John Denham wants to know how Southampton people would like the City Council to spend the money given to it by the Government to build play areas.

Southampton has been allocated a £1 million share of a £235 million investment being made by the Labour Government over the next three years to transform children’s play areas and make sure public spaces are more child friendly.

John said “I want to make sure the local community is fully involved in deciding how and where this funding should be spent.  That’s why I want to hear the views of local parents and grandparents on which play areas should be rebuilt or where there is a need for new play facilities.  I’ve been asking people on the doorsteps for their views and they will also be able to tell me via my website."

John will be meeting Peartree mum Cathy Stevens and a group of parents on Friday 4th July to help them with their campaign for a play area on Freemantle Common.

John said “Cathy first got in touch with me in 2006 about the need for a play area in the Peartree and Bitterne Village area.  I was able to help her group get some funding from Sainsbury’s to help their campaign.  Since then there doesn’t seem to have been much progress within the Council and there is still no sign of a play area on Freemantle Common.”