PEOPLE living on quiet streets will be able to apply to have their road temporarily closed to traffic in a bid to get Bradford children more active.

The new ‘Play Streets’ initiative aims to tackle the problem of inactivity in many of the district’s children – a recent study has found that 64 per cent of children in some areas are not getting their recommended amount of daily exercise.

The scheme, run by Bradford Council, will allow residents living on quiet, residential streets or cul-de-sacs to apply to close their street for between one and three hours to reduce traffic so that children can safely spend more time outside.

The council says the sessions could also be a chance to bring neighbours together to get to know each other and bring a sense of community spirit to the street.

The initiative hopes to tackle the fact that children are spending far more time indoors, leading increasingly sedentary lives, and are spending less time playing outside.

A recent Born in Bradford study showed that 64 per cent of nine to 10-year-olds are not getting their recommended amount of daily exercise and spend up to 70 per cent of their day sitting down.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Active and imaginative play is key to children’s physical development, and builds confidence and social skills, however many children, especially in more densely populated urban areas often lack opportunities for this.

“There are many complex reasons why children are not spending as much time outdoors, but Playing Out, a national organisation supporting children’s right to play, suggests that concerns around traffic danger plays a big role and has led to many parents being fearful of letting their children play outdoors or are concerned about being judged for doing the wrong thing.”

Councillor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for children and families and living well said; “There is a real need in Bradford to create more opportunities for our children to play outside as this has huge, long-term benefits to their physical health and mental wellbeing.”

The launch of the new initiative comes after pilot Play Street sessions were successfully trialled at two separate sites in October last year and January this year.

Residents and communities who wish to hold a Play Street session should begin by speaking to their neighbours to gather support and find the most convenient dates and times for the sessions to take place.

Then they can apply on the Bradford Council website. It takes around four weeks to process an application and once approved, ‘road closed’ signs and cones will be provided.

To minimise disruption, residents will still be allowed vehicle access to and from their homes during the Play Street session.

For more information and to apply visit https://www.bradford.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/highways/play-streets/