Safety lobby told to play the game

REMEMBER when the playground was the scene of never-ending fun? When children were forever occupied in a variety of games. These pursuits seem to have all but disappeared in recent years, lost to a health and safety culture which many believe does not encourage children to get out and play.

Now, as the nation’s children get fatter, the Local Government Association, which represents more than 400 authorities in England and Wales, has called for the old playground favourites to be brought back. JENNIFER HOLLAMBY took to the streets of Chadderton to find out what people think.


IF you went to school anytime before the year 2000, you probably have fond memories of games like elastic, and Mr Wolf.

But the fun stopped for pupils at Bracebridge Heath Primary School near Lincoln when the head teacher, Susan Tuck, banned all games involving physical contact, including tig and kiss catch.

And at Tiverton High School, Devon, head teacher Andrew Lovett banned snowball fights unless the thrower had the permission of the person at the receiving end.

But now, the Local Government Association is turning the tide on our cotton-wool culture and trying to bring the rough and tumble back to Britain’s schools to combat spiralling levels of obesity and to teach children about risk.

Lynn Garside (33), of Taunton Road, Chadderton, was all for the return of the classic children’s games.

She said: “My children play out a lot at home. It’s important that they can burn off energy and let off steam. It keeps them fit and stops them being lazy.”

Ian Dobson was also baffled by the health and safety culture which sounded the death knell for many traditional games.

The father of two — five-year-old Sequoia and Jasper (eight months) — said: “They got rid of British bulldog and and there was nothing wrong with that once you had got a bit older.

“It’s a health and safety and all that rubbish that has got rid of these games.

“If children don’t know a bit of pain then when they grow up and something bad happens to them they will be in shock.”

Veronica Hall (49), of Block Lane, said: “It’s a very good idea to bring the games back. The children should be exercising instead of sitting at the computer watching television and eating all the time.

“Children tend to eat sweet foods and sugary drinks a lot more now, and exercise seems to have gone out of the window.

“I played rounders and hopscotch and all sorts when I was at school and it was all good fun.”

Susan Hilton, from Hollins, said: “They should play games because they’re free.

“My 15-year-old plays football a lot and as well as making him healthy, it’s cheap.

“Children should be encouraged to be interested in free activities rather than getting their entertainment from expensive gadgets like iPods and games consoles.”

Roy Burke (79), from Oriel Close, Chadderton, said: “Anything that encourages them to get out and spend less time on computers can only be a good thing.

“Being encouraged to play together at breaktime also makes them more sociable.”

Graham Bailey, of Washbrook, Chadd-erton, said: “My son Dominic has been off school for seven weeks now over the summer and they end up getting bored.

“The council organised some sports activities which he went along to, but if children knew how to play games they would be able to entertain themselves more.They don’t have anything to do, so they end up just hanging around.”

Tony Ford (48), of Lindale Avenue, Chadderton, said: “It’s good if children are able to express themselves in energetic games and are not so directed in what they do.

“It fires their imagination and creativity when they are given freedom to play as they wish.

“There could be bumps and scrapes, but as long as it’s properly monitored and there aren’t lots of accidents then I think it’s fine.”