Fake council note banning ball games sent to homes

The letter threatened to fine people who do not comply with the ban (stock photo)

A fake council letter sent to residents banning ball games and threatening fines is being investigated.

The note, claiming to be from one of Durham County Council's neighbourhood teams, was posted through doors in Stanley saying there had been reports of children playing "aggressively".

It states "no ball games (football) are allowed in this area" and warned people they can cause "distress" to the elderly.

The Reform UK-led council said the notice was "not legitimate" and it appealed for information.

The letter, which also contains grammatical errors, says notices will be placed around the area and patrols will continue.

The fake note was posted through doors in Stanley

The document, which appears to have the council's logo at the top and the name of a council official at the bottom, claims to have been sent to all local residents.

"There are no ball games allowed in this area," it states.

"Ball games can cause distress to people especially the elderly and can cause damage to properties which is classed as criminal damage."

Play 'respectfully'

Durham County Council said it did not prohibit football or other ball games, although it recognised ball games could be a disturbance.

"We've been made aware of a letter being posted through some doors in Stanley, alleging to be from our Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens - North team," the local authority said.

"This is not a legitimate notice, and we would ask anyone who has any information to let us know so we can investigate where it has come from."

It urged anyone bothered by ball games to consider speaking with parents.

"We would also ask parents to make sure their children are playing respectfully, especially if they are near to other people's homes," the council added.

"If ball games are deliberately and persistently played recklessly, leading to property damage, residents can report this to our anti-social behaviour team."