NEWS: Shisha Shop at Six Ways Island closed down for selling illegal vapes

Shisha Shop at 280 High Street, Erdington, with shutters down after Closue Order issued / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Words by Erdington Local Editorial Team

Shisha Shop by Six Ways Island has been officially closed down, after West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards found the business was selling illegal vapes.

Promoting itself as offering ‘E-Cigs, Tobacco, Shisha & Accessories’, the business located at 280 High Street, Erdington, was targeted as part of the Operation Fearless initiative that started in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025.

Having accumulated enough evidence to establish the independent retailer was selling illegal vapes, West Midlands Police and Trading Standards finally secured a Closure Order from Birmingham Magistrates Court to force down the shutters on 11 August 2026.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Closure Order can be issued to shut down a business for up to three months if it is believed anyone at the address ‘has engaged, or is likely to engage, in criminal behaviour on the premises’.

Operation Fearless and Council notice on shutters at Shisha Shop, 280 High Street, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

The enforcement at 280 High Street, Erdington, was based on evidence gathered by Operation Fearless and enacted as part of Operation Cloud.

Public Health were also consulted, likely due to the potential health risks around the sale of illegal vapes, which are produced and sold without regulation.

Illegal vapes have been known to contain excess levels of nicotine, exceeding the legal UK limit, and can emit hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein from cheaply produce heating coils.

A study into the dangers of illegal vapes at the University of Dery also found the under the counter products can contain dangerous levels of lead, nickel, chromium, and cadmium – which can impair brain development.

Erdington Wrad Councillor Robert Alden on Erdington High Street with police / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

Following the closure of Shisha Shop, Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore told local residents through social media: “We have been pushing for tougher enforcement on Erdington High Street from Birmingham Police and Birmingham City Council, therefore we are delighted to see this enforcement action being taken.”

They added: “We will continue working with the Erdington BID to help hold the Council and Police to account and ensure that the enforcement action needed is taken to keep our High Street safe for local residents.”

Erdington Town Centre and BID Manager, Ed King, also told: “The sale of illegal vapes and smoking related products pose a real threat to people’s health – as well as the potential for children to access products legitimate and ethical business would not sell to them.

“Any business on Erdington High Street selling illegal products must stop or be forced to stop. It’s that simple.”

They added: “Operation Fearless showed what robust policing in the area can achieve, but when they left some of the problems started to return – with no effective strategy in place for the local team.

“Although, thankfully, Erdington’s new Sargeant [Sgt Millard] is now in post and has been rebuilding a strong Neighbourhood Police Team – cracking skulls and just getting on with the job.

“Erdington BID, working alongside Councillor Alden and Councillor Moore, will do everything to support Sgt Millard and her team – and we hope West Midlands Police are prepared to do the same.”

(l-r) Erdington Neighbourhood Police Seargent Millard, Town Centre Manager Ed King, Erdington BID events team and Community Market stall holders / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Directors of M1 Shisha Shop Ltd and A1 Shisha Shop Ltd, both registered at Companies House as retailers with the trading address 280 High Street Erdington, were issued with the official closure order.

Two Directors of Starborn International Limited, a property firm based in West London, were also issued with the closure order – alongside two further individuals, one based in Great Barr and one in Erdington.

 

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

Words by West Midlands Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

FEATURE: “If a job’s worth doing…” Erdington’s new Sergeant Claire Millard picks up where Operation Fearless left off

Sergeant Millard (third from left) standing outside St Barnabas Church with of the police and local community stakeholders / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com


Operation Fearless showed what high impact policing can do, after it launched in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025 and bit off a chunk of crime from the battle-weary High Street.

But since then, the remaining Neighbourhood Police Team has seen a revolving door of officers, sergeants, and inspectors come and go, leaving little but public mistrust and criminal hubris to fill in the void.

Enter Sergeant Claire Millard, who cut her teeth in the London Met and is now heading up Erdington’s local police force.

Erdington Local went for a coffee and a chat with Sgt Millard on Erdington High Street, to find out who she is, how she operates, and why things might once again be starting to change for the better.

——

Profile picture of Sergeant Millard / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Shaun Hand

I meet Sergeant Millard at Oiko’s Café on Erdington High Street, her arrival heralded by high volume banter from two smokers outside The Swan pub across the concourse. Sgt Millard smiles and acknowledges the loud ladies in question, taking it all in her stride, and we sit down with a coffee. Over the background hum of Oiko’s lunchtime trade and the occasional crackly chatter from Sgt Millard’s radio, we start at the beginning.

