The playing of ball games on housing estates is sometimes a concern to some tenants.
A specific procedure has been devised for handling complaints relating to the playing of ball games which is as follows:
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Advice will be given to the complainant that merely playing ball games does not constitute an issue and the activity needs to be causing them, or their neighbours a nuisance in some way.
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Proper identification of the perpetrators is required
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A log needs to be kept of all incidents which cause nuisance detailing the date, time, duration and identification of people involved.
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Identify damage that has occurred - the complainant needs to record and photograph where possible.
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Corroboration from a group of tenants would be useful.
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Parents/guardians of youths/children who cause nuisance and are Council tenants may have action taken against them through the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement.
Clause 24 of the Secure Tenancy Agreement and Clause 17 of the Introductory Tenancy Agreement states:
‘You, members of your household, or any visitors to your home must not do anything or cause anything to be done which, in our opinion, is likely to cause nuisance, annoyance or harassment to others residing in, visiting or offering services in your locality’.
While it is inappropriate for the Council to regulate the playing of ball games by the children of tenants, where the action of those youths/children causes nuisance then the Tenancy Agreement may be used to provide relief to those suffering from nuisance.
Where nuisance is being caused by the children of non-Council tenants, the matter will be referred to Darlington Police.