A Saints fan's bid to change the lights on the Itchen Bridge from blue to red has taken a step forward.

Cab driver Perry McMillan resorted to an ancient tradition in October, presenting a statement before Honorary Aldermen, past mayors, and council sheriffs at Court Leet, detailing his plea to change the lights from nearby rival Portsmouth's colour.

The die-hard Saints fan has requested for the blue LED lights on the Itchen Bridge to be changed to red, better reflecting the colours of the city.

Two months after Court Leet - an ancient annual tribunal that allows the public to put forward proposals - the city council is set to further discuss the proposal at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 19, and has confirmed staff are investigating the 'possibility'.

The switch to blue and white lights could happen - if the plan gets the blessing of among others Network Rail, Port of Southampton (ABP) and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Perry told the Echo his story went national after this newspaper first reported his bid.

He said “The national publicity has been great and also made the nation aware of our Court Leet.

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“We were being ridiculed by Pompey fans over the colour of the lights and I hope the council see sense in changing them to red – I just hope money isn’t a factor.”

The long-time cabbie and former councillor stated he’d ‘never received such positive feedback from people’ – having become known amongst his customers as the ‘lights guy.’

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He added: “For me and for a lot of football fans in the city, it’s a mush thing!

“Some people might not understand it, but we have a long-standing rivalry with Portsmouth and that’s what it’s all about.

“We couldn’t have done anything more to publicise the campaign so I’m grateful to all those involved.”

October’s Court Leet also saw another Saints fan – Nick Illingsworth – ask the council to rename the Itchen Bridge after 1976 FA Cup winning manager, Lawrie McMenemy.

But the council has now confirmed it has ‘no plans’ to rename the bridge.

Daily Echo: Lawrie McMenemyLawrie McMenemy

Following the news, Lawrie told the Echo: “I can understand the decision, I was just pleased and honoured to be thought of in the first place.

“So many people have been wonderful for the club over the years and if everyone was going to have their name associated with a bridge or building in the city, we probably wouldn’t have any left!

“I’m certainly grateful to the fans for their support.”

The council's statement on changing colours said: "If a change in colour was to be supported from a safety perspective, a relevant funding source would need to be found."