Westminster Labour has delivered its manifesto promise to deliver more safe, traffic-free spaces for children with the launch of the first of three new Play Streets in the borough.

Northumberland Place in Bayswater will regularly close to traffic during evenings and weekends, giving children more space to play and neighbours more opportunities to connect. The initiative is community-led, with local parents and residents managing closures and activities, and is supported by Bayswater Councillors Maggie, Max and James.

Two more Play Streets – on Ashmore Road and Kilravock Street – will follow in September, marking a fourfold increase in Play Streets since Westminster’s first in 2019.

Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We promised to expand the Play Streets programme in Westminster to create safer ways for children to get active on the doorsteps. I’m delighted that the Labour council has worked with local residents and parents to create new opportunities for children to play and for communities to come together.

The initiative is part of Westminster’s wider Active Streets programme, including Schools Streets and Street Play, improving air quality, encouraging physical activity, and building community.

There are huge health and wellbeing benefits for children from having space to run around and play outside. Congratulations to all of the parents who have worked so hard in collaboration with the council to create a safe and fun environment for children to play on their doorsteps”