Life on 'Grim' Birmingham Road Where Bins Haven't Been Collected Since Christmas, Say 'Forgotten' Locals Sunday, February 1, 2026 birmingham navigationdrive binstrikes wastecollection kingsnorton community pestcontrol council rubbish industrialaction “I can’t believe we haven’t seen rats yet.” This is the bleak observation from a resident of Navigation Drive in Kings Norton, Birmingham, as the impact of the ongoing bin strike grows increasingly … Read More
Inside the Strict Calthorpe Estate: Birmingham’s Exclusive Community Governed by a 32-Page Rulebook Sunday, February 1, 2026 calthorpe edgbaston conservation regulations gardens pets parking homeworking heritage community West of Birmingham city centre lies the historic and highly regulated Calthorpe Estate, covering 1,600 acres—including much of Edgbaston and parts of Harbourne and Quinton. This exclusive estate, with a history spanning over … Read More
Bournville Village Children’s Festival Returns with Safer, Earlier Finish Saturday, January 31, 2026 bournville festival children family safety fireworks maypole community birmingham recreation The much-loved Bournville Village Children’s Festival is making a comeback this year—but with a significant change aimed at ensuring a peaceful, family-friendly environment. Following incidents of unrest at past events, … Read More
The Y2K Panic That Sparked Birmingham’s 26-Year New Year’s Tradition Friday, January 30, 2026 y2k birmingham newyear lgbtq+ southside community tradition celebration pride events In 1982, pop icon Prince released the song “1999,” painting a vivid picture of purple skies and people fleeing apocalyptic destruction at the dawn of the new millennium. Over the next 17 years, this song sowed a lingering … Read More
Scared Dad’s Anguish as Intruders Invade Flat Block and Leave Human Waste by Child’s Pram Friday, January 30, 2026 housing security intruders safety tenants homelessness community disturbance trident smallheath Pishtiwan Sofi, a devoted father from Small Heath, has shared his ongoing distress over intruders who have repeatedly invaded the communal areas of his housing block on Mount Pleasant. The situation has escalated to the point … Read More
Sparkhill Councillor Candidate Acknowledges Past Mistakes, Seeks Community Support Wednesday, January 28, 2026 sparkhill politics community elections radicalization rehabilitation terrorism youth socialhousing activism Shahid Butt, a Sparkhill resident and candidate for the upcoming city council elections, openly admits to a troubled past but hopes voters will focus on his vision for community improvement. At 60, Butt reflects on his life … Read More