Play Streets brings neighbours together

NEIGHBOURS enjoyed the chance to reconnect and their children to play together outdoors in the latest Play Streets event.

The initiative is being piloted by Tameside Council and Jigsaw Homes to help residents reclaim their street as a safe place for young people to get fresh air and exercise and adults to meet.

Residents in Ennerdale Terrace, Stalybridge, were the latest to get involved with their street closed to traffic for a few hours on 11 August to bring the community together in a secure environment.

It was organised as a collaborative effort between Tameside Council’s Population Health and Arts and Events services, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Triathlon, Jigsaw Homes and Ridge Hill Big Local.

Children enjoyed cycling and games while adults had the chance to catch up and get information from stalls, such as Tameside’s Community Champions. And Dr Bike, funded by TfGM, ran free bicycle check-ups to help make sure bikes are safe and roadworthy.

Tameside residents are encouraged to run their own Play Streets events and can access guidance documents and submit an event notification form to request a closure of the highway. It may not be possible to close some roads, such as A or B roads.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Eleanor Wills said: “I’m delighted that residents in Ennerdale Terrace have become the latest to get involved in Play Streets and enjoyed the opportunity to get together and for their children to take part in fun, healthy activities in the fresh air in a safe, traffic-free environment.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone having a good time and bonding. I’d encourage other neighbourhoods to also get involved so that they can enjoy the same experience.”

If you would like to organise your own Play Streets event email Hayley.McCaffer@tameside.gov.uk for further information.

There are lots of cycling and walking opportunities in Tameside, including the borough’s first Bee Network scheme nearby at Chadwick Dam, through Ashton and Stalybridge. Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/MCF