Streets are to be shut for a few hours a day to allow children to play outside their homes.

In an effort to make it safer and boost sporting levels, Brighton and Hove City Council is to look at introducing a Street Play scheme.

This will mean neighbours and community groups can close residential roads for a few hours after school or at weekends without having to apply each time to the local authority.

It came after a question from Conservative councillor Ann Norman who said she was impressed with a similar scheme in Bristol.

Only this week Argus columnist Katy Rice praised the plan in her writing for the paper.

Ian Davey , the chairman of the council’s transport committee, said he had been approached by residents about the idea, adding the local authority believes something similar would work in Brighton and Hove.

Coun Davey said: “The play streets closures would be similar to resident street parties where we ask for agreement from the people living and working in the street.

“There are some more details we need to work out but we should be able to do this quite quickly.

“The team would need to assess and advise on each request.

“Please bear in mind that it is a very tiny team, and so it will take time to look at each application.”

Coun Davey said the council could not allow it on main thoroughfares or bus routes, adding access for residents and businesses would also have to be maintained.

He said residents would need to have signs to warn drivers of the closure.

Coun Norman said: “I truly believe that this is a good idea.

“All we need is the willingness of the council to work with residents to allow safe play for children.

“There are many families living in flats where there is no garden so I do think that this should be explored further as we hear so much about children bordering on being obese.