Barleyfield tenants go potty with RBH

Having fun, planting pots

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Scattered showers and a dull day did nothing to dampen the spirits of residents who gathered at Barleyfield Walk, Middleton for a Pick n’ Party and planting session organised by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).

Staff from RBH Community Involvement Team funded pots and bedding plants, such as violas and sweet peas, which tenants were able to plant and take back home to brighten their front entrances. Younger family members made scarecrows and mosaics from seeds courtesy of funding from the Priority Area Team and RBH’s K-Play organiser.

Debbie Hopwood, Principal Housing Manager explained the reason behind the event. “Tenants told us that they were fed up with negative stories around their estate, which were due to a minority of individuals.

“We put a lot of work in last year with environmental improvements, such as new front doors which has really lifted the look of the area and this event is really a follow on from that to demonstrate how tenants and residents are united in looking forward to a brighter future. “

Over 50 people attended. Ian Lord and Gaynor Palmer, estate caretakers also helped tenants clear their gardens and were able to fill several sack loads of rubbish to take to the tip, along with the litter collected .from the green.

One resident said: “Today has really brought us together and all the families have had a good time. I have met lots of people I don’t normally see and made two super pots for my front garden.”

As a reward for their hard work litter-picking, RBH’s Communities First programme provided a buffet in the afternoon, which allowed tenants to mingle and admire the fruits of their labour.