Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

New look for alleyways

20/ 9/2002

DANGEROUS alleyways in Weaste and Seedley are set to be fenced off and turned into tranquil community gardens.

Council housing bosses agreed to transfer control of the alleyways to local people - who are ready to turn the dark, crime-ridden pathways into inner-city havens to boost community spirit.

The alleys will be fenced off at each end with only residents given the security key to gain access.

Council bosses hope the move will cut the crime which has made the area a no-go zone at night.

This week, Salford Mayor Cllr Ben Wallsworth officially closed an alley at the back of Annie Street in Seedley.

Annie Street resident Joanne Drinkwater said: "We are looking forward to using the alleywa. We see it as a way of returning to the old values of community spirit.

"We have already started to meet regularly to plan how to use this space in the best way and it has increased security and reduced litter."

Residents were also thrilled when the council, the Seedley and Langworthy Initiative and Salford First donated funds for plants and flowers to make the alleys more inviting.

Edna Robinson of the Seedley and Langworthy partnership told us: "All partners in the area are working together to strengthen the community, improve the environment and reduce crime.

"We are looking forward to continuing this relationship."