Tag: West Midlands

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

(l-r) Inspector Forder, Sergeant Price, and Paulette Hamilton MP on Slade Road in Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you’re all making the most of the sunny summer break, spending precious time with your family and loved ones. While Parliament is in recess, my focus remains firmly on the issues that matter most to our communities in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

Recently, I joined Inspector Forder and Sergeant Price on Slade Road in Stockland Green, speaking directly with residents and traders about crime and anti-social behaviour.

I’ve pushed for visible patrols, targeted interventions, and faster response times, because your safety is simply non-negotiable. Our local police team is stepping up efforts, but I’ll keep fighting to ensure every part of our community feels safe and secure.

The fight to revitalise Erdington High Street continues. Following the success of Operation Fearless, now a national model for tackling crime, I’m working with Birmingham City Council to explore regeneration opportunities.

(l-r) Paulette Hamilton MP, Andrew Linhop – BCC Principal Planning Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

AThat’s why I recently met with a member of their planning team to discuss a better vision for our high street. We need new developments that deliver jobs, affordable spaces for local businesses, and real community benefits, not empty promises.

On the Conker Island campaign in Kingstanding, we’ve secured a council site visit. I’ll be working with the Friends of Conker Island to arrange a meeting with officers and explore how we can improve this precious green space.

Finally, I’m hosting coffee mornings in Pype Hayes and Perry Common this month, so please keep an eye out for details. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

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

Paulette Hamilton MP (centre) with Linda Hines (centre left) and Afzal Hussain (centre right) from Witton Lodge Community Association, alongside local police officers, at the launch of the Community Pod on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Summer is here, and it’s been wonderful meeting so many of you recently, including at my pop-up surgery during the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street.

We officially opened the new Community Pod on the High Street, a fantastic space for the Police and local groups to work together.

Residents have asked me whether this replaces a front desk at Erdington Police Station. It does not. Last year, Simon Foster, our Police and Crime Commissioner, confirmed that a front desk will reopen at Erdington Station, and that commitment still stands. I’ll share an update as soon as I have it.

It was also a pleasure to visit Sainsbury’s in Castle Vale to see how they’re offering affordable, healthy food options, a small but important step in tackling food inequality in our community.

Paulette Hamilton MP by Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In Parliament, I’ve been standing up for Erdington. Over 11,000 PIP claimants and 3,000 carers in our constituency were at risk from welfare changes.

I joined more than 120 Labour MPs in demanding protections. We pushed back against Clause 5, which would have imposed harsher eligibility thresholds, and we secured vital exemptions for existing claimants. A hard-fought win.

On assisted dying, I voted against the bill. While I respect differing views, I believe the core issue is chronically underfunded palliative care. Until every terminally ill person has access to dignified, high-quality support, changing the law risks leaving the vulnerable behind.

From local policing to fair welfare, I’ll keep fighting for every corner of Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott.

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

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded—again and again—why I’m so proud to represent Castle Vale.

Our community is full of everyday heroes. From the volunteers in our foodbanks, to the youth workers creating safe spaces, to the neighbours looking out for one another – you are the heartbeat of this estate. It’s not about politics, it’s about people.

I’ve been out and about, listening to your concerns and working with local partners to tackle the things that matter most: rising living costs, mental health support, youth engagement, and the need for decent, affordable housing. One issue I know has been a major concern is dangerous street racing.

Thanks to pressure from residents and our work alongside West Midlands Police and the City Council, we’ve have seen enforcement action take place.

I’ve also raised the issue directly with highways and community safety teams to push for longer-term solutions – because our roads should be safe for everyone, day and night.

I want to thank everyone who’s taken time to speak with me at community events, clean-up days, forums, or even just out on the street. Your voices guide the work I do. I’m not here to make promises I can’t keep – I’m here to listen, to act, and to stand alongside you.

Castle Vale is strong because you are strong. And as your councillor, I’ll continue doing everything I can to support a community that believes in fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all.

We are Castle Vale – and together, we are stronger.

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Good win on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

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

Since I last wrote my article a view from the Vale there has been a high-profile incident where a firearm was discharged. Whilst this was an isolated incident, it also reminded me that we simply need to be on the front foot always and put residents’ safety first.

We did a great amount of work last year when a similar incident took place, to ensure we kept our Neighbourhood Police Team in place.

Whilst I am extremely grateful to West Midlands Police for their diligence in dealing with the incident, I am aware the new model being introduced in Erdington will leave Castle Vale at a policing deficit. This I something I will be picking up with the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

I will now be pulling together a Community Safety Summit to collaborate with partners to produce tangible solutions that reduce the risk of such high-profile incidents happening again.

