Our great way of getting together!

A GROUP of neighbours have banded together to turn a disused and unloved alleyway into a community hub.

The cobbled entry between houses in Didsbury now hosts socially distanced barbecues, play dates, and other social events.

Previously, the ginnel was plagued by fly-tippers.

But a group of half a dozen home-owners decided to give it a new lease of life, first pressurewashing the cobbles and weeding, before putting out garden furniture and planters.

The space has been decorated with bunting and garland lights, along with hanging baskets and colourful flower pots.

Some pots are being put to use to grow produce, such as strawberries, broad beans and salad leaves. Prints and mosaics from local artists have been fastened to the brick walls to further brighten the space.

Caroline Baines, one of the women behind the Love Your Alley project, said they’ve been wanting to gate the alleyway for years, but had been deterred by paperwork and costs.

She said: “The cobbles are just so gorgeous – once everybody had been out there with their jet-washers it just looked great.

“We found loads of stuff to recycle, used anything we could find in the early stages.

“Everybody’s been really keen. It’s been so lovely for the children especially – they can just sit and play with their Lego or painting sets and sit near their friends. They love it. We’ve been keeping our distance obviously, but it’s a chance to talk to someone outside of your own household, which has been amazing. It’s made a real difference, for all of us.”