Subiaco to test playing on streets

Forget the WACA - the summer's most hotly contested cricket match will take place on a suburban street in Subiaco with a wheelie-bin wicket.

The City of Subiaco is putting street cricket and more generally "street play" back on the agenda in their neighbourhoods through an initiative aimed at fostering community spirit.

The council will close a residential road to traffic this weekend and encourage children to bring out their scooters, skateboards and skipping ropes and rediscover the joys of playing in the street.

Subiaco mayor Heather Henderson said the closure was a trial and if successful, the City would consider introducing the initiative in other residential streets.

Ms Henderson said the concept had been popular in Britain in recent years and Subiaco was keen to make it work.

"I remember the days when children used to play out in the street and people knew their neighbours," she said.

"Playing in the street creates a sense of community by bringing neighbours of all ages together.

"It encourages feelings of belonging and shared responsibility which can increase safety in the neighbourhood."

The first play-out session will take place on Gloster Street - between Hensman Road and Union Street - on Sunday between 3pm and 7pm.

Gloster Street resident and mother Simone Janney said it was a great initiative.

"I was chatting with a neighbour, saying wouldn't it be great if we could block off the street and the kids could have a play," she said. "I put in a submission and encouraged my neighbours to do the same. I guess lots of people in our street did, because we were lucky enough to be selected as the trial street."

Bedford Avenue will be closed to traffic next Sunday from 3pm to 11pm, incorporating the street's annual Christmas Carols in the Park event.