Aberdeen could be the first city in Scotland to get rid of signs forbidding ball games as part of an effort to boost fitness among youngsters.
Council officers have recommended that members of Aberdeen City Council’s communities, housing and infrastructure committee approve to remove the notices.
If the move is given the go ahead the work could be done on August 3 next year.
As well as this council officers have also recommended that no more of the signs be put up if their main proposal is rejected.
A report by environmental manager Steven Shaw outlined the benefits of removing the signs:
He said: “There are several hundred signs spread throughout the city.
“The location of the signs is known and a planned programme of removal will take place.
“It will remove barriers to outdoor play for children and adults, which may lead to increased physical activity.”
The signs have appeared over decades at the request of local residents to deter antisocial behaviour.
However, they have no legal status and are not enforceable by any legislation or statute.
Chief executive of the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, Ally Prockter, backed the move.
He said: “I’m fully behind the concept of allowing children to play in open spaces.
“I would appreciate patience from adults nearby and would also encourage children to take care when playing near to houses and cars.
“As a community we should encourage to take party in sporting activities as much as possible, and if that means them being a little bit more annoying than usual then so be it.”
Michelle Herd, chief executive of Aberdeen Greenspace, who worked with Steven Shaw on the report, was also keen to hear the news.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted it will be really good if this is approved.
“It will show we are a real forward thinking city that does not restrict children from playing.
“Lot of people complain about children sitting indoors all day watching TV but if you’re going to put up signs saying no ball games then it defeats the purpose.”