Residents prepare to spruce up backstreets in ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition

In full bloom at Edenfield Road, Norden. Previous runner up in the competition

Protected alleyways locked away from the public are to be opened up as part of the 2024 ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition.

Run by Rochdale Borough Council, the annual competition is part of a burglary reduction scheme, which asks residents with anti-burglary alley gates installed to work together to create a welcoming space.

Entries are being accepted from locals who are ready to spruce up their backstreets and create a beautiful space whilst boosting the local community spirit.

Rochdale’s most famous daughter, Gracie Fields, once sang a famous song about ‘the pride of our alley’ and now the council is again looking for the borough’s best-kept backstreets.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation, said: “We’re back with the 17th Alleyways in Bloom competition, and we cannot wait to see the entries this year. It always amazes me how much hard work and community spirit is shown in creating these beautiful spaces, and everyone who pitches in should be immensely gratified by what can be achieved in a small space.

“What a positive and rewarding way to make a difference by turning a small urban alley into a peaceful setting away from the hubbub of daily life outside the front door.”

In previous years, rundown or unused alleyways have been transformed thanks to residents coming together to achieve a vibrant, thriving, green, safe space through clever planting, floral displays, and maintenance that offers each home on the street a place to be proud of.

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, 28 June. Entries will be judged during July/August.

The council also has funding to continue the alleygating scheme for those who require lockable steel gates at both ends of back alleyways to reduce the opportunity for burglary, antisocial behaviour, arson, 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.