Adelaide council considering a ban on cricket balls

Kids in Adelaide may soon be banned from using cricket balls in public parks.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council is considering the ban on hard balls after concerns nearby pedestrians could be injured.

Portside Messenger reports the motion was proposed by Cr Mark Basham but states that there would be an exception made for those who book out the nets and entire field.

In response to an article tweeted by The Advertiser, Cr Mark Basham said: "Untrue: I called for a report on banning use of cricket balls by those who had not booked the nets/field #Cricket."

Gary Johanson, Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor told Channel Ten, "We are legally responsible for many things in the community and we must minimise risk if there is a risk there."

Enfield Ward Councillor Carol Martin agreed, and according to The Project, said: "Someone will die.

"There will be a serious accident or a conflict between people ... so there are serious issues."

But not everyone thinks a ban is necessary.

Ray Guscott, Port Adeliade Enfield Councillor said, "You don't ban kids from going and kicking a football around if they are not in a football team.

"Let's use the facilities, let's use them sensibly. Let common sense prevail for a change."

A statement published on the council's website says, "This review was requested due to safety concerns for other reserve users in the vicinity of the nets.

"It should be reiterated that no decision on banning hard balls has actually been made at this stage."