AN alleyway regularly filled with dumped rubbish has been transformed in an amazing community effort.

Residents on Willows Road, in Linthorpe, took action to brighten up the alleyway at the back of their homes.

With the help of Middlesbrough Council's Amazing Alleys scheme, the rubbish has been cleared and replaced with planters filled with wild and cultivated flowers.

There's also been lights installed to brighten up the alley on an evening - and battle against problems with anti-social behaviour.

Resident Angela Doran, who helped organise the clean-up, said: "I've lived here for around 20 years and the alleyway has never been somewhere that people used.

"We've had anti-social behaviour from gangs of youngsters and lots of people just coming into the alley to fly-tip.

"I was sick of it - so I got in touch with the Amazing Alleys team and they've helped us to turn what was a dark, messy alley into something beautiful.

"It looks so much better and feels safer - we can enjoy it now."

Neighbour Joy Roberts, who's lived on the street for 30 years, agreed: "It's the best it has ever looked. Now, we can look after it and be proud of it."

Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston said: "Fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour is a scourge on our town and makes people's lives miserable.

"To hear that residents had been blighted by gangs of kids causing trouble, and people dumping rubbish outside their homes, is disgusting.

"That's why it's so fantastic to see people taking back control, cleaning it up and - supported by the council - taking pride in where they live."

Mieka Smiles, Executive Member for Communities and Education at Middlesbrough Council, said: "It's amazing to see our residents come together to improve their shared outdoor areas - we now must boast some of the most impressive alleys in the North East thanks to people power and support from our officers.

"I would encourage any residents wanting to transform their own alley to get in touch and see how we can help."

The council is looking for groups of residents to work for cleaner and safer alleys.

To get in touch contact Adam Parkinson on adam_parkinson@middlesbrough.gov.uk