“NO ball games” signs could be removed from greenspaces in Glasgow.

It follows MSP Ruth Maguire calling for local authorities across Scotland to scrap them.

Councillors in Glasgow said it would help children get onto greenspace for recreation, sport and play.

It is aimed at improving the physical and mental health of children, as well as developing social skills.

City environment convener Anna Richardson said: “Fortunately we have relatively few ‘no ball game’ signs in Glasgow.

“Where we do, these tend to be formal places such as by the Kibble Palace Glasshouse in the Botanic Gardens.

“Our city should feel welcoming to everyone, including children, and not discourage healthy outdoor play.

“So it’s important that we take a common sense approach – if there are ball games signs situated elsewhere in the city which residents feel are not required, let’s consider removing them.”

Scottish Government minister Aileen Campbell has also joined calls for “no ball games” signs to go.

Aberdeen City Council was the first to get rid of the rule in 2015 after a campaign backed by former Scotland player Denis Law.

David Meikle, Conservative group leader, indicated the Tory group at the council is open to the idea in Glasgow.He said: “These ‘no ball games’ signs are redundant and rightly so. Obviously similar signs may be erected on private land and that is a matter for the owners but where it is public and council land there should be no restrictions put on children using those greenspaces for recreation, sport and play.”

Jon Molyneux, Green councillor, said: “We should be doing everything we can to let kids play outside safely. Outdoor play is good for health and fitness, and also growing confidence and social skills.

“Taking down ‘no ball games’ signs is a great start, but Greens believe in totally re-thinking our streets as safe, inclusive spaces. This means giving cars less priority by cutting speed limits and more traffic calming and reclaiming our streets for kids to play.”