Play Streets
We love play streets! Whether you close your street to traffic as a one-off, or make it a regular thing, they are an enjoyable way to create a few hours when children and adults can play and socialise in front of their flats and houses without having to worry about the traffic.
The benefits of play streets are well documented with health, happiness and a sense of belonging at the heart of their positive effects on children and communities.
Luckily, Bridgend County Borough Council have made it very easy to organise a play street of your own and there is a wealth of information on Play Wales and Playing Out websites.
This includes webinars and articles about the benefits to children, templates for letters, invitations, risk assessments and much more.
Step by Step
If you're interested in applying for a Play Street, there are a few steps to follow:
Step 1 - Talk to your neighbours!
Let the residents of your street know that you’d like to organise a play street. The easiest thing is to put a letter through everyone’s door with contact details so that people with concerns can talk to you and hopefully have their questions answered.
You could also organise a street meeting to discuss your idea with your neighbours.
Allow plenty of time to bring people on board with your idea and don’t forget to ask permission from businesses or other organisations who may be affected by the closure.
Again, there is great tips and guidance available from Play Wales and Playing Out.
Step 2: Apply for a street closure
If you have support from your neighbours, apply to the Bridgend County Borough Council for a Play Street closure for the street closure.
You need to allow 10 working days for them to process the application for a one off and 28 days for a recurring application.
Here are some examples of what they will ask for:
- plan/map showing where you want to put barriers
- a risk assessment
- list of those residents contacted who are both supportive or non-supportive of the proposed closure.
Your play street needs to be safe, here are two websites that are full of amazing top tips, template forms, guidance: Play Wales: Opening Streets for Play and Playing Out and Playing Out.
To apply, please complete an application form and return to: streetparty@bridgend.gov.uk
Step 3: Display notices of closure
Once your Play Street application has been approved, you’ll be emailed notices to print out, laminate and display at either end of the street to show that you have legal permission to close the road.
These need to be displayed for a minimum of 48 hours beforehand.
Step 4: Enjoy your Play Street
Once your Play Street has been approved and notice has been given, you can close the street, play, chat with neighbours and have fun!
If you would like to chat more about Play Friendly Streets, please get in touch on kelly.wake@bridgend.gov.uk