Bridge is named after Spike Milligan

Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher has used his casting vote to name the newly-constructed cycle bridge near Woy Woy the Spike Milligan Bridge.

With Cr Peter Hale and Cr Malcolm Brooks absent, the eight remaining councillors were split equally over the name.

A council staff report stated that the suggested names and number of responses received on the naming of the bridge showed "overwhelming community support" for The Spike Milligan Bridge.

It stated that: "from the 384 responses received, 346 supported this name".

It also stated that the agent who managed the "Spike Milligan" name had no objection to the bridge being named after Spike Milligan and stated that there would be no cost to council in relation to using the name.

Council has resolved to invite members of the Milligan family residing in Australia to the unveiling of the name plaque.

In the advertising period, four petitions, 39 individual submissions and 11 individual objections were received suggesting names for the proposed cycleway bridge.

Original suggestions were to name it the Staples Bridge, though petitions and submissions stated that Mr Staples was both "unknown" and already had a lookout named after him.

Other suggestions were that the name should relate to where the bridge was directing traffic, a geographical feature or an early pioneer of Woy Woy.

One submission for the name Spike Milligan stated that he was "recognised, respected and admired by the majority of residents on the Peninsula" while one against stated that naming the bridge after Spike Milligan was "insulting and crass, in particular as a memorial".

Council will now write to the Geographical Names Board advising of the resolution.

Upon gazettal of the name, a sign will be ordered and erected, according to council.

A complete list of names suggested for the bridge included the Spike Milligan Bridge, Spikes Bridge, AWM Settree Bridge, Andrew Murphy Bridge, Don Leggett Bridge, James Webb Bridge, Keith O'Connell, Kokoda, Peninsula Bridge, Woy Woy Bridge, The 4 Bays Bridge, Parks Bay Bridge, Unity, Woy Woy Bay Inlet Bridge and Parkes Bay Inlet Bridge.

Council agenda COR.49, 3 Jul 2007