AMBITIOUS plans to transform Southampton into the undisputed 24-hour capital of the south are being thrashed out well into the new year.

Controversial proposals for "after-dark leisure hubs", including pubs, clubs and late-night coffee shops, "quiet at night" residential zones and private security guards policing the streets have received a mixed reaction.

Consultants commissioned by the city centre management team have suggested radical ways of boosting the round-the-clock economy. They also include a rapid-reaction noise squad in the Polygon, restoring the Bargate monument as the city's heart, de-regulating taxis, setting up a night bus service and establishing the High Street as the principal after-hours leisure zone.

City centre manager Ian Rothwell said: "We have had feedback from many people and organisations and over the next few months there will be extensive consultation and meetings with them.

"That will take us well into the new year to find how we can take the consultation report forward.

"There are so many issues that have been raised and so many views from businesses, police, the council, residents and other organisations. The general feeling is that it has been a worthwhile exercise which has thrown up a lot of good ideas."

Bargate Centre bosses have backed plans for the ancient monument to become the new late-night epicentre.

The centre would create a "people's sitting-room" with sofas and big screen TVs under its plans.

Bargate marketing manager Adam Neale said: "We want Southampton to become a hive of late-night activity, adding culture and excitement to the city, like our European neighbours.

"We want the Bargate monument to be the night-time soul of the city and be used as a meeting place and for festivities, celebrations and even galleries and markets."

Other bodies, such as the Southampton branch of the UK Independence Party, have urged caution. In its response to the proposals it expressed concern about the long-term future of estate pubs and restaurants, transport provision, effects on city centre residents and an explosion of vermin population.

The response warned: "There will also be a marked increase in promiscuous sex, date rape and domestic physical assaults."