“NO BALL GAMES” signs are “anti-fun” and should be torn down, MSP Ruth Maguire said today.

Ms Maguire said Scottish kids need more space for children and young people to play and urged councils to act.

The SNP MSP said removing such signs, which often appear on green spaces and on housing estates, would help improve childhood mental and physical health.

“It’s really sad to see a no ball games sign, particularly on a piece of pristine grass perfect for playing on — no ball games, no play, no fun,” she said.

“But it’s time we changed our approach and started encouraging our children to use the green space we have in our communities rather than cordoning it off and preventing them from having fun.

“It’s time councils ended their No Fun policies, recognised the importance of play for children’s development, tore down No Ball Games signs across the country and let kids enjoy themselves.”