Councillor David Barker

@david4bkh.bsky.social and I were nearly taken out by not one but 2 red light jumpers there on the way home

On the way back from the road safety emergency event I saw *eight* drivers make an illegal u-turn at Belgrave Middleway. One of which was a car for learner drivers. I type this as I make my way around a car that’s been parked on 95% of the pavement width.

This week marks the first anniversary of Birmingham City Council declaring a road safety emergency. Thank you to @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org for organising this moment of reflection in memory of the 23 people who have been killed on Birmingham's roads since the declaration.

YouTube video by David Gregory-Kumar BBC Midlands Today Road Safety Special

Great feature on road safety on BBC Midlands Today featuring @richardparkerwm.bsky.social and @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCTA...

She has left a huge legacy fighting for children and young people in the Council, and she has left a bigger space in all of our hearts. Birmingham won't be the same without her, and neither will we.

As a ward neighbour, she often felt like an unofficial extra wardmate, always happy to help me and anyone else in need. She had a cheeky sense of humour, a rock-solid sense of social justice, the ability to make you laugh or make you think, and one hell of a work ethic.

My heart is broken by the news that Councillor Kerry Jenkins passed away this morning. I can only imagine how devastated her family are, and I'm thinking of them now. She was an irrepressible force of nature who used her time on earth putting everyone else first.

'Virtually all roads' in Birmingham to become 30mph or less Major changes will result in a cut to speed limits across the city

“We are making the speed limit on virtually all roads a maximum of 30mph – this will be implemented later this year. We are also working with police on red light cameras and we have just announced six new locations for average speed cameras across the city.”
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

'Essential' road works for railway stations Kings Heath Station is one of three being built on the Camp Hill Line in South Birmingham

"Overnight resurfacing will be carried out on High Street, Alcester Road and Valentine Road in Kings Heath from Wednesday, August 13 to Saturday, August 16 between 8pm and 6am."
www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

I said closer lol - we still have a long way to go. Although you can argue the ltns make cycling significantly easier.

To be fair, Kings Heath looks closer to this than a lot of Birmingham, but fighting for trees to be planted around the high street has been a dead end despite past promises. I really hope whoever wins the city next year looks at other cities and thinks... we could do that too, or better.

Last week I was in Barcelona and saw all these new trees being planted so they have more canopy coverage, new bike lanes, high quality and high density housing, little spots everywhere to sit and have a little coffee.
We could have absolutely all of this in Birmingham if we are brave enough.

It was a pleasure to speak at the first birthday party for Dawberry Corner.
For years it was a fenced-off waste, full of flytipped rubbish and weeds. Thanks to the tireless work of Suze at @ourscenecic.bsky.social and the community, this space has been transformed into a community garden oasis. 💚

I've had a small update regarding an illegal canopy constructed at 2 High Street after several complaints from residents. The Council is taking enforcement action and will be following up this summer.

Don't miss the next police tasking meeting in Brandwood - August 20, 7:30pm-8:30pm at The Brandwood Centre.
This is a great opportunity for us to meet with our local police force and talk about the issues we are seeing in the Brandwood area, and where we want them to take action.

More information here: www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-jo...

The number 27 bus is changing next week.
From 23 July the bus will run more frequently, but with a slightly different route. Have a look at the map to see how this might affect you.
If you have any issues, you can contact National Express here: nxbus.co.uk/west-midland...

PLANNING CONSULTATION (2025/03521/PA)
Site: 33 Alcester Road South
Proposal: Change of use of first floor from adult gaming centre to dwellings, construction of second floor to create an additional dwelling and associated alterations to fenestration
eplanning.birmingham.gov.uk/Northgate/Pl...

Thanks to everyone who came to my advice centre this evening. Helping residents directly has always been the best part of this job.
Gentle reminder that there are no advice centres in August or December. The next ones will be in September.

Today I had the privilege of seeing Young Marketeers - a programme to help primary school children learn about food production. They had children from 9 schools, including Wheelers Lane and Allens Croft, selling produce at the outdoor market. Great to support the kids and to see the Lord Mayor too.

Screenshot from the WMCA film of an aerial view of a street - York Rd, Kings Heath (off a high street) full of people

Brick planters, bollards and signage with text and symbols (pedestrian and cycle zone - no motorbike or vehicles at any time except for access. No parking at any time) at the entrance to a street full of people.

The WMCA includes an image of York Rd Kings Heath in its film about progress in cleaning up our air. Most people now see the positives of a street for people but there was huge pushback at the start.
Thanks to local councillors for pushing ahead anyway 👏👏
#PlacesforPeople ☺️

youtu.be/r5aIilQ63Dk

Anyone with any information that may assist is urged to get in touch quoting Log 4334.
Please share this link:
mipp.police.uk/operation/20...

Update: West Midlands Police are sadly now investigating the murder of the man who was attacked on Monday 7 July on Springfield Road shortly before 5pm.
They are looking for dash cam footage from vehicles in that area at the time and any CCTV/doorbell footage in the vicinity.

At this month's Full Council meeting I spoke about the state of our highways, conspiracy theories, and the need to sort out the deal to get our roads repaired.

Appeal after man seriously assaulted in Kings Heath We’re investigating after a man was seriously assaulted on Springfield Road, Kings Heath, at around 5pm today.

West Midlands Police are investigating after a man in his 50s was seriously assaulted on Springfield Road, Kings Heath, at around 5pm on 7 July.
If you have any information, or footage, please get in touch via 101, quoting 4334.
www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/west-mi...

Brandwood and Kings Heath councillor advice centres are on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month at Kings Heath Community Centre. Please come along if you have any issues you need support with.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 Queens Heath Pride 2025 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Every year, for one day, Kings Heath becomes Queens Heath to celebrate the LGBT+ community. Thank you to everyone who gets involved and makes this possible!

The report is going to cabinet on July 22 for final sign off (we were not told this would happen), which sets us back but after that I'd expect work to finish by the end of the year. They have at least sorted some bits of York Road.

Sustainability and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 26/06/2025 - Thursday 26 June 2025, 2:00pm - Birmingham City Council Webcasting Sustainability and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 26/06/2025 - Thursday 26 June 2025, 2:00pm - Birmingham City Council Webcasting

We are about to go live at transport and sustainability scrutiny
birmingham.public-i.tv/core/portal/...

CGI representation of A38 Selly Oak to Longbridge cycle route

🚲 The A38 Selly Oak to Longbridge cycle route consultation is now open.

🗣️ We will be hosting 4 drop-in sessions throughout July at various locations along the route, find out more, and have your say on the Birmingham Be Heard website: www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/bcc/a38-cycl...