BY GEORGE! Orwell is emerging as the clear favourite among those looking for a name for the new unitary authority covering Ipswich, Felixstowe and the Shotley peninsula.

BY GEORGE! Orwell is emerging as the clear favourite among those looking for a name for the new unitary authority covering Ipswich, Felixstowe and the Shotley peninsula.

As part of plans to shake up local government in Suffolk, boundary chiefs are keen to create a new authority but the working title of North Haven has already received a thumbs-down for being dull and uninspiring.

Now it seems support is growing for the name Orwell.

Evening Star readers are being asked to take part in a web poll at www.eveningstar.co.uk to decide which name should be used.

Although Orwell is the leading contender, other suggestions have included South Suffolk or a hybrid mix such as Ipfix.

Other ideas include naming the area after famous figures that have shaped local history - this could include dubbing the council Gosnold, Wolsey or even Robsonia - a nod to the great Bobby Robson.

More wacky notions could include naming the unitary after the agricultural past of the area - Tractorland - or giving it a name that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its population - Starland.

Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich borough Council, said: “The name is very important and it is also important that whatever name is chosen reflects the fact it is a new council.

“I wouldn't want to see it as Ipswich and Felixstowe Council.

“I would like to think it could be something innovative like Orwell Unitary but we are open to suggestions.

“This new council will be about involving everybody so let's start with the name.”

What do you think the name of the new unitary council should be? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Have your say: Visit our webpoll at www.eveningstar.co.uk

THE Star understands that support in Babergh is growing for a unitary involving Ipswich, Felixstowe and the Shotley peninsular.

It is believed that council chiefs are prepared to back the bid, but only if Hadleigh is included in the proposed Orwell authority.

Keith Watson, 70, Colchester Road, Ipswich: “I think Orwell relates to something more than Haven does.

“If you call it Orwell or even East Suffolk, at least you can relate to it.”

Valerie Watson, 69, Colchester Road, Ipswich: “Orwell sounds good.

“I don't like North Haven - it doesn't mean anything to me.”

Lin Smy, 60, Clopton: “I haven't got a clue what it should be called - I'm not sure if it's a good idea anyway.

“Orwell sounds quite good because the river goes a long way and takes in Ipswich and Felixstowe.”

Tony Lloyd, 80, of Shotley: “As far as I'm concerned they should leave it well alone. If it ain't broke don't alter it.”

Bill Birough, 79, of Stratford Court, Ipswich: “They should leave it as it is. It has been that way for a long time so why can't it stay like that?”