CITY residents have spoken out after it was revealed Guildhall Square could become Elizabeth Square.
The motion, put forward by Cllr David Fuller, will be discussed by the council on Wednesday.
It comes after Queen Elizabeth II died in September after 70 years on the throne.
For Cllr Fuller, renaming the Square and erecting a statue of the late Queen will be a "fitting tribute."
This is what residents had to say.
READ MORE: Goodbye Guildhall - hello Elizabeth Square?
'Out of touch'
Ahead of the council meeting on Wednesday, city residents shared their thoughts on the proposed plans.
For husband-and-wife Nicholas and Carolyn White, both 63, renaming Guildhall Square is a good idea but the pair aren't as keen on a statue.
Carolyn said: “I do think it would be nice to rename the Square after the Queen.
“However, I wouldn’t class Southampton as one of the major cities, and I think that the statue would be a waste of money when it is needed elsewhere.”
Nicholas added: “I think renaming Guildhall Square is probably a far better thing than erecting a statue.
“For me, I wouldn’t need a statue to remember the Queen, but I wouldn’t oppose it.
“It’s enough to remember her with the memories I have got, and I don’t think a statue is necessary.”
This thought was echoed by Sholing resident Joyce Roberts, who questioned the timing of the proposal.
The 48-year-old said: “Whilst I have the utmost respect for our late Queen I do wonder when we are in the middle of a cost of living and social care crisis why the council is spending precious time on something that is of no tangible benefit to the people of Southampton.
“Is this indicative of how out of touch the council is with the people they are supposed to serve?”
'A great idea'
However, some residents have rallied behind the plans.
City resident Anna, 34, said: “I think it’s a great idea.
“It is a lovely way to commemorate the Queen and a way to keep reminding ourselves of the amazing woman she was.
“I don’t think erecting a statue is an issue, it’s another way to remember her.”
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel