Play is a child's work. Outdoor play is vital for all aspects of children’s development.
It is important that Cllr Toni Fagan has highlighted the sorry state of some of the Connexus managed play areas in the county.
NHS data has shown that more than 1 in 5 children leaving primary school nationally are overweight, this has been linked to reduced opportunities to play out.
Access to safe and child-friendly spaces to play has declined drastically over recent years, and this is happening in Herefordshire.
Play areas are not just nice to have, they are vital. Opportunities for outdoor play are essential for children’s physical health and emotional wellbeing.
With loss of space and permission to play, children’s lives can become increasingly indoors, inactive and online, we are all aware of the detrimental impact this can have on their health.
When children’s play areas are closed, locked up or left with broken and removed equipment, a message is given to children that they and their play are not welcome and not important.
As a recent Hereford Times 'Talking Point' on play spaces suggests, if you have a play area in your town or parish you can ask the Town or Parish Council to help safeguard the future of the play space.
Children make up 20 per cent of the population, but they are 100 per cent of our future.
Once we recognise the massive shift that has happened for children over recent decades, we can all play a part in protecting, using and valuing the remaining play areas in Herefordshire.
Mrs Michael
Ross-on-Wye
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