CHILDREN are taking the extraordinary step of calling in the United Nations (UN) to stop their council banning parkland kickabouts.

Where piles of coats once acted as goalposts and buckets took the place of cricket stumps, a sign now proclaims "no ball games".

Parents, angry that their children have nowhere to play, are hoping the UN can find a resolution to the dispute.

They accuse Darlington Borough Council of unsporting behaviour and say they should have consulted youngsters before banning ball games on a large grassed area of Salters Lane South, last year.

Carol Lambird, secretary of the Springfield Residents' Association, claims Darlington Borough Council did not follow the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 12 states children's views must be taken into account in all matters affecting them.

But the council insists it has done nothing wrong and points out the UN charter has no jurisdiction in Darlington.

Last night, Darlington MP and Health Secretary Alan Milburn offered his assistance as a peace negotiator.

A spokesman for the town's MP said he would be holding discussions with council officers in a bid to find a way out.

Mrs Lambird said: "Where do people think children and young people are going to go if they're being told to stay off open spaces?"

But both the council and campaigners, Fair Play to Children, said the convention had no legal backing.

A council spokesman said: "We don't go looking for places to put these signs up, but if residents complain to us about children playing and disturbing the peace and quiet around their home, we will investigate that."

Kevin Stonehouse, Darlington FC's football in the community officer, said: "We are supposed to be in a place now where we are promoting good health and exercise."

Mr Stonehouse said he grew up "kicking a ball around the streets of Shildon", in County Durham.

He said: "I think I would rather be disturbed by children kicking a football around than some of the things they are getting up to these days."

Jim Montgomery, a 1973 FA Cup winner with Sunderland, agreed, saying traffic had increased "110-fold" since he practised on the city's streets, making green spaces important as practice areas for children