Homeowners are calling on Oxford City Council to protect them from stray footballs raining down on their houses from a play area.

The council closed a kick-about area in Crescent Road, Temple Cowley, following complaints that balls had broken windows, guttering and drainpipes and dislodged roof tiles.

But almost immediately the gates and fences surrounding the play area were vandalised, meaning youngsters could still get in and play ball games.

Neighbour Ben Mumby-Croft said the area was not adequately closed or properly supervised, with no enforced opening and closing times.

He also said there were three playing fields within a five minute walk of the kickabout area. He added: "A balance needs to be struck between the rights of local youths to make use of the area with the rights of local residents to not have their lives and property unduly affected by such use.

"To achieve this balance we feel the area should be properly enclosed to stop footballs from damaging local properties.

"The area itself needs to be adequately supervised throughout the summer months to minimise usage past 8pm at night.

"This seems only fair and reasonable given the location of the facility in a residential area next to a busy through road.

"If this balance cannot be struck, for whatever reason, then we feel the viability of the site at this location is fundamentally at question and the council needs to act."

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said the area, which backs on to Oxford Brookes University halls of residence, was now permanently closed.

She said: "We have already increased the fence height and to do it further we would need planning permission.

"However, following the recent vandalism we have made the decision to close the area and we are waiting to talk to Oxford Brookes University to discuss a way forward."