'Birmingham is more than just bin strikes'

As the Birmingham bin strikes continue with no end in sight, images of rubbish piling up on the streets and headlines like "Rats as big as cats" have become common.

But a local woman has taken it upon herself to be the antidote to them, choosing instead to show the city is still rife with beauty.

Laura McEwan, who runs a food and drink blog called Bite Your Brum, is using her platform to post pictures showcasing the more attractive side of Birmingham - and she is encouraging others to do the same.

"Even if you're just on your lunch break, go and have a little walk around the city," said Ms McEwan. "There is plenty of joy to be found, you just have to want to see it at the moment."

Ms McEwan started getting attention for her photographs during lockdown when she began sharing pictures of her long walks around the city.

"I'm a big believer that there is lots of beauty to be found in Birmingham," she said. "I know there's a lot going on in the city at the moment, and there's a lot of negativity around the aesthetic of it.

"So, I personally, have been trying to take some nicer pictures to show that there's some prettiness to be found."

Ms McEwan said there were plenty of spots for locals and visitors to enjoy.

"Brindley Place at the moment is gorgeous," she suggested. "The blossoms are blossoming - if you can get there on a day with blue sky particularly, they look incredible.

"Edgbaston Reservoir – the daffodils there at the moment are absolutely gorgeous, and the wildlife is popping because it's spring.

"Gas Street – the canal as you're coming up to the Mailbox is absolutely beautiful with all the boats, especially when the sun is shining."

Ms McEwan admitted the current situation was not helping Birmingham's reputation, but said she hoped her pictures made even a small difference.

"I have friends who live all over the country... and they seem to think we're riding around on rats at the moment," she said.

"Things do feel a little bit bleak sometimes and I think there's a subsection of us trying our best to bring some colour to day-to-day life.

"If it's a positive five seconds in someone's day… hopefully that brings some joy."

Ms McEwan's photos can be seen on Bite Your Brum's Instagram page.

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