Children may be banned from playing on a grassed open space outside their homes.

It follows a dispute which developed late last year, when a housing trust received complaints about the children using the land.

Now several families in Broomhill Grove, Ingrow, have criticised proposals by Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust to put up signs saying "No play area and no cycling". The plan has split residents with some backing the possible plan. They claim the children are disturbing their privacy by glaring into their homes and using the road as a cycle track.

However, Joanne and Dean Brookes say they fear their four-year-old son, Liam, will have to be kept indoors if signs go up.

Mr Brookes said: "Where are these kids supposed to play? They can't play in the back garden as it's too small and now the trust is planning to ban them playing on the grass.

"There's all this talk of obesity and yet we're stopping our children playing outside." The Brookes family has joined forces with fellow residents Debra Whittaker, Pam Farrimond, Lynne Reddihough and Lisa Baker to oppose the plans.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "All we're asking is that the kids respect our privacy. But they're out there, glaring into windows and using it as a cycle track.

"Someone's going to be injured and property is going to be damaged. I've come home from work and the kids are playing football in the middle of the street."

In a letter sent to residents last December, estates management officer Dudley Bell stated: "While this area is designated as open space, a nuisance should not be caused to residents living near the area and clearly these activities are causing distress to some residents."

The letter requested that parents stop children riding bikes and skateboards on the area. It also stated: "As you will be aware there is a recreation ground behind Broomhill Grove for your children to play on."

However, Mrs Whittaker whose 13-year-old son Daniel uses the play area, claims the field contains sanitary towels, needles and dog mess and is therefore unsuitable. Harry Whittle, head of operations for Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust, said: "In response to a number of complaints from residents about children playing on the grassed areas in Broomhill Grove and being noisy, we have written to householders to get the views of everyone. This included the option of putting up signs on the grassed areas in front of the houses to discourage children from playing or cycling on it.

"We are still receiving feedback and no decisions have been made on whether any signs should go up. It's fair to say there are a number of views for and against any restrictions being introduced."

Residents have until today to register their views to the trust.