Photos show dramatic transformation of some of Oldham’s neglected back alleys

Part of the MyColdhurst clean-up at Ashley Street / Stirling Street in Coldhurst. Images courtesy of Sadrul Alam

Recent clean-up operations by a local community group have left the borough’s backstreets ‘transformed’.

The My Coldhurst group has completed a number of clean-up missions in recent months, which aim to give residents a ‘sense of pride in their area’. 

Photos shared by Sadrul Alam, the community group’s treasurer, show the huge difference clean-up efforts have made.

But Alam told the LDRS that the change was about more than beautifying the area. 

Alam said: “We undertake community litter picking and environmental cleaning activities and support young people in the community with their mental health and wellbeing, all with the idea of the community empowering itself by truly loving where they live.” 

He noted that Coldhurst was one of the most ‘deprived’ areas in Oldham.

The ward is in England’s top tenth of areas most affected by multiple types of deprivation, including child poverty, health deprivation and access to employment. 

But Alam believes that by taking ‘ownership of their areas’, people in Coldhurst can find community and strength to overcome the challenges they may be facing. 

The organisation, which is supported by Oldham Council, the National Lottery, Action Together and a number of housing associations, also throws neighbourhood barbecues and fetes to bring people together. 

Oldham Council’s Don’t Trash Oldham has also completed a clean-up project in Plato Street, Westwood.

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