Closing down streets so children can play

In the Holbeck area of Leeds, a street named Colenso Mount has been transformed into a 'Play Street,' temporarily closed to traffic to create a safe haven for children's outdoor activities. Seven-year-old Aydin enthusiastically shared how the closure allows him and other children to ride scooters, play football, and engage in creative play like drawing with chalk, activities usually restricted by the presence of cars.

This initiative addresses a growing concern highlighted by a survey from the campaign group Play Their Way, which found that nearly half of parents (46%) believe their child lacks a safe outdoor play space. The 'Play Street' model offers a rare opportunity for children in the neighborhood to play together in a spacious and secure environment, free from the dangers of traffic.

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Everyone can ride scooters and the boys over there play football which is very fun

Campaigners are now urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reinstate a national play strategy for children in England, an initiative he previously supported. Both Wales and Scotland have already legislated requirements for local authorities to guarantee sufficient play opportunities for children. However, in England, groups like Play England warn that many children lack access to quality playgrounds and adequate play spaces.

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every child deserves the space to run around and be a kid

The government has stated that "every child deserves the space to run around and be a kid" and is investing £18 million to reopen lost play spaces. They are also rolling out free stay-and-play sessions in community centers and providing parents with guidance on screen time, while protecting playgrounds through planning rules.

A year-long commission on play found that children today spend half as much time in unstructured outdoor play compared to previous generations. The report attributed this decline to factors like increased traffic, excessive screen time, and a general intolerance for play in public spaces. For parents like Beth, the 'Play Street' offers peace of mind, creating a safe environment where her children can play freely without the constant worry of speeding cars.

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It is a safe environment, the roads are blocked off and there are no cars that can come speeding up. This is a deprived area so the children absolutely love it, because it is a safe space for them to play.