A POPULAR shopping parade at the heart of a Sunderland community will spring into life next year, after councillors used community grants to fund a planting project in Shiney Row.
Ward Councillors Mel Speding, Anne Lawson and Geoff Walker rolled up their sleeves to plant scores of bulbs and shrubs and flowers in planters around the parade, which will add a splash of colour when spring arrives.
Councillors hope that keeping the area clean, tidy and attractive will provide a boost for local traders.
Labour’s Councillor Lawson said: “We’re delighted to be able to lend a hand to enliven the shopping village at Shiney Row. Places like this are vital community assets that need to be supported to succeed, so it’s a pleasure to be able to support local traders whose members have agreed to look after the planters and keep their patch looking its best.”
The Shop Local project is funded by Coalfield Area Committee and provides support to traders to help increase their footfall. Groundwork North East was on hand to help too.
More planting is also taking place across the area, with children from Shiney Row Primary school, supported by Groundworks NE, also contributing to the project by planting bulbs around the new Shiney Row sign.