‘It’s an issue for Saints fans’: Here’s why the lights on the Itchen Bridge are blue

It would seemingly make more sense with the Itchen Bridge situated in Southampton – overlooking St Mary’s Stadium – to light up the skyline with the local football team’s colours.

Instead – to some derision – over a decade ago the Itchen Bridge was fitted with blue lighting, the colour of Southampton’s rivals Portsmouth.

A Southampton taxi driver and member of Unite Union Cab Section, Perry McMillan, is attempting to change the lighting in line with the city’s colours.

He told the Echo: “I was born and bred in Southampton and it’s hard to believe that the lights on the Itchen Bridge are blue, instead of red and white.

“Hundreds of Southampton supporters travel across the bridge on foot, bike, and bus and have had a decade of mockery from Portsmouth supporters.”

Mr McMillan has submitted a presentation to Court Leet, where residents can present matters of local interest that wouldn’t normally come to the attention of Southampton City Council.

READ MORE: Shirley landlady’s shock as death sparks murder probe

A panel including Honorary Aldermen, past Mayors, and past Sheriffs, will review the presentation on October 3.

Mr McMillan hopes the lighting on the Itchen Bridge will be changed to red and white by 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of Southampton Football Club’s 1-0 FA Cup win against Manchester United.

He added: “It would be a great way of bringing everyone together and gaining some support for this.

“Especially in the winter months when there are matchdays, think about how great it would look for the bridge to be lit up in our city colours with the stadium in the background.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council revealed why the Itchen Bridge LED lights are blue, rather than red.

They said: “The original design proposals for The Itchen Bridge included red LED finials, and strip arrays on each column, as this was to promote the city, and our links to Southampton Football Club.

“However, the colour was deemed not safe or acceptable, following consultation with the local port and aviation authorities, therefore the blue arrays were selected and approved following further consultation with the relevant stakeholders.”