A residents’ parking scheme could be introduced in Bournville after more than 400 people signed a petition calling for action over parking near the Bournville Masjid and Community Centre. The proposal is set to be put to Birmingham City Council by the office of Selly Oak MP Al Carns.
Petition highlights ‘big problem’ on Fridays
Robert Thornewell, who organised the petition, said parking around the mosque and community centre had become a “big problem” for local residents. In June, he described how drives and junctions were being blocked, cars were being left on footpaths, and those with pushchairs or mobility scooters often had to step into the road to get around parked vehicles.
He added that local buses were struggling to travel along nearby roads because of the volume of parked cars, and sometimes bus stops were blocked altogether, forcing passengers to get on and off in the middle of the road. “It’s a big problem on Fridays specifically,” he said.
The petition, which gathered more than 400 signatures, was raised with Mr Carns after Mr Thornewell contacted his office. The MP’s team have since confirmed they will ask the council to explore the possibility of introducing a residents-only parking scheme in the area.
Background: lease and earlier parking concerns
The Bournville Village Trust (BVT) agreed to lease the building to the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association in 2024. That decision came two years after the theatre company Rogue Play was denied a similar lease over concerns about parking.
BVT manages much of the Bournville estate, which was founded by the Cadbury family. The area is known for its tree-lined streets and strict planning controls, but parking has become a recurring issue as more organisations have moved into larger buildings.
Police patrols and proposed alternative parking
Following the petition, a meeting was held with West Midlands Police. During that meeting, Sergeant Gareth Sankey offered Bournville residents the chance to accompany officers on patrols of the area during Friday prayers. The force has said anyone interested should contact them online.
In addition to the possible residents’ parking scheme, Mr Carns’s office is also exploring the use of around 40 parking spaces at the Serbian Orthodox Church on Fridays, which could provide an alternative for those visiting the mosque and community centre.
The Trust has, however, decided against making any changes to the lease agreement with the Muslim community association.
Trust says association takes feedback seriously
A spokesperson for Bournville Village Trust said: “We value and support the Association’s contribution to Bournville, as we do with other faith groups across the estate. We have found them to take resident feedback seriously and welcome any opportunity to explore the introduction of parking management measures in the area.”
The spokesperson added: “The Association has engaged with the community and invited neighbours to meet them. They remain committed to ensuring the building continues to be a hub for the local community. If you’d like to find out more, please contact the Association directly.”
The South Birmingham Muslim Community Association has previously said it is committed to being a good neighbour. The building continues to serve as a place of worship and a community hub in the heart of the estate.
