The PCC has prioritised to rebuild community policing by putting more neighbourhood police officers on the front line. Labour has committed to an extra 13,000 police back on our streets, and I will be working with the PCC to ensure our area gets its fair share to combat the issues we face.”

Many Erdington Local readers also raise concerns about how ‘present’ politicians are in the area, and how their focus is on winning elections and not supporting their constituents. Now you have a clear four years ahead, what can you do to build confidence in your constituents?
“As an MP, I’m elected to represent our area in Parliament and I am usually there from Monday to Thursday. But Erdington is my home, where I have lived for the past 37 years and where I raised my family. I shop on Erdington High Street and get my groceries on Slade Road. I bought my first house in Erdington and started my career as a nurse at Warren Farm Urgent Care Centre.

“I want to be a voice for the people in our community and hold regular advice surgeries in every corner of the constituency. To date, I have opened over 4,000 new cases for constituents and am committed to being present at community events, local schools, and advocating for better services. In the years ahead, I aim to strengthen our relationship by standing by your side and fighting for the things that matter to you.”

The final question comes from Jack Brookes, the Reform UK candidate. He asks: “As Paulette Hamilton seems so impressed with this country’s foreign policy stance on Vladimir Putin, if conscription is introduced would she be happy for her children to be sent to the front line to fight Russian soldiers?”

“I’m proud of our brave armed forces and the incredible service they provide to keep our country safe. We should never lose sight of this, and they deserve our utmost gratitude and respect.

“Labour is the party of NATO and will continue to meet the challenge of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine by strengthening our armed forces and protecting our national security – because it is the right thing to do.

“The security of our country and the safety of our citizens is the first duty of any government, whether facing down Putin’s aggression or a threat from anywhere else.”

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Birmingham Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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NEWS: Seven candidates standing for Birmingham Erdington on 4 July General Election

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

On Thursday 4 July, voters across the country will be taking to the polls to elect their members of Parliament, and in turn the government.

Birmingham Erdington, a traditionally strong Labour seat, will see seven candidates contesting in the 2024 General Election. Four men and three women from across the political spectrum will be competing for votes to become Erdington’s representative in Westminster.

The Birmingham Erdington parliamentary constituency includes the political wards of Erdington, Stockland Green, Pype Hayes, Perry Common, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and since the boundary changes in 2023 parts of Oscott.

Shaukat Ali (Independent), Farzana Ann Aslam (Liberal Democrats), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Steve Knee (Conservatives), Karen Trench (Green Party), and Corinthia Ward (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition) are the candidates.

Erdington has been in Labour’s hands since 1936. The constituency’s current MP, Paulette Hamilton, who won the by-election in 2022 after the death of previous MP Jack Dromey, will likely be confident of keeping the constituency red.

Ms Hamilton, a former Birmingham City Council cabinet member, told Erdington Local: “Erdington is not just a place on the map for me, each corner is a chapter of my life.

“For over 35 years, it’s where I have raised my family and served with pride as a governor at Yenton Primary School.

“It’s where my journey as a nurse began with training in Kingstanding, before dedicating 25 years to our beloved NHS.

“Erdington is where I was elected as its Member of Parliament, it has shaped who I am today. I’m proud to call it my home and will continue to fight for the services local people deserve.”

But the Erdington Ward has two popular and longstanding Conservative councillors, which bring the Tories some goodwill in the area and potentially turn voters who have become disillusioned with Birmingham’s ruling Labour party after the city’s financial crisis

However, this year’s General Election will be the first since 2010 that Cllr Robert Alden – who is also leader of the Birmingham Conservatives and lives in the heart of Erdington – is not standing for the Conservatives. Instead, Derbyshire businessman Steve Knee has been campaigning for Birmingham Erdington since being voted in as the Conservatives Parliamentary candidate in March.

Mr Knee told: “Whilst out on the campaign trail in recent weeks, including during the successful by-election win in Kingstanding, I have met some terrific residents who are all clearly proud of their constituency and frustrated at the tax increases and service cuts coming from the Labour controlled Birmingham City Council.

“It is clear that good local representation is essential for residents of Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale.

“As such my priorities are to: Work with the terrific team of Conservative councillors in the constituency to stand up against council tax rises and crippling cuts to local services.”

