A PUBLIC vote to name Reading's new pedestrian and cycle bridge begins today.

Following the bridge's opening on September 30 last year, 342 name suggestions have been received during a public consultation which have now been whittled down to a shortlist of four.

Residents have three weeks to decide whether they want the bridge, which connects Caversham to Reading from Christchurch Meadows to Vastern Road, to be named Christchurch, Cusden, De Montfort or William Marshal Bridge.

The winner will be decided through an alternative vote system, whereby second, third and fourth preferences will be taken into consideration to ensure a clear consensus is reached.

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: “The new bridge is already established as a key landmark for Reading and is well used by pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Caversham and the town centre.

“It was important that local residents had some time to experience and use the new bridge before thinking about a name.

“The public vote which opens today is the opportunity for residents to make a selection which is both relevant and will stand the test of time. I would urge as many local people as possible to get involved and take the time to cast their vote.”

The four shortlisted names bear some historical relevance to the town.

Christchurch Bridge takes its name from Christchurch Meadows, which in turn took its name from Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford. The Cathedral's Dean acquired 25 acres of farmland north of the river in 1716, which was later converted into a public park.

Cusden Bridge would be named in honour of Phoebe Cusden, a former Mayor and pacifist who promoted the town's relationship with Düsseldorf. Her Mayoral year coincided with heavy flooding in 1947, causing the Mayor to launch a Flood Distress Fund which helped an estimated 1,600 homes.

De Montford Bridge takes its name from Robert de Montford who accused Henry de Essex, King Heny II's constable and standard-bearer, of cowardice during the battle of Coleshill in 1157. Thinking the King was dead, Essex fled, causing the still alive monarch to come within a whisker of defeat. De Montford defeated Essex in the subsequent trial by combat on a small island in the River Thames, now known as De Montford Island. With witnesses labouring under the false assumption that he was dead, Essex's body was taken to Ready Abbey for burial, where he promptly recovered and became a monk.

William Marshall Bridge would be named after the Earl of Pembroke, a soldier and advisor to four English Kings during the 12th and 13th centuries who is often described as 'England's greatest knight.' He lived and died in Caversham.

Voting closes at 5pm on Monday March 21. Log on to www.reading.gov.uk/bridgename to vote.