Residents of a Rochdale street have taken control of a shared space that they can use for socialising after the area was constantly used as a dumping ground.
People living on 9 to 49 Hereford Street now have a gated communal garden at the rear of the homes where children can play safely after a grassed area of land on Norwich Street became prone to anti-social behavior, litter and fly-tipping.
The project, which has been organised by Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council and funded through the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, meant that all residents had to sign up to the creation of the new secured communal area.
Proposals are being brought forward for new and refurbished housing in the Inner Rochdale area and the partners feel it is important to keep the area pleasant and secure during this time of change. The fencing and gates have been installed on a temporary basis and will remain until a long term use for the area has been identified and brought forward.
The idea was suggested by Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Mohammad Sharif, after residents raised concerns.
The residents were delighted to receive their keys. Fazal Hussain said: “We are really pleased to have the new communal area and are looking forward to spending time there with our neighbours. It will be great for children who live on the street to have somewhere safe to play.”
Neighbour Sean Dunne added: “The new communal area is a huge improvement to the area, turning what was a rubbish dump into a clean space that can be used by the whole street. It’s a real triumph for the neighbourhood and we are proud to be part of it.”
Councillor Mohammad Sharif, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “I’m really pleased that the concerns of residents were treated seriously and action was taking to address the problem of fly-tipping. These homes now have a shared space that they can use and it is a safe place for their children to play.”
The project forms part of the Brighter Futures regeneration proposals, which will take place over a number of years and involves building new homes and improving the image and perception of the area.
Gary Davies, Principal Project Officer at Rochdale Development Agency added: “There is a lot of investment being planned for the area over the coming years. The fencing will allow local residents to enjoy and look after the site until a long term use is found.”
