Just where are children supposed to play these days? That is an issue quite rightly being raised by families in all corners of the land.

At the moment it is a burning question being asked by parents in Broomhill Grove, at Ingrow. There views are being expressed for and against a proposal which may lead to children being banned from playing on a designated open space outside their homes.

The problem is that some of the residents are being caused distress by the antics of some of the children playing in the street. They say they don't mind the youngsters enjoying themselves -- but their requests for privacy are being ignored.

Now the Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust is considering putting up signs declaring the grassy land a no play area after complaints about the children being noisy.

In a letter to residents, the trust says a nuisance should not be caused to residents. The letter asks parents to stop the youngsters riding bikes and skateboards on the area. The trust points out there is a recreation ground behind Broomhill Grove "for your children to play on".

The trust is currently seeking views of the residents before making a decision on the options, including putting up signs on the open space "to discourage children from playing or cycling on it".

In all fairness to the trust, it is not an easy issue to resolve as it involves a fairly complex number of issues, ranging from parental responsibilities and the unacceptable state of the recreation ground. But the indisputable baseline is that children have a right to a safe and secure place to play, where they can have fun and interact with each other. Gardens of most houses are not big enough to play out in and the days of being able to safely play in the street are long gone. Those involved in housing provision have a duty to provide and maintain such a provision and manage the situation.

But putting up signs! Just how daft can you get? What will the trust do if a child breaks the rule? Send them indoors so they can join the ranks of the growing number of children who are becoming obese as they sit glued to a computer or TV games?

Signs would be as much use as a chocolate kettle.