PLANS to rename Vigo Road Recreation Ground to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday have been abandoned after a howl of public protest.

The Advertiser reported in June that Andover Town Council (ATC) was investigating the idea in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, who turned 90 earlier this year.

But the proposal to change the park’s name met with a chorus of disapproval by unimpressed residents and users, and it has now been dropped by town councillors.

Many questioned the point of such a move, while others questioned the timing and were critical of the council for not starting the process in advance of the Queen’s birthday.

Town council chairman Katherine Bird said this week: “ATC will not be pursuing the renaming of Vigo Recreation Ground, following the results of discussions with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), who made it clear that the process was likely to be convoluted and costly.

“This update was brought to the assets and amenities committee on 4th August, where it was decided not to pursue the project.

“There was feedback that there was little public support for renaming the recreation ground. The town council will be seeking public feedback as to whether there is a wish to have a permanent commemoration for Queen Elizabeth II in her 90th year.”

Vice chairman of ATC Len Gates added: “It wasn’t really down to us to rename it.

“What we were going to do was talk to TVBC about the viability of renaming the park. After having discussions with Test Valley we decided that there were better ways for us to use time and money than to go down that route.”

TVBC portfolio holder for community and leisure, Councillor Tony Ward, said: “We received an initial enquiry from ATC back in June regarding the proposal to rename Vigo Road Recreation Ground.

“In response, we provided advice and guidance, including information from an independent expert relating to the history behind the naming of Vigo Road and subsequent naming of the recreation ground.

“Vigo Bay in north-west Spain was the site of a naval battle in 1702, in which British ships were on the winning side.

“Subsequently, around the country the name ‘Vigo’ was bestowed on various roads to commemorate the victory.

It is possible, therefore, that somebody local had a role in the battle.

“ATC would, of course, be entitled to consult local residents, as well as relevant organisations and groups, to establish public support for the renaming of the recreation ground. However, it is always worth noting the history behind the current name before considering changing it.”

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