SOUTHAMPTON'S plans to shoot laser beams from its civic headquarters is threatening to ignite a fierce row with its south coast rivals.

If given the green light, the Southampton Laser Gateway will be at the top of the clock tower in the Guildhall.

The beams would operate from dusk until midnight from next April, to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic.

The plan, which will cost £249,000, has already brought protests from residents living in villages in the Portsmouth area who are concerned about the impact on their night sky.

The green laser will have a range of about 15 miles and be aimed directly at Waterlooville, including Denmead and Horndean, passing north of Fareham and Portsmouth.

Denmead Parish Council chairman, Councillor Mike Webber, said that the village authority was against light pollution.

New Forest District Council has also expressed concern about the range of the laser and will discuss it at a meeting on January 17.

Supporters of the project say the scheme would bring a much needed "Wow" factor to Southampton.

Adrian Vinson, leader of Southampton City Council, which does not need any legal reason to push ahead with the scheme, has assured residents living in the Portsmouth area that there is nothing to worry about.

Councillor Vinson said the 15-mile range of the laser was a maximum prediction and it would more likely be about five miles.

He added that it would not even give off as much light pollution as street lighting.

The plans will be discussed by members of the council's ruling Liberal Democrat Cabinet on Monday, before a final decision on the scheme is made on January 22.

The Daily Echo is inviting readers to say whether they are for or against the scheme. Votes can be cast on this website.