PARENTS have been warned they face ‘severe action’ if their children are caught playing football in ‘non-designated’ public areas.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has sent letters to Wharton households following complaints from residents about children playing sports.

The letter, from CWAC’s community safety wardens and Cheshire Police, warns parents that casual sports, such as football, could cause ‘disturbance and distress’ to some residents.

It says there could also be a possibility of unintentional damage to property especially in non-designated areas, such as the street, which could also prove dangerous for the children.

The letter warns of consequences if a ‘considerate approach’ is not adopted by parents.

The letter said: “If following formal warnings, legitimate complaints continue to be received by Cheshire Police or the community safety wardens, we will consider action against the individuals concerned, including the parents.

“Continued refusal to adopt a considerate approach may result in severe action by the Cheshire West and Chester Council in conjunction with partner agencies including Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Cheshire Police.”

Northwich Guardian:

The letter was delivered to Wharton households

Leeanne Forsey, who has four children aged 10, five, two and one, lives in the Wharton estate.

She said she was ‘shocked’ to receive the letter, and hit out at the ‘fun police’.

Ms Forsey said: “Sometimes being a parent is really difficult as all the time we are getting told how we must bring up our own children.

“What we shouldn’t be doing, what we should be doing. This is one of those times.

“We get told ‘don’t let your kids get overweight, make sure they exercise regularly’ and then on the other hand we have this kind of negativity from the fun police for trying to do what’s right for our children.

“I would understand the letter if there had ever been a real problem with kids damaging or vandalising property but there hasn’t.”

Cllr Mike Kennedy, mayor of Winsford and chairman of the Winsford Youth Forum, criticised the authorities’ approach to the issue.

He said: “I fully support any letter going out to residents with regard to possible anti-social behaviour, footballs being indiscriminately being kicked against people’s property is a nuisance.

“However, really, with all that is going on in certain areas, this seems like a fly swat to kill a lion.

“Surely the vast majority of residents would like to see something stronger in the wording with regard to fires, destruction of property, etc.

“I believe football anti-social behaviour is the least of the residents’ worries – although obviously of concern to some.”