Youngsters in Gornal are playing football on the streets while a field “the size of Wembley” is going to waste because ball games are not allowed, it is claimed.

Residents living near to the open land at The Straits in Gornal Wood want ‘No Ball Games’ signs removed, so that the field can be used to keep youngsters off the streets.

They state that t has been used for community events during the past but Dudley Council bylaws mean that children can’t play football or other ball games there.

Although the area’s neighbourhood police team has reported problems with youngsters having kick-abouts in the streets, the green space remains out of bounds for children.

Gornal resident and ward representative Councillor Anne Millward will be looking at the possibility of getting the signs removed.

She said: “We’ve got a massive green field in the middle of The Straits estate.

“It’s a huge field, absolutely massive – probably the size of Wembley – but there ‘no ball games’ signs there.

“It was used by Straits Community Association for fairs, barbecues, the whole lot – it’s ideal for children’s games.

“I can understand it when those signs are put on fields which are by people’s houses, but when you’ve got something this size there is no need for it.

“We were at a police meeting recently where they talked about anti-social behaviour issues with kids playing football in the streets and kicking the ball against cars and yet we’ve got a brilliant green here.

“Some areas you can appreciate there being a sign there, but others it just makes no sense,” she added.

Council officials have noted Councillor Millward’s comments.

A spokesman said: “We encourage people to use open spaces for recreation. However, in certain areas no ball game signs have been put up to prevent nuisance to nearby residents.”