A PETITION to renovate a children’s play area in Freemantle Common failed to get any traction after not a single person signed it.

The petition, which ran from May 2 until June 13, was calling on the council to spend money improving the play park.

It said: ‘We have recently moved into the area. We have two autistic children so having a park close is fantastic!

"But the park is very outdated, the climbing ropes are damaged and (have) been repaired with black tape. It’s untidy and needs a new lease of life!”

A petition needs at least 1,250 signatures to be considered by the council.

The small gated play area, which sits in a grassy opening surrounded by trees, is fully equipped with swings, a climbing frame and two slides.

However, a lot of the equipment is covered in graffiti.

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Councillor Lisa Mitchell who is the cabinet member for housing and the green environment, said: “Our parks and open spaces are the jewel in our city’s crown.

"They provide many health and wellbeing benefits, and we continue to invest in these areas to help make Southampton a great place to be.

“Managed by the council’s City Services Landscape and Play team, there is a programme for the improvement and upgrade of play areas across the city, which includes those in residential areas.

"Priority is given to sites that are in the most need of refurbishment following formal inspections of the area as well as the play equipment items.”

Cllr Mitchell added: “The last sizable project at Freemantle common play area was in 2020 when the area was completely resurfaced with rubber grass matts, kindly donated by local company, Technix.

“We regularly work with friends’ groups and local residents wherever possible to develop areas, which will be loved and looked after. One of the most recent examples is the new wildlife-themed children’s play area at Townhill Green, co-created by local people including pupils at Townhill Junior School.”

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