A group of Lower Broughton fundraisers who raised over £3,000 for disadvantaged children in Greater Manchester have won a party hosted by Key103.
Dedicated residents from Gordon Street raised £3,193 for the radio station’s ‘Cash For Kids’ charity in order to win a family-orientated bash that will be held at Riverview Primary School on Sunday 21 August.
The Lower Broughton street has now been named the ‘Happiest Street in Greater Manchester’ by Key103.
Fundraising by Gordon Street residents lasted 20 days in July and included activities such as a sponsored silence, supermarket bag-packing and a fun run to name but a few.
Keri Muldoon, 41, put her home street forward for the fundraising event.
She said: “I’m delighted for the people.
“I wanted to win this for everyone as we’re such a great street.
“We’re the type of road where you can leave your keys with neighbours and not worry about it.”
Keri, who is a lollipop lady, added: “I’d like to thank so many people.
“St Peter and St John’s Primary School who raised £318, Mocha Parade, Steve from the butchers who brought us the bacon for the bacon butties.
“I just want to say thanks for helping to make this happen.”
There was initially some concern about whether or not the party would go ahead.
The party was originally to be held on Gordon Street itself, but a £130 road closure charge enforced by Salford City Council made the venue uncertain.
This is usually to cover signage and any other road closure notices for the event.
But Keri was keen for the party to go ahead and had some defiant words for the council: “Salford council should be supporting us after the flooding we’ve had here.”
The local community was devastated last Christmas after the River Irwell’s banks burst, causing heavy flooding in Lower Broughton.
Read more: In the midst of devastating floods, Salford’s community resilience shines
Keri, who is a mum of two, said about the incident: “We lost everything downstairs.
“Our kids’ Christmas was ruined – it was horrible.
“There was a lack of communication, from the council and environment agency, they should have pulled their thumb out.”
Councillor Jim King, who represents Broughton, stepped in to try to arrange a new venue for the party once the road charge put everything up in the air.
He told us: “At first we were working to try and get the party moved to Green Grosvenor Park as we thought it would be a better venue and wouldn’t restrict access for vehicles.
“In the meantime we’ve been liaising with Keri and helping her out.”
Keri said winning the Happy Street competition would help shake off the bad experiences the area has been through: “I’m overwhelmed but I want everyone to enjoy it.
“We’ve made it, so it’s time to celebrate.”
The party takes place on Saturday 21 August from 12pm at River View Primary School in Lower Broughton.
