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Local heroes to get bells honour alongside Harry

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp is to have one of the famous Pompey Chimes bells named after him.

And Portsmouth residents are to get a chance to name other bells after prominent city figures.

The five bells are soon to be removed and refurbished as part of major repair work to the Guildhall clock tower. The repairs are designed to get the Chimes ringing out again after about four years' silence. The tune they play has long been Portsmouth FC's anthem.

At yesterday's meeting of the full council, Cllr Lee Mason proposed naming one of the bells after Mr Redknapp, who has led the club to victory in the FA Cup and taken them into Europe.

Cllr Mason said the idea had caught the imagination of residents, and it was an appropriate honour for the Pompey manager. Mr Redknapp and the team should be invited to ring an inaugural peal of the bells after repairs were completed, he said.

One of the bells is already inscribed in honour of Queen Victoria.

Cllr Terry Hall proposed that the remaining three should be named after prominent figures with close or historic associations with the city. Residents should be a given a chance to choose the names from a shortlist drawn up by the council, she said.

The suggestions were agreed by members.

Date : 08 October 2008

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