A COMMUNITY in Glasgow’s Southside has enjoyed a car-free street over the weekend, thanks to a council initiative to get kids outside and allow neighbours to socialise.
Brunton Road, in Cathcart, was closed to traffic on Sunday as part of Street Play.
An initiative run by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, Street Play allows communities to close local roads free-of-charge, so children can play safely outside close to their homes.
It aims to bring communities closer together by providing local groups and residents the opportunity to take back their streets and enjoy a traffic free environment.
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Resident Carolyn Lochhead, 47, who was involved in organising the Cathcart Street Play, said the event was a success, with as many as 70 neighbours attending.
She said: “It’s about sort of reminding us all that our streets aren't just for parking cars, they can be there for us all to use.
“And partly, it's just a really good, quite cheap way of getting communities together and getting kids playing out."
Street Play is open to residents and not-for-profit local organisations, such as community groups, schools, and housing associations, who can apply to close their street on dates set by the council throughout the year.
Last weekend’s event really brought out the spirit of the Cathcart community, with everyone chipping in.
“I came on Sunday morning and found a huge pile of home baking on my doorstep that my neighbours had donated,” added Carolyn.
“We usually have a little reading corner, we always have some gazebos, people bring food, we had a coffee stand, and an arts and crafts stall.
“There were lots of kids going up and down the street in their bikes and scooters, so it was really good."
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The next Street Play is scheduled for September 22-25, and communities are encouraged to apply to the council to close their streets on those days.
Carolyn added: “I'm hoping that they'll advertise it quite widely, and then lots of people will know about the opportunity, because it's such a great thing to do and it's really simple.”
Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for climate, said: “It’s great that communities were able to take advantage of the Street Play road closure over the Jubilee weekend.
“Street Play is all about creating safe places for children to play in their neighbourhood.
"Cars and other vehicles are put to one side for a day or two and children get to enjoy the freedom of their street.
“The initiative provides a relaxed environment for people of all ages and actually helps to bring communities closer together."
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