ErdingtonLocal

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Seargent Claire Millard 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… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/erdington-poli… @ErdingtonWMP @BrumPolice @WMPolice @WestMidsPCC @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating the story of Easter with Urban Devotion Birmingham On the very first Easter Sunday, John’s gospel tells us that a woman called Mary Magdalene was alone in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried. Two of Jesus’ more famous male followers have found the tomb empty, inspected the folded burial clothes and left with a story they don’t yet understand. Mary can’t leave. John tells us that she walks into the tomb with tears in her eyes. For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-anch… @urbandevotion @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards (Ed’s note - This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Look out for more from the first Castle Vale Community Awards in the April/May edition - set to be released on 16 April) As we look forward to the very first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on Thursday 19 March, I'm filled with pride at what this moment represents for our community. This is a first of a kind and a chance to recognise the people who give their time, passion and energy to make Castle Vale the place it is today. This year's event also arrives at a moment in our shared story. It has been 30 years since the regeneration of Castle Vale began, a turning point led initially by the Housing Action Trust, which transformed the estate's homes, opportunities and future. For the full story read Castle Vale/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-anch… @pioneergroup_ @compasssupport_ @BhamCityCouncil Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington Like you, I've watched the news from the Middle East this week with a heavy heart. The renewal of conflict, with airstrikes on Iran, is deeply troubling. It forces us to reflect on Britain's place in a volatile world. While I condemn the abhorrent actions of the Iranian regime, as your MP my first duty is to you. That is why I support the Government's decision to ensure the UK is not automatically dragged into another distant war… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-mess… @PauletteHamilto @brumlabour @ErdingtonCLP @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives Tireless local Councillor Gareth Moore and I recently met senior officers and the Cabinet Member at Erdington Library to discuss the urgent need for repairs, a library provision during the current closure and to inspect the damage that the library has suffered. We also since have held a public meeting to update residents on the latest and the next steps. Sadly the damage to the roof has been significant, part of the ceiling has now fallen down and there has been significant water ingress. Birmingham City Council have reiterated, following our campaign to save Erdington Library, they are committed to repairing and reopening the library… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-erding… @bobby_alden @BCCTories @ErdingtonTories @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: John Lambert, Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch Residents aren't imagining this? They're living it. Every single day. Bins overflowing like a Victorian slum, fly-tipping, rats, noise at all hours, parking that's basically impossible and once decent family streets turning into transient chaos. People can see it with their own eyes. They can smell it. What makes this whole thing reek is the rank hypocrisy from some of the very councillors who are supposed to be sorting it out… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-john-l… @ReformErdington @reformparty_uk @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor 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… For the full story read Castle Vale Local/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-view… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @raymondg1969 @brumlabour @ErdingtonCLP @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen some extraordinary scenes in the Birmingham Council Chamber when Labour - who have run Birmingham for the past 14 years and with an overall majority - were unable to pass their budget for 2026/27. It required a second emergency meeting some six days later for Birmingham Labour to be able to pass their own budget. In the original Council meeting, I was lucky enough to be called on to speak. Below are some extracts from my speech: "Birmingham Labour talk about fresh ambition's, is that a joke? You are responsible for this mess…” For the full story read Kingstanding/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-mess… @BCCTories @ErdingtonTories @BhamCityCouncil This article was first published in the Erdington Local March/April newspaper - released on 13 March. Be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and SUBSCRIBE LOCAL at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

NEWS: Discover “hidden treasures” at first Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm. Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders - plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall. Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/news-discover-… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @oikos_church @ErdingtonHighSt @BhamCityCouncil @WestMids_CA

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Residents invited to become Community Health Champions and transform local wellbeing Residents across Birmingham are being offered a unique opportunity to become a catalyst for change in their communities. The Birmingham Community Health Champions programme is officially open for applications, inviting passionate individuals to step forward, gain expert knowledge and lead the way towards a healthier, more informed and connected city. Funded by Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Team and delivered in partnership with Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between health services and local residents… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-anch… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @wittonlodge @BhamCityCouncil

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oikos Café and Church celebrate 10 and 15 year anniversaries - with Community Fun Day on Saturday 28 February On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street - with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal. Ahead of the anniversary celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder. --------- Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.” To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.” For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-spot… @oikos_church @ErdingtonHighSt @BhamCityCouncil Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

