The Play Streets scheme has been launched in Bradford to give children safe space to play | News

It is hoped it will help tackle high levels of inactivity among young people

A new scheme to allow Bradford communities to close their streets to cars will get more children playing outside and tackle high levels of inactivity, it is hoped.

‘Play streets’ allow people to ask the council to close their road for one to three hours so children can be more active and neighbors can get to know each other.

It’s an idea that has proved successful in other parts of the country, including Leeds, which has one of the most active Play Streets schemes in the UK, according to a recent report.

Research by Born in Bradford found that 64% of nine to 10-year-olds in the city do not get the recommended daily exercise and spend up to 70% of their day sitting down.

In particular, it found that only six percent of South Asian girls get enough activity to benefit their health.

Sam Bacon is director of Active Bradford and JU:MP (Join Us: Move. Play) and says the scheme is very welcome:

“There are some really startling statistics when it comes to the levels of inactivity in Bradford.

“There might be a lack of green space nearby, there might not be adequate facilities … so if you can turn your road into a play space, that’s really important.

“In some areas of the town, in some places in Manningham for example, we’ve tried this kind of thing where the neighbors go out together for an afternoon or when the schools are out and you close the road and let the kids be able to walk you home or play outside for a bit.

“And there were mothers sitting at the top of the street talking together and getting to know each other and it’s really good for that cohesion and unity.

“The only thing that’s really key about this is that the community supports it, so this isn’t something the council wants to do TO places … it’s something they want to do in partnership with places.”

The launch of the new initiative comes after Play Street pilot sessions were successfully tested at two separate locations in October last year and January this year.

The council says anyone wanting to organize a Play Street session should start by talking to their neighbors to get support and find the most convenient dates. They can apply on the Bradford Council website.

To minimize disruption, residents will still be allowed vehicular access to and from their homes, but are reminded to drive at a walking pace and watch out for children at play.