REGIONAL: Thousands put pressure on council to name new bridge '˜Floaty McFloatface'

Last week Isle of Wight Council asked people on Facebook to help think of a name for the new bridge.

More than 1,500 people have commented on the post with many opting for the unusual name.

The council had told residents that it would be prepared to veto suggestions if they did not think they were appropriate, but following a public outcry it has been forced into a U-turn.

In a statement yesterday council leader Cllr Dave Stewart revealed officers would not reject any names and accept Floaty if it proved to be the most popular choice.

The original post on the council’s Facebook page said: ‘We’ll admit, ‘Floating Bridge number 6’ isn’t the most exciting of names for our new state of the art, modern floating bridge; but it is its registered name.

‘Think you can do a better job of naming her? Now is your chance to get involved and think of something more exciting.’

Prior to the U-turn more than 2,000 people had signed a Change.org petition calling on the council to name the new bridge Floaty McFloatface.

The name was inspired by a previous competition run by the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) website last year to name their new research vessel.

More than 120,000 people voted for the name Boaty McBoatface, though a decision was later made to name the ship RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The NERC later announced it would use the name Boaty for one of the craft’s underwater vehicles.

Residents on the Isle of Wight have until 12 noon on April 7 to comment on the post with their suggestions.

The best six suggestions will then be put to the public via a vote on Facebook, with the winner announced on April 21.