A row has erupted over claims that a town is being branded as a “gateway to Southampton”, with councillors insisting it should instead be promoted as the front door to the New Forest.
Members of New Forest District Council’s Place and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel called for language changes used in documents linked to the emerging Totton town centre masterplan.
They argued that residents do not identify with the description and that the area’s New Forest connections should be put front and centre.
The debate took place as councillors scrutinised plans intended to shape the future regeneration of Totton town centre through investment, public realm improvements and a stronger local identity.
Cllr Peter Armstrong said he was concerned by references in the wider documentation describing Totton as “a gateway to Southampton”.
The independent for Hardley, Holbury and North Blackfield told the meeting: “Something I have picked out that is even in the executive summary at the beginning, it says ‘a gateway to Southampton’.
“Those of us who know the Waterside and Totton have never used that terminology.
“It is better even now that we shouldn’t. It is a gateway to the Forest. We are building up the Forest, and we are talking about the Forest.
“It is a gateway to the New Forest and anyone in Totton will recognise that.
“We don’t want it to be a gateway to Southampton. That needs sorting out to make it congruent all the way through.”
The comments reflect a wider discussion within the masterplan process about how Totton should present itself to attract visitors, investment and regeneration opportunities.
The draft masterplan itself highlights “strengthening” the town’s identity as one of its key aims.
It also identifies a need for a stronger sense of place and better promotion of the town’s character.
During the meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Wade suggested the council should go a step further by installing signs when they enter the district through Totton.
He said: “What we are missing is a ‘Welcome to the New Forest’ sign.
“Totton is the largest community into the Forest, and it is a gateway to the north-east, and we should have that sign because it amplifies our identity.
“For the small price of a few signs that could be quite an important thing to do.”
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