Big cat problem – your views

Shrewsbury folk are being asked for their views on a new logo after heraldic experts were called in to examine why the town has two coats of arms. But Shropshirestar.com readers have already been giving their opinions.

The new Shrewsbury Town Council – which will come into existence next year – needs a logo and it could use the coat of arms granted to the town before 1974 – when a borough council was formed.

But council bosses have discovered more than one design existed before 1974. Records show that as far back as 1906 the design was made up of three lions' faces but there is also evidence that it consisted of three loggerheads.

The College of Arms, heraldic experts, have been brought in to investigate the matter.

And Council leader Councillor Peter Nutting said he wanted people to have their say on the debate over leopards and lions.

He said: "I'm trying to make the process as open as possible so as many people can have an in put.

"One was used before 1974 and the one with leopards is historic. Now the new town council will have to decide which arms they use.

"This is just some initial thoughts. I'm quite happy for people to start giving their opinions on what they think should or should not happen but I do not expect a decision to be made until the new council is formed as it's a decision it should make rather than members of a different council."

Robert Noel, Lancaster Herald at The College of Arms, who is investigating the case, said he would have more results on Friday.

He said: "I expect our investigations to be ready by the end of the week.I am looking at all the Shrewsbury information registered here since the early days of heraldry."

In order to use the heraldic arms on a logo, the council will need a Royal Licence.

So far, despite a strong start for leopards, the vote for lions has increased, and at the time of going to press the results showed an even 50/50 split. But what's your view? Vote now in our online poll below. It's just a matter of clicking your mouse button.