WESTQUAY shopping centre in Southamp-ton was the setting for the latest Meet Me On The Sofa tour by the Daily Echo’s editor-in-chief Ian Murray.

Ian gathered among the scatter cushions yesterday and for three and a half hours chatted with guests who chose to rest a while from shopping.

Some guests arrived specifically to talk to Ian over issues they felt should be covered by the paper and to take issue with some of the reports the Echo has carried recently.

Other sofa-hoppers were just passing and took the opportunity to chat with the man at the helm of one of the UK’s most successful regional newspapers.

“As always there was a wide range of views expressed and we engaged in some lively conversations,” said Ian.

“Thankfully the readers of the Daily Echo have some strong views. Some of them are always going to be contrary to those put forward by the paper and myself, but a lot of guests were kind enough to thank the Echo for being part of city life for the last 125 years.”

Conversations, reported Ian, ranged from the proposed sell-off of some of the city’s art collection to very local issues where residents hoped the Daily Echo could shine a light on concerns.

“As always I came away grateful for people to have taken the time to stop by in their busy days to chat to me. It’s what local newspapers are all about.”

Accompanying Ian at the event were representatives from hartfordcare, who chatted with passers by about care for the elderly.

Ian’s Big Red Sofa Tour continues soon with details appearing this site