I am writing with regard to the proposed ban on football matches on Hove Lawns (The Argus, May 11).

Having listened to the concerns of local residents, I understand fully their feelings but feel we need to open dialogue regarding a solution rather than a blanket ban which would be nigh on impossible to police without banning ball games altogether.

I have played in these so-called organised games for a few years now and can assure you there is no "league with teams coming from as far as Crawley" as quoted.

It's just guys who know that if they turn up, they will find like-minded people to play football with.

Yes, some of the lawns have been damaged by repeated use and the council has now put posts on those particular lawns to prevent playing.

This system appears to be working. Could we not rotate these posts over the damaged lawns to allow them to regenerate?

We are not talking about a bunch of yobs but a group of intelligent people who love to play our national game.

I have talked to other players about putting in free time to repair them, plant grass seeds etc, if the council does not have the resources.

What takes place on the lawns each weekend is something I have never seen the likes of before. It is truly multi-cultural and often played by people who do not even speak the same language.

Last week, for example, we had the "axis of evil" playing on the right wing and up front in the form of Syrians and Libyans.

That kind of open-minded mixing is something the politicians have been trying to promote for decades - we have it and all we ask is for a chance to find a mutually acceptable solution.

I believe there is plenty of room for compromise on both sides. Let's at least try it.

-Steve Darken, Hove