Council Bosses Threaten Children With Prosecution ... For Playing Football In The Street

Playing with a football in the street is a rite of passage for most young boys.
But in one particular town, a kickabout could land them on the wrong side of the law.
A council in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has sent out letters warning that children face prosecution and fines of up to £100 if they annoy neighbours with ball games.

The drive is being led by the council's anti- social behaviour co-ordinator, Lynn Pallett.
She said residents have complained of flowerbeds being trampled by children retrieving balls that have been kicked into gardens, while other householders have reported damage to vehicles parked outside their properties.
Some residents yesterday backed the clampdown, but others accused Newark and Sherwood District Council of 'using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut' and said that children should be encouraged to play outdoors.

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