Who are we and why are we here?

We are Headingley Alleyway and Road Action Group (HARAG), a Constituted Voluntary Group, working together with Birmingham City Council as according to Working Together in Birmingham’s Neighbourhoods (2019), and other agencies. Our aim is to clear up the constant fly-tipping in the alleyway behind our properties, secure it and create a safe community green space for all, including children, the elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Background

Council and bins

In previous years, the Council used the alleyway to collect bins. At the time, all entrances to the alleyway were not gated and this area started suffering from fly-tipping. This alleyway had benefited from the gating scheme, and the residents of the area (187 properties) were all given keys so that they could have access to the backs of their homes. However, when the wheeled bin scheme was introduced, the Council decided to collect bins from the front of the properties, and therefore had no responsibility to keep it clean, because it is unadopted.

Types of homes

Historically, both Headingley and Rookery Road have consisted of long-term business and homeowners however, over the years there has been an increase in HMO's and a revolving door of tenants. This has resulted in a number of issues that are hard to track or solve.

Issue

Here is a link to images taken throughout 2022 by a number of residents:

CLICK HERE

Residents and property owners' views

According to a small-scale survey conducted by HARAG recently, there has been a major increase in disorderly conduct including prostitution, drug and alcohol use and squatting in the garages and alley itself. For those with squatters in their garages, many are afraid of confrontation and are essentially trapped. Parents are reluctant to let their children play in gardens and vulnerable residents are unable to leave their homes with confidence. Residents have grown afraid and tired. For homeowners that have lived in the area for years they have slowly watched the decline and when they have asked for help, turned away. Businesses have spent £1000s commercially cleaning the space and because of the lack of security, this has come to no avail. With regards to security, people have tirelessly purchased new locks and these have been broken - both on gates and behind homes.

What have we done so far?

Formed the committee, informed residents of our existence, ran a survey, collected and presented data, created a plan of action (from clearance to security), opened a bank account and organized a community clean up event. We have also formed another Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to take over for sustainability purposes once the project is completed.

We hope to:

Clean up (FEB 6th/7th) - assisted by the Council 'Love Your Street' Crews, the Community Payback Scheme, local residents and wider support – both days facilitated by HARAG committee members.

Secure - a full redeisgn of the security of the alleyway to make it more suitable to the current landscape as homes are distributed differently to 10 years ago. This would include new gates, locks and partitions to account for the differing needs of flats, businesses and houses.

Thrive - We eventually hope to repave the area whilst also introducing green elements to the space. This used to be a place that many of us played in as children and we would like to get back to that. Also for the elderly and vulnerable members of our community to be able to engage positively with the space. We want the quality of life for ALL to be improved.

Why this is important?

We are doing this so that people to regain autonomy and full acessibility within their own homes. To provide a safer space for the community to live and reinstill a sense of dignity and pride - A better space for all!

What we are asking for?

We need funds to carry out the necessary work and understand that this won't happen in one way. Whilst we look at putting on events and bidding for public funds we also feel the need to ask for support from anyone and everyone we can.

If you can provide or support in any way possible, we would be eternally grateful!

Thank you

Contact:

haraggroup@yahoo.com

Facebook: CLICK HERE