HUNDREDS of residents have expressed fears that one of the city’s biggest green spaces is dirty, dangerous and badly managed.

A survey of more than 2,190 people showed that hundreds fear for their safety, are furious about litter and “overflowing bins” and are “concerned” about cultural events on Southampton Common, which they say leave the area in an “horrendous state”.

The first study on the Common since 1977 invited residents from across the city to air their views.

Now the results pulled together by the Southampton Common Forum show how locals use the 365-acre site - and how they would like it to be improved.

Many said conflict between “irresponsible dog owners”, “frightening cyclists” and pedestrians were an issue.

But the report also slammed “inadequate maintenance and resources” the “poor condition of the lakes and Hawthorn Wildlife Centre” as well as the “failure to deal effectively with anti-social behaviours”.

And it criticised Southampton City Council for its “lack of management of The Common to enhance its biodiversity”, calling for more areas to be opened up for recreational use.

But people surveyed were also vocal about how much they love the area, with most saying they use it once a week.

Now the forum - which is made up of volunteers - will be working with the city council on a new management plan to be drafted by Easter 2018.

The current one was deemed to be “out-dated” having been written in 1992.

SCF chairman Adam Wheeler, pictured inset, said: “The survey shows how much the citizens of Southampton value their Common.

“But there is also a clear need for greater resourcing and better and more transparent management.

“We are looking forward to working with the city council on a new plan that will restore the Common as one of the brightest jewels in the city’s crown.”

City leisure boss Councillor Satvir Kaur said she was grateful to the forum for “working so hard” on the survey.

She added that since the survey was initiated the council has already opened its new play park.

Cllr Kaur said: “This administration works very hard with local residents and we were always going to do an improved management plan, that was always on the agenda.”

She added that the new one will be “fit for purpose” and will include stakeholders such as Parklives, Hampshire police and events organisers as well as the university to come up with a strategic plan for the Common.

Hampshire police’s chief inspector Beth Pirie said: “As with most large parks and other outdoor recreational areas away from roads and traffic, the Common occasionally attracts people who want to engage in criminality and anti-social behaviour, away from residential streets.

“We are aware of this and within the Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing team we have allocated officers dedicated to monitoring any developing issues within the common, and who arrange regular patrols to deter criminal activity.

“We would always advise those walking alone anywhere in the city to stick to busy, well-lit areas and to try and avoid taking short cuts, especially during the winter months when it’s darker and less people are around.

“Remain alert and report anyone suspicious to police by calling 101.”

The Common, which consists of woodland, parkland, heathland, marsh streams, three lakes (fishing lake, a duck pond and a boating lake), a play area, the Hawthorns Wildlife Centre, and the Cowherds public house, is owned and operated by Southampton City Council.

The survey ran from May to October 2017

MAIN FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY:

- It is used at least once a month by residents who live within 2.2 miles who mostly use it on a weekly basis.

- Users reflect the ethnic diversity of the City’s population as measured in the 2011 census.

- It is most popular with city residents from 30 to 69 years old and 30 to 39 year olds are the largest user group .

- It is highly valued as an open, natural green space mainly for walking and recreation

- It "significantly supports" green travel in the City with the most popular activities walking and commuting by foot or bike.

- 300 people said they disliked the litter

- 270 people said they were concerned for their safety

- 206 said they were concerned about events

- 202 were concerned about dogs

- 184 were concerned about cyclists

- 155 said they were concerned about nothing

- 152 said they wanted toilets

TOP PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Children’s play facilities

Provision of public toilets

Litter and waste management

Street lighting and personal safety Quality of the footpaths

Conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers.

The nature and management of organised events

Improved eating and drinking facilities.

FACTFILE:

Southampton Common is 365 acres (1.48 km2) of semi-natural managed landscape situated 1.6 miles north of the city centre.

It consists of woodland, parkland, heathland, marsh streams, three lakes (fishing lake, a duck pond and a boating lake), a play area, the Hawthorns Wildlife Centre, and the Cowherds public house.

Parts are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A 19th century cemetary is in the south west corner. The Common has existed for over a millennium