CAMPAIGNERS were today protesting against plans for a travellers' site in the middle of a seaside resort.

Demonstrators are set to wave placards outside Bournemouth town hall in Dorset as councillors decide whether to go ahead with the plans.

About 1,600 people have signed a petition claiming it is in the wrong place, backing onto the town's award-winning gardens and close to the shops, pier and beaches.

They fear a rise in crime, littering and damage to the town's valuable tourism industry.

Max Clarke, 29, who lives near the proposed 0.28 hectare site, said: ``The council are trying to rush it through without consultation with the residents.

``It's inappropriate to use Bournemouth town centre as a travellers' site. It's a main gateway into town.''

Council leader Stephen MacLoughlin said: ``If cabinet agrees to progress the submission, planning permission will be required, confirmation from the HCA that they will fund the site and public consultation will need to take place.''

He said the council will ``continue to listen to the public to ensure the site will be properly managed''.

But Mark Green, whose 29-year-old girlfriend's flat backs on to the boundary, said: ``When Cllr MacLoughlin was asked directly whether he'd like a site next to him he said 'No' at the public meeting on Saturday evening.

``Quite frankly, he's an elected public official but you would probably get that response from anybody.

``It's not surprising, it's just human nature. There would appear to be an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour around areas where travellers set up camp.''

A protest group and a Facebook site has been set up to stop the plans for eight to 12 pitches, each catering up to three caravans, on the council-owned land.

The cabinet is deciding tomorrow whether to submit a bid to the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for funding to develop the land before the June 30 deadline.