Street closures so kids can play safely outside

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal (in pink) is encouraging residents to apply for the scheme

Wolverhampton residents are being encouraged to apply for temporary road closures in the hope that children will be able to play out safely in the street.

Residents can apply to close their street for up to three hours as part of the national Playing Out scheme.

Many youngsters may not have easy access to parks and open spaces, the council acknowledged.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal said: "Playing Out days are a wonderful opportunity to give children free rein to play outside their homes in a healthy, safe and inclusive environment.

"They are days that will have a lasting positive impression on children and their families."

She added: "It can help to create a real sense of community, bringing neighbours of all ages and generations together and creating opportunities for them to socialise and build long-lasting connections.

"With the better weather now hopefully on the horizon we encourage people to apply to hold their own Playing Out day."

Among those to have organised Playing Out days in the past is Wolverhampton resident Kathy Allen.

She said: "When I heard about Playing Out, I thought it would be ideal for Tithe Road as it's a cul-de-sac.

"We tend to theme our activities around occasions such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter. The whole community gets involved. We fund everything ourselves through donations and everyone pitches in on the day."

Ms Allen said that residents had made Playing Out an important part of the royal street parties that were held to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles.

"Playing Out has had a brilliant impact on our community," she said.

"We were always close-knit, but having Playing Out as a regular feature on our street has brought us even closer together."

Any resident can apply for a temporary road closure. However, some roads within Wolverhampton might not be suitable.

It is not possible to close main roads or roads which are on a bus route. Suitable roads include quiet residential streets or cul-de-sacs, but structures such as bouncy castles are not allowed.