For the second year running Love Lane in Woodside has been named as the best street in London for children to play safely outside.
The ‘Play Street of the Year’ title goes to the London street or road that has the most successful arrangements in place to allow families to enjoy playing outdoors.
With help from the council these roads are temporarily closed to traffic to allow everyone to make use of the space for games and sports activities.
There were two Croydon streets shortlisted in this year’s competition and last year’s winner, Love Lane, faced stiff competition from nearby Brampton Road in Addiscombe, which is the borough’s first ‘school-run’ play street.
Brampton Road had their first play street in June 2016 and now holds regular monthly events after school on Fridays. As a result of the scheme parents and staff at The Robert Fitzroy Academy and Davidson Primary, along with local residents and local councillors, got agreement from the council for a zebra crossing to be installed on Davidson Road to improve safety all year round.
The organisers of Love lane and Brampton Road are also responsible for Croydon’s ‘Epic Play Street’. This town centre play street is open to anyone from across the borough and is held in College Road once a term. The next event due to take place on Saturday 10 February.
“Well done again to Love Lane – but also hats off to Brampton Road. This is a really great project and a real example that other schools around the borough might want to follow.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for transport and environment
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council is also ward member for Woodside. He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Love Lane has once again been given this recognition and it should encourage parents elsewhere in the borough to think about setting up Play Streets of their own.”
The Adventure Play Awards are run by London Play, a charity that campaigns to give children time and space to enjoy play despite the growth of traffic, encroaching development, and a more risk-averse culture.
For more information on setting up a Play Street in Croydon, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/playstreets.