Competing to be Erdington’s MP for the second time is Jack Brookes for Reform UK. The 25-year-old Libertarian will be hoping to benefit from Nigel Farage re-entering the political stage and resuming leadership of Reform UK, previously the Brexit Party.

One of the three Parliamentary candidates who lives in the constituency, Mr Brookes believes Birmingham needs a dose of law and order.

Mr Brookes told Erdington Local: “We need a crackdown on crime. It’s holding us back. When we bring back law and order then people will be able to thrive and standards of living will increase exponentially. The right to self-defense is absolute!

“Birmingham is the definition of anarcho-tyranny thanks to Labour and the Tories.”

He added: “Freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I will put my life on the line for these things. As long as you are not hurting anyone you should live your life how you see fit. These are what our ancestors fought and died for.”

Qualified barrister and Surrey based councillor Farzana Aslam has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Birmingham Erdington seat, despite being based over 100 miles from the city of a thousand trades.

Boasting a formidable CV, with degrees from Oxford and the London School of Economics, Ms Aslam has worked for NGOs, taught in Hong Kong, and is currently a director for a management consultancy.

Ms Aslam said: “I have a long history of voluntary work for NGO’s and charities specialising in social justice issues and am an active campaigner on local community issues relating to healthcare, the environment and local planning.

“I am not a career politician. I am relatively new to politics but driven by a deep desire to change the state our country is in.

“Birmingham Erdington is a community rich in diversity and history, but it is facing significant challenges that need urgent attention.”

George Galloway’s Workers Party is not fielding a candidate in Erdington. However, left wing voters do have an alternative to the Labour Party.

Trade Union and Socialist Coalition candidate Corinthia Ward also stood in the 2022 local elections for the Erdington Ward, garnering 95 votes.

Ms Ward said: “Growing up in Erdington, I can see first-hand the impact of Tory austerity and Labour council cuts on our community.

“In standing on a platform of anti-cuts and anti-war, I will work with local residents, trade unions and public sector staff to fight for the services and funding we need. Money can be found for bombs and dodgy PPE deals, but not for our streets or our youth.

She added: “This is why we need someone in Westminster who will raise the voice of ordinary workers while also linking it to the need for a new mass worker’s party in the interests of the many.”

The Green Party is also contesting the Birmingham Erdington seat in the 2024 General Election, flying the flag for those concerned about the environment and climate change.

With clean air zones and low traffic neighbourhoods coming under attack from other parties, their Parliamentary candidate Karen Trench will be defending environmentally friendly policies whilst demanding bolder action.

Ms Trench, a former Perry Barr Liberal Democrat councillor (2004-2018), won more than 9,000 votes in the 2010 General Election when she stood for the Perry Barr constituency and came second to Labour’s Khalid Mahmood. However, this will be her first election standing for the Green Party.

She said: “I am passionate about environmental and community issues. I am proud to call Birmingham my home, but I have seen the decline in the area over successive governments. We need to see real change in our community and investment into services. I am appalled by the cuts to youth services.

“I am standing for the Green Party as they have the right policies to tackle the major issues in our society such as climate change, homelessness and the cost of living crisis.”

Telford based Dr Shaukat Ali is standing as an independent. The pro-Palestine candidate is hoping to attract voters with the mainstream parties’ stance on the Israel/Gaza conflict.

Dr Ali said: “Britain is in a state of decay. Enough is enough. Who is to blame? Just ask yourself which two parties have governed the UK for the past 100 years and you will find an answer. What they offer is not change, but their turn. Do your bit to remould British politics for the common good, not the few.”

He added: “Let’s reset our moral compass. Tens of thousands of innocent women and children are being bombed, killed and starved in Palestine, yet the main parties are silent. Your MP even voted against a ceasefire.”

To find out more on the Parliamentary candidates across the country standing for the 4 July 2025 General Election, and to locate your nearest polling station, visit www.whocanivotefor.co.uk

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

At the end of May, Rishi Sunak, in a last-ditch attempt to save his premiership, called a general election ahead of his own Conservative Party attempting to replace him.

The Conservatives want your vote, but ask yourself, after 14 years of Conservative government, do you feel better off?

The country and our community in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott are left with a simple choice. Do we continue the chaos with the Tories, or do we turn a page in our country’s history and vote for change with Labour?

