The council has kick-started a campaign to remove signs banning ball games from Haringey estates as part of a drive to encourage children to live more active lifestyles.
Brook House Primary School children tore down the “no ball games” signs with footballing star Ledley King at the Stellar House Estate in Northumberland Park.
They then joined in football skills session with Mr King and coaches from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
The removal of the sign, which was backed by the residents’ association on the estate, follows a Haringey Council and Homes for Haringey pledge to become one of the first authorities in the country to review the “No Ball Games” policy and remove them in consultation with residents.
The policy is part of a wider drive to reduce obesity locally.
Tottenham Hotspur ambassador Ledley King said: “I remember seeing lots of these signs when I was growing up so I’m pleased to see that Haringey Council has started the process of removing some of the ‘No Ball Games’ signs.
“The Club, through Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, does a lot to encourage active lifestyles amongst some of the youngest people in our communities and by taking down these signs, young people will have even more space to play sport with their friends and stay fit and healthy.”
Cllr Peter Morton, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Removing ‘No Ball Games’ signs demonstrates our commitment to making Haringey a healthier place, where people feel encouraged to go outdoors and get active in a safe environment.
“For too long children have been banned from playing in public spaces and in an era when we know inactivity is contributing to major health problems, this has to change.
“That’s why we’re giving ‘No Ball Game’ signs the boot today and leading the fight back against obesity in Haringey.”
Last June Haringey Council established the Haringey Obesity Alliance, a group of local public, private and voluntary sector organisations committed to supporting healthier living in Haringey.
The alliance’s first member, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, launched “Shape Up With Spurs”, a free healthy living programme for Haringey residents which includes twice weekly fitness sessions and expert nutritional advice.
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