PROTESTERS against a proposed closure of a Southampton respite centre made their voices heard today.

More than 40 people gathered at the Bargate and marched up to Southampton Civic Centre as campaigners called for a U-turn on plans to close Kentish Road respite centre in Shirley.

Southampton City Council has earmarked the centre as one it intends to close, leaving many families and children without any place for those with learning difficulties and special needs to go.

The authority is looking to save approximately £300,000-a-year by closing the centre.

Users of Kentish Road and their families chanted "disabled lives matter." as the protest started, and chants of "save Kentish Road" were heard as they walked through Southampton High Street.

The protest ended at Southampton Civic Centre where demonstrators stood outside the doors to the building.

People at the protest described the proposed cut as "devastating" and others claimed the council has enough money to keep the centre open.