Antisocial and threatening behaviour

Antisocial behaviour can be difficult to define. Although often annoying, there are some types of behaviour that are not classed as antisocial. 

These include:

• children playing in the street or communal areas, unless they are causing damage to property
• young people gathering socially, unless they are rowdy, inconsiderate and being intimidating to others
• being unable to park outside your own home

We have a dedicated team for investigating noise. Find out how to report noise disturbances.

Guidance on ball games

During summertime we occasionally receive complaints about children playing ball games in the street or in public places. 

We understand that ball games can disturb people’s peace and quiet, but by law they are not classified as antisocial behaviour. Most of the complaints we receive are about the way in which ball games are played. 

We take a neutral and balanced view on the issue. We expect residents to take responsibility within their own neighbourhood. 

We recommend that you talk to your neighbours and work together to reach a compromise. You could try to agree a time and place when it would be okay to play ball games.

Guidance for players, parents and guardians

Please remember:

• respect other residents’ right to a peaceful and safe environment – not everyone will enjoy your game as much as you
• there are plenty of lovely parks around the borough where parents and guardians can supervise safe play
• if you have to play near houses, use a soft ball to prevent damage to your neighbours’ fences, gardens and cars
• ask before entering a garden to get a ball back
• where possible, play outside your house and not anybody else’s
• keep the noise and down and do not let your game become antisocial
• do not use abusive language
• be aware of your own safety and the safety of other road users
• tidy up after yourself and put any litter in the bin
• smaller grassed areas outside homes may only be suitable for younger children
• respect the “no ball games” and “considerate use” signs
• parents – check where your children are playing and make sure other residents are not disturbed

Guidance for residents and passers-by

Please remember:

• playing ball games is not antisocial behaviour
• respect people’s right to play in their own neighbourhood
• parents and guardians may want their young children to play nearby
• expect, within reason, children to play after school, at weekends and in the evening
• “no ball games” signs are a request, not a bylaw
• it is not illegal to play football on a grassed verge or open space
• there may be only 1 grassed area for children to play safely on in their own neighbourhood
• sometimes it is better for young people to divert their energies into playing sport rather than doing other things
• open spaces are for everyone