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.

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.