11C: Erdington

Continuing the journey on Birmingham's 11C Outer Circle...

The road from Perry Barr to Erdington typically passes through terraces and convenience shopping, punctuated by warehouse-type employment, a few open spaces and some construction work. The 11C rises in quick succession over two water navigations, a slower transport system for which Birmingham is also famous.

The 11C is a slow crawl, as the bus picks up at every stop, though numbers are noticeably lower here than to Perry Barr. The clatter of coins into the hopper rattles less often, too, as most have passes or their £3.30 day tickets. Not one driver inspects any of them.

You get the feeling Erdington’s seen better times. I suppose it’s difficult to get a feel for the place in 10 minutes but that’s all I have. Once a lower middle class suburb, this area seems less diverse. Out of centre retailing & the recession have resulted in random units closed or to let. Charity, cheap & pound shops prevail. Compare this to Handsworth and I know which I’d prefer.