To: A2Dominion Housing Association

We ask that A2Dominion immediately remove the “No Ball Games” signage placed on two of the four buildings that are our collective home, City Wharf, London, N1.

Aesthetic

* These signs go against the aesthetic that we bought into when we purchased here. This is a big change to the look of our beautiful entrance way. They are bold and negative signs.

* The signs represent a sentiment of times gone by. They are not in line with modern thinking or modern homes.

“No Ball Games signs are a relic of old times, when estates were being developed, and rules were being put in place for acceptable, neighbourly behaviour. These signs, while unenforceable, did, and still do, nudge people into certain behaviours. Specifically, nudging residents away from being active and interacting with each other in the spaces around their own homes, schools and workplaces.” London Sport, July 2018

Zero evidence of reason

* The residents of City Wharf no of no proof that balls (or children) have broken anything here. Delivery drivers with their bikes, drunk adults coming for a party, or anyone else could have created whatever previous damage that these signs allude to and are meant to prevent.

Legality & Renter/Leaseholder Rights

* The exact reason and evidence for these signs were neither communicated to nor consulted with the residents.

* The parents of City Wharf pay for there to be a locked gate with CCTV between our children and the rest of the world, security patrols keeping our families safe, and for communal spaces where we can hear and see if something goes wrong.

* The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) came into effect in the UK in 1992. It offers protection from violence, abuse and neglect, enables children to fulfil their potential, prevents discrimination, insists on a right to a childhood, right to life, right to survival and development, protects the best interests of the child and puts respect for the views of the child into law. There is a strong argument to say these signs go against many parts of this globally-recognised and legally protected Convention.

* Many councils in London and UK media sites specifically state that “No Ball Games” are unenforceable by law, making these signs pointless anyway.

“Barnet Homes has no powers to enforce in the matter, and it’s crucial to remember that children playing ball is not a criminal offence, nor does it constitute anti-social behaviour.” Tim Mulvenna, CEO of The Barnet Group

Discriminatory treatment of children & building community

* Many children at City Wharf, for a variety of reasons, have nowhere else to play safely regularly. Some kids aren't lucky enough to have parents who are able, for whatever reason, to take them to the park any time they wish to play outside. The kids of City Wharf don’t have their own private yards to play in. What they do have is the communal spaces of the estate.

* Using these spaces is how children gain independence, fitness, good mental health, friendships, and how we build community.

* Many parents need these spaces to get household chores and work done while ensuring their children get the exercise they need.

* Kids are able to go out in inclement weather and play under the cover of the entrance. This is a creative use of this space and should be encouraged.

* The Growing Up In Hackney Report, October 2020 (from our borough) states clearly that "No Ball Games" signs should not be part of creating healthy spaces for children.

* The children of City Wharf go to many different schools. This is the only place where they all play together, building community. Again, this should be encouraged.

* A2Dominion are potentially creating more anti-social issues for this community in the long run and creating more community division in the short term. Why should these kids care about this community if the community doesn't care about them?

* The signs, in the entrance to our homes, deliver a direct message to the kids of our community. They say "You're an inconvenience and a nuisance" and "This isn't your home". This cannot be the voice and opinion of residents here, who will no doubt pay for creating this mindset in our children.

“No Ball Games signs – or even the more extreme “no playing” – are still ubiquitous on housing estates, sending a clear message to children that they are unwelcome in the space outside their own homes.” Playing out

In Closing

* The residents of City Wharf would like a “harmonious living environment for all.” quoting Tim Mulvenna (said when explaining why they won’t use these signs). However, priority must be the safety and security and the mental and physical health of the children of this community.

* We are happy to work with A2Dominion on creating a positive environment for all, and we encourage A2Dominion to create a Pro-play Housing Policy like those recommended by Playing Out and which use Peabody Estates and The Barnet Group as good examples.

Please remove these signs immediately. Thank you.