A new green space has opened on Pitt Street, Glodwick

More than 40 residents flocked to see the new community park on Pitt Street for its celebratory launch.

But two years ago, it would have been impossible to imagine such a space.

The land had become overwhelmed with litter and evidence of anti-social behaviour such as small fires.

It has been dramatically transformed thanks to a community-wide effort between residents, the Ghazali Trust, Groundwork Greater Manchester and Oldham Council.

Work began as early as 2018 when a consultation revealed residents were lacking a social area.

And once in receipt of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, Groundwork were set to work on the site in 2021.

The landscaping team created a new seating area, a paved walkway and steps which finished in February this year.

But the green and vibrant community space also caters for raised beds to grow food and a small orchard of 14 fruiting trees.

Locals celebrating the new space. Photo by Groundwork Greater Manchester

Herbs, potatoes, fennel, chard, spinach, raspberries and blackberries have been planted for residents to use, as well as sweet peas and lavender to encourage wildlife and pollinators into the area.

Residents have attended a series of growing sessions by Get Oldham Growing and Northern Lily to learn about growing the food and to maintain the beds.

One local resident, Amreen, said: “It’s been a brilliant project. There was a lot of mess before and everyone’s making a conscious effort to pick it up now.

“Everyone’s getting together, and they really want to know what’s going on.

“They want to keep the space clean.

“We’re really looking forward to using it.”

Francesca Sullivan, Community Project Lead at Groundwork agreed that the transformation has been ‘amazing’.

Ms Sullivan said: “It felt like a non-space a year or so ago, but now it’s almost a community farm.

“Everyone is really excited about growing their own food and meeting up more with neighbours.

“I’ve noticed there’s much more wildlife there now too.

“When I first started working on the site, I never saw any forms of life but now I notice bees and insects buzzing around.

“It’s great that the community have created a valuable stepping stone for nature.”