Caerphilly County Borough Council has erected ten new signs in communities telling children it’s okay to play.
In many areas children are confronted with signs saying ‘no ball games’ or other official notices instructing them to play elsewhere
But ‘Please Play Here’ signs have now been placed in areas selected by the children of Caerphilly’s Junior Forum.
The Forum is an ongoing mechanism for children to be involved in decision-making at county-wide level and is made up of 132, 7 to 11-year-olds from 59 primary schools throughout the county borough.
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education and leisure, said: “The ‘Please Play Here’ signs are designed to show children the specific areas where they can play safely, as well as to make it clear to residents that children are entitled to play within their communities, reducing perceptions of antisocial behaviour.
“It is vital that play continues to be promoted as a way for children to stay active and socialise within their communities.”
This latest project follows the installation of eight signs in 2010 through the Gwent Association of Voluntary Action (GAVO) Play Team, bringing to total number of signs installed to 18.
Both projects were funded by Caerphilly Children and Young People’s Partnership and contribute to achieving the outcomes within the local Play Strategy.
The ten new locations for the signs are in Blackwood, Caerphilly, Penllwyn, Wyllie, Ynysddu, Gelligaer, Fleur de Lys, Crosskeys and Nelson.
It is fantastic news that the Council are appearing to be encouraging children to play outside, but, after reading the proposed changes to the by-laws regarding play areas and open spaces in Caerphilly it would appear that they are directly contradicting this news article. They will prevent, not support children's right to play. I would urge every parent to respond to the limited consultation process currently being held.