Pendle backs Play Streets pilot after successful Colne scheme

The Play Streets initiative, which allows residential roads to close to through traffic for up to three hours each week, was championed by Colne councillor Sarah Cockburn-Price after hearing about the national movement on BBC Radio 4. After almost 18 months of work, the proposal was debated and approved by Pendle Council's Executive on June 25th.

Coun. Cockburn-Price welcomed the decision, saying: “I am delighted that the Shared Administration has backed Play Streets for Pendle. Our pilot street of Belgrave Road, Colne, has proved just how well this simple, old-fashioned concept can work. I would like to thank everyone who supported the right for children to play safely near their homes.”

Under the scheme, roads are closed to through traffic at a regular day and time each week, while residents can still access their homes by car under the supervision of volunteer marshals wearing high-visibility clothing.

The Belgrave Road pilot received support from fellow councillors Ashley Sutcliffe and David Cockburn-Price, who also spoke in favour of expanding the initiative.

Karen Clark, a mother of five who attended the council meeting, described the positive impact she had witnessed during the Belgrave Road sessions.

“In a world where we constantly hear concerns about childhood obesity, mental health and too much screen time, it was genuinely refreshing to see children outside, active and enjoying themselves,” she said.

“But it wasn't just the children that stood out. I saw neighbours talking to one another, parents chatting while their children played, families spending time together and residents connecting with people they might otherwise only pass by.”

Coun. Cockburn-Price, who co-founded Colne Youth Action Group (CYAG) with her husband, said the scheme aimed to restore opportunities for children to enjoy the freedom of playing outdoors.

“I adored playing out as a child, and I think most people of my generation did,” she said. “Sadly, it is a pleasure that has largely been denied to today's children.

“The decline of playing out has predictable consequences for children's social skills, co-ordination and physical fitness. At CYAG we see the difference it makes, but there are wider health concerns too, including a rise in non-genetic myopia linked to reduced time spent outdoors. Scientists estimate that children should spend at least two hours outside every day.”

Belgrave Road organiser Lynette Sherratt-Connelly said residents embraced the idea as soon as it was proposed.

“When I read about it on Sarah's Facebook page, I got together with my neighbours and we registered our interest straight away," she said. "Our road closure kit was generously funded by Pendle Council's Colne and District Committee.

“We've loved seeing the children playing freely and safely, and it's been wonderful remembering all those games and skipping songs we enjoyed growing up.”

Following the Executive's approval, the Play Streets scheme is expected to be rolled out more widely across Pendle, giving other neighbourhoods the opportunity to organise regular community play sessions in their own streets.