A FLAVOUR of 50s America could be coming to Southamp-ton.

Open top Cadillacs and boys in jeans and pony tailed girls listening early rock 'n' roll have been a staple of the "drive-in movie" in countless Hollywood films.

Now it looks as if Southampton could have its very own open-air movie theatre set-up in the city's historic Watts Park if leisure bosses have their way.

City chiefs are hoping to stage late-night "drive-in movie" events in the heart of the city.

The shows would run between 6am and 11pm and could show films or big screen sporting events such as the recent televising of England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal on the Common.

It would be the second time the city has hosted a temporary drive-in movie venue.

In August 2002 hundreds of film fans in vehicles watched Austin Powers II, Ocean's Eleven or There's Something About Mary on a giant screen on the Common.

Other events which may take place in the city centre would include live music shows for crowds of up to 4,000. The historic park could also play host to performing artists, street theatre, and charity walks.

Arts festivals, horticultural festivals, city shows and trade shows would also be staged at the park as well as small circuses, fairs and ideal home exhibitions if the plans by the city council's leisure department get off the ground.

The plans were due to be put under the microscope by members of the city council's licensing committee yesterday.

They will also be discussing a similar licence application for future events that could be staged on the Common.

Six residents have written to city licensing chiefs objecting to the plans. They say that the proposed events would disturb the peace and tranquillity of the parks. However, Southampton's leisure chiefs told the Daily Echo that bringing events to the city centre could prove to be very successful.

Councillor Steve Sollitt, Southampton City Council's Cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: "The actual use of our parks in the city centre for culture and tourism is extremely important.

"They are a focal point. They provides us with another stage to look at ways of using our open spaces. We need to bring different types of leisure and culture to the people. Having the football during the garden festival was very successful and around 6,000 people attended the event.

"Some people may have concerns but we have to look at ways of putting on leisure and culture and this is one way to do it."