RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in a new initiative to enable children to play safely outside their homes.
Play Streets is being launched by Lichfield District Council’s Active Lichfield team.
It allows neighbours to close their road to through traffic for a couple of hours to create a safe place for youngsters to play near their homes.
Lead residents can organise and run a Play Streets event themselves supported by at least four other volunteers acting as stewards to safely direct any vehicles that need to enter or exit during the activity period.
Cllr Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and major projects, said:
“Play Streets gives children the freedom to play out safely in the streets and spaces where they live which is good for their health, development and happiness.
“I’m excited that we are introducing it here in Lichfield district. It supports our aim of residents being more active, more often and for longer and I would encourage people to apply to take part.”
Active Lichfield can support residents in setting up a Play Street by providing resources to consult with neighbours, helping with applications for a Temporary Play Street Order to shut a road and training volunteers.
People can find out more by visiting www.activelichfield.co.uk/play-streets.
No doubt the NIMBYs will be out on this as well.
LOVE THIS!!! What an absolutely amazing idea! Kids never experiencing games like kerby or even knowing other children on their street. No doubt it won’t take long for the people who have forgot what it was like to be a child to come out and believe children playing is anti social behaviour when it’s not 😏
Glad you love the initiative @Rachel – would love to see families/groups right across Lichfield District getting involved!
Has anyone approached the emergency services to ask what they think? LDC need to be building more family friendly parks and areas rather than admit defeat with this ludicrous idea!