Residents sick of looking at their drab, rundown alleyway have transformed it into a bright social space filled with colourful and quirky objects.
Over the past few weeks, the task of clearing and decorating the alleyway off Paterson Street in Birkenhead has been part of a project not only to improve the environment but bring neighbours together.
The transformation of the alleyway was organised by a group called Paterson Street Rainbow Committee, who had previously worked to improve other alleyways in the area.
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Cllr Pat Cleary, who represents Birkenhead and Tranmere for the Green Party, previously explained how the idea grew.
He said: “It’s a grassroots, ground up effort.
“People are using the time and space afforded to them by the lockdown to start up something quite significant.”
Cllr Cleary, said the volunteers' methods are simple but effective and they are looking to expand to other alleyways in Birkenhead.
There can be as many as 15-20 people present at any one time during clean-up efforts.
He added: “What the residents of Paterson Street have achieved here is amazing. It really shows the power of community.
"By coming together they have transformed what was a liability into a huge asset.
"It’s not just the physical improvements.
"Just as important are the strengthened bonds within the neighbourhood as residents get to know each other and all the positive benefits that flow from that.
"They should be rightly proud of everything they have achieved."
* What do you think of the alleyway, or have you done something similar where you live? Tell us in the comments
Dumping in the alleyway, the councillor said, had always been a problem but was made worse during the lockdown with a minority of residents clearing out their houses.
The volunteers have made great use of upcycled materials such as wooden palettes and old tyres to create street furniture and quirky plant pots.
The use of a vibrant colour scheme together with plenty of greenery has transformed the once weed-strewn dumping ground into an inviting social space for neighbours to meet.
On social media, Wirral Police praised the alleyway's new look as well as the volunteers' efforts, saying: "We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the great community spirit that the residents of Paterson Street, Birkenhead have shown over the past weeks.
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"During these unprecedented times, adults and children have all joined together in creating a beautiful and pleasing environment in what was once a litter strewn and overgrown alley way to the rear of their homes.
"We hope that other communities and residents will come together in small projects like this, and take note of what can be achieved with very little support and recycling items. Well done!!"
