WE DID it with Haslar - we'll do it again with Daedalus.

That was the message from Gosport councillors last night who yet again are preparing to take on the government in a bid to fight plans for an asylum centre at the former air base.

Using lessons learned from the Save Haslar Hospital campaign, the council is preparing to lead from the front in an effort to force a U-turn from Whitehall.

In a rare show of unity Gosport councillors put aside their political differences to announce an action plan that will see a fund established, petitions distributed and demonstrations organised.

The leaders of all the main parties pledged to put the full weight of the council's armoury behind the residents of Lee-on-the-Solent who have already mobilised themselves into an action group.

Meanwhile Home Office minister Beverley Hughes has snubbed an invitation by Gosport MP Peter Viggers to attend a meeting tomorrow, but has pledged to deliver an advertising assault of her own.

The government machine is swinging into action with plans to produce and distribute factsheets, stage exhibitions and launch a website dedicated to Daedalus.

As one councillor put it: "Let battle commence."