A playground on every street

The Culture Minister has called for a playground on every street - as a poll showed parents are too scared to let their children out alone. David Lammy revealed he wants a change in urban planning to create safe places for youngsters to play.

He said: "For every acre of land occupied by playgrounds in England there are more than 80 acres for golf courses.

"Many town centres are cut off by ring roads, and on residential streets children are being dwarfed by cars that are getting bigger and bigger. Among the hustle and bustle of towns and cities we need to engender 'village' communities where children are looked after in the widest sense. This must start with somewhere for our children - all our children - to play." Mr Lammy voiced his concerns as The Children's Society revealed that 43 per cent of adults think children should not be allowed out with friends until they are 14.

Parents fear child snatchers and road accidents and say kids have nowhere safe to play. More than a fifth of over-60s said children should be over 16 before going out on their own.

The report also warned that youngsters have fewer friends than a generation ago - which could lead to depression and anti-social behaviour. Bob Reitemeier, of The Children's Society, said: "We want freedom for our children but we are becoming frightened to let them out. "Spending time with friends is fundamental to children's wellbeing and development."