Yes, Birchfield Road in those days was more like a village high street than a main road - the A34 to be precise. It became extremely busy and a nightmare at peak periods largely because of all the new housing that was built in Kingstanding and Great Barr. I agree that the flyover and underpass are monstrosities, but unavoidable, sad to say.
Viv, I was also taken to England's for my shoes. A family friend worked there - I think her name was Sylvia and she attended All Souls Church on Wenlock Road. I recall the foot-measuring device only too well, because I had mega-big feet for a child, and also my left foot was a size larger than my right....me all over, that is.
Big Gee