Our NHS is broken, and local people find it impossible to get GP and dentist appointments. Energy bills have skyrocketed, and after the Conservatives crashed our economy, mortgages have gone through the roof. Our tax burden is the highest it has been since the 1960s.

Nothing is working. Our community deserves better. We all deserve better.

Labour has a fully costed plan to fix what the Conservatives have broken. An extra 13,000 police on our streets, 1.5 million new homes, and 40,000 more NHS appointments will just start to repair the damage that has already been done.

Two years ago, I was honoured to be elected as your Member of Parliament to represent the area where I have raised my children for more than 35 years and call home.

I’m proud to be standing again as your local Labour candidate to continue the work we’ve done together to improve our community.

Give change a chance and let’s end this chaos.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

This month, I have been pleased to support Erdington Friends of the Library in their campaign to protect and preserve our local library, following a consultation by the Council.

Our libraries serve as essential hubs for learning, community engagement, and have historical relevance. As a local resident of Erdington who has used our local libraries for decades, I understand how important these local facilities are to our community.

These spaces promote knowledge, creativity, and social connections, and we must preserve them for future generations.

I wrote a letter to the Council expressing my strong opposition to any closures of our libraries and also attended the library consultation event in Erdington, where I was heartened to see so many passionate individuals coming together to voice their concerns.

I signed Erdington Friends of the Library’s petition, urging the council to carefully consider the views of local people about the future of their libraries.

I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to our new Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker.

His leadership and vision will undoubtedly benefit our community and region. I look forward to meeting him soon to discuss how we can work together to fulfil one of his key pledges: revitalising our High Streets and making it a thriving destination once again.

Results like these send a clear message that people in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and across the country deserve better. After 14 years of Tory chaos and mismanagement, it’s time for change.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – Cllr Ray Goodwin

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

It’s been a busy few weeks on Castle Vale.

Work is about to start shortly on Filton Croft and by the time you will have read this we will have held our Crime and Community Safety Summit.

A lot has been said over the last few weeks about politicians not listening to the communities they represent, but one of the things I have done over the last two years has been open and accessible to residents – this is why my regular estate walk abouts are so important, it means I can talk to residents to listen to their concerns and issues and deal with them straight away where possible.

My commitment is to continue to do this and talk to as many people as possible on a daily and weekly basis and discuss what matters to them most, Castle Vale!

I want local democracy to be at the heart of everything I do, and this is the best way to do this. I see residents on a daily basis for appointments. But, also, I hold a monthly advice surgery for residents as well.

Whilst over the last two years a lot of good things have happened – including securing a new bus route to the fort shopping centre.

There is now, however, more to do, and I will be leading the charge to the West Midlands mayor that there is a train station and that station is called ‘CASTLE VALE’.

For more from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin visit www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale 

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NEWS: Castle Vale Councillor to hold ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ at Greenwood Academy on 18 May

Words & pics by Ed King / Profile pic supplied by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) is to hold a special ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ to address concerns of crime and policing on the estate.

Scheduled for Saturday 18 May, the event will be held in Greenwood Academy’s main school hall from 1:30pm – open to all and free to attend.

Local residents and community groups will be invited, as will the local police force, representatives from the estate’s main housing provider The Pioneer Group, and the Erdington constituency MP Paulette Hamilton.

Cllr Goodwin has informed Erdington Local he will further be inviting the sitting West Midlands Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, who will both begin their new terms in office from 2 May.

Cllr Goodwin has organised the public meeting after being “fed up” with the “hands off approach” to policing on Castle Vale, and the dangers a lack of visible police presence can allow.

Having held a previous public meeting about safety on the estate in 2023, Cllr Goodwin has pushed forward this year’s ‘crime summit’ after police seemingly ignored local witness reports of gun shots following a “violent disorder” on the High Street on Thursday 5 April.

According to the police’s initial statement issued on Friday 6 April, the attack, which took place in broad daylight in and around the Nisa convenience store, was isolated to “four masked men – understood to be carrying machetes”.

However, multiple Castle Vale locals reported hearing what they believed to be gun shots and took to social media to warn others about the incident.

Cllr Goodwin repeatedly petitioned police to escalate their investigation and take seriously the potential involvement of firearms, even taking them to where spent shotgun cartridges had been found near the scene of the crime.

