AN ACTION group has pledged to rescue a piece of land from the grip of developers by launching a petition.

The campaigners plan to show overwhelming public support for a scheme to save the valuable plot in the heart of the city for the community.

They hope it will scare off potential buyers - or persuade them to hand over some of the land to become a residents' park.

The derelict field near St Mark's Junior School in Shirley will be sold to the highest bidder in a few weeks.

Tucked away between Malmesbury Road and Suffolk Avenue and histor-ically owned by the Civil Service Sports Association, the plot could be snapped up by property developers - or, more likely, a commercial sports centre such as David Lloyd.

It is thought it will be sold for millions of pounds, though the bidding will be done in secret.

A campaign group, formed just two months ago, is now planning to blitz the district with petitions in the hope of gaining huge public support to save some of the land.

Executive member Cevn Vibert said: "We will be posting the petition through doors, collecting signatures in the streets and going round Shirley's pubs.

"We want to get enough public opinion together before the sale so that it puts off potential buyers.

"However, if it is sold, the aim is to put pressure on the new owner to see if we could use some land for a park."

He has a vision of a new Shirley Park, complete with tennis, basketball and netball courts, with spots for barbecues, cycle tracks for youngsters, a running circuit, water features, benches and shelters.

The action group is also investigating trusts and funding for the work.

The site was previously used by a variety of sports clubs which transferred elsewhere in the 1990s.

Once called Strawberry Fields, Southampton FC players even used to train on the well-used pitches.

Last year it was invaded by travellers and, because the landowner refused to take any action, the council were left with a £30,000 legal bill.

To add your name to the petition, call Mr Vibert on 07909 992786.