Scores of demonstrators marched through Southampton city centre this afternoon to protest against cuts being made by the government.

Shoppers looked on as representatives of trades unions paraded peacefully along Above Bar waving placards and banners.

They marched from the Guildhall towards the Bargate and then back towards West Quay Shopping Centre calling for an end to austerity measures in the first of a series of protests that are being held along the south coast.

Organsier Darren Proctor said: "Today is about the unions coming together and making the public aware of the policies that are going through.

 

"We will be here to engage with shoppers and talk to them about the reforms that are taking place. Why should the working man or woman have to pay while rich businesses and corporations get away without paying their taxes?"

The protest is expected to remain outside West Quay for most of the afternoon.