Residents are urged to go green and brighten alleys

GREEN-FINGERED residents are being encouraged to get gardening as the Alleyways in Bloom competition returns for its 11th year.

The competition asks residents, who have anti-burglary alleygates up behind their homes, to come together with neighbours to brighten up their alleyway.

In previous years residents have transformed rundown or vandalised alleys by putting up potted plants and flowerbeds, creating communal areas for their whole street to enjoy.

All entries will receive a visit from the burglary reduction officer who will take photographs to be judged during July and August.

The winner will receive a £50 garden voucher and the runner up gets a £25 voucher.

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “Alleygating helps to reduce burglary and antisocial behaviour, but they can be much more than that.

“They can create lovely green spaces for families and neighbours ●●The 2016 ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ winners – Bernice Clark and Sue Thomas – were crowned for their transformed alleyway on Edenfield Road to enjoy together so I encourage everyone with an alleygate to join in and help make your local area a greener place.”

The competition is run by the council’s burglary reduction scheme.

To enter call 924687 before Friday, July 6.