Days later and after heavy rainfall, police returned to continue with forensic investigations, stating they had received “a report of a firearm being discharged” and were “keeping an open mind” about the nature of the assault.

Cllr Goodwin told Erdington Local: “Like many residents, I am fed up with what feels like a hands off approach from the police when it comes to crime on Castle Vale. I understand budgets have been cut, but the lack of police presence on the estate is a serious concern.

“Plus, the seeming unwillingness to listen to local residents is totally unacceptable – we should be working together to keep Castle Vale safe; residents should not have to push the police into action over reports of serious crime.”

Crime on Castle Vale is often a cause for concern amongst the local residents, businesses, and civic stakeholders who live and work on the estate. In a recent Ward meeting, one of the action plan points was how to make Castle Vale ‘bold and safe’ – with a formal request to see the estate’s CCTV upgraded featured on the meeting minutes.

The absence of a local police station in Castle Vale has also often been criticised, following its closure after West Midlands Police announced an initial 28 community stations were getting axed in 2015. The building, situated at the end of Castle Vale High Street, has now been converted into apartments.

But whilst the impact of crime and the loss of community policing is felt across the city, there are a mix of opinions about how these issues directly affect life on the north Birmingham estate.

One Castle Vale resident told Erdington Local: “I don’t think the policing on Castle Vale is any worse than other areas of Birmingham. The recent incident (on 5 April) highlighted the fact that the police need to listen to the residents more and take on board what they say. 

“If it hadn’t been for Cllr Ray Goodwin and Erdington Local, they would not have investigated the firearms involvement. A bigger police presence would be appreciated at night when the street cruising and racing around the estate is rife.”

However, another Castle Vale local and young mother added: “I can’t let my children play out on the estate due to the amount of violent crime which goes unchecked. If there was a more visible police presence there wouldn’t be as many teenagers out to cause trouble. 

“Youngsters on motorbikes race round the estate and, even if reported, the police don’t come to investigate or find them. We also need the CCTV system to be fully functioning and monitored 24 hours a day.”

Organised by Cllr Ray Goodwin, the ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ will be held at Greenwood Academy from 1:30pm on Saturday 18 May – free to attend and open to all.

Updates will be posted online at www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale and on Erdington Local

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Words and pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale enjoyed the Easter break and could spend some valuable time with your family. Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and joy – a time for us to come together, reflect on what matters most.

This spring, it was heartwarming to see our communities come together for Easter, Eid, Vaisakhi and Passover, sharing festivities and traditions, and strengthening the community spirit that makes our area so unique.

These important bonds extend to our amazing local organisations, as was evident during my recent visit to Erdington Court Bowls Club. There, I had the pleasure of congratulating them on receiving the Shared Prosperity Fund from Witton Lodge Community Association.

This grant has funded a new bowls-friendly wheelchair, ensuring that bowling can be accessible to even more members of our community. This is a testament to the power of local organisations working together for the common good.

It’s this spirit that makes me incredibly proud to call our area my home and reminds me of how my own journey began, working as a district nurse in Kingstanding to serving our community as a governor at Yenton Primary School.

But there are so many unsung heroes in our community who work tirelessly, to help others and it is in that spirit that I would like to celebrate this Easter.

I will be finding unsung heroes across Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale and telling them how much they mean to me. Why don’t you do the same.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – Cllr Ray Goodwin

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

Castle Vale is a community rich in talent with good and decent people who look out for each other – and this became really apparent over the last few weeks with the high-profile incident on Castle Vale High Street. 

It is because of the amazing community that Castle Vale is resilient and will bounce back bigger, better stronger.

However, I won’t be resting on my laurels and I will be making sure Castle Vale is getting the best deal possible. I will be holding a ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ on the 18 May 2024 at Greenwood Academy from 1.30pm onward.

I will be inviting a representative from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, the West Midlands Mayor’s office, and the Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton. The Pioneer Group housing association has already agreed to attend.

My biggest ask is that we reopen a visibly present police station.

The Pop-Up Police Station is great, but it’s not enough. We need to ensure that the incident that occurred on 5 April on the High Street is an isolated incident, and that we do more to not only tackle crime but to deal with the issues that lead to crime.

I won’t be taking no for an answer, and I won’t allow Castle Vale to be treated like second best.

I will stand up be counted and do what needs to be done to represent this amazing community.

For more from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin visit www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale