AINSWORTH youngsters who enjoy a daily kickabout have scored their biggest victory - by overturning a soccer ban.

Together with nearby residents in Broomfield Close and Bankfield Close, they saw red when the local authority put up the "no ball games" sign in the middle of a popular green, which is owned by the householders themselves.

Following complaints and a campaign led by teenager Anthony Langley, Bury Council has backed down and the sign will be removed.

Anthony (16), of Broomfield Close, explained: "The green has always been used by very young children for a kickabout. When they get older, they move on elsewhere.

"When they play on this green, they are in good view of their parents. This is a very family-orientated estate."

However, Anthony and many neighbouring youngsters - as well as their mums and dads - were shocked last week to discover that a "no ball games" sign had been put in the middle of the green by Bury Council.

"This came totally out of the blue," he said. "The vast majority of people who live here don't mind the kids using the green for a kickabout. There's never any trouble."

Anthony was so angry that he organised a petition to have the notice removed and collected scores of signatures. And the youngsters themselves made their feelings known by sporting T-shirts with a "We want our green back" slogan.

Another furious resident, Mrs Laura Barker, of Broomfield Close, who has lived on the estate for 26 years, said she was "astounded" when the sign was put up.

"The green is an ideal play area. It's safe and secure and all the mums know that their kids are not going to come to any harm while playing there."

In light of the complaints, Bury Council announced this week that the sign would be taken down.

Mr Neil Long, head of parks and countryside, said the council received a call saying there had previously been a "no ball games" sign there and asking if it could be replaced. But Anthony and other residents said they had no knowledge of any such notice.

Mr Long added: "When the notice was put up, we got several phone calls from residents asking if it could be removed."

After being told the sign was being taken down, Anthony said: "That's great news. Everyone around here will be delighted."