Regeneration officers from Riverside are working with communities in Rock Ferry and Tranmere, Picton and Bootle to identify alleyways to transform into recreational spaces for barbeques and neighbourhood get-togethers.
The local landlord has allocated ￡224,281 towards the project from the Green Spaces for People scheme funded by the Big Lottery’s Changing Spaces programme – secured by a consortium of housing associations including Riverside.
The aim is to develop 18 alleycourts encouraging resident involvement, with training in horticulture and support provided by Groundwork Merseyside, Riverside’s Clean Team and Green Apprentices.
Sheila Porter, regeneration officer at Riverside, said: “This project is one of 12 that Riverside is leading to develop green spaces in urban environments. "The aim is to encourage pride and ownership within communities.”
The streets that provide a focus for the work are mostly densely packed pre-1919 terraces without gardens or green spaces.
Lindsey Cooper, of Groundwork, added: ”Studies prove that access to green space improves people’s well-being, decreases anti-social behaviour and improves health generally.
"Greening up these areas also has an impact on reducing fly-tipping and provides a space for people to meet to develop closer knit communities.”
THE GLOBE 
