CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating success after an eight acre site was finally opened up to the public.

Dozens of local schools and clubs as well as dog walkers and residents are using the ex-civil service playing field behind St Mark’s Primary School after a campaign by residents.

The Field, as it has come to be known, was saved from developers by campaigners in 2012 - but the public was locked out with only schools given access to use the Freemantle site.

Now sports company Testlands say they are on their way to running a full timetable of fixtures, practices and matches.

Action group Friends of the Field have also set a date for the first festival on the site in seven years.

Testlands manager Luke Newman said five new schools, 24 teams and at least 12 different clubs are using the site, with access set to increase even further in the summer months.

Manager Luke Newman said: “We are working much closer with the schools and the relationship is very positive.”

But he added that the success wouldn’t have been possible without the work of local residents, who have organised litter picks at least once a term.

He said: “It’s our responsibility to keep the field in good condition, while the council are cutting the grass.

“But the Friends of the Field want to help, and they can’t do things like bookings.

"If we don’t involve the community I don’t think it’s going to be sustainable long term.

“This time last year we didn’t have any of this - now we have got goals down there. It’s taken a lot of time but I’m quite positive about what we are going to be able to do.”

Friends of the Field have put in an application for a city council community chest grant, worth £2,500, to pay for bins and benches on the site.

Chairman Phil Mackin said: “It’s most encouraging. It’s a better quality field now than it used to be. It’s about getting local residents involved in the maintenance. Our litter picks are a social event and we are now looking for sports clubs who would be interested in getting involved with the festival”.

Shirley Councillor Jeremy Moulton said: “I am supporting plans for the summer event on the field and have bid to the council for funds to help bring the site into fuller use”.

June 23 will see a host of local sports clubs take to the field in a huge family fun day, with tournaments, demonstrations and a raft of events for all ages to take part in.

If you would like to get involved contact Friends of the Field Community Association on action@shirleypark.info.