The council have put NO BALL GAMES signage up?

My son is Autistic and the only thing he likes is football with a few mates, BUT now he is unable to play in the street becaues someone has requested a ban. He is devistated.
I understand that cars can get damage or the ball could make a noise, but where are children supposed to play?
There is not a blade of grass anywhere near here, but a block of derelict garages behind some houses nearby could be cleared to make a space for ball games, but residents have refused this, and the council have turned down funding.
If you have time you and other resident parents of the area could get a petition going requesting a proper play area for local children. In the mean time, could you get your son involved in an organised sports group? In Derby,UK an organisation called Umbrella supports clubs for children who have additional needs. Maybe you have similar groups near you.
Probably some old fuddy duddys have complained or someone may have had their windows hit..Be careful though cos the same happened round here and lots of the kids still played but the council were spying on them..
There may be criminal law sanctions, though this is unlikely.

There may be civil law sanctions if your child ends up damaging cars and property for example -a suit for negligence against you (as a parent you have a duty of care); or a suit for nuisance.

I would advise complaining to Councillors, and also complaining to the Council and ask for an immediate response. It will certainly mean you will be seen to be much more interested in the local area.
Just ignore it ! I was talking to our Mayor about the same thing the other day and the signs aren't enforced
Bloody ignore it. Children need to play and i hope you allow your son to enjoy his football. Too many in our nanny state trying to tell others what to do. If your son is in no danger let him go ahead. If you get any jobsworths from the council giving you a hard time go to the media and make a stink.
Find out which of the councillors live nearest to you and go and see him/her to discuss the problem. You can the ask where the kids can legally play.


Answer:
This happened in my nephew`s street, in inner city Liverpool. The kids had NOWHERE to play , so played football in the street. All it took was one persistent neighbour to phone the council and around they came with their sign. It made me so cross as the person who complained has lived there for many years and I remember playing ball games in the same street with their kids!! Talk about hypocrites. Didn`t want the ball damaging their hanging baskets now that their kids have grown up and left home.
Your situation looks similar. It makes me so mad that kids have nowhere to play. Why don`t you look into starting a neighbourhood association/pressure group regarding the waste land.
First try talking to local residents_ take another mum with you and maybe some kids, go round and try to drum up local support for the use of this land, start a petition. There must be other families nearby who actually support you.
Keep the pressure on and fight for your rights.Offer alternatives to the council, a group of volunteers to clear the land, sponsored activities etc. Get in touch with your local newspaper..tell them the effect the ban has had on your son , suggest the use of local land with local support..get a campaign going...

I wish you good luck.
i would ignore it and if anyone comes to your door from the authorities tell them to find some funding for suitable ground or park for the kids to play.
Not sure what the legal situation is but I would be inclined to ignore it and see what the council does. If and when they come down heavy on you, go to the media. It's the sort of story that would get picked up. It may force the Council into doing something about the lack of facilities. But it's important that you don't damage any private property or you will never get a fair hearing. Good luck
May not apply exactly in your case but please look at the other side.

A friend's house has open grass up to their house wall. The kids played football against her wall (which was her lounge) and the constant thud thud drove her mad!

Also you say 'cars can get damaged' as if it is a minor thing. The simplest bodywork repair nowadays costs £200 upwards. A door mirror can cost £400 on some cars! I would be mad if my car was damaged by kids!

Fully understand your problem, but kids can a real nuisance therefore you need to approach your councillor for help. I know the bureaucracy will drive you mad but we all have to live together and tolerate each other!
It is actually an offence to play ball games in the street and the council is duty bound to uphold the law if a complaint is made. You can actually be fined for breaking the ban