We offer advice and support for individuals and communities whose lives are affected by anti-social behaviour. Young people simply gathering in public spaces and being generally boisterous will not constitute anti-social behaviour. Playing ball games, skateboarding or cycling on pavements will not normally be classed as unacceptable behaviour.
Every summer the council receives complaints about children playing ball games in public places. In general, ball games are a fun activity for children playing them and can be a source of disturbance for those who are not. Unfortunately, this is something that cannot be changed. Children have a right to play as well as a need to enjoy physical exercise and interact with other youngsters. Play is crucial in a child's development as a socially confident member of society and should be encouraged. South Holland District Council has a policy on
Play which can be viewed on the website. However, on the other hand everyone has a right to enjoy their home quietly, protect their property and have their wishes respected by their neighbours.
South Holland District features many open green areas that might seem ideal as a venue for a ball game. Many of these green areas are on housing estates and there is often only a small distance between greenery and residents front doors. It is easy to see why complaints are made. It is therefore essential that residents work together with tolerance and understanding to avoid problems associated with ball games.
We would ask that parents talk to their children about acceptable behaviour and appropriate places to play games and that they know where their children are and what they are doing.
Tips for keeping the peace:
- Use only light plastic air filled balls in residential areas
- Encourage your children to show concern for others
- Know where your children are and where they are going
- If you are suffering as a result of ball games try explaining why there is a problem to those individuals causing it.
- Try explaining to parents of the children how they are causing annoyance. Encourage older children to use the nearest playing field rather than the nearest green area.
- Organise a parental rota to take it in turns to go to a nearby park and supervise the children or young persons play activity to alleviate safety concerns.
- Do not play hard ball games where they may cause damage to property or persons.
Action that the council can take
The playing of ball games is not against the law and as a result the council will not be installing "No Ball Games" signs as these are not enforceable.
In the majority of cases the Anti-Social Behaviour Team will not class the playing of ball games as unacceptable behaviour.
You may approach individual Services within the council if you believe that misuse of land is occurring on an area, for example Economic Community Development if you believe sporting land is being misused, the Housing Team for green areas in Council Housing areas and Neighbourhood Services if you believe that open space land is being misused.
Lincolnshire Highways Department
Many nuisance activities on the Highway are covered by the Highways Act 1980, including the playing of ball games which is prohibited under Section 161(3) of the Act. This is enforceable by the Police, as it is a general requirement, there are no signs needed for enforcement and there are no prescribed signs within the "Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002" that can legally be erected on the Highway." The "No Ball Games Signs" that are to be seen occasionally are on private land.
