London, Apr 27 : "The batsman strikes the ball really hard and it goes up in the sky. It's a huge six." Looks like such kind of commentary and the cheers following it will no way be near this British cricket club, for the association has banned its players from hitting sixes - on health and safety grounds.

Players at Harrogate Cricket Club, North Yorkshire, have been warned that if they hit balls towards the surrounding houses they are automatically out of the game.

Harrogate Borough Council, owners of the ground, has decided that the 'no six' rule on the second pitch should be imposed on all players.

Meanwhile the council has ruled that use of playing strips, including the square, should be restricted to meet the minimum distances allowed.

A report from the council said that the decisions have been taken to achieve a balance with residents.

"As long as everyone knows the rules at the start of the game then you just play to those rules," the Telegraph quoted Mike Rawlings, Harrogate Cricket Club chairman, as saying.

"Most of the neighbours are very supportive of the club, but we have the odd person who complains," he said.

Rawlings maintains that not many of their balls make it into the residential areas.

He said: "Most of them just throw the balls straight back, but some of the residents, the ones who have concerns, keep them. We hope the new nets will solve the problem."

The pitch is used by the club's third and fourth teams and by junior teams but is not suitable for national competitions.

ANI