Apply now: Turn your street into a vibrant, fun community by becoming a ‘Redbridge Play Street’

Local communities are being invited to turn their street into a hive of fun and activity in time for spring by applying to become a Redbridge Play Street.

Redbridge Play Streets enables communities to close off their road to traffic for two hours a month so that neighbours, children, and families can socialise and play out together on the street safely.

Backed by Redbridge Council, the scheme empowers local people to create thriving, close-knit communities on their street, and encourage more outdoor play opportunities for children.

So far, 32 Play Streets have been approved by Redbridge Council and are being run across the borough as part of the Council’s commitment to becoming a UNICEF UK accredited ‘Child Friendly Borough’.

Applications are now open for new Play Streets in the borough so local people can create

car-free, fun community spaces on their street in time for spring.

The deadline to submit completed applications is Friday 28 February. For more information, or to apply, go to: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-the-arts/play-streets/

Susana De La Cueva, from Ilford, was inspired to lead a Play Street for the first time last year.

Speaking about the Play Street she led in her neighbourhood, Susana said: “When I was growing up, we were always outside playing with other children on the street, but it’s not something I see that much now. We have lots of kids in our neighbourhood but often everyone is indoors, so I thought Play Streets is a brilliant way to get everyone outside together, and for local kids to become friends through play. Thanks to Play Streets, we’re a more social and community-minded road. I also see more neighbours chatting and walking together on the street now we know each other better. It’s really lovely we’ve been able to create a community on our street. I’m looking forward to the next Play Street already!”

Children on Susana’s road also shared why they loved a Play Steet happening on their road.

Sunny, age 6 said: “I loved playing with my friends and eating the delicious food everyone made. Playing outside is a very good idea because everyone can go outside.”

Arthur, age 8, added: “I enjoyed playing outside very much. It is very fun to be able to play outside without the cars, and we brought our bikes.”

Successful Play Street applicants are provided with a legal notice from the council enabling them to close their street to through traffic at specified days and times.

Neighbours volunteer to ‘steward’ the road closures, enabling children to play freely on the street and neighbours to socialise and get to know each other better.

A Play Street can be as simple as children chalk drawing and playing games, and neighbours sharing a coffee, cake, and chat, to community parties being held on the street.

Bringing the street together is also a great way to build a friendly neighbourhood network, and support anyone who might be experiencing isolation or loneliness at home.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Jo Blackman said: “Play Streets are a great way to reimagine and reclaim streets for local people to enjoy without cars. They can help improve children’s health and well-being, as well as building stronger communities and a sense of belonging. We’re keen to keep growing the number of Play Streets in Redbridge and are encouraging local people to be part of this community-minded movement, which is already having a positive impact on many neighbourhoods across the borough.”

For more information on Redbridge Play Streets, go to: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-the-arts/play-streets/

Child Friendly Redbridge:

Redbridge has partnered with global children’s charity UNICEF UK and their Child Friendly Cities & Communities initiative to make the borough a child friendly community.

The global programme encourages local services to commit to fulfilling children’s rights. The aim is to create a city or community where the voices, needs, priorities and the rights of children play an integral part in public policies and programmes, as well as being involved in the decision-making process.

Find out more about Child Friendly Redbridge and the council’s work towards Redbridge becoming a UNICEF-accredited “Child Friendly Borough”: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/childfriendly/

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