Join Newtown residents in their fight to save their last remaining public space from closure. Share your views and oppose the closure before Sunday 21 January.

This is an urgent ask to support the residents of Newtown in their efforts to fight a public order proposed by the council for the closure of the ‘Venny’: the last remaining public green space in the area.

Newtown’s Venny takes its name from its days as Newtown Adventure Playground. It spent decades playing a crucial role in the health, wellbeing and cohesion of the community, giving children a healthy and happy start in life as well as being an invaluable hub to bring the community together.  It served as more than just a playground; it was a community hub, a space for exploration, play, learning, connection and support.

However due to a succession of funding cuts it has been subject to neglect, and subsequently higher incidents of antisocial behaviours have been reported, which have prompted Southampton City Council to propose Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – enforcing its closure. Whilst we appreciate the concerns regarding the antisocial behaviour in the area, and the Council’s incentive to take action, we are urging for alternative, community-focussed solutions to be worked towards in order to safeguard this space and reinvigorate it for future generations.

Mount Pleasant Footpath

Also under consultation nearby is a footpath on the perimeter of Mount Pleasant school. This is adjacent to a disused green space, which is already closed and fenced off. This space could be put to good use by the school to enable pupils to have a forest school experience, however it is currently not possible due to the antisocial behaviour taking place on the adjacent alleyway. We want to encourage people to support the closure of this alleyway, which will enable the green space to be used safely by the school.

Find out more in our latest blog.

Take action now for Newtown Venny:

1. Take 5 minutes to share your voice via the consultation before the deadline of Sunday 21 January (N.B. the Venny is referred to as Maytree footpath and park on this consultation).
2. Share this information and call to action with your networks.
3. Join Newtown campaigners in their fight to save the Venny, tomorrow (Weds 17th Jan) at 6pm, at YMCA Newtown Youth Centre on Graham Road.
4. Remember and/or reimagine the Venny. Share your stories and hopes for the Venny. How it has been used in the past, how it can be rejuvenated for the future.Use #SavetheVenny