Furious residents in Perry Barr have launched a petition demanding action against a local wedding venue they claim has made their lives a 'living nightmare' for the past decade.
A Decade of Disruption
Local councillor Morriam Jan has set up a formal petition requesting that Badshah Palace on Walsall Road cease operating as a banqueting suite. She states that the issue has been ongoing for ten years, with a constant stream of complaints from those living nearby.
Councillor Jan explained her position, stating, "I'm not personally against Badshah but when residents have issues and grave concerns, I have to act." She detailed specific incidents, including fireworks being set off on the road, with one landing in a hedge across Walsall Road.
Residents' Living Hell
Anonymous locals report a catalogue of problems linked to events at the venue. These include severe parking issues, with guests allegedly parking on double yellow lines, blocking pavements, and obstructing driveways on Tower Hill and Law Cliff Road.
One resident who wished to remain anonymous said, "Life has become very difficult, well to be honest it's a living hell when they are open." They described constant noise pollution from revving car engines, car horns, and illegal U-turns, alongside the unexpected disturbance of fireworks and smoke bombs at all hours.
Further complaints involve guests congregating in front gardens to drink and smoke, and music that continues past the agreed 11 pm finish time.
Venue Owner's Defence
In a robust defence, Mohammed Rashid from Badshah Palace highlighted the positive work done at the site. He stated that the building was previously a derelict eyesore associated with drug use and fires, which was driving down local house prices.
"Ever since we have come, we have converted the banqueting hall back to its former glory and cleaned the area up," Mr Rashid said. "We no longer have the boy racer problems anymore, we don't have the drug use anymore."
He acknowledged that weddings are inherently joyful and sometimes loud events, comparing them to the bells ringing at a church wedding. He explained that Muslim wedding traditions include the playing of a dhol (drum) and flutes to receive the bride and groom, but emphasised there is little other music.
Mr Rashid claimed his team has worked hard to reduce problems, stating that firework incidents have been minimised to just "two or three occasions". He attributes the ongoing friction to a handful of neighbours who "have not been able to adjust with the times."
Despite meetings with council departments and the police, a resolution has not been found. Councillor Jan intends to present her petition at the next full council meeting in the first week of December.
