Council leaders have committed to securing funding for improvements at an adventure playground which has been described as the neighbourhood’s only green space for children.

Residents pressed the case for supporting Newtown Adventure Playground, known as The Venny, at a recent Southampton City Council meeting.

Councillors were told the play area had been “neglected” for years and it was in need of investment.

Cabinet member for green city and net zero Cllr John Savage said the Labour administration was committed to keeping the space open and securing funding to support it going forward.

The pledge comes months after council leaders decided against imposing a public space protection order in Northumberland Road, which would have blocked off access to The Venny.

At the full council meeting on Wednesday, November 27, resident Sue Atkins told councillors the play park was the only green space for children in the Newtown area.

She said recent announcements from the leader of the council confirmed play park investments at sites in Aldermoor, Lordshill, Bitterne, Hinkler Green, Swaythling and Weston, but the facility in Newtown was not being treated as a high priority.

“The Venny has been neglected for years and is in need of investment,” Ms Atkins said.

She said residents paid council tax to provide services for the community.

Cllr Savage said it was the second time a deputation on this subject had come to full council this year.

“Sadly there has been a temporary closure of The Venny due to extensive vandalism of the play equipment,” Cllr Savage said.

“We needed to remove that and make that area safe, but we have an absolute commitment to keeping that play space open and to make sure that we do get the funding going forward in order to support that space for local people.”

Cllr Savage said he had suggested the creation of a ‘friends of’ group, highlighting that the most successful play spaces across the city were those supported by such a group.

He said this helped channel the community backing for a facility.

On future investment, the cabinet member said: “I’m waiting for a capital bid round of funding and information on that.

“When we have got that information we will be able to move forward.

“We would then go through a consultation process with the local residents on the nature of the play equipment that goes in there so that you can help to decide what it is.”

The update from Cllr Savage was welcomed by Bevois ward councillors, who said it was “important and vital” funding.

In a statement after the meeting, they said they were looking forward to working with residents, stakeholders, and police to improve The Venny and ensure it was safe from anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Bevois ward councillor Mike Denness said: “This area deserves investment and I welcome this support.

“As councillors, we are delighted that this has now been recognised and that we will see this park improved.”