SOUTHAMPTON citizens had a chance to air their grievances at a ceremony dating back to medieval times and re-enacted in the council chamber.

This year's Court Leet heard presentments on a whole range of subjects and from residents of all ages.

The day started with the ancient ceremony of Beating the Bounds.

Youngsters from Hightown Primary School told the court, which is made up of aldermen, past mayors and serving councillors, about the problems of teenage vandals who use the school grounds for drinking parties and leave their empties in the adventure playground.

A pupil from St Mary's Primary School complained about the amount of graffiti in the city. These subjects will be discussed by councillors at a later date.

Former councillor Jack Candy - who is now chairman of the environment and planning sub-committee of the City of Southampton Society - only narrowly managed to gain the court's approval for the council to investigate the setting up of a Rights of Way forum in the city.

Dr Lubor Velecky of Melrose Road, Southampton, complained that the Common needed a better management system to ensure it was retained for future generations to enjoy.

Councillor Alec Samuels attacked the rules limiting each person to one presentment and claimed citizens' rights were being suppressed by only being allowed to speak for three minutes.

His call to review procedures was rejected by the court.

One of the most unusual presentments was made by Clive Trowbridge. His general theme was recycling and the thrust of his argument was that rather than cremating the city's dead, corpses should be buried at sea.

His views were rejected by the court.

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