FORMER Mayor of Southampton Jack Candy has come up with his own suggestion for the city's 'Wow' factor - take care of local residents.

Mr Candy, 82, who is also a former chairman of the City of Southampton Society, said city bosses should get the basics right before they engage on a search for the city's unique selling point.

He told the Daily Echo that the planned arena and ice rink would provide a landmark building for the city.

As for attracting tourists, he said that Southampton - by its very nature - had always been a place where people passed through rather than stayed.

He said: "I suppose the proposals for the ice rink and conference centre will benefit a lot of people. It is a significant proposal which may come off."

Last week, the Daily Echo revealed that city council tourism bosses were searching for the city's elusive 'Wow' factor that would bring tourists to the city to stay.

The elusive unique selling point would also provide the city with an iconic image that would be used to brand Southampton for visitors.

In compiling a report dubbed 'In Search of the Wow Factor' city tourism chiefs spent a year talking with business leaders, tourism bosses and community groups about how to sell Southampton to the wider world.

The report criticised the city for having poor transport and communication links. Poor leadership and a lack of a single image to promote Southampton were also highlighted.

Mr Candy added that other proposed developments such as the long-running saga to bring Swedish furniture store Ikea to the city may bring visitors in.

But, he added, the council should concentrate on getting facilities right for locals first.

He said: "In my book, the 'Wow' factor is helping the living standards of people in the city. Having first-class facilities for people living in the city is important.

"I think the best thing would be to see Southampton as a place that cares for its citizens. Also a place that is known as a caring community."

What is the WoW Factor?

The Daily Echo is going all out to track down and identify the elusive Wow Factor

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