A Coatbridge councillor is aiming to kick “no ball games” signs into touch.
Coatbridge North representative Allan Stubbs is calling for the restrictions to be lifted across North Lanarkshire – saying they represent an “anti-play, no fun policy”.
He is tabling a motion for next week’s council meeting aiming to consign the notices to history by having them removed from across the council area by next year.
Councillor Stubbs told the Advertiser: “It’s time North Lanarkshire Council led the way in play for children’s development, tore down ‘no ball games’ signs across the authority and let kids enjoy themselves.
“Only then can we see the future health and wellbeing improvements; and I look forward to debating this.”
He has teamed up with SNP colleague Fiona Fotheringham, the Wishaw councillor, to submit the motion for next week’s assembly of the local authority.
They say: “Young people do not have proper access to green space to play and exercise; a child’s right to play should not be restricted by outdated signs.
“Removing them gives the indication to all that play and exercise are good and must be encouraged to ensure long-term health.
“Consideration has been given to those who may be affected by the changes, and exceptions have been made for signs to be maintained if they are adjacent to roads and in car parks – as these are not safe and suitable places for play.”
Their move in North Lanarkshire follows a campaign by party MSP Ruth McGuire, who is asking for councils nationwide to ditch the signs, saying their removal “could have a similarly transformative impact” as activity initiatives such as the popular “daily mile” challenge.
Councillor Fotheringham said: “We should be encouraging children’s right to play; as councillors, we have a responsibility to encourage street play.
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“There’s been a rise in childhood obesity and inactivity, often due to increased time spent on phones and computer games. This is also one of the actions of the Lanarkshire weight management strategy.
“No ball games signs are barriers for our children playing in areas local to their homes – ‘let our children play safely outdoors’ is the message I want to send to the council.
“I understand some may be concerned about children kicking balls against the side of their house, but removal of the signs does not remove common sense and community respect.
“Feedback from the community has been positive in backing this motion and allowing children to play freely outdoors as generations before them did.”
