Staple Tye councillors Lorna and Su attended Harlow Council's ball games consultation meeting at the Civic Centre tonight. The meeting was part of a consultation process set up by the council to try to resolve the different points of view about ball games being played in residential areas.

Lorna asked whether flats and maisonettes built above garages, such as those in Longbanks, Moorfield and Peterswood, would be included in the new bye-laws the council proposes to introduce, which would prohibit skateboarding and ball games in shopping areas, shopping hatches and garage areas. She says:

"It appears from the answer I was given that this may not be the case, so I have asked the council's anti-social behaviour coordinator to clarify the exact extent of the proposed bye-law in relation to such areas."

Lorna also reported the comments of the Paringdon school council, with whom she had met to discuss the question of ball games. While supporting the council's proposed bye-law, school council members explained some of the play issues that concerned primary school aged children. These included inadequate play surfaces; muddy grass; broken glass and rubbish strewn across green spaces; and most of all intimidation by older children. Lorna told the meeting:

"It's very important that the council listen carefully to what local children have to say, not just because play is important to them, but also because a lot of time and money could be wasted putting in place solutions if they're not the solutions local children want."

Su suggested that the council should be more proactive in enforcing the tenancy agreement which required council tenants and their children not to create nuisance within their area.

The council's consultation will continue for a couple of months, including involving all local schools.