Save the Civil Service Sports Ground
February 2006
This is an aerial map of Freemantle, part of the constituency of Southampton Test. As you can see, it is a built up urban area with few green spaces. The one noticeable exception being the area circled, the site of the former civil service sports ground.
Since the 1700’s this 8-acre field has been used for sports and community gatherings. The land was owned by the Atherley Family who sold it to the Civil Service with a covenant for sports use. In the last few years the land fell into disrepair, there were problems of fly-tipping and at one stage travellers took up residence. After footing the bill for every clean up operation, the City Council investigated compulsory purchase of the site.
During 2004, the then owners of the land (Civil Service Property Holdings Ltd) put the site out for sale by closed bid informal tender. At this time local residents, councillors (supported by Alan Whitehead) attempted to negitiate with the owners but to no avail.
The vast majority of the site has now been sold to Bovis Homes but the council has not agreed any planning permission. There is strong local and political support to ensure the site can be used for the community.
If you want to find out more about the campaign please contact Freemantle and Shirley Community Association
by email: Action@ShirleyPark.info Phone: 07900 186203 or Web: http://www.shirleypark.info