THE public want to see the statues in Glasgow's George Square retained, even if most people are unable to name any of the historical figures they commemorate.

A survey by pollster Ipsos MORI also found members of the public favour the introduction of a water feature, a coffee stall, increased pedestrianisation, a replacement of the red tarmac and the continuation of hosting events as part of the £15million revamp of the city's main civic space.

Those polled were of the general opinion that while "bland", George Square was generally "fine as it is" and previous re-developments amounted to changes for the worse.

However, the same survey found "stakeholders" – essentially businesses involved in tourism, food and drink and transport – believed there was not a strong case for keeping the statues.

Most were in favour of at least some of the statues being moved to areas of the city "with which the individuals commemorated are more directly associated".

There was also a consensus among stakeholders that the square lacks "a draw" or a "wow factor" and fails to reflect Glasgow's status as a modern, vibrant city.

Ipsos MORI said its survey of a number of focus groups, described as an initial and small-scale scoping study, presented Glasgow City Council with the challenge of reconciling the public's views with those of city centre businesses and advises it to continue involving the public throughout the re-development.

A manifesto pledge by Labour in the run-up to the local elections, the George Square revamp was formally launched at the end of the summer, including the surprise plans to remove the dozen or so statues, potentially permanently.

However, the poll has confirmed public opposition to such a move. It states: "Participants tended to regard the statues as integral to the square and symbolic of Glasgow's history and heritage."

It also said there was universal support for the introduction of a water feature, with several insisting this would provide families with young children with a further reason to visit.