COUNCIL leaders are set to shelve plans for a laser light show at Southampton's Civic Centre until they carry out a series of trials in the autumn.

The delay follows protests from environmentalists, astronomers and neighbouring councils over harmful effects such as light pollution.

Postponing the project could mean council chiefs losing funding for the project.

It would also mean a loss of a key attraction to promote the 95th anniversary commemoration of the sinking of the Titanic in April.

Opposition leaders have blasted the delay, which has been welcomed by environmental objectors who now have time to argue their case.

A decision to press ahead with the project has already been put back by two weeks for more consultation.