Playing Out sessions are short, stewarded road closures organised by the local community which enable children to play safely outside their homes, and allow neighbours to come together. The aim is to make streets feel safer and friendlier for everyone.
Residents and the local community, supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton for Everyone, closed Great Hampton Street on Friday afternoon for street games. Without traffic on the street, children and families came together to make new friends and enjoy a range of games such as skipping and football.
St Peter's Ward councillors helped organise the activity with Councillor Lynne Moran and Councillor Obaida Ahmed attending and joined in games.
Councillor Moran said: "This was a very happy community event and many of us will remember skipping and hopscotch with great fondness. Lots of children took part with their parents and new friends were made. Sincere thanks to the mosque community for delicious food and great support."
Councillor Ahmed added: "We were delighted to help organise this special trial Playing Out session; it was wonderful to join so many residents and have lots of fun together."
Local residents interested in holding Playing Out sessions in their own streets can find out more by visiting Let’s Play Out Wolverhampton where a step by step guide to organising a Playing Out session is available.
Residents don't need to wait for summer to organise something similar on their streets and the council's WV Holiday Squad and Wolverhampton for Everyone will be promoting playing out opportunities early next year.
