RESIDENTS in Ashton-under-Lyne have helped turn a once-neglected alleyway into a brighter, more welcoming space through a series of hands-on community activities.
People living around Whiteacre Road were invited to take part in pop-up sessions designed to gather ideas and shape improvements to the area, as part of the ongoing Eco Streets initiative.
The project, led by Tameside Council Community Safety in partnership with Groundwork Greater Manchester, focused on giving residents a direct say in how their neighbourhood evolves.
As well as sharing their views, residents rolled up their sleeves to get involved in practical and creative sessions. Activities ranged from potting and planting seeds to crafting personalised mosaic back-door number tiles and contributing to a community mural – helping to bring new life and colour to the alleyway.
The improvements were marked with a celebration event on Friday, April 10, recognising the collective effort that has gone into reshaping the space.
The council says the aim is not just to improve how the alleyway looks, but to build a stronger sense of pride and ownership among those who live nearby.
For those involved, the project has already made a visible difference in turning an overlooked alley into a shared space shaped by the people who use it every day.
Emma Varnam, Assistant Director of Environment, Housing and Estates at Tameside Council, said: “It is absolutely amazing to see the transformations taking place in Tameside.
“Through the Eco Streets project, we’re working closely with residents to understand the concerns and challenges that affect their neighbourhoods, and to tackle these issues together.
“This collaboration is helping create cleaner, greener, and more welcoming streets for everyone.”