IT was the wild idea to transform the distinguished town of Romsey by paying tribute to its proud links with royalty.

A landmark plan to make the town's regal association more formal by changing its name has sparked a fierce debate among Romsonians.

But now the idea - loved by some and shunned by others - will be shelved after an overwhelming majority of residents responding to a survey voted for the name to stay the same.

But the man who fronted the idea insists it has benefited the town by raising its national profile through the debate.

As previously reported the suggestion was made by Julian Gee - a member of Romsey Chamber of Commerce - who wanted to see the town recognised for its royal heritage in a bid to attract more tourists to the market town by renaming it either Royal Romsey or Romsey Regis.

Supporters say the change in the name is justified because the town is a favourite amongst the Royal Family.

But those against argued that the town is already well established and more emphasis should be put into improving facilities and attracting more visitors.

A total of 303 people completed a survey asking people whether they should investigate changing the name.

Results show that 74 per cent (225) were against the idea compared to 20 per cent (63) for the idea and 5 per cent (15) undecided.

Of those in wanting to change it 59 per cent (95) preferred Royal Romsey, compared to 41 per cent (66) opting for Romsey Regis.

Romsey MP Caroline Nokes was cautious of the change and said: “I understand the reasoning behind the proposals to add a royal designation to Romsey.

"But our town is already – and very firmly - ‘on the map’. Our beautiful thousand-year-old Abbey, our thriving town centre and our proximity to the world-renowned River Test are just a few of the reasons Romsey attracts visitors from far and wide."

But she praised Mr Gee for the idea and added: "It's great that we have such proactive residents who have ideas for the future of Romsey."

Town Centre manager Mark Edgerley was also against it and said: "Changing the name will not influence people to come to the town. The most important thing is to keep the town vibrant and encourage them to come into the town to do their shopping. The name's there already and changing it won't make a difference."

Following the survey Mr Gee accepted that the majority of residents want to retain the status quo and said: "It has created a lot of interest but given the response from the people the idea is unlikely to go anywhere now.

"But it has really created a lot of interest and there were some Royalists in the area who were in favour.

"People may say that Romsey is established but often when you go elsewhere in the country not many people know where it is.

"Although there are other things that people can do to improve facilities in the town I thought a name change could have raised public awareness."

The town has a long established link with the Royal Family and the Queen.

The monarch spent her honeymoon at Broadlands - the home of Prince Philp's uncle, Earl Mountbatten - as did her son and his late wife the Princess Diana.

In order to suggest a name change a petition is traditionally sent by the Prime Minister and the decision on whether to bestow the honour ultimately lies with the Queen.

Nevertheless, requests can be made to the cabinet office in London by cities, towns or boroughs for any reason.

VOX POPS

Mark Widdles, 52, proprietor of Hundred Records, Romsey, said: “I’m quite happy with the name Romsey. It’s special enough without adding Regis or Royal, so no thanks.”

Liz Valitis, 66, a tearoom steward from Woodley, Romsey, said: “Keep it as it is. I don’t think the name needs to be changed.”

Sheila Parker, 59, a volunteer shop assistant from Newton Lane, Romsey, said: “I’d like it to go to Royal Romsey because it sounds nice. It might get more people to visit and can’t do any harm.”

Tracey Walters, 58, a shop manager from Shootash, Romsey, said: “I think Romsey on its own sounds absolutely fine. Royal Romsey might put some people off. Some people might not support the royal family.”

Katarina Trencham, 37, an assistant shop manager from Broadlands, Romsey, said: “My first thought is that it’s strange but I like it now because it does have royal connections. I think it might bring some tourists because not many people know about Romsey’s royal connections.”

Mark Cooper, 68, the county councillor for Romsey, said: “It’s like putting plastic windows on a thatched cottage. I don’t like the suggestion.”

Shirley Lemon, 80, a volunteer for Oxfam in Romsey, said: “I don’t like the idea. I can see the point but I think it would change Romsey somehow. It doesn’t seem to suit it.”

Wendy Hughgill, 58, deputy manager of a bookstore, from Abbotswood, Romsey, said: “I don’t think it’s a very good idea. It doesn’t sound right, and I think there’s only a vague connection. I just like the name Romsey.”

Anita Davey, 55, a shop assistant from Duttons Road, Romsey, said: “Leave it as it is.”

By Maxwell Kusi-Obodum