A cross community project is supporting trainees to transform an area of neglected alleyways in north Belfast.

The Lower Oldpark Community Association (LOCA) Alleyway Project is bringing together young people from Impact Training on the Shankill Road and Springvale Training on the Springfield Road to build raised beds and window boxes, as well as relations, as part of the planting and improvement works.

Supported by Radius Housing, the project saw the trainees construct the beds, before coming together with representatives from LOCA and local residents, to install them in the alleyway behind the homes on Avoca Street. A planting day was held with local residents and a further clean-up day is planned before the end of the summer. The community have also put up welcome signs in a number of languages.

-- Advertisement --

This is the first stage of a wider environment and community improvement programme being undertaken by LOCA. Included in future plans is the purchase and re-purposing of a shipping container to create a classroom, which will be located on green space near the Avoca Street alleyway and will be used by local residents, groups and a nursery school.

This programme has been funded through the Executive's Together Building a United Community Strategy and programme for Government / 'Housing for All' Shared Housing programme.

Radius has shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. Inclusive Bridging events in the wider community encourage a range of good relations outcomes which involve Health & Wellbeing and Education & Training.