IT IS a town which is proud of its links to royalty and now a plan is under way to formalise Romsey’s regal association.

An idea developed by Romsey Chamber of Commerce executive member Julian Gee could see the town recognised for its royal heritage in a bid to attract more tourists to the market town.

The idea is to rename it either Royal Romsey or Romsey Regis and now a survey has been set up to see what residents think.

Around 100 people have already completed the survey but Mr Gee, of Sandy Lane, says he wants more locals to get involved.

“When I have gone outside of the county and people ask where you live, they haven’t heard of Romsey and I think that is a crying shame,” he said.

“We have a lot of royal heritage here and I would really like that to be recognised.”

The idea was originally touched upon at a tourism conference in Romsey Abbey.

A member of the public, who was in attendance, raised the idea and after reading how towns like Royal Tumbridge Wells and Bognor Regis acquired their names in a book by Bill Bryson.

Now Mr Gee has decided to take it further in a bid to put Romsey on the map.

He added: “It is a genuine suggestion. I have no axe to grind and have lived here for 20 years.

"I am just thinking this could be a good idea for the town as a whole.

"If enough people come back and say it is a great idea then we could look to get a petition started.”

In order to suggest a name change, a petition is traditionally sent by the PMr 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.

Supporters say the change in name is justified because the town is a favourite amongst the royal family.

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

The Queen was also in the town for the June wedding of Alexandra Knatchbull, third cousin to the Duke of Cambridge Prince William.

The idea has caught the attention of Romsey Town Mayor John Parker, who thinks it could bring more cruise ship visitors to the area. “If we were able to make the link with the royal connection it would be good for the town,” added the mayor.

He said: “It will be interesting to see what people think.

“One of the markets we are looking to attack is half day visitors from the cruise ships.

“If we could get them to come to the town that would be wonderful, and if the change of name would help boost tourism then I think it would be a good thing to pursue.”

However, Test Valley borough councillor for Romsey Abbey Clive Collier says he is not in favour of the proposal, branding it ‘ridiculous’.

“It is ridiculous,” Cllr Collier said.

“Let’s concentrate on more important issues in the town.

“Leave the name alone.”

However, he added: “I fully support any efforts to bring more tourism trade to the town, but this is not the right approach.”

To take part in the online survey, Visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S8B8CFZ.

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