IT has been one of Southampton's most controversial planning proposals, sparking protests from hundreds of worried residents.

Although Southampton City Council's plan to create a travellers' transit site at Monks Brook in Swaythling have been welcomed by civic leaders, it has been met with outrage by critics.

Now another city community, which already lives side by side with travellers, has sprung to the defence of the proposed site.

The residents of Thornhill have given their reassurances to the people of Swaythling about a life shared with the travelling community.

Settled and travelling communities have been living harmoniously in Thornhill since the introduction of the Kanes Hill caravan site in the 1960s. Their experience contradicts the fears of more than 100 concerned Swaythling residents who turned up to an open public meeting, and at least 80 who staged a protest outside the civic centre before the plans were discussed by the council's Cabinet earlier this week.

Residents, councillors and community workers in Thornhill say the controversial proposed site off Stoneham Way should go ahead. Malcolm Woodford said: "I have lived here 30 years and there have never been any problems between travellers and the settled community.

"They are as good as gold."

The 54-year old, of Hightown Towers, added: "The site is council-run and warden-controlled and they respect the site. They really do bring something to the community."

Mr White, 74, of Burgoyne Road, who declined to give his first name, said: "There's no problem with travellers here at all. If you respect them and are good to them they will show the same respect back. Their children go to the local school and there's never a problem there either."

Labour ward councillor Simon Letts told the Daily Echo that Swaythling residents should beware believing myths about travellers.

He said: "The travelling community in Thornhill is one that gets on with its own business. The myth that all travellers cause problems is completely disproved by the Kanes Hill site.

"My message to the people of Swaythling would be don't panic' - the reality is much more pleasant than the myth."

Evelyn Street, of community group Thornhill Plus You, said: "The people who stay at the site are just the same as everyone else - ordinary people getting on with their lives.

"They are a valid part of the Thornhill community and they cause no problems whatsoever.

"In fact, 99 per cent of Thornhill residents probably don't even know they are there."

The proposed council-managed transit site was put forward from a secret list of 46. It would have six plots for 12 caravans, which travellers could pay to stay at for up to three months a year.

The next Southampton City Council Cabinet meeting on February 5 will decide whether the council should apply for Government funding for the site.

Kay Chapman, a neighbourhood warden in Thornhill said: "I haven't come across any problems between residents from Kanes Hill Travellers site and those in nearby private housing.

"We've had fly tipping problems in the area and it's the travellers who are constantly cleaning up the area around the site."