Southampton residents celebrates 60 year city milestone

Southampton was given city status by royal charter on February 24, 1964 due to its significance in shipping and the economy, its rich history and its huge network of charitable organisations. 

The Echo has caught up with Southampton residents to find out their honest opinions about the city's strengths - and what they want to be worked on in the future.

Issy Somers (Image: NQ)Southampton busker Issy Somers said her favourite part of the city is its live music community.

She said: “The music scene in Southampton is absolutely thriving – there is something to attend every day and some talented local musicians around.

“There is a massive music community here, there are always live events and like-minded music lovers around.

Issy said that she wanted to see an improved bus service for residents to get around the city.

The busker added: "The buses are never on time – I find it very stressful, and the buses are always crammed and hot.”

Gary McNulty (Image: NQ)Southampton resident, Gary McNulty, said: “Southampton came out of the Covid-19 pandemic miles better than other cities I have visited and I’m very grateful for that.

“The shops have stayed open in Southampton and the pubs are doing well – in Shirley there are more pubs opening than closing.

“I would love to see some smaller independent shops and restaurants – rather than the big chains that dominate the High Street.”

Stan Willetts (Image: NQ)St Denys resident of 18 years, Stan Willetts, said: “The best thing about Southampton is the incredible doctors and nurses at Southampton General Hospital – they saved my life.”

Seven years ago, Stan fell from a ladder while window cleaning in Southampton and ended up with a bleed on the brain.

He added: “In the park Southampton used to have a bird observatory – it was wonderful – I would love to see it come back.”

David Dyche (Image: NQ)Southampton resident of 20 years, David Dyche, said he loves Southampton’s historical ties and seeing the cruise ships in the city.

He added: “I want to see a cleaner High Street – litter is not the best representation of Southampton for cruise passengers visiting the city.”

Steven McCarthy (Image: NQ)Shirley resident, Steven McCarthy, said the best thing about the city is his beloved football team Southampton FC.

He added: “I want to see Southampton councillors – from all parties, work together to get the best out of this great city.”

Vicki Brown (Image: NQ)Vicki Brown said she had lived in Southampton nearly all her life.

She said: “My favourite part of Southampton is the Mayflower Theatre, and I can’t wait to see Blood Brothers this month.

“I would like to see more provisions and facilities to help rough sleepers – it is such a shame to see those poor people sleeping rough.”

David Mitchell (Image: NQ)Woolston resident of 20 years, David Mitchell, said: “The people are the best part of this city – and Woolston is great because its nice and quiet.

“I would like to see the Bargate development completed – it is an eyesore on the High Street, and it would be great to see it finally finished.”

Tom Wilson (Image: NQ)Tom Wilson from Portswood said: “I do like Southampton for its fantastic parks – it's great for a bike ride or a walk on a sunny day.

When asked what he wanted to see more of in the city, Tom said: “More pubs - I could name about 10 that have disappeared over the years.”

Ian Nuttall (Image: NQ)City centre resident, Ian Nuttall said: “I love to see the cruise ships come in and out of the city – I used to be at sea and I’m looking forward to seeing the new Queen Anne arrive.

“Today the High Street is pretty clean, but it’s not always - I would like to see more litter pickers on our streets.”

Steve Webster (Image: NQ)Steve Webster has lived in Southampton since he was four years old and runs a fair ground ride on the High Street.

He said: “I love the High Street – you get so many different people in Southampton.

“I would love to see more independent shops – we have too many big commercial shops and cafes at the moment.”

Brendan Sayce (Image: NQ)Shirley resident, Brendan Sayce, has been living in Southampton since 1993.

He said: “Shirley is a great community with a lot of brilliant schools and facilities.

“What was great was the live music events that used to be at Southampton Common – we definitely need a live music venue to compete with Bournemouth and Brighton.”