Associated Press Published

Beckley Considers Ban on Playing Basketball on Streets

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Beckley officials are considering banning playing basketball on city streets following residents’ complaints.

Residents have complained that players refuse to yield to traffic.

The Register-Herald reports that Common Council revised a proposed ordinance banning street basketball on Tuesday. A public hearing and a second reading of the ordinance is set for July 14.

Basketball goals on city streets also would be banned. City attorney Bill File says the ordinance doesn’t apply to goals on private property.

Violators would face a $25 fine. Council reduced the fine from the original proposal’s $50.

Resident Judy Patterson says the council shouldn’t restrict basketball until the city maintains its parks. She says many city basketball courts aren’t properly lighting and fences are in disrepair.