The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Applications are invited for an Edinburgh Playing Out pilot project which would see residents in eligible streets organise temporary road closures for children’s play events. 

The Council’s Playing Out scheme, which runs from 1 April to 31 August 2017, enables suitable residential streets to be closed [free of charge] for up to five sessions of outdoor play.

An update on the scheme will be considered by members of the Transport and Environment Committee on Tuesday (21 March).

North Edinburgh has held succesful Playing Out days in recent years when Total Craigroyston organised a programme of activities (above).

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This Playing Out project is an excellent opportunity for local residents to close their streets for free so that kids can enjoy playing safely in the open air with their friends.

“Play events are also a great way for neighbours to mix and socialise, helping build stronger communities as well as boosting children’s health and wellbeing.

“I hope we’ll see lots of applications coming in so that playing out events can be run as often as possible during the warmer months.”

Lucy Richardson, of local group Edinburgh Playing Out, said: “This is a great initiative from the Council, giving residents up to five free street closures for street play from now until the end of August

“Children love unstructured play close to home and once children are playing on the street, people of all ages come out and chat to their neighbours and join in the freedom of a traffic-free street. It’s healthy and it’s fun.  Let the children play – apply now!”

 Conditions: 

You can close your street

• only if it is a residential street
• for up to five sessions

You cannot close your street if it is a

• bus route
• main road with a lot of traffic

Applicants should contact their local neighbourhood office to request a playing out session for their streets (if eligible). 

More information can be found on the Council’s website.