I ATTENDED the Daisy Dip launch event in Swaythling. We were celebrating all the changes that have happened over the last three years to make the Dip a family-friendly, welcoming green space.

The MUGA (Multiple Use Games Area) which is in use on most days by local teenagers, the new fence and some extra equipment for the playpark and the picnic tables and benches where parents can sit and watch their children play, are all bringing more people out to enjoy this beautiful open space.

The community charity Groundwork, whose slogan is ‘Changing places, changing people’, had done much of the practical work with council officers. They set up the launch event and organised activities for the children, and invited Swaythling resident and campaigner Jim Cappleman to cut the ribbon across the newlyrestored bridge. Jim has been working and planning for years to get these improvements done.

Jim, a governor of two local schools, organised a Lottery bid for £50,000 to get the MUGA, and together with other residents he persuaded the council to allocate another £50,000 to finish the restoration of the skatepark, and put in other improvements such as the picnic tables. The result of this is a place where children and parents are happy to spend time in a beautiful green area that's safe but still feels natural.

If you haven’t visited yet, come along to Bluebell Road and enjoy it.

MAUREEN TURNER, LibDem councillor, Swaythling, Southampton.