Gates and entries open for this year’s Alleyways in Bloom competition

Wednesday, 28 June 2023 15:45

By David Murphy

Another previous winner - alleyway at Edenfield Road

Protected alleyways, often locked away behind anti-burglary gates, will get the chance to open up and shine in full bloom as the council is seeking entries for the 16th ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition.

The competition, which saw increased entries last year, is part of Rochdale Borough Council’s burglary reduction scheme and asks residents who have lockable alley gates installed to work together and let their imaginations run wild.

In previous years, rundown or vandalised alleyways that are often overlooked have been transformed into vibrant green spaces.

Clever planting, repurposed items, and floral displays bursting with colour have given residents a safe yet welcoming, cleaner, and greener communal space for all to enjoy thanks to hard work and dedication.

Councillor Janet Emsley, deputy leader and cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform, said: “This competition highlights the great community spirit that resides across the borough of Rochdale and is a perfect way to highlight the hard work and ideas that have gone into creating small sanctuaries.

“It’s a great way to do something positive for your neighbourhood and the environment, whether that be potting a few plants or creating a majestic themed garden; every trowel picked up or area cleaned makes a big difference to turn a small urban alley into a thriving green space.”

All entries will receive a visit from the burglary reduction officer who will take photographs and judge the alleyways during July/August.

The winning entry will receive a £50 garden centre voucher, with the runner-up receiving a £25 voucher.

If this competition is right up your alley, and you would like to enter, contact the council’s burglary reduction officer on 01706 924687 by Friday, 7 July 2023.

The council also has funding to continue the alleygating scheme for those residents who require lockable steel gates at both ends of back alleyways to reduce the opportunity for burglary, antisocial behaviour, malicious fires, and fly-tipping.

For more information about the alleygating scheme and to enquire about having lockable gates installed, visit rochdale.gov.uk/alleygating, and you could be entering the competition next year.