“I’m from East London, Walthamstow,” she explains, her Estuary accent undented by five years in the Midlands. “And where I grew up, you had two choices: you either did the bad stuff, or you got out…

“I realised quite early on that it was all down to the choices that I made. It didn’t matter what type of environment you grew up in or what your background was, you had the ability to make those choices.”

“And if you saw it through,” she adds, “even in the hardest times, there was always something positive you could do.”

Having considered careers in policing and education, Millard initially pursued the latter, planning to become a secondary school teacher – “If you get people young, you can educate them [and] give them the right advice” – but by the time she went back to college, to re-sit the necessary exams and take an access course, she was a single mother in her late twenties, balancing parenthood and studies with 12 hour shifts as Deputy Manager in a local bookies.

Police from Operation Fearless questioning local man / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

It was a customer in the betting shop who told her about the Metropolitan Police’s then-latest recruitment drive, and despite having secured a university place to study in Canterbury, Claire Millard decided to apply for a place on the force. And she got in.

“I’ve found my hands are less tied [as a police officer] and I can be more honest,” she says of her deciding to channel her passion for helping young people through policing. “And they can relate to that. I can say to somebody, ‘If you want to end up in custody, carry on. But talk to me to like a human being, and we’re going to walk away from this and forget about it.’”

After seven-and-half years of working for the Met in Barking & Dagenham, as a schools officer and responding to 999 calls, Millard relocated to the West Midlands, working on complex investigations at West Bromwich before being promoted again to her current position as the Sergeant responsible for Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT), which she took up in January this year.

As well as getting up to speed on what her predecessors had put in place, or not, the now Sgt Millard said she also had to learn “how best to reach the local community. What to do and what not to do, which is key in a place like [Erdington].”

“Partnership work is key here, too,” tells Sgt Millard, who has already established more of a relationship with local stakeholders than both of her predecessors combined – according to those we speak to. “Most people want Erdington to be a nice place, a safe place. Somewhere you could not just come and grab something and run off again, but actually spend time here: sit outside, have a coffee, meet friends.”

Police car attending crime scene / Photograph by Ed King

An admirable approach to neighbourhood policing, and one that – on paper at least – would seem to work. But the tacit implication is that despite a well-publicised investment of £880,000 and double dose of Operation Fearless, alongside other promises that failed to materialise (the fabled ‘High Street Police Team’ being one) people in Erdington Town Centre still don’t feel able to do those things.

So, what does the area’s new police sergeant see as the reasons, and the answers?

“Unfortunately, the High Street has its…” She pauses.

While our conversation generally flows freely, a chat straying into everything from ‘90s reggae to the Irish spelling of names, Sergeant Millard becomes very considered when answering questions about her approach to policing in Erdington.

“I don’t like to say that it’s the homelessness or the street drinking, because those people are vulnerable within themselves. But sometimes… the loud music puts people off; [As well as] the kids, and adults, on bikes or e-scooters.”

And of what happened before Sgt Millard caame into post, she admits, “Operation Fearless leaving left a massive gap”, but also that, “Them coming back [in April 2026], and introducing the Neighbourhood Team the way I’ve done, has hopefully built more confidence back.

“But we need to hold that now. We need to show what we’re doing is going to work.”

(l-r_ Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The impression Sgt Millard gives, from her working-class background, her passion for education and helping young people, and her approach to local policing, is that she’s not a mandarin – full of well-meaning theory, but no real-world experience.

But nor is she a Clint Eastwood type, riding in to ruthlessly clean up the town on her own. She’s far more pragmatic and community minded.

“This High Street’s got to be about all of us,” she explains. “We (the police) can uphold the law and we can get involved, but we need to make this a better place for everybody, and it’s going to take all of us to do that.

“Teenagers are welcome to be here [as long as they’re] respectful about it. And that again comes down to education.”

Sergeant Millard is full of praise for local groups in the area too, particularly the Erdington Street Pastors, Erdington Litter Busters, and the Erdington Business Improvement District.

“There are so many people here that want to make a positive difference,” she adds, before coming back to how, under her watch, the police going to play their part.

“We want to create the Street Watch again,” continues Sgt Millard, “where we get some of the High Street owners involved. I think there was one, but it hasn’t [continued], and I don’t know if that’s through lack of trying or just lack of interaction.

“But we now have a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer (DNO) just for the High Street who’s willing and able to do whatever he can to get things up and running.”

