Neighbours in Tameside have collaborated to transform two neglected alleyways into clean, green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Groundwork joined forces with Tameside Borough Council to address long-standing issues such as weeds, broken paving, and fly-tipping.
Community-Led Improvements
The project began in September 2025 by consulting residents on Egerton Street and Raynham Street about their desired improvements. After learning that people struggled to move their bins due to rubbish and broken ground, teams cleared away three skip loads of waste. Landscaping teams repaired broken steps and flags, eliminating the need for residents to carry heavy bins through their homes.
New Features Installed
New planters with low-maintenance greenery were installed to maintain an open and safe feel, while blocked drains were cleared to prevent flooding. One resident suggested converting a blocked passage into a communal shed, now a reality secured with a combination lock. A new notice board and a lock for the end gate ensure the space remains exclusive and tidy for nearby residents.
One resident expressed delight: “I love the plants and all you have done for us.” Another noted the daily impact: “It’s really frustrating that I can’t even take my bins out.”
Unified Space on Syddall Street
Similar work occurred on Syddall Street, where three adjoining alleyways were unified into a single space for children to play and families to grow food. Residents participated in seed sowing, building bug hotels, and painting a colourful mural reflecting the neighbourhood’s spirit.
Resident Chelsea shared: “A big part of it was the growing side of it, the kids getting involved in growing their own fresh fruit and veg. They finally eat more of it when they’ve grown it themselves. It was about making it a nicer place for us all to be in the summers.”
Building Community Bonds
The project helped neighbours who had never spoken before get to know each other while working on garden beds. Chelsea added: “I’ve got to go with the mural, just because it’s a bit of all of us, our little family that we’ve made up here. That’s something that really etched my heart.”
The initiative was made possible by funding from Tameside Borough Council and the dedication of local volunteers.
