// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
The city closing down streets so children can play
Temporarily closing residential streets to allow kids to play and socialise safely outside has proved beneficial for both children and adults
Seven-year-old Aydin is relishing the chance to play somewhere new. It's Colenso Mount, a street in the Holbeck area of Leeds where he lives, which has been temporarily closed to traffic to become a ‘Play Street’.
"Everyone can ride scooters and the boys over there play football which is very fun", he says excitedly.
As Aydin jumps a scooter over ramps set up in the middle of the road, children around him are drawing with chalk, blowing bubbles and kicking a football in a spot where cars are usually driving through.
It’s a rare chance for the kids in this neighbourhood to play outside together, in a space big enough to frolic and safe from traffic.
According to a survey from the campaign group Play Their Way, external, out on Wednesday, nearly half of parents (46%) say their child doesn't have a safe place to play outdoors.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being urged to bring back a national play strategy, external for children in England - an initiative he championed while culture secretary in 2008.
Seven-year-old Aydin has relished playing with other local kids
Both Wales, external and Scotland, external have already made it a legal requirement for local authorities to ensure there are enough opportunities for children to play.
But in England, campaign group Play England is warning that many children don’t have access to high quality playgrounds and play opportunities.