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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Graham

Teenager working to give 'something positive for everyone'

A 15-year-old is spending his half-term holiday helping to improve his local area.

Khan Odita of Mulgrave Street Action Group (MSAC) concentrates his efforts on making a difference in his community during the holidays.

This half-term he began the Flood the Streets with Flowers Project. This is the first event where Khan and a group of volunteers have planted bulbs and placed planters around green spaces and pavements along Mulgrave Street in Toxteth.

The event began at the plot where the Mulgrave Street community garden will be built, which Khan has fundraised for and has permission from Liverpool City Council to build. In the meantime he is searching for a builder or landscape gardener to complete the project and keeps busy with projects like flower planting, community clean up days and fundraising.

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Khan told the ECHO: "I thought it would be a nice addition to bring some colour and nature in the form of flowers and insects, like butterflies and bees, they will attract to our very urbanised streets. I also think it’s important to unite the community where I can to bring them together for a common goal".

The bulbs and equipment were paid for by MSAC and the soil, plants and paint for the planters (made from recycled and repurposed wood pallets) have been supported and sponsored by Steve Biko Housing Association.

Khan Odita, 15 who manages the action group as he prepares for the arrival of the volunteers (Image: Patrick Graham/Liverpool ECHO) (Patrick Graham/Liverpool ECHO)

Khan said: "Today has been absolutely incredible. It’s great for the community to come together with different people from different walks of life and cultures. We even have the police. It has been really good to show when there is a good idea, and there is something positive to be gained by everyone, how people come together”.

He added: "We thought carefully about where the planters will go as the purpose is to unite the communities. The Methodist centre has given us permission to plant in their green space, whilst a planter will be placed outside the Mosque and one near to the PAL centre, and hope to include the Caribbean Centre in our efforts."

Khan Odita (centre) Flood the Streets with Flowers Project organiser with volunteers Jeremy (left) and Maxine (Image: Patrick Graham Liverpool/ECHO) (Patrick Graham Liverpool/ECHO)

Seven-year-old volunteer Amina said: "We are planting seeds and flowers so that when it's summer they will bloom and will turn into big flowers. It will be nice for everyone to enjoy”.

Explaining why he got involved, Musa Fasher said: "Because I want to make it beautiful. People can sit and relax in the fresh air.

“Before, people were using the place to leave rubbish. This will clean it up nicely and people can enjoy it”.

For information about MSAC follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or visit their website Here.

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