MAY I, as an outsider, timorously offer my four-pennyworth to the debate on the naming of the so-called 'Millennium Bridge.' Some might consider that title as not showing much imagination.

Perhaps also, to name the bridge after Princess Diana would not really appropriate for reasons other writers have given. I know nothing of Lord Ashton but he doesn't seem too popular in some quarters.

Could I humbly suggest that we take a look into history for the answer? Lancaster and the county has a rich heritage and there are obviously a multitude of possibilities. One outstanding contribution the area has made to history emanates from the northern parish of Warton. One Robert Kytson (Kitson) lived at Warton Hall and his son, later Sir Thomas Kytson became a wealthy London Merchant in the reign of Henry VIII. Robert's daughter Margaret married a John Washington from Tewitfield and they were the ancestors of America's first President George Washington.

Sir Thomas Kytson's daughter Katherine married, in 1545, Sir John Spencer of Althorp and is thus the ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill and as readers will already have guessed - Princess Diana.

Throw in Archbishop of York, Mathew Hutton, and that's not bad for little Warton's Millennium!

There are a few possibilities for naming the bridge if we go down that road, but my suggestion which stems from this proud heritage, and in deference to the Princess Diana memories, is Prince William Bridge. He may even be persuaded to visit the city.

Gerald Pearce

Kevin Grove

Overton

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