ONE of the last pieces of open land in a Southampton district could be sold in a secret deal as early as spring next year.

And bosses who own the former sports ground in Shirley have refused to meet with the community group battling to keep out property developers.

Tonight, the action group is holding a public meeting to sign up scores more members - and boost the campaign to save the land.

The former Civil Service sports ground, between Malmesbury Road and Suffolk Avenue, went up for sale in September.

It put a stop to Southampton City Council's plans to reclaim the land for a community park and sparked a grass roots campaign to keep bulldozers off the historic site. More than 60 people attended the first public meeting in June, and suggestions for the land included football pitches, a conservation area and a children's playground.

The fight even won the backing of Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead.

But in a letter forwarded to Shirley Park campaigners, Civil Service Sports Club director Ray Haskell slammed the door on discussions over the future of the site, and accused the group of "building up local residents' hopes on the back of a whim".

He continued: "Clearly, your association still has no money and in my view, very little hope of having sufficient funds in the foreseeable future. On this basis, you ask that we meet with you and allow time for funds to be gathered. And this is to our mutual benefit!

"As a result of the tender exercise, a number of offers were received, some of which fall within our test of 'best value' and are therefore acceptable. As such we intend to meet with one of those parties and hope to conclude such a deal in spring 2005.

"On this basis, your request for a meeting is again declined."

However, campaigners still believe there is a battle to fight.

They say CSSC has a "moral duty" to listen to objectors and have called a meeting at Freemantle United Reformed Church, in Shirley Road, tonight, starting at 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend.