Tuebrook neighbours transform alleys from dumping grounds to colourful community spaces

Neighbours in Tuebrook have worked together to transform their alleyways from dumping grounds to colourful community spaces.

Once unloved places in Tuebrook covered in rubbish have been turned into somewhere bright and attractive where all ages can sit and chat outdoors. The idea came from local councillor Billy Lake who wanted to see alleyways brought back into use rather than being forgotten or neglected.

He explains:

“Alleys are a constant source of dumping and it’s something people complain about a lot, even to the point where I’ve had some tell me they never go out there anymore because they’re afraid of what they might see.

“I thought that was wrong because it’s part of our space.  Years ago, before alleygates were put in for security reasons, people used to come and go from the back yard door, so they kept the alleyways clean because they were a thoroughfare. They also used to be a place where kids played their games because mothers knew where they were and they were safe.

“Since I came into the ward in 2018 most of the projects I’ve developed have been around trying to get people to be directly involved with their surroundings, so in a recent leaflet I said, ‘do you want to reclaim the alleys as a community space?’ and people really responded to it.

“We control a neighbourhood fund in conjunction with Liverpool Streetscene, so I agreed with officers that I’d set aside a small amount of funding to promote this idea.”

Buckingham Road residents were the first to rise to the challenge.

“Immediately they said they’d do it, they’ve put so much work into it and they’ve all made a contribution. They’ve recycled old material like cabinets, chairs, and even an old fireplace and turned it into something useful, and they’ve added plants and street art to brighten it up.

“People have bought into the idea, they’re really pleased with the result and now they sit out there in the evenings.

“A couple of Fridays ago they had a barbecue in the alleyway, one of the Spanish neighbours cooked the lamb, they had music, and the kids were playing. They spent a really glorious afternoon out there which was great and that’s what I want to see repeated right across Tuebrook. 

“One of the neighbours messaged me and said ‘it’s been hard work but it’s been a real community effort, it’s brought us all together’.” 

Coun. Lake says it’s not just about appearances, it’s about restoring a sense of community and a feelgood factor to the area.

“I’ve always been conscious of the morale of the community which has suffered, it’s not like the old days. But that doesn’t mean we have to lose our sense of community and if there’s part of that missing we need to rebuild it. 

“I’ve heard so many people saying ‘the area’s not what it used to be’ but if that community feel was there once, we can have it again.

“It’s about trying to change the mindset that the area’s gone down so they look at their surroundings in a different way.”

As Buckingham Road changed for the better, other roads have joined in and the ripple effect in Tuebrook has started. 

“By its nature it is organic and it’s already growing, so now we want more people to recruit friends and neighbours,” adds Coun. Lake.

“Ultimately I’d like to see it lead to an annual Tuebrook In Bloom, with competitions for hanging baskets and gardens. We might not have much space but let’s see what we can do with it for the benefit of everyone.”

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