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Westminster launches resident-led Play Streets project
A Play Street temporarily limits traffic on selected roads so that communities can use the space for family activities and neighbours can enjoy time together.
The City of Westminster in London has launched the first of three new “Play Streets”.
Northumberland Place, in Bayswater, will regularly be closed to traffic at evenings and weekends to make more, safe, outdoor space for local children.
Parent- and resident-led projects
A Play Street temporarily limits traffic on selected roads so that communities can use the space for family activities and neighbours can enjoy time together, too.
The scheme is resident- and parent-led so once a road is designated as a Play Street priority is given to the community to use the space for family/children’s activities at specified times with local volunteers managing the road closures.
“I’m delighted that the council is working with local residents and parents to create new opportunities for children to play and for communities to come together”
By reducing traffic Play Streets aim to create:
- a safer environment for children
- encourage families to come together
- promote physical activity to improve children’s wellbeing
- contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.
Over the coming months the council will also open new play streets on Ashmore Road and Kilravock Street, providing more opportunity for children to take part in outdoor activities in built up parts of the city.
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The three new sites represent a significant new commitment from the council with a fourfold increase in Play Streets across the city after the designation of Luton and Fisherton Street as Westminster’s inaugural Play Street in 2019.
The scheme is part of the council’s wider Active Streets programme, which aims to make the city’s streets healthier and more active.
Northumberland Place is also close to Shrewsbury Road’s School Street, one of the 13 permanent School Streets throughout the borough.
This, similar scheme of temporary road closures around schools at drop-off and pick-up times, offers children and their families’ greater opportunity to walk, cycle or scooter to school while traffic is reduced and air quality is improved.
“I’m delighted that the council is working with local residents and parents to create new opportunities for children to play and for communities to come together,” said Cara Sanquest, Northumberland Place Cabinet Member for Communities. “There are huge health and wellbeing benefits for children from having space to run around and play outside. Congratulations to all of the parents who have worked so hard in collaboration with the council to create a safe and fun environment for children to play on their doorsteps.”
The city’s new Play Streets are opening on the following dates:
- Monday 4 August, 5-7pm – Northumberland Place, Bayswater
- Friday 5 September, 4 -6pm – Kilravock St, Queens Park
- Saturday 6 September, 1-4pm – Ashmore Rd, Queens Park.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
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How do Play Streets improve children's physical activity and wellbeing?What role do local volunteers play in managing Play Street closures?How does reducing traffic on Play Streets contribute to cleaner environments?In what ways do Play Streets encourage community interaction and cohesion?How are Play Streets integrated within Westminster's wider Active Streets programme?
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