How we’ve grown

The Clarksfield alleyway between Foster Street, Hillside Avenue and Grasmere Road was so riddled with rubbish that Crystal Cregan and Mechelle Gannon decided to tackle the tip and create something to be proud of.

A FLY-TIPPING hotbed has been transformed into a tranquil hidden gem by some kind-hearted neighbours.

The Clarksfield alleyway between Foster Street, Hillside Avenue and Grasmere Road was so riddled with rubbish that Crystal Cregan and Mechelle Gannon decided to tackle the tip and create something to be proud of.

Ruth Lightbown then jumped onboard after moving to the area and instantly falling in love with the project.

Now it has been turned into a colourful community garden with flowers and vegetables for all the community to enjoy.

Ruth said: “When I moved to the area I saw the amazing work these two women were doing and decided to join them.

“The alleyway has become the hub of the community. Everybody around the area is really proud to have it. It would be great if this would encourage a lot of other people to do the same.

“We want to encourage all residents to take part for the next generation to enjoy.”

After the trio had completed the cleaning work in the alleyway, Oldham Big Local — a 10-year £1 million lottery project to invest in Clarksfield, Littlemoor and Greenacres — stepped in to help with £1,000 in funding for flowers, plants, plant pots and gardening equipment.

Fiona Jones, from Big Local Oldham, said: “It’s a wonderful example of how residents really can make a difference to their own neighbourhood.”