What began as a dedicated litter-picking initiative has blossomed into a much broader community gardening movement, with volunteers transforming neglected spaces across the town into vibrant mini gardens. The donation will go towards essential equipment for volunteers who adopt streets to keep clean, as well as supplies like spring bulbs that have already begun to brighten Erdington’s streets this season. It will also support the group’s vital social side—funding refreshments for regular post-session gatherings, which play an important role in connecting people, fostering community spirit, and thanking volunteers for their time and commitment.
The donation is just one of several being made as part of McCarthy Stone’s Happier, Healthier Project which aims to provide financial assistance to community groups.
Ruth Dillon, Chair at Erdington Litter Busters, comments: “Our Litter Busters group is something we are really passionate about—this donation will give a real boost for our group and will go a long way in helping us continue our mission to make Erdington a cleaner, greener, and more connected community. Whether it’s providing equipment for our street adopters, planting more beautiful spring bulbs, or simply offering a cuppa and a chat after a session, every penny helps us support both the environment and the wellbeing of our volunteers. We’re so grateful for this support—it truly makes a difference.”
In attendance at the cheque handover was local Councillor Robert Alden, who comments: ““It was a pleasure to be invited to McCarthy Stone’s cheque presentation to the Erdington Litter Busters. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the group has and their dedication to keeping our community clean and beautiful is truly inspiring. This funding will help them continue their fantastic work, helping to make Erdington an even better place to live and work.”
The McCarthy Stone Foundation supports grassroots, volunteer led charitable causes, including those that promote the health and wellbeing of older people. It is the independent, registered charity of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, which has a new Retirement Living development, Botham Place, under construction on Orphanage Road in Erdington.
Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments: “Supporting and engaging with the communities close to our developments is a key focus at McCarthy Stone and we are delighted, in partnership with the McCarthy Stone Foundation, to lend a helping hand to the Erdington Litter Busters. It was great to get a better understanding of all the fantastic work the group is doing, and I’m pleased we’re able to support initiatives that align with our business goals.”
Ruth added: “We are incredibly grateful to the McCarthy Stone Foundation for this generous donation.”
Helping the over 60s to retire in style, Botham Place will offer a mix of one and two-bedroom energy-efficient retirement apartments, featuring private patios or Juliet balconies. Homeowners will benefit from access to stylish communal spaces, including a well-appointed communal lounge and beautifully landscaped gardens. For peace of mind, each property will benefit from a 24/7 emergency call system, while a House Manager will be on-site during office hours to keep everything running smoothly.
To make retiring in style more accessible, all properties at Botham Place are exclusively available through McCarthy Stone’s Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England, which allows retirees to enjoy the benefits of Retirement Living without committing to the full purchase price. For example, retirees can pay just 50% of the property value of an apartment at the development, and monthly rent payable on the remaining 50%, with one-bedroom properties available from £102,500 and two-bedroom properties available from £145,000*.
More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.
To discover more about Retirement Living at Botham Place, please call 0800 201 4384 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/botham-place-erdington
*Shared ownership prices are subject to availability. For terms and conditions, click here: www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/what-we-offer/occupancy-options/shared-ownership.