Siôn Simon MP

Erdington MP Siôn Simon this week slammed plans by the city council to introduce a ‘dangerous and unwanted’ foot tunnel through the railway bridge at Station Road, Erdington.

Residents of Wesley Road along with Siôn have condemned plans as plain stupid.

Siôn said:

“It is clear speaking to the residents that no one wants this foot tunnel; it is likely to attract anti-social behaviour and probably crime, being a prime spot in the dark for muggings and attacks. Over recent years most councils have been taking out subways and foot tunnels where possible, it beggars belief that Birmingham are thinking of putting one in.

We all know of the problems associated with Station Road and pedestrians, but this is not a solution it is just swapping one problem for another.”

A popular Arts Project and venue for community artists got a boost this week when local MP Siôn Simon visited and brought a piece of original art from up and coming local artist Stephanie Phillips, of Grange Road.

The Project operating out of the Cube in Central Square Arts Co-operative, Erdington, aims to bring together local artists to provide a communal space for working and also a community of other artists who can bring guidance, support and encouragement to each other.

The project which started with local artists working with children to create panels for display at St. Barnabas Church, has gone from strength to strength; now being permanently based in Central Square with over 25 regular artists using the space and creating a wide range of art.

The piece purchased by Siôn was created and displayed by Stephanie earlier in the year in the Cube when Siôn had visited.

“It depicts and explores ideas of self image and how others view us.” Said Stephanie.

Siôn said:

“It is fantastic that projects like this bring so much to Erdington. I always like to support local projects like this, and the range of talents displayed are amazing. There was just something about the picture that appealed to me, not only is it technically brilliant but it is also a really interesting subject about self image and how we are viewed by others.”

Graham Kay, Chief Executive of Erdington Town Centre Partnership who was also at the presentation added:

“The Rapid emergence of the ‘The Cube in the Square’, facility for local artists, has done much to engage with and support the Town Centre Parthership’s Business Improvement District (BID) activities and clearly demonstrates that Erdington is still a vibrant innovative local centre and great place to shop, live, work learn and invest.”

Celebrating a year of working together to improve their community, residents of Highcroft Village got together for a little festive cheer on Saturday.

The Christmas fair held at Highcroft Community Centre, Slade Road was organised by residents and members of ‘Highcroft in Partnership Community’ and was officially opened by Siôn Simon MP, with local Councillors in attendance.

Speaking at the event Sion said:

“Community is one of those words used all the time, but what it really means in the modern world is often hard to define. The reality is very simple; community is about people like you who make an effort and care about where they come from. I know you have some ambitious plans and will support you in every way I can. You’ve achieved a huge amount already and I know will go on to achieve even more in the future.”

Whilst visiting Osborne School on Friday, pupils had the opportunity to put their burning questions to local Erdington MP Siôn Simon.

During the session Siôn asked a few questions of his own, and discovered one of the things the children liked most about living in Erdington was the High Street.

“It is great to see kids being part of where they live, and whilst all expect them to have a view on parks and football pitches it was great to see they also have views on things like the High Street, which all too often we only ask adults what their view is.”

Siôn commented after the event.

Siôn was delighted to have the honour of opening the Erdington Skills Centre; located in Mason Road.

The Opening marked a fantastic stage in the metropolitan Colleges development, and is a real boost for education in Erdington.

Siôn at the official opening said:

“Centres like this are so important for areas like Erdington, where perhaps education has not always been as available to people as we would have liked. This centre means there is a local place people can gain skills and take the first step towards re-training if they decide.

Education and life long learning is not just about what you do at school or between 14 and 19 it is about everyone at every age. That’s why I am delighted to open this centre to add a huge contribution to the work already done by schools and colleges in the area.”