More ball games 'City needs to free up space for children to have fun'

THE council should remove "no ball games" signs, according to Labour councillors calling for an upgrade to play parks across Bristol.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

They are calling for a task force to explore how children can get more opportunities to play, like creating spaces to kick a ball around in housing developments.

Playing is an important part of childhood development but in recent years children have become less free to roam around outdoors, while also spending more time looking at a screen. Labour believes Bristol City Council should be doing more to help children play.

Plans to improve access to play facilities will be debated by councillors in a full council meeting on Tuesday. Labour has tabled a motion saying the council should come up with a play strategy, following similar plans in Leeds such as letting children play on some streets.