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Worsley Avenue, Moston   

Background

Worsley Avenue is located in Moston, North Manchester, an area undergoing some of the region’s most major regeneration work.  Many of the streets in this area faced demolition as a precursor to new quality family housing, leaving residents of Worsley Avenue living adjacent to streets in a state of half demolition and giving the impression of a deserted ghost town.

How did Green Streets help?

Resident, Yvonne Pole, who was a member of Winston Rd Tenants & Residents Association, originally contacted the Green Streets Team in early 2005 to enquire about the possibility of a tree planting scheme. Yvonne felt that some of the negative aspects of the current state of the streetscape could be counterbalanced through a tree planting scheme.

With the help of the Green Streets Team, Yvonne and fellow residents carried out a consultation involving all households on Worsley Avenue.  The results of the consultation showed a high level of support for the tree planting scheme and Yvonne successfully applied for a grant from Manchester City Council for the scheme to go ahead.

The trees – 18 in total - were planted on Worsley Ave in early 2006 and have been hugely popular with the residents.  Since then the residents – spurred on by Yvonne’s enthusiasm and vigour – have held several planting events focusing on the trees and the tree pits.  Every new season sees the residents planting winter and spring bulbs, spring and summer bedding plants, displaying Christmas fairly lights and even bunting to celebrate the World Cup! 

Worsley Avenue looks like a street to be proud of and sends out a message that people are proud of, and care about their street – a great message for their new neighbours who will eventually take residence in the newly built housing.

Yvonne’s determination and drive made some big physical changes to her neighbourhood and to the outsider’s perception of the area in general.  Yvonne was formally recognised for her efforts and awarded ‘Manchester Urban Tree Champion’ status by the national organisation, Trees for Cities, and has also won an award from Manchester City Council for her photographs and anecdotes of her favourite street tree.

Due to illness, Yvonne sadly passed away in June 2007, but the street trees on Worlsey Avenue are a lasting legacy to Yvonne, her efforts and enthusiasm and has set a precedent in her neighbourhood for years to come.    

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