Bait team win award
A team which sparked a flourishing renaissance in Middlesbrough’s back alleys has been rewarded.
Middlesbrough Council’s Back Alley Improvement Team (BAIT) won the Community Facility award at the recent Community Awards held at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
Between April last year and July this year the BAIT project transformed 24 alleyways in the town.
Thanks to their work 95% of Middlesbrough’s alleyways are now classed as clean compared with 21% last year before the team was created.
The team’s work also helped gain a 50% reduction in small deliberate fires and more than 1,000 residents have received basic horticultural training.
The Community Awards showcase environmental projects in the town with the Community Facilities category recognising projects that provide activities, services and leisure opportunities for residents in a sustainable way.
Award judge Abdul Khan said: “Middlesbrough's cleaner back alleys are a credit to the BAIT team’s hard work and dedication.
“Local residents too, have played their part, adding personal touches which give the alleys that 'lived in' feel you only get when a community space is well-used and looked after.
“It’s a credit to the town that working together, many back alleys have been transformed into living spaces.”
The team improves the appearance of gated alleyways by weeding and sweeping, removing rubbish, by educating residents on the impact of domestic waste on the environment and the potential for arson.
A key part of the project is encouraging residents to get involved in improving the alleyways.
Training courses are provided so residents can grow fruit, vegetables and herbs or floral displays in containers or hanging baskets in the alleyways.
The team operates in four key areas: Gresham, Middlehaven, North Ormesby and University Ward.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Community Protection, said: “Many congratulations to the Back Alley Improvement Team on this award.
“Their work is well known in the town for transforming back alleys into wonderful spaces for residents to enjoy. The team richly deserves this award.”
