MORE than 100 concerned residents were today due to make a "last ditch" protest over plans for a controversial travellers site in Southampton.

Dozens of Swaythling residents are planning to descend on the proposed site, on land off Stoneham Way known as Monks Brook, just days before Southampton's council leaders will decide whether to approve its use for a transit site.

Richard Rowe, of Mansbridge Residents' Association, said: "This is a last ditch attempt to show the council what our feelings are before this site is approved.

"The site is not suitable for us or for the travellers that will use it.

"We think it's a massive waste of money and we will continue to fight the creation of the site regardless of what happens on Monday."

Proposals for the site have caused a stir among residents, councillors and travellers' groups since they were announced in January.

Hundreds of residents turned up at public meetings to voice their concerns. Swaythling councillors were accused of failing to represent their constituents, and local MPs also kept their heads down.

The council says the Monks Brook site came out as the preferred choice from a shortlist of six, narrowly edging ahead of land at Test Lane.

The council Cabinet will also decide whether to apply for Government cash to ease the cost of building the 12-caravan one-acre site.

There is no guarantee the cash will be available next year.

The site would cost up to £1m to build with an additional £1m to £1.5m needed for road improvements.

It would cost about £50,000 a year to run allowing travellers and gypsies to rent one of six pitches for up to three months.

The Government-backed initiative would give the council powers to request police to swiftly move on illegal campers, which cost Southampton City Council about £100,000 a year.

The Liberal Democrat Cabinet has been recommended to set up a local management group, including local residents, and pledge to put in CCTV.

The full council gave its backing to submit a planning application last month.