The first is traffic. I recently saw a television documentary which contained footage shot in the 1960s of children playing in a street. There were no cars in the street and there was a prominent sign which stated quite clearly that this was a children's play street and no traffic was allowed. If we could find a way to reintroduce such a system, we might go some way to avoiding the 'time bomb' of physical and mental illness referred to in your news article (17 August).
The second is the availability of outside play facilities. In my area of west London we have two superb parks with excellent children's play areas within easy walking distance, and a municipal sports centre comprising climbing wall, football, tennis and fives, with a big emphasis on sport for young children at a very reasonable cost. Of course, to participate in these activities requires a degree of parental involvement and co-ordination which can be difficult for working parents. The provision of such facilities may be patchy throughout the country.
I would say that although it is not perfect, there is an increasing supply of structured play and exercise opportunities for young children, but the opportunities for them to play spontaneously and without adult supervision are severely limited by traffic considerations. This is an area which policy planners should address.
* Jerry Beere, partner, Morton Michel
