Rounders game in Hornsea park halted by council red tape

Rick Willis, 60, is new to the area and was hoping to take part to meet people.

He said he was looking forward to “getting into the big community spirit” and described the council’s intervention as “bureaucratic nonsense”.

The council said there was “no issue” with individuals, families or small groups meeting in the park to play informal games.

“If people had arranged a game privately, for example through a WhatsApp group, and simply turned up, this would not have presented a problem,” the spokesperson said.

However, “when an event is open to the public, the organisers are required to obtain the appropriate permissions”.

This was to ensure it was staged “safely and successfully for everyone involved”.

Johnson has put the game on hold while he waits to hear whether it can be moved to the Hollis Recreational Ground.

He called on the council to make the rules clearer and easier to understand.

“If necessary, I’m happy to cover the cost for the community,” he added.

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