Castle Vale is an amazing community, and it is my promise that whilst I am the Councillor for Castle Vale I will do everything in my power to protect residents and this community. Words are good but my continued actions are there to help keep residents safe.

As Mahatma Gandhi said: “The future depends on what you do today.”

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP with officers at Erdington Police Station / Photography supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

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

This month, I’ve been standing up for our community, putting Erdington on the national stage in Parliament, while standing shoulder to shoulder with local volunteers and campaigners at home.

In Westminster, I led a debate on police presence, shining a spotlight on Operation Fearless, our local success story. Since securing £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, this initiative has led to 140 arrests, and helped reduce antisocial behaviour on Erdington High Street.

It’s a model other MPs are now looking to replicate in their own constituencies. But our work doesn’t stop here. I’ll keep pushing for the long-term investment we need to regenerate our town centre and support safer streets.

Paulette Hamilton MP meeting residents at Erdington Methodist Church / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Back in Erdington, it was a pleasure to meet residents at my recent coffee morning at Erdington Methodist Church. These events are a brilliant way to share updates and listen to your concerns. I look forward to welcoming residents at the next one in Pype Hayes!

I’m also proud that our petition to improve Kingstanding’s Conker Island Park has now passed 150 signatures. In partnership with the Friends of Conker Island, we’re calling on the council to repair play equipment, install bins, and tackle antisocial behaviour, because every child deserves a safe place to play.

And finally, I was delighted to join the police and volunteers at Erdington Police Station to thank them for their service. Their dedication keeps us safe.

From Erdington and Kingstanding to Castle Vale and South Oscott, our strength is in our people. Let’s keep moving forward.

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

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OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale and the armed forces are inextricably linked; if it wasn’t for the Spitfire where we would be. Built at RAF Castle Bromwich, the planes took off from the runways, which as I write is this very special piece where I am based on Castle Vale.

Everywhere you go on the estate you sense the history and importance of the impact this community had – most of the streets and roads are named after either people or places that are stepped in history. For example: Spitfire Way Lancaster Drive, Lofthouse Close.

There are even rumours of Spitfires being buried under Farnborough Fields.

So, it was right and proper that we did something special for VE day and raised a flag in Centre Park with the ‘Last Post’ playing. We have a war memorial which is located behind a fence in St Cuthberts church. I am wondering if this is the right place for this.

More importantly, a memorial that celebrates our veterans should be located somewhere also.

Listening to residents, I think the memorial should be located by the flagpole in Centre Park and we name it the ‘Memorial Park’ or ‘Veterans Corner’. I am not sure of the logistics of this, but it is worth exploring.

As Churchill said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter break. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we honour and will always remember the courage of those who defended our freedoms. Their sacrifice reminds us to stand united, building a future filled with hope, love, and peace.

This month, I’ve been working with the Friends of Conker Island in Kingstanding, calling for urgent repairs to the children’s play area.

Damaged bins, broken equipment, and hazardous surfaces are putting kids at risk. Our children deserve safe, well-maintained spaces to play, and I won’t stop until the council takes action.

On more positive news, we’ve secured a major win for community safety. After years of pressure and a campaign I led, Erdington High Street now has its own dedicated police team. This is a huge win for local businesses and residents who’ve faced antisocial behaviour for too long. I’ll keep pushing to make sure our streets feel safe for everyone.

(l-r) Inspector Christian Forder and Paulette Hamilton MP / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In Parliament, I’m fighting for women’s health, demanding more research and funding for fibroids and reproductive diseases, conditions that have been ignored for decades.

Just recently, I hosted a parliamentary event with medical experts and campaigners to drive real change. No woman should suffer in silence because of a system that fails her.

From safer parks to better policing and healthcare, my focus remains on delivering for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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 by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP with police on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Three years ago, when I was first elected, I made a promise, to tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour plaguing Erdington High Street.

Today, I’m proud to report that Operation Fearless, launched in January with £880,000 in funding from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, is delivering incredible results.

At my latest High Street meeting, Inspector Shameem Ahmed provided a detailed update on multiple arrests and seizures – proof that our community’s persistence is paying off.

Traders who once lived in fear now speak of real transformation, something I saw firsthand during my walkabout with Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and DS Jim Munro last week.

