“Dozens” across Oldham get involved in ‘Love Where You Live’

They received 15 entries from various individuals, groups and organisations and after a shortlisting process the winners were chosen as MyColdhurst and an alleyway off Eleanor Street.

Resident Monjoor Ahmed started the work last year by clearing waste that had been dumped in the alleyway.

He then enlisted the help of neighbours and members of MyColdhurst to keep the alleyway clean.

Since then CCTV was installed to ensure any fly-tippers will be filmed and caught and the council has also installed solar floodlights.

Flytipping is now a thing of the past and it will hopefully stay that way.

Oldham Council say they’ll now move the flowers, planters and plants that were on display as part of the ‘Love Where You Live’ Inspiration Street installation in Manchester Chambers, in Oldham Town Centre down to Eleanor Street.

The residents will also benefit from ongoing support from IF Oldham.

Monjoor said: “Thanks to Oldham Council for donating this equipment and it will make a real difference.

“We are already making good use of the space and children are playing in it – we want it as a place where neighbours come together and have an alleyway party. 

“We want to make our neighbourhood cleaner and a better place to live - Coldhurst Is Changing.”

The council are going to be contacting all the entrants – as well as those who expressed an interest in the competition but never got round to entering – to offer practical support and help so they can also look at transforming their alleyways.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We’d like to congratulate MyColdhurst on their outstanding submission and winning this alleyway makeover.

“This makeover will make a real difference to the area and the residents are committed to continuing the good work they have started.

“We had some really good entries and it was obvious residents are serious about rolling up their sleeves and working with us to transform their alleyways into cleaner, greener community spaces, which they and their families can enjoy.

“If residents want to make a stand against fly-tipping, reclaim their space and restore pride in their area, we’re really happy to support them with finance and guidance.

“We’re keen to see other communities transform their spaces and would urge interested parties to come forward. 

“We’re continuing to take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and will continue to enforce against people who dump or fly-tip.”

If you are looking to clean up your alleyway or neighbourhood then you can download an inspiration guide at https://www.oldham.gov.uk/cleanstreets or www.hubbub.org.uk/lovewhereyoulive

This project is part of our work to create a greener Oldham. Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/greenOldham or search #greenOldham on social media for more information.