Street Play, which is part of our Play Strategy, aims to encourage children to play actively and independently near their home, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Street Play sessions take place during temporary road closures organised by local residents, with the agreement of their neighbours. Everyone is welcome and it's a great way to get to know one another.
How Street Play works
Street Play can be after school or at the weekend, for up to 3 hours. It is led by neighbours, for neighbours, with volunteer stewards at each road closure point.
Children bring their own toys (skipping ropes, scooters, hoops, chalks) and have the opportunity for free and unstructured play.
During a session, parents are responsible for their own children, while having the chance to meet other parents and neighbours.
Agreement of neighbours
To organise a Street Play session, follow these steps.
- Talk to your neighbours - explain your plans and discuss any concerns they may have.
- Send a letter or flyer to all street residents to introduce the idea or invite them to an informal meeting. This will give them the opportunity to express concerns, ask questions and discuss practicalities, and help you to find out if they can help with the event and support you.
- You will need the approval of the majority of residents when you apply for the road closure. You can gather their feedback by using our residents survey form (PDF, 20.91KB).
- When you have the agreement of your neighbours, consider the date you would like and apply for a temporary road closure.
Temporary road closure
You will need a temporary road closure for your Street Play session.
If you are considering applying for a road closure for a Street Play session:
- the person completing the application form will be the named representative who will need to be contactable at all times immediately before, during an after the session - they might be contacted by Elmbridge Borough Council, Surrey County Council or the Police if necessary
- consider the implications of the road closure for emergency service access, taxi operators and Highways (Surrey County Council) and others who may be inconvenienced by it
- consider taking out public liability insurance
- application for road closure is free but you will be responsible for other costs involved (photocopying or printing leaflets and notices)
Before you apply:
- read the terms and conditions of a road closure for Street Play
- complete a risk assessment for the Street Play session
- have a map ready showing where you want the closure to be
You need to apply for a road closure at least 8 weeks before the event - main roads, or those on a bus route, cannot be closed:
Apply for a temporary road closure for Street Play
Once you've applied, email your map of the closure area to shout@elmbridge.gov.uk.
The council is permitted to make a road closure only where roads are likely to be crowded or obstructed during an event on or near a highway. The council reserves the right to refuse an application if:
- you are unable to satisfy the council that the event falls within the Act
- if there are objections which the council considers valid and cannot be resolved
- if the council is not satisfied with any arrangements made or if you have not complied with the guidance
Preparations for a Street Play session
Once you receive the council's approval for your application:
- recruit stewards and other volunteers to help you organise the session
- inform everyone in your road about the Street Play session: date, time and what to expect - it's a good idea to print some flyers to post through everyone's door
- photocopy the road closure notices on waterproof paper and display them in the street to ensure everyone is informed of the session
Street Play session
On Street Play day:
- ensure that manned barriers and signage are in place
- meet up with your stewards and volunteers 15 to 30 minutes before the start time of the Street Play session to outline what needs to be done before, during and after the session (putting up signs and traffic cones), dealing with cars, managing the session, clearing up and re-opening the road after the event
- after the event, all signs must be taken down, cones removed and rubbish cleared, returning the road to its former condition
Further information
For more information:
- visit Playing Out for more information or see Playing Out: Useful stuff which has risk assessments, posters and a guidance manual.
- borrow our Street Play pack (subject to availability) for a £100 cheque deposit, which includes 'Road closed' signs, traffic cones and high visibility vest for stewards - email shout@elmbridge.gov.uk
- discuss your Street Play session with the Play Development Officer on 01372 474544 or email shout@elmbridge.gov.uk.
If you want to hold a street party instead, see street parties.