Siôn Simon MP

Siôn Simon MP today called for support in a campaign to honour Sit Keith Park who, as Air Chief Marshal, led the defence of England during the Battle of Britain in 1940.  Integral to the campaign was the introduction of the Spitfire fighter aircraft which was built in the Castle Bromwich factory which eventually produced over half the total number of the legendary aircraft utilised by the RAF during the Second World War.

Erdington played a vital role in a decisive battle during the war and can now play a role in supporting a campaign to honour a British hero as we approach the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2010.  With our support the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign plans to erect a temporary statue on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square followed by a permanent Statue in Waterloo Place, London.

Having met veterans of the Battle of Britain, Siôn said:

“As the MP for Erdington, home of the former Castle Bromwich Spitfire factory, I fully support the veterans’ campaign in trying to honour their former commander.  Installing these statues of Sir Keith Park would go a long way to raising the profile of the sacrifice of so many for all of us in our country today and commemorating a great man whose vital role has for far too long been overlooked.”

The Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign has gained a great deal of momentum since launching in march 2008 but welcomes all letters of support to be sent in order to strengthen the bid for these statues to be erected.  Letters can be sent directly to Siôn Simon MP, Eldon House, Central Square, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6RY

Siôn recently met with D2’s new Superintendent James Andronov to welcome him to the post and discuss local policing matters with him.   Several local issues were discussed including residents concerns, neighbourhood policing and the long term plan for policing the D2 area which covers Kingstanding and parts of Stockland Green. 

After the meeting Sion commented “Policing is one of the most important issues residents contact me about, it is essential we have a good working relationship with the police, and I am delighted that with neighbourhood Policing residents have much more access to local officers who work in their communities.”

Sion recently met with CVCHA Chief Executive Peter Richmond and Local Neighbourhood Manager Steve Clayton.  They discussed a variety of issues including how far Castle Vale had come over recent years, future plans for the estate and housing association and the role residents played in the development of the estate.

After being contacted by residents of Oxted Croft who were concerned about a number of issues Siôn organised and attended a site visit with residents, the local housing manager and Cllr Mick Finnegan.

Residents expressed concern over a number of issues including, the state of the access road at the rear, blocked drains causing flooding, untidy and poorly kept foliage and weeds and what appeared to be dumped asbestos at the rear of the properties.

Following Sion’s calls on the housing department to address the issues, the drains have already been unblocked, weeds and foliage is due to be removed in the next two weeks and the suspected asbestos has been inspected and will shortly be removed.

“I am delighted this work has been carried out, and resident’s concerns have been addressed, it is a shame the access is unlikely to be done due to funding constraints, but it is important that area’s like Oxted Croft do not get forgotten by the council.”