COUNCIL chiefs have hit back at claims that a security guard posted on the gates of their city HQ is there to protect parking spaces for top brass.

Peter Luffman, an ex-Labour member, has been hired through an agency to stand guard at the executive members' car park at the council's Castle offices in the city.

The authority says the job, which entails letting in executive members and officers, is essential to deter terrorists from targeting their offices, following the London bombings last year.

But Liberal Democrats say the council has wasted money on the appointment, which would be better spent on social services.

Cllr Keith House said: "Any pretence that it is about security and fighting terrorism is nonsense -- it provides no protection on any front.

"All it seems to be is a way of guaranteeing county council top brass get their guaranteed parking places."

But council leader Cllr Ken Thornber said a risk assessment was carried out following the July 7 bombings, and Hampshire police suggested employing a sentry guard to man the entrance.

He said: "The safety of all county council staff and visitors is extremely important and therefore we take security very seriously.

"The role of the security officer at the entrance to the Elizabeth II Court courtyard is not as a sentry to guard councillors' and chief officers' cars, but for security purposes.

"The county council already had in place security arrangements for its other sensitive car parks, but did not have such an arrangement in place for the courtyard at Elizabeth II Court.

"The officer checks all vehicles and drivers who wish to gain entry.

"I don't like the gates locked, I don't like the idea of having a security guard, but I'm advised that we are a security risk."

Cllr Thornber added there were several sentry guards who work at the Castle at different times.

Cllr Alan Dowden, Lib Dem spokesman for adult and older persons care services, said it would have been cheaper to put up a collapsible bollard at the entrance to the 26-space car park and give all executive members a key.

He added: "At a time when the vulnerable are being denied services, it's disgraceful. Wasting money like this is unacceptable."

Mr Luffman, who plans to stand in the next county council elections, defended his job and branded the Lib Dem comments "as low as you can get".

Mr Luffman said: "It seems to be very low in politics to attack people trying to earn a living, and I can't see I've done anything wrong."