Residents of Bournville, a leafy suburb in Birmingham, are pushing for a residents' parking scheme amid ongoing concerns over parking congestion around the Bournville Masjid and Community Centre. The initiative follows a petition signed by over 400 locals demanding urgent action on the problem.
Robert Thornewell, who organised the petition, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that parking has become a “big problem” in the area. In June, he detailed how vehicle parking was obstructing drives and junctions, with cars often parked on footpaths. This forces pedestrians, including those with pushchairs or mobility scooters, to step onto the road to navigate around parked cars.
“Local buses are struggling to pass through nearby roads due to the congestion,” Mr Thornewell added. “There have been instances where bus stops are blocked, requiring passengers to board and alight in the middle of the road. This issue is particularly problematic on Fridays.”
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The Bournville Village Trust (BVT) leased the building to the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association in 2024, a move that followed a previous dispute when the theatre company Rogue Play was denied a similar arrangement because of parking concerns. Following continued issues, Mr Thornewell raised the matter with Selly Oak MP Al Carns.
In response, BVT confirmed that a meeting has taken place to address residents' concerns. Sergeant Gareth Sankey of West Midlands Police has offered residents the opportunity to accompany officers on patrols during Friday prayers to better understand the parking challenges. The police encourage anyone interested to get in touch through their online channels.
Furthermore, Mr Carns’s office plans to approach Birmingham City Council to discuss the introduction of a residents-only parking scheme. An alternative parking arrangement is also being explored in collaboration with the Serbian Orthodox Church, which could provide approximately 40 additional parking spaces on Fridays.
Despite these discussions, the Trust has opted not to amend the current lease agreement. A spokesperson from BVT emphasised their support for the Association, along with other faith groups in the estate, and noted their appreciation of the Association’s responsiveness to community feedback.
“We welcome discussions around potential parking management measures,” the spokesperson said. “The Association has actively engaged with the community and invited neighbours to meet with them. They remain committed to maintaining the building as a vital hub for the local community.”
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to contact the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association directly for more information.