Some of our best memories of childhood involve playing freely without your parents' watchful eyes on you.

But not any more.

Research by the Children's Society found parents are too frightened to let their children out of their sight for fear of the big bad world.

This is affecting children's well-being and ability to develop friendships, said the report.

But is the fear justified?

"No," said Sgt Steve Scott-Haynes, of the neighbourhood policing team for Harbour and Berechurch ward in Colchester.

"There's a fear of crime but I genuinely believe Colchester as a whole is a safe place. Reports say Colchester is the safest town in the UK."

Sgt Scott-Haynes said he felt the biggest danger are Colchester's congested roads.

"I would be happy for my five-year-old daughter to play where I couldn't see her, if I knew where she was and could contact me.

Children do need to be aware of stranger danger and crossing the roads safely," he said.

Karen Barrett, assistant pastor of the Colchester Area Community Church, and who runs the Children's Club for seven to 11-year-olds at Hythe Community Centre, said it's a difficult call to make.

"It's more about antisocial behaviour and what children get caught up in at a much younger age," said Ms Barrett.

"That's why we run this club - there's a degree of freedom but in a controlled environment."

Pam Nelson, of the Colchester Cycling Campaign, added: "The freedom to get about safely to meet friends and do stuff' should be the right of every child over ten. Cycling can play a large part in that, allowing youngsters to get to know more about the area where they live and to develop independence and social skills."

Play facts

The Children's Society's Good Childhood Inquiry found:

  • 43 per cent of parents surveyed felt 14 was the best age to let children out unsupervised, even though they were allowed out at ten, or sometimes even younger
  • Those aged 60 or more said 16 was the right age to let children out alone
  • 69 per cent of parents still have at least one childhood friend, but Unicef found that since 1986, people with no best friends had increased.