RESIDENTS fighting for their children's right to play on a small grassed area in their street are being backed by a Ryedale district councillor.

Children have been barred from playing on the grassed area at the end of Ashfield Avenue, in Old Malton, but parents say it is the only accessible play area.

In September, Ryedale Housing Association controversially erected a "no playing" sign on it, which parents have strongly criticised.

Now residents are questioning the association's right to impose this ban.

Malton councillor Keith Orrell said: "I am investigating who owns the land.

"We believe that the county council may own the land.

"If that is the case how can Ryedale Housing Association put a sign on land which does not belong to it?

"The point we are at is to try and find out where we stand at the moment."

Resident Gwen Kay, whose six-year-old son and grandchildren play outside, said: "There isn't anywhere else for them to play.

"The only alternative is the playing field at the other end of the avenue across a busy road.

"You do not let children this young go off on their own if you have half a brain."

Residents also fear that the land may become an official parking area for adjoining residents, damaging the ground.

"The only reason these people want the sign up is so they can park their cars on the grass," said Gwen.

Julie Twamley, who has two children, Matthew, six, and Rachel, ten, said: "People have calmed down a lot, but the problem still has not been solved.

"While we wait, the grass area is being dug up by car tyres - which we are up in arms about."

Alec Olson, area manager for Ryedale Housing Association, said there were very "mixed feelings" among the nearby residents.

"The majority of residents whose property adjoins the grass do not want it used as a play area," he said. "There are a number of people who want to see it converted into a parking area.

"There are two diverse arguments and that is causing some friction although the situation has calmed down recently.

"Although North Yorkshire County Council has not claimed ownership of the land it may treat it as part of the public highway."

Updated: 09:23 Tuesday, November 13, 2001