Paulette Hamilton MP with Inspector Shameem Ahmed at a meeting about crime on Erdington High Street, held at St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

But while we celebrate progress, we cannot ignore the recent knife attack in Kingstanding. My heart goes out to the victim, and I pray they make a speedy recovery.

As someone who has recently spoken in Parliament about rising knife crime and as an aunt whose own family has felt its devastating pain, I’m calling for action. That means tougher measures and longer-term, sustainable funding for initiatives like our Violence Reduction Partnership.

Beyond crime, as Chair of the Hospices APPG, I’m also fighting for dignity in dying. Places like John Taylor Hospice in Erdington provide incredible care, yet rely too heavily on charity. They deserve long-term funding, and I’m determined to keep pushing to make that happen.

Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott are stronger when we stand together. We’ve already shown what we can achieve, so let’s keep pushing forward.

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 by Paulette Hamilton MP

Paulette Hamilton MP by the Houses of Parliament / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. That’s why I’m proud this Labour Government is increasing defence investment 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the biggest sustained boost since the Cold War.

This commitment strengthens national security and ensures we have the capabilities to protect the UK and our allies.

But security isn’t just about national defence, it’s about keeping our communities safe too. After 14 years of Conservative neglect, our armed forces are stretched thin, and crime and anti-social behaviour are rising. Undoing the damage of the past will take time, but Labour is committed to rebuilding Britain and delivering for our communities.

Locally, I took a firm stand against an HMO application on Mason Road, leading a campaign backed by 386 residents. Birmingham City Council rejected the application, sending a clear message that enough is enough.

HMOs bring increased crime, put pressure on local services, and undermine initiatives like Operation Fearless, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

I joined West Midlands Police for an all-out day on Erdington High Street. With a new Public Spaces Protection Order in place and Operation Fearless making an impact, traders and shoppers are seeing a real difference.

I also held a coffee morning in Kingstanding, where residents raised crime and anti-social behaviour as top concerns. I’ll keep working with the police and local partners to tackle these issues.

From community campaigns to coffee mornings, I will keep fighting for a safer Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.

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

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors – as identified against each article – and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.

If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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NEWS: WLCA Chief Officer Afzal Hussain appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands

Words by Steve Sharma / Pics by Ed King

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

The role comes in recognition of his work and contributions to communities and social enterprise in Birmingham and across the region. He is one of six new Deputy Lieutenants with backgrounds ranging from education, entrepreneurship, homelessness, and music.

A royal appointment, the Deputy Lieutenants participate in civic, voluntary, and social activities within the lieutenancy.

Afzal will support The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr John Crabtree OBE – the Queen’s personal representative in the county – in a number of ways including attending on Royalty during official visits, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces of the Crown, and encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community.

“I am honoured to have been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands,” said Afzal.

“Our many citizens, community and voluntary organisations play a vitally important role in the life of our region and I look forward to promoting and encouraging this further.’

During the pandemic, Afzal convened the Erdington (Covid 19) Task Force and the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Task Force, which have supported thousands of residents and vulnerable groups to access health and wellbeing, housing, employment, training, and enterprise support services.

Afzal is also an active member of several Boards in Birmingham and the West Midlands, providing experience and insight in community-led approaches to tackle deep-seated challenges, as well as capitalising on opportunities that unlock and nurture talent.

Prior to running WLCA, his previous roles include Director of Coventry New Deal for Communities and Deputy Chief Executive of Aston Pride NDC – where he worked with the board, local government, community leaders, and senior officers to successfully re-establish and manage the £54m multi-partnership initiative tasked with regenerating one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards.

In his role as WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal was also a key part in the multi million pound regeneration bids for Erdington High Street and continues to work with local stakeholders at sourcing further investment opportunities.

Working alongside NHS Property Services, WLCA were further responsible for the new Health and Wellbeing Hub that took over the old walk-in centre site on Erdington High Street. WLCA are also developing plans for an ambitions Enterprise Hub at the old Erdington Swimming Baths.

With the Commonwealth Games coming to Perry Barr in July/August – and satellite events held across the region – the recently appointed Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands will also support the city in delivering this premiere sporting event.

“The West Midlands is this year welcoming visitors from throughout the world and the West Midlands Lieutenancy is committed to supporting and representing every community in the County,” said Mr Crabtree.

“As the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales and home to nearly three million citizens, the enthusiasm and additional reach of the new Deputy Lieutenants will complement the great work of my existing Deputy Lieutenants.

The West Midlands Lieutenancy comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It was established in 1974.

For more on the West Midlands Lieutenancy visit www.wmlieutenancy.org

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