Transforming Hartlepool One Bloom at a Time
Welcome to ‘Say It with Flowers,’ a bold and unapologetic project designed to take back our community spaces in Hartlepool.
We’re turning trash into treasure—literally. Picture this: old wheel trims, and discarded hose pipes transformed into vibrant flower decorations. These DIY blooms aren’t just for show. They’re a statement—a declaration that we won’t stand by and watch our neighbourhoods fall apart.
Why Flowers? Flowers are a symbol of growth, hope, and resilience. By placing these creations in the most neglected corners of Hartlepool, we’re sending a message that we care. We care about our streets, our parks, and our communities. We want Hartlepool to be a place we’re proud to call home.
🌸 See how it all began!
We placed our first flower at Brus Tunnel in Hartlepool, catch up on our Say It With Flowers launch event and see what the we got up to! 👉
Our starting point: Brus Tunnel
We chose Brus Tunnel as our starting point because it sits between the beach/new persimmon homes and the West View estate- a route many local people have walked for generations. The tunnel holds strong memories and connections for residents, but it had become neglected and uninviting. We saw an opportunity to reclaim the space for the community!
In April, we held our “Say It With Flowers” launch event at the tunnel. This was a chance to connect with local people, place our first symbolic flower, and gather thoughts on how the space could be improved.
Residents told us they would like:
- Better lighting.
- More bins, especially towards the beach end of the tunnel.
- A mural or community artwork to brighten the space.
- Benches and improved seating areas.
- Trees, plants, and greenery.
- The faded swimming safety banner to be replaced.
We’re now working with the community to make these ideas a reality and create a safer, more vibrant space that reflects the people who use it. We’ve already started making small changes:
- The swimming safety banner has been replaced
- Weekly cleaning and tidying of the tunnel is underway, with help from The Big Town Tidy Up
- We’ve planted climbing plants and added a hanging basket at the front of the tunnel
This is just the beginning. Together, we’re building a space that the community can be proud of.
We’ve already started putting flowers up across Hartlepool, have you spotted one yet?
What’s the Message? Every flower tells a story of a community that refuses to be ignored. These flowers are going up in the most run-down and abandoned areas- places that have been forgotten, but not by us. Look for the QR code attached to each one. Scan it, and it will take you right here, to the heart of the movement.
Your Voice Matters We’re not just decorating- we’re demanding change. When you see one of our flowers, we want you to think, question, and act. Tell us how you feel about the state of our town. Is there a place that feels unsafe? A street that’s been neglected for too long? Let us know.
How It Works:
- Spot a Flower: Keep your eyes peeled for our colourful creations around town.
- Scan the QR Code: Take out your phone, scan the code, and join the conversation.
- Speak Up: Use this page to submit areas in Hartlepool that need attention or suggest improvements for already identified areas. Tell us why they matter to you.
- Make a Change: We’ll map out the areas you highlight and take your voices to civic and business leaders across the borough. Together, we’ll push for the improvements we deserve.
Take Action Now
Hartlepool Needs You This isn’t just about prettying up the place. It’s about reclaiming our town from neglect and apathy. It’s about saying, “We’re here, and we won’t be ignored.”
Join us in turning Hartlepool into a garden of resilience, one flower at a time. Be part of the change. Be bold. Be loud. Be the voice of Hartlepool.
Scan a flower. Share your thoughts. Let’s make Hartlepool bloom:
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