A 'Play Streets’ scheme that encourages parents to apply for their street to be closed off to traffic so their children can play safely, has been launched.
The Play Streets initiative will allow children to play on their car-free street for a few hours every fortnight without parents having to worry about traffic.
The scheme, introduced in Buckinghamshire, applies to residential streets only and has been introduced as an opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other better and foster community spirit.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Angela Macpherson, supports the scheme's goal of reigniting traditional outdoor play and remedying the decline it has seen in recent years.
Statistics for Buckinghamshire highlighted the necessity of such initiatives: only 48 per cent of children and young people meet the recommended daily activity levels, and over 30 per cent of children aged 10 and 11 years old are above a healthy weight.
Furthermore, with nearly a quarter of adults feeling lonely at least occasionally in 2021, the pandemic has seen loneliness levels surge beyond the national average within the county.
Commenting on the initiative, Angela Macpherson said, "Activities like this have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health.
"Encouraging children to play outside provides physical exercise and a break from screens, and for adults, it's a reminder of the value of catching up with a neighbour and moving around more."
Previous Play Streets sessions have been met with a positive reception in Buckinghamshire.
Expressing the initiative’s impact, one resident noted: "The sense of community is definitely the best thing about it."
Meanwhile, a participating child enjoyed the simple pleasure of "riding my bike with no cars around."
The Play Streets initiative is part of the national Playing Out project and is integral to Buckinghamshire's Opportunity Bucks programme, which aims to improve outcomes for residents.
As the summer months approach, communities are being urged to commence their applications to allow adequate time for planning and the completion of necessary paperwork.
Further information can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council's website.
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