A NORTH Yorkshire village has banned ball games on three of its housing estates following complaints from residents.Parish councillors at Barlby and Osgodby, near Selby, voted to kick balls into touch on a trial basis in The Charters, Acorn Close and Landing Close.

The ban on ball games in side streets could be extended to other estates if residents feel there is a need for similar action.Parish council vice-chairman Brian Marshall said they had received a number of letters from angry parishioners, and a petition from residents in Landing Close.

Most of the complaints had come from elderly people who were fed-up with teenagers kicking balls into their gardens, damaging bedding plants.

He said: "We have spent thousands of pounds on play areas all over the parish.

Playing football on the streets is unnecessary and dangerous.

"I live in The Charters, where there is a big field with goalposts. That's what is so annoying."

Coun David Smith said the ban had split the village, with as many people against it as for it.

He said: "We're in a no-win situation. The problem is that many of the gardens are open plan, and some people are spending up to £75 on bedding plants only to see them bashed about by balls landing in the middle of them.

"We've also had complaints about balls being kicked against house walls and cars.

"I have mixed feelings about the ban - not all play areas are suitable for ball games, and famous footballers like Bobby and Jack Charlton started by kicking a football about in the street."

Coun David Hope said: "It is distressing for elderly people when their plants are trampled, but the issue isn't cut and dried."Some councillors are all for the ban, and some are against it.

"I remain unconvinced about the need for it, and would like to see more co-operation from parents."

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