A Barnet Council 'no ball games' sign that went up on a North Finchley green, where people have been playing football and cricket for decades, has been pulled down by residents.

The council appears to be confused about why the sign went up on the green between Ingleway and Crescent Way, which is the size of two football pitches.

Apparently, it was erected following a complaint from a resident that a football had hit their car, but it has not been welcomed by rest of the neighbourhood.

According to a council spokeswoman, the council has told the shop that made the sign to pick it up and keep it in storage until further notice.

Apparently, it was assigned to be erected at 1-98 Ingleway but that is the length of the entire street.

Peter Ephgrave, a resident of Ingleway, said: "I think someone's made a complaint and the council went ahead and put up this sign, which was down within half a day.

"Now they've had lots of complaints saying 'why is the sign there'?

"Kids used it for a goalpost and it was swaying around then. It was slap bang in the middle of the green."

May 29, 2003 14:00