The back alley fettlers transforming Blackburn with Darwen's neglected spaces

People living in Blackburn and Darwen have been sprucing-up their alleyways, painting the walls and adorning them with beautiful flower arrangements in a bid to keep their towns looking neat and tidy.

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Cath Ford

Many of the people involved are also members of Keep Blackburn Tidy, a volunteer litter-picking group, and together they have formed a group called the Back Alley Fettlers.

Cath Ford, one of the founding members of Blackburn group said the project is about creating community alley gardens and has been promoted by the town's Bureau Centre for the Arts.

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Antony Tabiner

Ms Ford said: "Everything that we're doing is a result of the hard work over the past few years of Keep Blackburn Tidy.

"Many of the Back Alley Fettlers are also litter pickers and I think it's the hope and possibility of change that's come from that that's enabled us to take the steps to creating community alley gardens.

"It's a really supportive community, everyone doing their bit on their doorstep but knowing we're part of something bigger."

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Shell Dunky

Some of the alleys being reimagined include ones behind Azalea Road, Woodbine Road and St Silas Road and according to Ms Ford, there are lots more springing up across the town.

Member, Shell Dunky said: "I’m a member of Keep Blackburn Tidy, and the idea came from there.

"The items we use are mostly saved from going to landfill.

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Antony Tabiner

"I was out in the alley over the weekend and even my teenager came out to help.

"We planted bulbs and seeds, and wildflower seeds have gone into our wildflower garden."

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Shell Dunky

The community relationships being built as a result of the project are also visible as Ms Dunky said on one occasion when she was out in the alley she met a neighbour who had been creating pots and plants from upcycled items.

She added: "He was so happy with the alley transformation and the creativity from upcycled items and we’ve agreed to sit out with a brew over summer. Hopefully more neighbours will also get involved."

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Shell Dunky

Antony Tabiner, also from Blackburn, started reimagining his Mill Hill alley during the first lockdown, and the result of a lot of hardwork is now visible in an array of beautiful artwork painted on the brick walls, rainbow lights placed on top of walls, and flower beds and benches for people to sit out on.

He said: "It all started by one chap being forced to clean up his area in the alley, then another chap started white washing the walls, and we then joined in with the rainbow and it went from there."

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Antony Tabiner

Similar sprucing-up is happening in Darwen too, with Keep Britain Tidy ambassador, Wayne Dixon, taking to neglected 'grot spots' and transforming them into creative spaces.

He has already created a free library in a disused phonebox close to the Co-op on Blackburn Road, which is being used by many people in the area.

Residents are sprucing up their back alleys in Blackburn and Darwen. Pic: Antony Tabiner

Mr Dixon, who has litter-picked his way around Britain with his dog Koda, said: "I created a new Facebook group called Darwen's Creative Spaces with an aim of getting people together to brighten up and repair things in the community, and help to reverse the broken window effect the town.

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

"I want to help encourage others and show them the things that we are doing in our community here in Darwen."

To find out more about Darwen's Creative Spaces or the Back Alley Fettlers, head to Facebook.