COUNCIL officials have backed down from their plans to paint Portsmouth’s biggest landmark in Saints colours.

Outraged Pompey fans have been collecting signatures for a 10,000 strong petition to stop the Spinnaker Tower being painted red and white.

Now, just three days after the plans were revealed, the leader of Portsmouth City Council has said they will not go ahead with this design.

Complaints covered the council Facebook page on Friday after the announcement that the 170 metre landmark would be decorated in the city’s rival football club colours and many commentators said that the plan showed a lack of respect to residents.

The makeover was suggested after Emirates Airline announced it was sponsoring the tower and suggested painting the landmark the company colours as part of a £3.5m deal.

But last night council leader, Donna Jones went on her Facebook page to say they would be redesigning the tower's paint job.

She said: “After all the feedback this weekend following the announcement of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower sponsorship deal, we will be redesigning the Tower branding to reflect the city's heritage and the iconic structure. Please send me ideas and things you like/don't like. Thank you”

An official statement on the Portsmouth City Council Facebook page added: “Leader of the council Donna Jones and Emirates have listened to the public response and will be working on a new Spinnaker Tower design. More details will be released soon along with a dedicated email address for comments.”

It is believed that the work is still expected to be completed before the America's Cup World Series comes to the city between July 23-26.

The new design will be on the tower - which can be seen from as far as the Isle of Wight and Worthing - until at least 2020 after signing a five-year deal with the airline.

Emirates Airline are the first company to sponsor the tower since it was opened in 2005 after receiving Lottery funding and it is the first time the tower has received a new colour scheme - having always been painted white, making it possible to change its image temporarily for functions and events using lights.