More than 500 council workers marched on Southampton's civic offices today in protest against mass pay cuts.

A convoy of up to 50 taxi cabs and private hire cars were expected to circle the Civic Centre in a show of solidarity to the protesters.

But they were blocked from reaching the Guildhall Square site due to road closures.

Council workers from the Unite and Unison unions were joined by lecturers from Southampton University, Solent University and City College, who were striking over pay and pensions.

Tory council leaders are preparing to dismiss and rehire the majority of its workers on worse contracts to help plug a £25million budget hole.

Around 250 of the council's 6,627 strong workforce are also being axed.

Gill Marsh, a 46-year-old Neighbourhood Warden from Townhill, said: "We are here today to protect public services from further cuts. We hope to the impact we have today will force the government into a u-turn."