Residents encouraged to apply for road closures

Shannen Headley
BBC News, West Midlands
Getty Images A family are out in front of a house. In the foreground is a young girl with shoulder length blonde hair holding onto the handles of a scooter. In the background a man is helping a toddler to stand and further behind that a women looks towards them.Getty Images
The scheme allows for roads to be closed on either a on-off or recurring basis

Wolverhampton residents are being invited to apply to have their street closed in order to allow their children to play outside safely.

Playing Out is a national scheme allowing road closures of up to three hours.

City of Wolverhampton Council said a minimum of six weeks notice was required - with quiet streets and cul-de-sac roads ideal for applications.

The council said the programme was part of its work to provide more opportunities for children and young people, and to promote physical activity and wellbeing.

Bus routes and main roads cannot be shut during the closure, the council said.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed said the schemes such as this were key to ensuring strong and healthy communities were built.

There are two types of applications available:

  • To close the road for a one-off event
  • To close the road on a recurring basis in a 12-month period

Ahmed said: "Playing Out days are a wonderful opportunity to bring your community together and give children the chance to play outside their homes in an environment that is safe and secure.

"[The scheme] also showcase a sense of togetherness and community cohesion, enabling opportunities for those from every background to socialise and build strong relationships."

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links