A LOCAL alleyway was transformed by volunteers keen to improve the look of their area.

The alleyway, just off Duncan Street in Birkenhead, contained only bin bags and graffiti before volunteers gave it a stunning makeover.

Local vlogger Liam Simonsen called it 'The World's Best Alleyway'.

There is a strong movement gathering momentum locally to improve the look of alleyways in the town.

Discussing a similar plan to improve the look of another Birkenhead alleyway, between Paterson Street and Park Road East, Cllr Pat Cleary said: "This is great community engagement, it shows a sense of place, a sense of neighbourliness.

"On Saturday it was just buzzing, people were so proud of what they had achieved, there was such a feel good factor."

The transformation of the alleyway was organised by a group called Paterson Street Rainbow Committee.

Cllr Cleary, who represents Birkenhead and Tranmere for the Green Party, explained how the idea grew.

He said: "It's a grassroots, ground up effort.

"People are using the time and space afforded to them by the lockdown to start up something quite significant."

To see Liam Simonsen's video of the makeover, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx6lzQ6VpMo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3GPj5wijYA_A-maWfEkXOncm9hi1Zp2M1Ns4IUi7SOCaio1jp3vNnC3nQ

Cllr Cleary, the leader of the Green group in Wirral Council, said the volunteer’s methods are simple but effective and they are looking to expand to other alleyways in Birkenhead.

He added: "Their tools and techniques are very simple.

"Simple fundraising ideas, good use of social media, some door-to-door selling of things like bingo tickets, and clean-up days as well."

There can be as many as 15-20 people present at any one time during clean-up efforts.

Cllr Cleary thought this great show of locals coming together stood in stark contrast to the huge rise in dumping he has come across since the lockdown began.

Cllr Cleary said: “Dumping in alleyways is a perennial problem, but I have to say it’s got a lot worse during the lockdown.

“A feckless minority have been clearing out their houses and dumping the waste in alleyways, while everybody else is at home seeing what’s going on.”

But keen to not get bogged down in doom and gloom, Cllr Cleary spoke about the huge potential for growth in this community effort.

For him, this is key to overcoming the problem of dumping.

Cllr Cleary said: “The group has now moved onto the next alleyway [between Paterson Street and Craven Street].

"It’s really mushrooming.

“It’s the only way to solve problems. If residents get together and show the neighbourhood that this is space we are proud of, they will keep it in good nick.

“People won’t have the brass neck to dump if they’re risking the wrath of their neighbours.”