FEATURE: Birmingham Bulls - one of UK’s oldest American Football teams makes Erdington it’s new home Birmingham Bulls are one of the oldest American Football teams in the UK, having been founded in 1983, as well being as the longest standing squads not merging or changing their name. The club has had a successful past, winning four National Championships and multiple European campaigns - including winning a bronze medal along the way. To add to this, they have also had (and still) have GB athletes within their members. The club used to train near Kings Norton, in South Birmingham, before moving to Spring Lane Playing Fields - run by Spring Lane CIO - at the start of the 2025 season… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/feature-birmin… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @BirminghamBulls @ErdingtonRugby @BhamCityCouncil

NEWS: Tensions flare up on Castle Pool car park as “very rude” Unite bin strikers limit access for schools and residents Tensions flared earlier this month after the presence of a protest group on the car park by Castle Pool, off Farnborough Road, limited access for local schools coming for swimming sessions. On Thursday 5 February, members of Unite the Union supporting industrial action by the city’s bin workers organised an afternoon of public engagement. But staff from the swimming pool warned coaches bringing local children in to use the facility would have been blocked from accessing the public car park… For the full story read Castle Vale/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/news-tensions-… @UniteWestMids @unitetheunion @castle_pool @raymondg1969 @brumlabour @ErdingtonCLP @BhamCityCouncil Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington The new year has begun with real progress for families across our community. I am delighted that Gunter, Yenton, and Chivenor Primary Schools will soon open Labour's free breakfast clubs, building on the support already reaching local schools. That commitment to fairness is matched by decisive national action. After years of decline under the Conservatives, I was proud to see West Midlands rail services brought back into public ownership. Services at Erdington and Gravelly Hill stations will now be run for passengers, not shareholder profit, helping to deliver the simpler, more reliable railway our communities deserve… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-mess… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @PauletteHamilto @gunterschool @Yenton_Primary @chivenorp @brumlabour @ErdingtonCLP @BhamCityCouncil

OPINION: John Lambert, Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch Dear residents of Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, and Stockland Green. Let's cut to the chase. On 9 February, we were with Nigel Farage at a rammed NEC rally. Say what you like about rallies, but the momentum is undeniable. Big-name defections like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, polls showing Reform ahead nationwide, it's game on for May's local elections. Reform are gearing up to fight every seat in Birmingham and deliver where Labour's let you down… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-john-l… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @ReformErdington @reformparty_uk @BhamCityCouncil

OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives Before Christmas Erdington library's roof sprung a leak and despite an initial repair, it flooded a second time that has now seen it closed since then for repairs. Over the last month Cllr Gareth Moore and I have continued to push the Council to get the roof repaired and the library reopened asap. We have asked officers for an urgent meeting on site to inspect the damage… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-erding… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @bobby_alden @BCCTories @ErdingtonTories @BhamCityCouncil

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor 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… For the full story read Castle Vale/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-view… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @raymondg1969 @brumlabour @ErdingtonCLP @BhamCityCouncil

OPINION: A message from Kingstanding Councillor Clifton Welch During the bad weather in January Local Conservative Campaigner Alex Richards and myself were out reporting dozens and dozens of grit boxes that needed refilling. Residents also asked for several additional grit boxes across the ward which I have formally requested. On 23 January Alex and I took the opportunity while looking at the new litter bins on Conker Island, to plant some daffodil bulbs close to the newly installed bins. I'm looking forward to seeing them bloom… For the full story read Kingstanding/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/opinion-a-mess… @BCCTories @ErdingtonTories @BhamCityCouncil Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Safety net, springboard, and the power of community For over three decades Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) has played an active role in helping residents access advice and support services when they experience difficult times. While this is central to our purpose, it's only part of the picture - we also help unlock and nurture local talent. It's often the case that residents turn to us in moments of crisis – cost of living pressures remains a harsh reality for many families. WLCA colleagues step in with practical, hands-on help, guiding residents through a system that can feel overwhelming… For the full story read Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-anch… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @wittonlodge @BhamCityCouncil

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Reflecting on a year of our Skills Hub Over the past year, our Skills Hub has become something we're incredibly proud of. The Skills Hub has quickly grown into one of the most valued parts of our community offer. Back in March 25, we transformed an underused space in Topcliffe House into a dedicated home for training, employment support and partnerships with local providers… For the full story read Castle Vale/Erdington Local: erdingtonlocal.com/community-anch… Support independent LOCAL media & SUBSCRIBE LOCAL: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com @pioneergroup_ @compasssupport_ @BhamCityCouncil