Plans to change Gosport council logo
Bosses want to make a 'recognisable brand'
Gosport Borough Council has proposed adopting a new logo to give the authority a ‘distinct identity’.
On Wednesday (March 15), members of the policy and organisation board will discuss the newly proposed logo.
The updated logo has been inspired by Gosport’s historic crest which pictures a wooden longboat with a golden sail.
The seal was designed 100 years ago by local artist Martin Snape when Gosport officially became a borough.
Council documents state: ‘The borough crest is in widespread use across the borough, in some cases by companies and organisations with no connection to the council.
‘This creates potential for confusion around responsibility and accountability for services and facilities.
‘The historic borough crest will continue to be used by the council for civic purposes and by the mayor.
‘The logo is an elegant and modern deviation from the Gosport crest, whilst still maintaining the borough’s nautical sensibilities.
‘The sail icon is lifted from the Gosport crest and given a modern, clean twist. Over time, the simple, minimal shape will contribute to a recognisable brand.’
The graphic design work undertaken to create the logo was outsourced at a cost of £3,465.
To ensure costs are ‘kept to a minimum’ the logo will be adopted incrementally, if approved it will be applied to the council’s website and social media pages.
It will then be applied to uniforms, council vehicles and council signage.
Councillor Graham Burgess, leader of the opposition said the new logo is ‘unbelievable’.
‘Have you ever seen a ship with yellow sails? It’s yellow because of the Liberal Democrats. We have had a logo for 100 years, we should keep the one we have, there is no reason to change it.
‘It is a waste of money, money that could be used elsewhere.’
In response, Cllr Peter Chegwyn, leader of the Liberal Democrat administration said Cllr Burgess is ‘talking nonsense’.
‘If you look at the existing crest it has always been blue and yellow,’ he said.
‘The civic crest will remain exactly as it always has been, frankly Cllr Burgess should stop trying to suggest otherwise.’