Council chiefs are expected to agree to take down all ‘No Ball Games’ signs.

Cabinet are set to agree to remove the signs – with council chiefs admitting the signs are not legally enforceable and expressing doubt regarding how effective they are in deterring antisocial behaviour.

Cabinet are expected to approve the removal of all current ‘No Ball Games’ signs and that no further signs in North Ayrshire are approved.

Meeting papers state: “In September 2019, footballer Kris Boyd cited ‘No Ball Games’ signs as one of the reasons that this generation of children no longer play football within their communities.

“‘No Ball Games’ signage has been used in an attempt to discourage certain types of low-level antisocial behaviour. A procedure and an approach that considers requests from residents for ‘No Ball Games’ signs within residential areas is also in place.”

“There is also some concern regarding the negative impact these signs can have on children exercising their right to play.

“Removing ‘No Ball Games’ signs would send an important message to our communities that the council are committed to supporting the right of North Ayrshire’s young people to be able to play within their own estates.”