Members of the Pockthorpe Community Group came together to revamp an alleyway that had seen its fair share of neglect.  

The alley behind Beaconsfield Road in NR3 was the first to get a facelift from the project.

Gary Champion, Green Party councillor for Sewell Ward, said: “The Alleyway project has been a grassroots initiative led by the community.  

Norwich Evening News: The fences have been painted in bright colours The fences have been painted in bright colours (Image: Pockthorpe Community Group)

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“Since joining the neighbours in Beaconsfield Road with their first alleyway litter pick before covid struck, the area has been reclaimed and used by folk living there.  

“This project is intended to build upon the work of volunteers who have been working hard to clean up the area.

NR3 has seen many improvements since Covid took hold of the city.

The alley, while being cleared of litter, has also seen a new bright colour scheme and has had planters installed which have been built using wood from pallets fly-tipped in the area.  

Norwich Evening News: Kevin Parker helped teach the community how to turn pallets into planters Kevin Parker helped teach the community how to turn pallets into planters (Image: Pockthorpe Community Group)

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Kevin Parker led the group in building the planters last weekend. 

He said: “The planters are all reclaimed and recycled materials – I am good at reclaiming things.  

“We can’t afford new timber - I brought the materials and tools down to encourage making and upskilling.”  

Norwich Evening News: all ages were welcome to help with the transformation all ages were welcome to help with the transformation (Image: Pockthorpe Community Group)

Due to this several people walked away from the project having learned how to use tools – and they are planning on building more and filling them with useful plants such as herbs.  

Kevin said: “We need to encourage biodiversity and a reconnection with the natural world wherever and however we can en masse.  

“This is small and manageable for most people to feel an uplift and some hope. 

Norwich Evening News: Green Party Councillors were also present on the day to lend a hand Green Party Councillors were also present on the day to lend a hand (Image: Pockthorpe Community Group)

Thomas Woods, who lives in Beaconsfield Road, said: “The area is now clean, tidy, and getting brighter and more colourful with the addition of paint, street art and plants.  

“We’ve had social events in the past and there is lots more planned, including an Easter party and maybe even a film night!” 

Norwich Evening News: Pockthorpe Community Group will be planning more days like this to share with neighbours Pockthorpe Community Group will be planning more days like this to share with neighbours (Image: Pockthorpe Community Group)