A PUBLIC meeting will be held to discuss the future of one of Southampton’s biggest green space - the Common.

A survey has also been launched so residents can have their say on on the current commuting routes through the Common.

A plan for The Common was constructed by the Southampton Common Forum and the council in December, in the aim of making it an “inspirational, attractive, green urban space which will benefit Southampton residents of all ages, backgrounds and interest”.

The public meeting will be held at the Hilton Doubletree, in Chilworth, on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

A spokesperson for the Southampton Common Forum said: “Our current survey is to get a better understanding of commuting routes, patterns and numbers across the Common to inform possible path and lighting improvements as part of the new Plan for The Common, which was adopted by the council in December.

“That plan came as a result of our 2017 survey and subsequent collaborative working between the Common Forum and Council to rewrite the existing, out of date plan to reflect the needs of a changing city and demographic.”

Satvir Kaur (pictured) Shirley ward councillor and cabinet member for Homes and Culture, said: “It has been really exciting to work with the Common Forum on developing a plan for the future of one of Southampton’s greatest assets.

“The common is the green lungs of our city, and we’re keen that it gets used and loved by as many local people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities as possible.

“It’s a place for everyone, from commuters to park run lovers, families enjoying the new play area, having a picnic, to a place you can enjoy big festivals.

“This has been a real success of partnership working, with the forum and an extensive consultation with local communities to make sure that our plan is what Southampton people want.”

The original plan, drawn up in the 1990s, was centred on ecological considerations rather than the human users, so in 2017 the forum drew up a new plan.

They carried out a survey which attracted 2,200 responses, and published a final draft of the plan in April last year.

The council then adopted the plan in December, with a view to improve community engagement, recreation and education, landscape and heritage, biodiversity, amenity and sustainable resourcing.

The forum is also looking to make its own improvements, such as rejuvenating The Hawthorns centre for visitors, improving toilet facilities, making people feel safer, promoting green travel in the form of walking and cycling, and managing the landscape to support a wider use and and more diverse habitats.

In their current survey, the forum is looking to hear commuters views on travel through The Common.