PEOPLE living on quiet streets will be able to apply to have their road temporarily closed to traffic as part of a scheme to get the district's children more active.

The new Play Streets initiative aims to tackle the problem of inactivity amongst many of Bradford district’s youngsters.

It comes after a recent study found that 64 per cent of children in some areas are not getting their recommended amount of daily exercise.

The scheme – run by Bradford Council – will allow residents living on quiet, residential streets or cul-de-sacs to apply to close their street for between one and three hours to reduce traffic so that children can safely spend more time outside.

The council says the sessions could also provide a chance to bring neighbours together to get to know each other better and bring a sense of community spirit to the street.

The initiative hopes to address the fact that children are spending far more time indoors, leading increasingly sedentary lives, and are spending less time playing outside.

A recent Born in Bradford study showed that 64 per cent of nine-to-ten-year-olds are not getting their recommended amount of daily exercise and spend up to 70 per cent of their day sitting down.

A Bradford Council spokesperson says: “Active and imaginative play is key to children’s physical development and builds confidence and social skills, however many children – especially in more densely populated urban areas – often lack opportunities for this.

“There are many complex reasons why children are not spending as much time outdoors, but Playing Out – a national organisation supporting children’s right to play – suggests that concerns around traffic danger plays a big role and has led to many parents being fearful of letting their children play outdoors or concerned about being judged for doing the wrong thing.”

The launch of the initiative comes after pilot Play Street sessions were successfully trialled at two separate sites in October last year and January this year.

Residents and communities who wish to hold a Play Street session should begin by speaking to their neighbours to gather support and find the most convenient dates and times for the sessions to take place.

They can then apply via the Bradford Council website. It takes around four weeks to process an application and once approved, ‘road closed’ signs and cones will be provided.

For more information, visit bradford.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/highways/play-streets