Neighbours awarded for blossoming alleys
WINNERS have been announced in the borough’s annual ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition, which recognises the transformation of protective pathways into relaxing communal spaces.
The competition asked Rochdale borough residents who have burglary reduction alleygates installed behind their properties to come together with neighbours to improve their alleyway and enhance their neighbourhood.
The winning entries saw the alleyways spruced up with grassy passages, benches and a range of colourful flowers.
First prize was awarded to residents of Shaftesbury Avenue in Smithy Bridge, who were chosen for the third year running.
The competition, which is in its 13th year, awards the winners with a £50 Bowlee Garden Centre voucher.
Richard Simpson, of Shaftesbury Avenue, said: “Residents are thrilled to have won the competition again after making improvements to the alley and keeping up with maintenance.
“All the residents have made a superb effort and have allowed a safe space to come together and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.”
The runner-up prize of a £25 Bowlee Garden Centre voucher went to Edenfield Road in Norden.
Residents Bernice Clark and Sue Thomas, who have won the competition previously, have been maintaining and enhancing their alleyway for many years. The improvements to their gated communal area provide a relaxing place for neighbours to come for a chat, surrounded by nature.
Bernice, said: “Sue and I, along with other residents have spent a lot of time over the last few months enjoying the space and have grown our own plants this year, including a beautiful fuchsia basket and sweet peas.
“Spending time here has proven very therapeutic over the years and we get a lot of positive comments from people passing on the street.”
Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “The alleygating scheme’s main purpose is to reduce burglary and antisocial nuisance behaviour, but this competition shows that they can be much more than that. The scheme provides the perfect opportunity to bring residents together to create a delightful shared space.”
There are currently 679 alleygating schemes across the borough and there is funding available for new ones to be installed.
For information about the scheme and how to sign up visit www.rochdale. gov.uk/alleygating.