Where are kids meant to play?

Sunday February 17, a nice crisp bright clear day, I take my children over to the large empty car park at the Saffron Walden County High sports centre/gym, I m racing an electric model car and my young children are chasing a football. The caretaker of th

Sunday February 17, a nice crisp bright clear day, I take my children over to the large empty car park at the Saffron Walden County High sports centre/gym, I'm racing an electric model car and my young children are chasing a football.

The caretaker of the school calls to me and asks us to leave, explaining that it's a private car park and they've made great efforts to stop people playing and skateboarding.

If he lets me stay, he says, he'll have to let everyone else stay and play - I was extremely surprised at this and questioned why, but was told firmly "you'll have to leave".

We were minding our own business for half an hour on a lovely sunny day. Is it any wonder that kids get an attitude and wander the streets; where are they meant to go and play/hang out? We left without protest, but where will this end?

We have double yellow lines everywhere, have to pay to park and now a simple game in a playground is banned. I think Saffron Walden, and the UK, needs to look at France, where you can do pretty much as you please, and guess what - because it's more relaxed, so are the people.

Simon Harris

Newport Road

Saffron Walden