We understand that ball games can disturb people’s peace and quiet, but by law they are not classified as antisocial behaviour.
We expect residents to take responsibility within their own neighbourhood and work together to reach a compromise about any issues.
Players and parents - please remember
- Respect other residents right to a peaceful and safe environment - not everyone will enjoy your game as much as you
- If you’re having a match, why not head to the park instead
- If you have to play near houses, use a soft ball to prevent damage to your neighbour’s fences, gardens and cars and ask before getting back play equipment
- Where possible play outside your house not anybody else’s
- Keep the noise and the ball down and do not let your game become antisocial
- Don’t use abusive language
- Beware of your own safety and the safety of other road users
- Tidy up after yourself and put any litter the bin
- Small grassed areas outside homes may only be suitable for younger children
- Respect the “no ball games” and “considerate use” signs
- Parents, check where your children are playing and make sure other residents are not disturbed
- Compromise, talk and agree with your neighbours on a time and a place for your games
- There are plenty of lovely parks around the borough where parents and guardians can supervise safe fun play
Residents and passers-by - please remember
- Playing ball games is not antisocial behaviour
- Respect people’s right to play in their own neighbourhood
- Remember parents and guardians may wish their young children to play nearby
- Expect, within reason, children to play after school, at weekends and in the evening
- “No ball games” signs are a request not a bylaw
- It is not illegal to play football on a grassed verge or open space
- There may be only one grassed area for children to play safely in their own neighbourhood
- Sometimes it is better for young people to divert their energies into playing sport rather than doing other things
- Compromise, create a dialogue, and speak to your neighbours to find an agreeable time and location to play
- Open spaces are for the use of everyone