A Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company Project Proposal
Proposed May 2022
Play streets are a concept based on successful implementations in other towns whereby a quiet residential street is closed to traffic for a few hours a week to allow children to play. The initiative not only provides a great play area directly outside of the homes of the children but also encourages children and adults to meet in a ‘street party’ atmosphere.
Design Principles:
- This is not a permanent arrangement and no street or signage modifications are required
- Quiet residential streets are selected – not through roads. Cul-de-sac streets are ideal.
- The street is closed to traffic for a very limited period of time – say 2 hours after school every week – using a sign or even just two wheelie bins with a rope and sign
- The concept is that children play locally – right in front of their door and meet other children they may not meet otherwise.
- Parents meet other parents and neighbours who they may not meet if they only take children to play facilities
- Local residents can access the street with their car although it is discouraged during the time
- There are no permanent barriers erected
- Council permission for the closure is required (similar to when roads are closed for the Lambourn carnival)
- Parents, with some training, supervise the play
- A body such as Lambourn Junction CIC provides insurance cover, risk assessments, training etc
- The investment cost is minimal and there is no long term commitment – it can even be a one time thing although a regular approach fosters more community cohesion
The concept of Play Streets is supported by the Government. On the 13th June 2019 the Minister of State for Transport wrote to all English Councils encouraging them to adopt the concept: (Click on the image to download the full letter)
