Rochdale’s Dame Gracie Fields famously celebrated 'the pride of our alley' in one of her renowned songs.
And now, the council invites you to highlight some of the most distinguished alleyways within the borough.
Secured alleyways fitted with anti-burglary gates will be asked to open up as the council invites entries for the 18th annual ‘Alleyways in Bloom’ competition.
The competition is part of Rochdale Borough Council’s burglary reduction scheme, which asks residents with anti-burglary alley gates installed to work together to create a welcoming space where each household can be part of creating something beautiful and love where they live.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation, said:
“We’re back with the 18th Alleyways in Bloom competition, and we cannot wait to see the entries this year. Every year we see the competition grow and it always brings a smile to my face when I see the standard of entries.
"While installing lockable gates is often a necessity, and the council has installed more than 600 schemes across the borough, this is the perfect opportunity to design and transform a usable space that can often be forgotten. By working with neighbours, it’s your chance to show how alleyways can provide a safe and beautiful space to work, rest and play.”
In previous years, rundown or unused alleyways have been transformed thanks to residents coming together to achieve a vibrant, thriving, green, safe space through clever planting, floral displays, and maintenance that offers each home on the street a place to be proud of.
The winning entry will receive a £50 garden centre voucher, with the runner-up receiving a £25 voucher.
If this competition is right up your alley, and you would like to enter, contact the council’s burglary reduction officer on 01706 924687 by Friday, 4 July 2025. Entries will be judged during July–August.
The council also has funding to continue the alleygating scheme for those who require lockable steel gates at both ends of back alleyways to reduce the opportunity for burglary, antisocial behaviour, arson, and fly-tipping.
- View more information about the alleygating scheme – enquire about having lockable gates installed, and you could be entering the competition next year.