Anti-racism campaigners have criticised the city council for deciding to hold talks with protesters targeting a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Both sides in the increasingly bitter debate over the use of Highfield House Hotel have been invited to attend next month's meeting of the overview and scrutiny management committee.
The proposed talks aim to explore issues surrounding the protests and come up with ways to resolve the long-running conflict.
Council chiefs are also planning to ask Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to move asylum seekers out of the hotel following months of clashes between anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism groups.
But the authority has come under fire from Southampton Stand Up To Racism.
Highfield House Hotel has been the scene of several demonstrations and counter protests (Image: Newsquest)
In a statement it said: "Southampton has a proud tradition as a welcoming and compassionate city. Yet the ongoing mobilisation of far-right agitators targeting asylum seekers at the Highfield House Hotel has placed that reputation under strain and created a climate of hostility for some of the city's most vulnerable people.
"Far-right agitators have staged intimidating weekly demonstrations, targeting people seeking safety.
"Earlier in the year, these agitators even erected an unauthorised structure in Hoglands Park. The council leader promised 'decisive action', but no enforcement or prosecution has followed. This inaction has emboldened those attempting to divide our community."
Highfield House Hotel has been the scene of several demonstrations and counter protests (Image: Newsquest)
The statement attacked what it described as "outrageous claims and inventions" by anti-immigration groups.
"Despite this pattern of harassment and misinformation, the council now proposes to bring these same groups in for a 'chat' about moving their protests - a proposal that risks legitimising those intent on intimidation."
READ MORE: Every word in Southampton City Council debate over use of Highfield House Hotel
The statement claimed the authority appeared to view the situation as a dispute to be managed rather than a case of intimidation to be challenged.
"The council's approach blurs the line between those defending human rights and those undermining them, reinforcing the dangerous idea that racism and anti-racism simply occupy opposite ends of the same debate."
The statement demanded an explanation as to why no action had been taken over the Hoglands Park structure, enforcement of bylaws, public statements rejecting racist intimidation, and "protection" for asylum seekers and local residents.
"Southampton deserves leadership that follows through on its commitments, confronts racism honestly, and restores peace and safety to our city."
Cllr Alex Winning, leader of the council, said: "Southampton is home to people of many backgrounds, and we take pride in being a welcoming and respectful city. We absolutely condemn acts of racism and we work closely with the police and community partners to tackle hate crime in all its forms.
"While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the ongoing demonstrations at Highfield House have caused significant disruption and heightened anxiety for local residents and the wider community. That is why we are urging the Government to give the police stronger powers to relocate persistent protests to sites where they will have less impact on our communities.
"Our community safety team continues to work with the police and local partners to ensure that any protests are managed safely and lawfully. At no point was permission granted for a protest event in our parks, and the council is reviewing its options for enforcement action against unauthorised activity.
"While freedom to protest is a fundamental part of British society, there is no excuse for intimidation or abuse. Anyone breaking the law or using threatening or discriminatory language has no place in our city and should face police action. I strongly encourage anyone who experiences hate crime to report it to the police by calling 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in an emergency."