Ince Green Lane
Ince Green Lane is set to sparkle with eight thousand golden daffodils, following a successful bid for funding from the government’s Single Regeneration Budget (SRB6) organised by the Street Scene team.
Part of the money was allocated specifically for bulbs, trees, planters and wildflowers to improve the landscape. And so, the first batch of some 40,000 daffodils has been planted along one of the main thoroughfares, Ince Green Lane, with British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, council Street Scene officers and volunteers all taking part in the initial planting session (pictured right).
And with children from the local schools helping to create hanging baskets this summer, which are now on display along Ince Green Lane, the area is set to become a green oasis for everyone to enjoy.
Swinley
Locals Julian and Rita Blackledge, Sheila Livesey and friends, formed the Swinley Residents Group following the discovery of a squalid drugs den near Mabs Cross late last year. The overgrown area was quickly cleared by Wigan Council’s township team, removing a makeshift bed and dozens of discarded needles and drug-related litter.
Through the council's partnership with residents, the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, the Street Scene Team and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, a drugs den which was posing all kinds of health and safety risks was removed. Once the area had been made safe, the landscaping work began with help from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. And now, the area is being planted with daffodil bulbs by the members of the newly formed Swinley Residents’ Group.
The group has also been supported by Ward Members and Wigan Council Voluntary Youth Services (WCVYS) based at Penson Street.
The group was formed as a direct result of the discovery and clearance of the drugs den. They are hoping that the spring display of daffodils will send a strong a positive message that new group is in business and serious about improving the streets of Swinley.
Ashton
“Put rubbish in the bin not on the floor,” says Anna, 7, from Bryn St Peter’s Primary School.
It’s a straightforward point, but one that children - and adults really need to take to heart as the state of the streets continues to register highly on residents’ list of concerns.
With more bins on the streets than ever before but with litter still a common sight, Street Scene officers see education as crucial. They have been visiting schools to hear what the children think about their local environment, and even whether they themselves have ever dropped litter.
Jack from year 5 impressed the council’s team when he told them firmly: “I think it’s important to pass on the message to everyone – don’t drop litter!”
Lucy from Year 3 is keen to get involved and enjoyed the outside activities and the litter pick. “Picking up rubbish is a good idea,” she told the team as her friends helped smarten up the school grounds.
The team have been taking classes at schools to their support eco-friendly “Green Flag” work and encourage new schools to come forward and sign up, including to St Peter’s on Downall Green Road, which has signed up to a Roadside Care Scheme so the children feel some ownership of their school’s surroundings.
Borough in Bloom
There's plenty of activity going on around the borough - new planters in many of our town centres, new landscaping and other eco-improvements, aimed at making this summer a really bright and cheerful one for everyone. Find out more about Borough in Bloom - and join in!
