Nadia Ditta, Southampton East Socialist Party and TUSC candidate in Bevois ward
During our first meeting in Bevios ward (see ‘Ready to support one of their own as TUSC candidate’,) community member Sarah Imran spoke up. She advised us that the Labour council, as well as the three local Labour councillors, had a consultation on the council website.
We were being threatened with the closure of the Venny playground (see ‘Don’t be mean, save our green’). The excuse was antisocial behaviour.
The Venny had not been invested in for over ten years. In 2014, the council closed the purpose-built building, which was used by the community, with support and youth workers.
Socialist Party member Sue Atkins said: “This was replaced with an attractive purpose-built facility that the community was delighted with. However, this lasted for less than a year. Eventually, it was handed over.
“It is great that there is a pre-school for Send children. But it’s shocking that this is run by a charity when it should be part of the state education system. Also, this should be an extra facility, instead of robbing the local community of its own much-needed and valued building.”
With Sarah and the rest of the community, we decided to run a campaign, and held our first protest outside the Venny on 10 January. This attracted a lot of people, and also landed us on the front page of the local Daily Echo newspaper, as well as two local radio shows.
The following week we held a meeting with the community, who wanted to protest. We encouraged everyone to fill in the consultation form, demanding no closure.
We continued to campaign, spoke to the local community, and gave out leaflets. The planned closure and lack of investment was already having an effect, as the children and youth have no alternative.
At the council’s budget meeting, I put forward a deputation, and spoke about the importance of having our only green space stay open. I said that we needed investment, that our council needed to show it cares, and that it was not investing in the future of our children and youth.
Our victory is just half the battle won. We demand a fully functioning youth centre, with qualified youth workers. We want the Venny back to its former glory to serve the community like it previously did.
We say no to cuts. We demand a safe space, and a place for our children and youth.
That’s why we’re standing for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in May.
We already have 13 candidates across Southampton. Will you stand with us?
