COMMUNITY-minded Julie Dawn Potts has been busy identifying signs in the Chapel Lane area in Wimslow in need of a little TLC, working with a team of volunteers, members of the Chapel Lane 'Love the Lane' group Julie set up.

The 'Adopt A Sign' volunteers have freshened up the vintage street signs, tidying up the greenery, applying a fresh lick of paint to the signs and adding planters.

Julie asked residents if they would be interested in supporting the 'Adopt a Sign' campaign.

A planter, compost and plants are provided. Participants are asked to take a before and after photo, keep the sign area tidy and plant twice a year. If you would like to take part, please visit the Chapel Lane 'Love the Lane' Facebook page.

Julie said: “Following the easing of 'lockdown' I thought it would be a good time to try and attract lots of the community-minded Chapel Lane residents to volunteer to 'adopt' their road sign while many of them were still based at home.

"A promotion on the 'Love The Lane' Facebook page attracted an excellent response from local people willing to adopt a sign on their road.

"I then set up a Love The Lane Adopt a Sign What's App group to keep volunteers informed and involved.

"I asked each volunteer to take photos of before and after planting, tidy around their sign, commit to water, deadhead the plants and keep the area around the sign tidy, and if they go away to delegate this job to a friend or neighbour to ensure the planters look their best.

"I sourced 35 planters along with buying compost and plants. Over a few weeks I had the planters secured to the pavements beneath the requested signs by my great fellow In Bloom team member Phil Barton, while I distributed the compost and plants to each volunteer.

"I have been overwhelmed with the response from residents, who have seen the planters and therefore increasing the interest to get involved in this project. 

"To date there are 32 installed planters with 30 amazing volunteers, many of who have also agreed to repaint their vintage road sign with fantastic results.

"I anticipate replanting twice a year in the autumn and spring to ensure the planters remain at their best.

"This venture is also supported by Wilmslow In Bloom who also have signs adopted around the town.

"This has proved to be a very simple but effective way of not only getting the community involved and to take pride in where they live, and makes a wonderful visual difference to this part of Wilmslow.”