Liberal Democrat councillors Eleanor Macy and Jim Pailing joined interested residents at a meeting of Harlow Council's Communities of Interest Forum to discuss how the council should deal with the tricky issue of ball games.

The council has already agreed to put in place a bye-law forbidding skateboarding and ball games in shopping centres, shopping hatches and garage areas. Now it's consulting residents on what should be done about skateboarding and ball games in residential areas. Cllr Eleanor Macy explains:

"On the one hand, many parents want to know their children are playing safely nearby and within sight of home. On the other hand, some residents have complained that this prevents them enjoying the peace and quiet of their homes. We need to hear all sides of the story before reaching a decision."

What do you think? Should the council allow ball games in estates? Should they be banned (for particular areas, or all over the town)? Or is there a different answer? Email us with your views!