Erdington Police Station / Photograph by Ed King

And what about the old-fashioned ‘boots on the ground’ style of policing so many yearn for? “That’s on my wish list,” she responds firmly. “What I would really like is to have [at least] two officers visible on the High Street, Thursday through to Sunday, ten ‘til six. Just so there are two bobbies [always on patrol] at the busiest time.”

At the moment, however, Sergeant Millard believes her Neighbourhood Police Team are three officers short. “I’ve got vacancies I’m hoping to fill,” she explains, wanting to get officers on the High Street in time for the six-week school holidays.

And whilst funding is usually the biggest stumbling block in local police teams, and Sgt Millard accepts “the world’s a different place now”, there is still hope West Midlands Police higher ups will agree securing the legacy of Operation Fearless is worth the investment.

And some things do stay the same, Sgt Millard’s common-sense approach to community policing being one of them.

Police patroling Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

“It’s not rocket science,” she says. “It really isn’t. It’s about having bobbies on the street; somebody you can turn to. You know their name and if you have a problem, you can speak to them. You haven’t got to go through 111.

“Obviously, if it’s an emergency dial 999. But if you have a worry or a concern, you know that Andy (PC Boyle, one of Erdington’s DNOs) is going to be on your street or in the community hub, and you can pop your head in and say, ‘I’ve had this happen; it’s slightly worrying.’ And you can get advice on what to do next.’”

After an hour’s honest conversation, and continued radio chatter, Sgt Millard’s phone also pipes up. Her advice is needed on an ongoing case. “I’ve got a lot to do,” she admits of her new role. as she rings off and gets ready to head back to Erdington Police Station.

“But if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.”

Sergeant Millard (far left) standing outside Creative and Community Hub on Erdingotn High Street – with members of Erdingotn BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

PICTURE GALLERY: Policing in Erdington Town Centre – from the launch of Operation Fearless to present day / Photographs by Ed King, West Midlands Police, and supplied by various local stakeholders

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

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

NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after fatal Bank Holiday Sunday car crash on Chester Road

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police (WMP) are appealing for information from any witnesses, following a fatal crash between two cars by Chester Road train station on Bank Holiday Sunday (24 May).

In a statement issued by WMP, the force told: “It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz” on the Chester Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:20pm where officers confirmed the driver of the Kia Sportage had tragically lost his life in the collision, whilst the passenger in that vehicle was taken to hospital “as a precaution”.

A third man, the driver the Honda Jazz, was also taken to hospital with injuries that WMP stated “aren’t believed to be life threatening”.

Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)

Officers investigating the road traffic accident are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), and to check CCTV, Ring doorbells, or dash cam footage for anything that may help with their enquires.

An appeal issued by WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for witnesses and footage after a fatal collision in Erdington.

“We were called to Chester Road, near Chester Road Train Station, at around 9.20pm [on 24 May] to reports of a collision.

“It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz.

“The driver of the Kia, a man aged 33, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area, and anyone who saw the crash should get in touch with us.

“You can call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website, or email SCIU directly at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk

After the accident, reports on social media claim the Chester Road was closed from the interchange with Boldmere Road right up to the four way traffic lights by Sutton New Road – with the police, ambulance, and fire service all at the scene.

Messages of condolences flooded the internet for the young man who lost his life, with those who were at the “awful scene” expressing concern for anyone affected.

It is reported trains were blocked for stopping at the Chester Road station whilst initial investigations took place, but at the time of writing normal service has been resumed.

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

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

NEWS: Man apprehended on Short Heath Road will face “no further action” after arrest and investigation

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Words by Ed King

A man apprehended on Short Heath Road yesterday (28.04.26) over concerns related to firearms and intent to cause violence has been released by police and will face “no further action”.

Following dramatic scenes in the Erdington suburb, and a swift response from West Midlands Police, a man in his twenties was taken into custody after unmarked cars blocked off Short Heath Road.

The road remained blocked whilst officers gave chase to the suspect, with traffic halted and members of the public redirected away from the incident.

Local residents watched as the suspect was taken from a nearby residence, put into handcuffs and into the back of a marked police car.

Police respond to incident on Short Heath Road, Erdington / Image taken from Ring Doorbell

Taking no chances, officers responded with significant force and speed to close down what could have been a potentially dangerous situation – after following up reports made to police earlier in the day.

But after robust action and investigation, West Midlands Police questioned and released the individual, with members of the public assured there are no continuing threats from the incident.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told Erdington Local: “We arrested a 24-year-old man on Short Heath Road on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at around 3pm yesterday.

