Dear neighbour,

I am delighted at the decision by the city council to protect the unused land at the corner of Brickfield Road from development.

A decision was taken back in 2006 by the council Administration at the time to sell the land for housing and when this came to light last year there was strong opposition, led by the local community group (NBSP). In particular I would like to thank Raf Persaud for his tireless campaigning on behalf of the community.

I have been lobbying hard for the past 12 months to keep the site green and to protect the land for the local community. Following the public meeting of local residents last year my colleague Cllr Jeremy Moulton has been working hard behind the scenes to reach an agreement with the University that will see the site converted to allotments. Using the site for allotments was a suggestion put forward at the residents meeting last year and I am pleased that the council has listened to local people and found a way to achieve this.

If you have any questions please to not hesitate to get in touch with me (councillor.v.cappozoli@southampton.gov.uk) or my colleague Jeremy Moulton (jeremy.moulton@southampton.gov.uk).

Vincenzo Capozzoli Conservative Councillor for Portswood Ward