community
ALLEYWAYS IN BLOOM The winners of the annual ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition have been announced. The competition asked Rochdale residents to work together with neighbours to improve their alleyway and enhance their neighbourhood. First prize was awarded to residents of Shaftesbury Avenue in Smithy Bridge, who were chosen for the third year running. 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. The alleygates add to making the residents feel safe and secure and has given us all something positive to focus on during lockdown. All the residents have made a superb effort and has allowed a safe space to come together and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.” The runner-up prize went to residents of 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. 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.” The alleygating scheme is run by Rochdale Borough Council and aims to reduce the opportunity for burglary, antisocial behaviour, malicious fires and fly-tipping by installing lockable steel gates at both ends of back alleyways. There are currently 679 schemes across the borough and there is funding available for new schemes to be installed. For more information about the alleygating scheme and to apply visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/alleygating.
ROCHDALE'S INSPIRATIONAL STUDENTS Hopwood Hall College celebrated its most exceptional students with a virtual version of its Further Education Awards. Pathways to Adulthood student Jordan Deegan, who has cerebral palsy, was the recipient of the Skills for Life Lesley Hawkins Award. Diana McCloskey, Programme Manager for Skills for Life, said: “Jordan is an absolute delight and the very person who wouldn’t let a disability get in the way of enjoying life.” Meanwhile, the prestigious ‘Star of the Year’ Gold Award went to 17-year-old Casey Haworth, who’s studying a Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children. As well as becoming a leader in her class, she’s also acted as an ambassador by giving talks about the value of education to year 10s and 11s at Wardle High School. Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “We’ve seen so much resilience and determination from all our learners... In particular, Casey and Jordan have two of the most inspiring success stories and more than deserve this accolade.”
EXTRA SUPPORT FOR ROUGH SLEEPERS IN ROCHDALE An outreach team which is dedicated to helping rough sleepers has been expanded so more people can be supported during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Rochdale Council and their homelessness partners, have stepped up services during the current crisis, with the majority of the homeless community in accommodation. But the outreach team continues to play a vital role communicating with people who are on the streets during the day and linking them to long term support. Residents who see someone on the streets that they are concerned about should contact the team on: 0300 303 8548 between 9am - 5pm or out of hours on 0300 303 8875.
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