AN initiative to get kids out of the house and playing in the street again could be trialled in Barrhead later this summer.

To be held at the beginning of August, Street Play is an initiative that has been set up by SNP councillors Annette Ireland and Angela Convery.

With local roads closed off for the duration of the trial, the hark back to the “good old days” will enable children to go outside and play in a safe and secure environment.

The trial was given the green light by East Renfrewshire Council last week after both representatives began championing the idea earlier this year.

Councillor Angela Convery said: “Our aim is that children will see the fun and benefits of outdoor play and continue to do so.

“After asking if anyone would be interested in this happening in their street, the responses that we have received have been very positive.

“Although we have got the ball rolling on this trial, it is our ultimate aim that the reigns will be taken up by the local residents themselves.”

After residents from across the area willing to host the initiative on their street came forward, it is now up to the council’s roads department to decide which streets will be picked for the trial.

Several roads in Barrhead, as well as some in Netherlee, Clarkston and Busby, will now be considered for closure on the day of the event, which will coincide with Scottish National Play Day in early August.

Pilot schemes for Street Play were held successfully in Edinburgh and Glasgow last year, with a provisional date of Saturday, August 4, now set for East Renfrewshire’s event.

The two councillors hope that the trial will be so successful that the event becomes a regular fixture across the area.

Councillor Ireland said: “We are aiming to give local children the chance to get outdoors and reclaim their streets for play – as well as a real chance to bring the local community closer together.

“Both myself and Councillor Convery have been working towards this for some time now and we are both very optimistic for future Street Play events here in East Renfrewshire.

“This will be a great opportunity and a great way to get more children and adults playing outdoors.

“We very much hope this small trial will highlight the importance of playing outdoors, particularly on your street and we are both working hard to get more opportunities for street play throughout the year.”

For more information on the initiative, contact Councillor Convery on 07388 859260 or by emailing angela.convery@eastrenfrewshirecouncil.gov.uk