Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street, outside Spritfire House / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale has always been a community that punches above its weight. As we move into autumn, I am reminded once again that our greatest strength is our people.
Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of what makes the Vale special. It brought residents, local organisations and community groups together, showcasing the pride, talent and determination that exist across our neighbourhood.
We should never underestimate the power of bringing people together.
However, there is still work to do.
The household waste collection pilot continues to cause frustration, with residents raising concerns about missed collections and outstanding bins. I want the pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents, resolving problems quickly and ensuring the service delivers what people have been promised.
As we approach winter, we must also recognise the pressures facing many households. Rising living costs, the challenge of keeping homes warm and the strain on family budgets will leave some residents struggling.
Working alongside organisations such as Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing will be vital in ensuring people know where to turn for help.
Being a councillor is about more than attending meetings or making promises. It is about listening, challenging decisions when necessary and working with residents to find practical solutions. Castle Vale is not without its challenges, but it has something incredibly valuable: a community that cares.
My commitment remains simple: to keep listening, keep speaking up and keep working to make Castle Vale a better place for everyone.
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.
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Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin
As the television show goes, Last of the Summer Wine has finally come to an end — and as we move into autumn, our thoughts are turning towards the winter ahead.
For many residents, winter can be difficult. Rising household costs, the pressures of keeping homes warm and the challenges faced by those already struggling mean our focus now has to be on making sure people know where they can turn for help and support.
That work will involve not only our fantastic partner organisations, including Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing, but also the community itself. Castle Vale has always been strongest when residents are placed at the heart of what we do. That will be particularly important over the coming months.
Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of that spirit. It was an amazing day that showcased the very best of Castle Vale — our people, organisations and the incredible community pride that exists here.
But we shouldn’t kid ourselves. We still have some stubborn issues to tackle.
The rollout of the waste pilot is becoming increasingly frustrating. At times, it feels like we are playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when one problem appears to have been dealt with, another seems to pop up.
We need to keep pushing for solutions, listening to residents and holding those responsible to account.
Castle Vale is an amazing community. This autumn and winter, we need to make sure we continue putting that community at the centre of everything we do.
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.
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Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)
We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.
I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.
But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.
Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.
I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.
There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.
This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.
Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.
I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.
Cllr Ray Goodwin, outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin
For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.
That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.
The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.
However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.
Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.
Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.
I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.
We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin
There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.
These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.
West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.
It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.
On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.
Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.
One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.
The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.
I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.
I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.
There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.
On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.
For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.
Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.
But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.
This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.
I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.
Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.
Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The world feels as though it’s on its axis at the moment, and I believe it is incumbent on anyone in public life to show moral leadership.
That is why I decided to delete my X account. This decision was not taken because I am against free speech, but because I could not associate myself with a social media platform that freely allows the abuse of another individual through the use of AI.
The work I do in Castle Vale has always been about social justice and equality, without fear or favour. It is what I have focused on for the past three and a half years, and it will always guide my moral compass.
As we move into January and the first part of the year, there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Park regeneration is about to begin, and recently the BBC came to Castle Vale and showed what an amazing community this truly is—something we have always known.
The latest IMD figures are now out, and I am over the moon to say that in 2021 Castle Vale was the fourth most deprived ward in the city. Today, we have moved to fourteenth. That is really good news. The statistics also show that crime is down.
There is so much to be proud of: crime down, cleaner streets, regenerated parks, a stronger community.
In 2022, I promised a cleaner, greener, safer Castle Vale—and that is exactly what I am delivering.
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale residents are still not receiving vital post following weeks of Royal Mail ‘service disruption’, with some not having had any mail since before Christmas.
But according to the Royal Mail, the Erdington constituency no longer has a problem with deliveries and has been removed from the list of affected areas highlighted on the national postal service’s website.
Areas across the region still listed as affected include Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth.
But missing post continues to have a serious impact across the Castle Vale estate – with residents not receiving important letters such as hospital appointments and offers of school placements, alongside parcels containing Christmas gifts and cards.
