SOUTHAMPTON'S former top politician has said nuclear powered vessels are "not welcome'' in the city.

Labour group leader Councillor June Bridle told members of the city council's newly formed Liberal Democrat Cabinet yesterday that controversial plans to house a nuclear powered submarine in the city ought to be looked at "very carefully'' before a decision to give them the green light was made.

Councillor Bridle said: "This council has a prime objective in terms of protecting its citizens. It is wrong that we should give out any message that we welcome nuclear ships in our city.''

Cllr Bridle was speaking as plans to house a nuclear submarine in Southampton by the Royal Navy for "recreational'' purposes were once again put before members of the city's Cabinet.

It will be two weeks before councillors finally decide on whether to agree to the controversial safety plan.

City chiefs are supposed to agree to the safety scheme - dubbed SotonSafe - by July 21 this year. If they fail to do so they could face legal action from the Health and Safety Executive costing at least £100,000 in London's High Court. The Navy is planning to use the city's Z Berth at dock 38 for so called "recreational'' use.

But speaking at yesterday's meeting, Captain Steve Lloyd from the Navy admitted that there would be an "operational'' element to any nuclear powered vessels which the Navy decided should visit the city.

Captain Lloyd said: "There is a two pronged need. There is an operational one and a recreational one.

"We do place a great deal of benefit on recreational benefits.

"The Navy is for the people in this country and we see these visits as a way of strengthening that tie.''

Earlier campaigners from SCANS (the Solent Coalition Against Nuclear Ships) told Cabinet members that they would take the authority to court if it agreed the safety plan and allowed nuclear vessels into Southampton.

Campaigner John Vetterlein said: "The council has been advised if it does not approve this plan it may face judicial review.

"However, what we are saying is if the council does approve plan it will face a judicial review from SCANS.''