Creating community spaces in Coldhurst

A fly-tipping hotspot in Coldhurst has been transformed into vibrant community hub for children to enjoy thanks to youngsters and housing association Contour Homes.

A consultation was held at St Hilda’s Primary in March, where students of the school’s eco council pitched three design plans for the new-look alley to local residents. Around 50 tenants attended and voted on proposals for a new painted games area, benches and equipment for planting.

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, provided funding for the games area and donated the planters, and Oldham Borough Council cleared the alley.

The new area was unveiled to residents last week and tenants came together for a special event packed with family fun to celebrate. Those attending got to try their hand at planting vegetables and sample henna art, while children were treated to face-painting and got to try out the new painted games area, taking part in hopscotch and the long-jump.

The installation of new barrel planters in May, donated by Greenfingers Landscape Limited, will complete the growing area and 10 local families have already signed up to join a growing club to maintain it.

Sessions will be run in partnership with the BHealthy Meal Deal project and Get Oldham Growing, and residents will learn about cultivating organic produce and get tips on horticulture.

 

Anika Talakdur, aged seven, who is a St Hilda’s School Eco Councillor, and was involved in the design of the alley, said: ‘The smaller children got bored before and now they can safely play in the alley. Everyone is joining together more’.

Stephanie Hodgson, community investment officer, at Contour Homes, said: ‘We wanted to work in partnership with the whole community to come up with a solution to stop the fly-tipping.

The eco councillors at St Hilda’s had some fantastic ideas and it has made such a difference to the neighbourhood. There is a great sense of community spirit here; everyone has come together to make the project a success’.