The gates are open for blooming alleyways

Residents with a passion for creating blooming lovely spaces are encouraged to get creative as the ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition returns for its 15th year. 

The competition, run by Rochdale Borough Council’s burglary reduction scheme, asks residents who have anti-burglary alley gates installed to join together and let imaginations run wild to create a delightful shared space.

With a touch of imagination and flair for gardening, residents have transformed rundown or vandalised alleyways in previous years through clever planting and floral decorations, creating welcoming, greener, and cleaner communal spaces.

All entries will be visited by a burglary reduction officer who will take photographs and judge entries during July/August. 

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

 

 

Councillor Janet Emsley, joint deputy leader and cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform, said: “As more people are meeting up this competition could be the perfect opportunity to combine efforts to create something magical outside your own back door. Whether that’s a few new potted plants or a full floral feature, every helping hand can make such a huge difference to a small secure space.

“So, pick up those trowels, create some colour and encourage everyone to muck in. We cannot wait to see the entries - it’s time to get together, and share a space to be proud of.”

 

 

Residents interested in entering the competition should contact the council’s burglary reduction officer on 01706 924687 by Friday 8 July 2022.

The council has funding in place to continue the alleygating scheme, which 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, which have experienced or are at risk of crime.

For more information about the scheme and to enquire about having lockable gates installed, visit rochdale.gov.uk/alleygating