The famous Birmingham spot everybody knows but many are now scared to go to

Pictured officers from West Midlands Police use a knife arch on the ramp near to Grand Central in Birmingham city centre, the walk through metal detector being used to scan for weapons being carried in the main shopping areas.
-Credit: (Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)


For decades it has been a meeting place used by almost everyone in the city. But Brummies say the famous ‘Ramp’ is no longer a place where they feel safe.

BirminghamLive readers have claimed Stephenson Place — known as 'The Ramp' due to its sloped walkway from Grand Central to New Street — has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour. They say the location, home to a busy McDonald’s restaurant, is plagued by drug taking, aggressive begging and loitering.

This weekend we reported two homeless men were jailed for their part in a fight at the spot. Curtis Hewitt and Desmond Grainger were sentenced to six months and four months respectively. A third man, Kevin Kerr, has also been charged over the scrap but remains at large.

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The fracas erupted just after 6am on July 7 this year, Birmingham Crown Court heard. Footage captured the men aiming blows at each other before an armed melee continued on New Street and more people became involved.

It’s not the first time The Ramp has hit the headlines. While some have hailed its “spiritual” qualities, we’ve previously told how youths had “made life hell” for traders. The area was even chosen by police for a knife search in 2023.

Crowds of shoppers walk up 'the ramp' towards Grand Central in Birmingham city centre
The Ramp has hit the headlines over multiple reports of anti social behaviour -Credit:Martin O'Callaghan

Now BirminghamLive readers have shared their thoughts. And they all suggested The Ramp was the last place they would like to meet a friend these days.

Jack212 said addicts were "sprawled" around the ramp day and night. He urged: “[Let’s] reclaim our high street. Maybe try to make it look like something befitting of the second city in a developed nation."

Dboy22 remembered the ramp as a place where people would meet. But added: “Not anymore unfortunately unless you want to be stepping over people passed out on the floor and dodging aggressive beggars.”

Pictured McDonalds on the ramp New Street
Birmingham.
It is home to a well-known and often busy McDonald's restaurant - but some would rather go elsewhere -Credit:Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live

Roo80 gave their thoughts: “Walking around town is like another time zone these days. Going to work in the morning and the church grounds are full of people passed out or high on drugs.

“There is always someone walking around shouting loudly to themselves. It’s utterly bizarre and frightening.”

Maggie’s Boy suggested a permanently manned police box at the bottom of The Ramp. He claimed: “It’s a hotspot of criminal behaviour night and day. [It’s] no wonder no one wants to come into town anymore. It’s such a dangerous place.”

The Ramp in Birmingham
BirminghamLive readers have had their say on The Ramp in Birmingham -Credit:Graham Young / Birmingham Live

Hewitt, of no fixed address, admitted affray and and possession of an offensive weapon. He had 24 previous convictions for 55 offences.

Grainger, also of no fixed address, admitted a single charge of affray. He had 37 previous convictions for 99 offences.

Kerr has been charged with affray, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

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