SOUTHAMPTON could soon be home to a new advice centre for past and present armed forces personnel.

The Royal British Legion wants to open a new centre in the heart of the city, which would offer practical help and advice.

And if the city council’s planning panel approves the plans today, it could be open by the end of the year.

The charity, which has supported veterans and serving armed forces personnel since 1921, plans to open 16 of the centres across the country.

The first – in Liverpool – was formally opened by the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, in December.

The Legion say the newcentres will “bring its work closer” to the armed forces community across the country.

Each centre will feature a welcoming space for service personnel and veterans to get help and advice, and for the public to find out more about the Legion’s activities.

A spokesman for the Legion said “The Legion has committed to opening 16 advice and information offices in city centres across the country.

Each centre will offer a welcoming space for service personnel and veterans to get practical help and advice, and for members of the public to find out more about the wide range of services and community activities provided by the Legion.”

And the Southampton centre in Above Bar could be given the green light by council planners today.

The charity’s planning application contains plans to add a new door to the front of the building.

Council officers have recommended that the application is approved.