Mornflake is digging deep for Railway Cottages in a historic corner of Crewe

Residents of historic railway cottages in Crewe are digging deep to add cheer and combat anti-social behaviour with an ambitious gardening scheme, which we, the town’s oldest company, are delighted to support.

The residents have joined forces to transform an overgrown 300ft border, running alongside their quaint cottages in Dorfold Street, Tollitt Street, and Betley Street, into a lush green oasis providing food and friendship.

Safety in the tucked-away streets has also improved as the derelict area is no longer a hang-out for vandals and a hiding place for thieves.

The Railway Cottages Residents Association has coordinated the project, which includes a cottage garden and eight raised beds where people grow their own vegetables to cut down on food bills and flowers to add a joyful splash of colour.

The scheme incorporates 1000 plants known to attract birds and pollinating insects and solely uses native plants within the woodland, hedgerow, and cottage garden areas.

The leafy look has also helped to attract new homeowners – several properties have recently sold, injecting new life into the town centre.

Residents Association chairman Kevin Edwards, who has lived on Dorfold Street for 30 years, said: “The project design was thanks to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, and Mornflake kindly contributed towards the topsoil needed to fill the beds.

“People are now growing things like curly kale, carrots, herbs, and flowers for their homes. We have bug hotels and bird boxes, and the whole area has become attractive to wildlife and a peaceful haven right in the heart of the town centre.

“It’s a work in progress as we fill the raised beds, but we can see a real difference already. We’re getting to know each other more, and there’s a feeling of pride emerging from residents living in these historic town gems.”

Built in 1845 to house railway workers, the 49 red brick cottages were once earmarked for demolition to make way for a car park but remain as a testament to townspeople who fought to save their beloved corner of Crewe.

Grade II listed, the dwellings were designed by John Cunningham, the architect who created Liverpool Lime Street Station, and were part of John Locke’s original town layout for the Grand Junction Railway Company.

Kevin, a retired Bentley Motors engineer, added: “The terraced houses in these streets are the last remaining examples of their design in Crewe and consequently they are an important part of Crewe’s railway heritage.

“Back in the 70s, there was a proposal to demolish them for a car park. It was axed due to local protests. Ironically, a lot of the town centre is now flattened awaiting regeneration, and there’s a brand new multi-storey car park opposite us, so we look forward to seeing this rebirth on our doorstep.

“Meanwhile, we’re glad to have played a part in rejuvenating our corner of town and the committee is grateful for support from Mornflake, which has played such an important role itself in Crewe history.”

Based on Gresty Road in Crewe, we at Mornflake are the long-term sponsor of Crewe Alexandra Football Club, whose players, dubbed ‘The Railwaymen,’ bear our name on their shirts.

Our managing director, James Lea, said: “We’re very proud of our Crewe heritage and felt a synergy with this project to rejuvenate the open area next to the Railway Cottages.

“We’re very pleased to hear how residents have bonded through nature, and ‘growing their own’ has become part of everyday life. The transformation is reaping many benefits, including sustainability, and can only become greener and more rewarding by the day.”

To follow the project’s progress, see The Railway Cottages Residents Association Facebook group.