In May 2011, Anne Milton, Minister for Public Health, proposed an initiative to get children more active in a bid to counter the rise in childhood obesity.
"On Sundays they close certain streets (in Colombia) so that everybody can play in them. That is an outstanding idea," the minister said, adding, "Before constituents email to complain about their streets closing, I should say that I accept it would not work everywhere."
Sunday Play Streets are a low cost, yet valuable play opportunity that can provide children and their community with a few hours each week to play out and socialise in a safe space. We have seen through the Street Play project that children playing locally and going in and out of each others homes is a key contributor to better neighbourhood relations.
The currently dormant Play Street legislation is already available for local authorities to use to close the street to general traffic once a week for a few hours. Just to be clear, residents are free to use their cars during this time and visitors and deliveries can also enter and leave but at 5mph, the non-bleed speed.
See a BBC news film on the subject here.
Also please support the online campaign to try to get Play Streets introduced nationwide:
http://uservoice.com/a/iw90F originated by Dave Miller - South Vale, Croydon
Finally the Street Play Conference/party/finale at Coram Fields, Kings Cross on Saturday July 2nd (10:30am - 3:30pm) will be looking at playing in London and Sunday Play Streets. For free tickets (free lunch and free Play Street book and goodie bag included) email events@londonplay.org.uk. This is a child-friendly event in a child-friendly green space so please bring all your family.
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