RESIDENTS of a Southampton community have voiced their concerns over plans to create a designated site for travellers in their area.

Worried Swaythling locals have spoken out against a possible planning proposal by Southampton City Council to develop a 'transit' site at Monks Brook, an area of grassland to the east of Stoneham Lane.

The site, which would be managed by the council, would provide basic amenities and services for travellers coming to the area.

As part of the proposal, travellers could legally stay at the site - which is hidden from houses and businesses by trees and bushes - for up to three months a year, but the council would retain the power to evict them if certain standards of behaviour were not met.

Police would also have the power to move travellers from unauthorised sites to the designated transit site.

One worried resident told the Echo yesterday: "There is no one I know in this area that wants travellers here.

"They make a huge mess, and they cause large amounts of damage and they steal from people in the area."

Others said they were worried about the mess that could be left at the site. John Reed, 70, of Monks Brook Grove, said: "Cleaning up the mess they leave behind costs a lot of money. Who has to pick up the bill?"

Councillor Liz Mizon, Cabinet member for housing, communities and neighbourhoods said: "Transit sites are a valuable contribution to the city's response to unauthorised encampments.

"Feedback from other authorities, where such sites are already in operation, show that this proposal will lead to less stopping by travellers in inappropriate places across the city."

Basil Burton of the National Romany Rights Association said: "Transit sites have benefits for both parties. Our people know where they can come to park their trailers legally for a time without harassment and encampments are kept off vulnerable land."

If a planning application is made, residents will be asked as part of the formal planning consultation.

The recommendation will be considered by full council on January 17 and Cabinet on January 22.