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Longford Street in the Newport area of Middlesbrough is far from unusual. It is one of the many traditional terraced streets in the Middlesbrough area. What is unusual in this street, is the commitment of a group of residents to making their bit of outdoor space special for their community.

As for many streets in Middlesbrough, Longford Street’s alleyway saw its fair share of littering, dumping of rubbish, antisocial behaviour and crime. But in 2004, these residents said enough was enough. Alleygates had been installed to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and residents were keen to develop their back alleyway into an area which could be used for social events, relaxing, and a safe place where their children and grandchildren could play.

In May 2004, with £7000 of funding from WMNT, and working in partnership with West Middlesbrough Community Caretakers and Middlesbrough Council, the alleyway was transformed with planters, evergreen vegetation and trellises which created a little green avenue in the heart of town.

Thanks to the dedication of a small group of residents the alleyway has continued to bloom over the last 4 years – more residents have got involved, maintaining the plants and adding new ones all the time. They are even growing their own vegetables now, in large planters and tubs. The community spirit in the alleyway is amazing and residents regularly meet in their “little bit of green” for a drink at the end of the day, a bite to eat or a cup of tea. On a sunny day, they have even been known to have breakfast out there!

Longford Street really is an inspiration to everyone who sees it. WMNT is now supporting alleyway makeovers in other streets in West Middlesbrough. But the key to success, is the commitment of residents. In Longford Street, residents have tackled antisocial behaviour head on by standing up for their own rights to enjoy and grow their outdoor space. As Mavis Arnold, champion of the Longford St project, commented, “Many people (including the Mayor who visited last September ) ask ‘Why can’t all alleys be like this?’ Well, they could be with a bit of pulling together as a community and addressing the problems in order to clean the alleys up first. We did this, so we gained what we enjoy now!”

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