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street – full of letters with / Photograph by Ed King
One resident, living on Tangmere Drive, told Castle Vale Local they have not received any mail for over a month. Whilst a further group of nine residents – all over 70 – explained they had not received any mail for over seven weeks.
Adding to local concern, the Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street has been left unemptied for so long that letters can no longer be posted into it, with the backlog so dense that mail can be seen bursting out of the slot.
Royal Mail has also stated that the ‘service disruptions’ of postal deliveries across the UK is ‘due to severe weather’.
However, Storm Goretti – the recent adverse weather that would have most affected roads and logistics networks across the country – only reached the UK on the 8-9 January, according to the Met Office.
Royal Mail van driving through snow covering the road / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Local has heard further conflicting reports from sources at Royal Mail delivery offices, stating that whilst some lorries were unable to make scheduled deliveries due to snow and ice on the roads the delays are due – at least in part – to a lack of staff across the national mail network.
Internal sources have further told how agency staff have been brought in to work on behalf of Royal Mail elsewhere in Erdington constituency – alongside unbranded vehicles, and not official Royal Mail vans, being used to collected parcels from a High Street Post Office.
Existing employees at local depots also share customer frustrations, with one member of staff saying the disruption has been internally flagged up as unacceptable by staff and aimed at Royal Mail management.
Royal Mail post box covered in snow / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin initially contacted Castle Bromwich Delivery office “in relation to residents’ concerns about letters not being delivered”, recognising the delays in deliveries are “causing much frustration” across the North Birmingham estate.
Cllr Goodwin added: “I took it upon myself to go down to the [Castle Bromwich] delivery office to speak to someone.
“They said there has been a backlog of parcels and letters since Christmas and with the snow, they’re doing their very best to sort it by the end of the week (25 January).”
While there are reports that residents have started receiving some parcels and post, albeit dated from as far back as December 2025, Castle Vale Local has been unable to identify an official timescale as to when delivery issues will be fully resolved.
With Birmingham’s Local Elections fast approaching, and the deadline to apply for a postal vote on 31 January, the backlog of mail and delays to deliveries could also block those without digital access from being able to vote in May.
Royal Mail, now run by International Distributions Services, is owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group, following a recent £3.6 billion takeover.
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Royal Mail for further comment.
If you have any comments or responses to the issues raised in this article – or any other news from Castle Vale – please get in touch with Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher at: tracy@erdingtonlocal.com
Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale welcomed the festive season in spectacular style as hundreds of residents gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Centre Park on 1 December.
The event, made possible through the support of The Pioneer Group and a number of dedicated local partners, was a powerful reminder of the remarkable community spirit that defines our estate.
The evening opened with a heart-warming performance from our very own Pioneer Choir, whose beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols set the perfect tone for the celebrations.
Castle Vale’s Christmas Tree lights switch on event in Centre Park / Photograph supplied by The Pinoeer Group
Excitement grew as families waited for the arrival of our special guest – Santa himself – who delighted children and adults alike before helping to officially illuminate this year’s impressive Christmas tree.
This stunning centrepiece, proudly standing at the heart of Castle Vale, was generously donated along with the lights by Nationwide Windows and M&BG. Klassic Donuts added to the festivities with sweet treats that kept everyone warm and smiling throughout the night.
As the lights flickered on and the crowd cheered, it became clear that this event was more than a seasonal tradition; it was a celebration of togetherness.
Organisations such as Upcycle Birmingham, The Sanctuary, Castle Vale Community Environmental Trust, Spitfire Services, YoungStars Community Hub and Castle Pool Community Partnership all played a part in bringing the community together for an evening of joy, connection and pride.
With the unveiling of a special Christmas flag and more festive surprises to come, Christmas at the Vale is officially underway.
This year’s celebration stands as a shining example of what Castle Vale can achieve when we come together.
