With spring just around the corner residents are being encouraged to apply for temporary road closures so children can 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, allowing neighbours and children to come together as a community.
Many youngsters may not have easy access to parks and open spaces.
Playing Out aims to give them the freedom to play in the street, promoting their independence and supporting their happiness, health and wellbeing.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, 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.
“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 is 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.
“We’ve also made Playing Out an important part of the royal street parties we held to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles.
“Playing Out has had a brilliant impact on our community. 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.
Any activity involving structures such as bouncy castles are not suitable.
To apply go to https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licences/lets-play-out and fill out a simple form, giving six weeks’ notice.
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