A pilot Play Streets programme that would block traffic from designated roads during evenings and weekends is due for approval by the council. If successful, the first streets could be made safe for local children by the end of the year.
Funding of £5,000 has been secured for the pilot, in which the council plans to target streets in Swansea’s most deprived areas.
“Initially we expect to operate this on a small scale. The aim is community ownership of the play streets with council support,” said Swansea Council’s children’s play officer, Stephen Cable.
"We are planning to close the streets at a time that will cause minimal disruption, for example, one day a week from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, so we avoid a major impact on road users. We will also ensure those residents who need to use vehicles can do so, but under supervision of staff or volunteers.”
The council’s children’s play team is currently consulting with local organisations in Swansea. Once appropriate streets have been identified, the pilot will be trialled on about four streets.
Playing Out, a street play initiative that started in Bristol in 2009, said Swansea Council had contacted the organisation for advice.
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