Birchleigh residents unite to clean and green Ebbe Street

The residents of Ebbe Street in Birchleigh again took matters into their own hands to beautify their neighbourhood on May 24.

Having previously addressed a pressing issue together, they turned their attention to cutting the overgrown grass.

They said they believe it is their responsibility to keep their neighbourhood clean and environmentally friendly, so they cut the grass and removed unwanted trees.

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They were pleased their clean-up succeeded and noted no challenges during planning.

Antonio Sierra, a resident involved in the clean-up, said the decision to cut the grass was a team effort driven by the community’s shared concern about the area’s deteriorating state.

“We spoke to the community, waited for the rainy season to end, then said, ‘Let’s start somewhere – something small – and see where it goes.’ We picked a day, asked who was available, and went ahead,” Sierra said.

He said they used their own equipment and were proud to see their plan succeed.

“It’s twofold. First, it’s pride – this is our community, our homes, and we want to be proud of where we live. Second, it’s safety.

Overgrown grass can hide dangerous items and obstruct views of traffic lights and other vital markers,” he said.

Sierra added that they encountered several hazards while cutting the grass.

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“We found many broken bottles and rubbish dumped in the grass. You have to be careful when cleaning,” he explained.

He said another resident had started cleaning a day earlier and found needles hidden in the grass, underscoring the safety risks of neglecting the area.

“We also cleared the grass near the traffic lights and hope our work will spark a movement,” he said.

Sierra hopes their effort inspires others to take pride in their surroundings and care for the yards and spaces in front of their homes.

Another resident, Neil, echoed this sentiment, saying the community decided it was time to “shape up Birchleigh” because the area is deteriorating and becoming unsightly.

“We need to look after this place; it’s our future. One day, if someone wants to sell their home, they won’t get much for it in its current state,” he said.

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He noted that many residents, especially on Ebbe Street, are committed to improving the neighbourhood.

That’s why they’ve agreed to stand together, and each make a small donation to support community efforts.

The residents pooled their resources to make their community cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

Some donated equipment and supplies; others provided refreshments and snacks to keep volunteers energised.