Watford's shopping centre was finally given a new name this week - but the choice has triggered a barrage of criticism.

Formerly known as intu Watford, managing company Global Mutual confirmed on Thursday that it would now be called Atria Watford, named after the skylights spanning its roof.

Within minutes of the unveiling people were voicing disapproval, with one claiming it sounds like "an air freshener" and another comparing it to a "medical condition".

The frustration stemmed from a public yearning for it to be called the Harlequin - its former name before being changed in 2013 under new management.

Numerous shoppers fumed on Facebook, claiming the majority of people will still call it the Harlequin anyway.

One of those, Michelle Anne Fox, wrote: "People will still say they are going to the Harlequin, no one will say they are going to Atria it sounds more like a nightclub, I’m sure the majority of Watford residents would want it to be called the Harlequin again."

Campaigner George Ryan, who grew up close to the centre in Queen’s Road, felt so strongly that he launched a petition hours later to have the name changed.

He said: "I just felt angry that clearly these people don’t understand our town at all.

"I assumed they’d listen to their customers."

Watford Observer: George Ryan has started a petition to rename the shopping centre the HarlequinGeorge Ryan has started a petition to rename the shopping centre the Harlequin

So far the petition has attracted well over 500 signatures.

He added that with retail being crippled by the pandemic it was even more important to give the mall a name that is "anchored in the proud history of Watford".

Global Mutual took over last October, and its head of European retail Steve Gray said the company believes the centre needed a fresh start under new ownership.

"We remain incredibly respectful towards the sentiment the Harlequin holds in Watford, which has helped shape the strong community values the centre has today," he said.

"Having received over £200m investment, including the new £180m extension, new retailers, restaurants and leisure activities, the centre looks unrecognisable from its past self, and will continue to evolve as we welcome exciting new brands and experiences."

Mr Gray added that the new name "represents these exciting changes and celebrates a limitless, bright and prosperous future for Watford town centre.”