Dispute over 'ball games' erupts

Ulster Unionist Leader, Sir Reg Empey met with residents from Thornhill in Belfast this week to discuss the ongoing dispute which has erupted in the area regarding 'ball games'.

The issue was discussed on the BBC's Nolan show and following the programme Sir Reg visited the scene to speak with local residents. He was told that the signs stating that no ball games could be played in the area had been put up for health and safety reasons, and that the council were now to carry out a risk assessment as the area in question is surrounded by four main roads.

The council must now await the results of this consultation before they make a decision on the future of the signs.

"I believe we should await the outcome of this independent process undertaken by the council as the safety of our children must be priority in this case. As I understand it these signs have been erected to prevent any children getting hurt"