Young people in Carshalton will get free access to the ball court at the Quad youth centre from next month, after youth workers agreed to leave the gate open.

The new access arrangement will run on a trial basis from November 6 if councillors from the St Helier local committee agree to the plan as expected.

Young people who use the Quad in Green Wrythe Lane are traditionally moved off the premises when it closes, although some are still climbing over fences to get in, according to people from the area.

Under the new plan, which was negotiated by residents and councillors including Councillor Paddy Kane, a pedestrian gate to the ball court area will be left open on a trial basis but there will be no access for cars or motorcycles.

Head of Sutton Council's youth service Neil Shewell said: "It is an experiment to see how it goes, we need to see what the impact will be.

"The young people we have spoken to have said they are pleased about it and without question it is better to have them in there playing ball.

"Although there is a football pitch in the street parallel they feel a bit safer and more comfortable in the Quad because it is not a general public place."

He added that the young people would have to agree to behave well or the ball court would be closed again, and if residents are bothered by noise the situation could also be reviewed.

He added: "Leaving it open could lead to a lot of issues, but this way we will know either way. It is easy to say we can't because' but that doesn't give young people a chance."

Coun Kane said the dividing fence to a residential street would be raised by a metre in case balls were kicked over.

He said: "Ball courts and playgrounds are outdoor features and the principle is they are openly available all the time for youngsters."