“It followed an incident earlier in the day, also on Short Heath Road, when another man reported that he had been threatened and hit with a firearm.”

They added: “After a number of enquiries were carried out, the suspect was released and will face no further action.”

Short Heath Road / Image from Google Maps

The dramatic daylight police action is part of a wider effort to crush crime around the Erdington constituency, in a combined effort from police and partners – following the return of Operation Fearless officers to the area in March and April.

Recently appointed Sargeant Millard, who oversees the neighbourhood police team, has been upping uniformed presence on Erdington High Street and surrounding hotspots.

The area is further also supported by two Designated Neighbourhood Officers, with a long connection to Erdington and significant local knowledge.

Inspector Hayley Thompson, who has been in post covering both Erdington and Sutton Coldfield since the end of summer last year, will be moving on – with a new inspector currently being recruited to support the local neighbourhood team and continue the impact made by Operation Fearless.

 

ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Operation Fearless and Detective Chief Inspector John Askew

Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by DCI Askew

“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.

“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.

“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.

“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.

“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.

Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.

“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.

“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.

“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.

“Thank you for your continued support.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.

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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King

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

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

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

Seargent Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sergeant Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

Hi everyone.

I’m Claire Millard, your new Neighbourhood Sergeant for Erdington.

I’ve been in the seat for about a month now and while I know I have some big shoes to fill following Sgt John Reeves, I’m ready to hit the ground running.

I’ve spent twelve years in policing starting at the Met before transferring to WMP and moving into Public Protection, so I’ve seen a lot in my time. But my goal here is simple: I want you to feel safe in your own neighbourhood.

I know there have been concerns recently about anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, particularly around the High Street. We hear you and we are taking action.

Operation Fearless is back.

Local police and Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

This month, you’ll notice a major boost in boots on the ground. We’re teaming up with both uniformed and plain-clothes officers from Operation Fearless for regular High Street patrols.

Whether you see us in high-vis or we’re working quietly in the background, we are out there disrupting the people making life difficult for the rest of us.

I don’t want us to be just a passing siren. I will make sure we’re making regular use of the community hub outside B&M.

Please stop by to chat to us, report any concerns, grab some crime prevention advice, or just say hello, we’re here for you.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all out on the beat.

Sgt Millard.

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

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

ERDINGTON POLICE: A positive start to 2026 in Erdington – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.

Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.

We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.

If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.

Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.

Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.

There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.

If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.

Inspector Hayley Thompson.

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

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

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe this Winter – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.

If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.

Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.

Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.

Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.

Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.

Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP

We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.

Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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

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

 

NEWS: Police confirm no one “seriously injured” in five vehicle collision on Chester Road that caused widespread traffic gridlock

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police have confirmed the rush hour chaos and widespread traffic gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas earlier today was caused by “a collision involving five vehicles”.

The local force also confirmed that despite the number of vehicles involved, and the busy location in which the incident occurred, none of those involved were “seriously injured”.

Reports came in early this afternoon after traffic on Chester Road was brought to a standstill following an incident – suspected to be near the M6 motorway interchange – that was creating widespread disruption across the area.

At around 5pm traffic was still at an absolute standstill, trapping hundreds of drivers trying to make their way across Northeast Birmingham on a Friday afternoon.

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Vehicles travelling along Fort Parkway, Chester Road, and leaving the Castle Vale estate were ground to a halt – as police tried to keep frustrated drivers calm and deal with the situation.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We were called to reports of a collision involving five vehicles on Chester Road, Birmingham, just before 3pm.

“Thankfully, no one was reported to have been seriously injured.”

They added: “Anyone who witnessed the collision can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log 3109 of 21 November.”

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale reporter Tracy Fisher, who spoke to officers at the scene, told how much of the uniformed police presence was involved in talking to drivers who were becoming “increasingly frustrated” at the gridlock.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also at the scene and told Erdington/Castle Vale Local that he witnessed a BT Open Reach van likely involved in the collision, that was “a bit dented”, but that by around 6:30pm police were successfully moving the traffic and the congestion was starting to ease.

Cllr Goodwin also noted other drivers who were becoming distracted by the incident and putting themselves and potentially others at risk.

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Early this evening, whilst still at the scene, Cllr Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “There has been a road traffic incident [on Chester Road] and people should stay away from the Chester Road area whilst police deal with this incident and keep people safe.”

He added: “The traffic is starting to move, but not a quick as you would normally see. Can people please drive safely as well, as it could cause another accident.”