PROTESTERS have labelled a group of leading politicians "gutless" after they declined to back residents' opposition to a controversial travellers' transit site in Southampton.

Members of residents' groups from Swaythling were left "severely disappointed" after they say senior Cabinet members David Beckett and Ann Milton failed to represent their views just a day after vowing to oppose the plans to please residents.

But yesterday the Lib Dem representatives reaffirmed their support for residents, saying they would fight for their constituents.

Richard Rowe, of Mansbridge Residents' Group, said: "I was severely disappointed by our councillors at Cabinet.

"After telling us all they would listen to our views and vote against the site plans they failed to stand up in front of their own party and say just that.

"Ann Milton and David Beckett are gutless and they only seem interested in saving their jobs.

"Fair play to Terry Holden-Brown - he stood by us like he said he would."

Mr Rowe, one of 80 campaigners who held a protest on the steps of the civic centre prior to Monday's meeting, added: "Our councillors not only need to tell us that they will represent the views of the people of Swaythling but they need to tell their own people."

The proposed council-managed transit site was put forward from a secret list of 46.

It would have six plots for 12 caravans, which travellers could pay to stay at for up to three months a year.

Lib Dem and Labour councillors backed the site last week, dismissing a Tory alternative to expand the permanent site at Kanes Hill in West End.

On Sunday the politicians declared at an open residents' meeting they would vote against the transit site proposed for Stoneham Way if that was what their constituents wanted.

Speaking to the Echo, the ward councillors defended their position - and reassured residents that they would support their views throughout the planning process.

In response to the claims, Cllr Milton, Cabinet member for education, said: "It's categorically not the case that we won't stand up for our constituents. Our residents have always been very supportive of us and we in turn will support them and listen to their views.

"I can assure them that all three of us will fight their corner. I thought that we had given that impression.

"I am in the process of replying to any concerned residents and we will be contacting residents' groups shortly to arrange another meeting."

Cllr Beckett was unavailable for comment.