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LET US PLAY: Time for council to act
IT WAS 10 days ago that we launched our campaign to win better playgrounds for youngsters in Leeds.
The YEP is calling for more playable spaces within walking distance of every home in the city, so children can rediscover the joys of outdoor play.
Our investigation into playground provision in Leeds has revealed a disappointing picture, which can only be marked "must do better".
We hope our series of articles will prompt those armed with the power to make a difference in the city to do something about the state of play.
YEP editor Paul Napier said: "I am delighted to see that everybody – from the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, to Wayne Hemingway, to mums in Chapeltown and East End Park – has backed our campaign.
"I am pleased people are now talking about this subject and realising that it's something that needs attention."
YEP readers have been quick to get in touch to voice their support and share their experiences, ranging from the lack of playgrounds in some neighbourhoods to attempts by locals and businesses to improve any spaces they have got.
New research by first aid brand TCP has revealed children in Yorkshire now only play outside for five and a half hours a week, with 80 per cent having their own games console and 72 per cent having a TV in their room – more than anywhere else in the country.
Child experts agree that outdoor play allows youngsters to explore and develop not only physical limits but also social skills, helping them to grow into more well-rounded individuals.
And obviously if they have somewhere intereresting and well-maintained to have fun with their mates and family, it should help youngsters stay out of trouble, and that will improve everyone's quality of life.
Playgrounds don't come cheap but with a little imagination there are ways to create playable spaces for much less than the 60,000 it costs for a traditional fixed-equipment zone.
The YEP has done what it can to highlight the problems faced by families across the city when it comes to finding somewhere safe and fun for their children to play.
Now the ball is in Leeds City Council's court.
We look forward to the day when we can tell readers our campaign has succeeded and big changes are on the way.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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