Salford is set to see ‘play streets’ reintroduced to the borough once again 90 years after it pioneered the scheme in England.
The launch of the pilot scheme was confirmed by Salford City Council during a council meeting yesterday.
As part of the project, streets in the borough of Salford will be shut for four hours a day to allow children to safely play out and residents of the streets will be in charge of the closures with help from the council. The streets will be put forward by the residents themselves and will need at least 60% of the neighbourhood to be in favour of creating a ‘Play Street’.
The idea behind the scheme is that residents will be able to close off their street to vehicles and allow children to play safely, without the risk of oncoming traffic.
Those affected by the street closures will be consulted and Salford City Council is planning on releasing a consultation in due course, with guidance and risk assessment forms for residents who put themselves forward as organisers.
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Applications for Play Streets will only be considered on roads managed by the council, cul-de-sacs, through-route roads with low traffic numbers, and in areas with suitable alternatives for drivers.
Through traffic will be diverted, and residents who live on the streets will not have to move their cars.
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They will be free to enter or leave the street, however, will be asked to drive at ‘walking speed’ and will be escorted by a volunteer.
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This modern re-invention of the scheme is hoping to encourage young Salfordians to be more active, and to enable stronger neighbourhood bonds through the increase of friendships among children and adults.
The ‘Play Street’ project was first introduced in Salford back in the 1930s.
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It was the first place in the country to introduce a play street, and came after then Salford Chief Constable, Major Cedric Valentine Godfrey, brought the idea to the city upon seeing how the concept worked in the tightly-packed districts of The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan in New York.
Derek Antrobus – Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council – said: “Salford, historically has been a leader in the creation of play streets.
“This is the modern version of it.
“It allows residents to close off their street for events, regular play activities, but it was a convoluted experience for people to go to and what we’ve done is to try to cut through all the red tape and make it easier for communities to create safe spaces for their children and families.
“It’s a response to what the communities were demanding and we’ve managed to address it in a very sensible way.”
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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named The StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
13th October 2020 
