PLANS to rename Southampton's Itchen Bridge after the famous Spitfire fighter plane which helped win the Second World War have been shot down in flames, the Daily Echo can reveal.

City chiefs were considering renaming the bridge as part of the city's VE Day and VJ Day celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

The idea was to honour the famous Southampton-built fighter aircraft, designed by the legendary RJ Mitchell, which played a decisive role in winning the Battle of Britain, when Hitler's Luftwaffe attempted to overwhelm the Royal Air Force and pave the way for a German invasion.

Now City Council bosses have revealed that Spitfire Bridge is unlikely to become a reality.

A spokesman said: "The renaming of the Itchen Bridge as Spitfire Bridge was an idea - it was never a proposal that has been voted on.

"The renaming hasn't gained enough support from any of the political parties. It never was a solid proposal and it is certainly not going to happen as part of the 60th celebrations."

RJ Mitchell's son, Gordon, who lives in Cheltenham, was saddened by the announcement.

Dr Mitchell, who had volunteered to attend the official renaming ceremony, said: "I'm slightly disappointed - but I am far more interested in naming Southampton International Airport after my father. That, to me, is much more important."

It was music to the ears of the man who commissioned the building of the £12m Itchen Bridge, which was officially named in 1977 by Princess Alexandra. Alan Reynard was deputy leader of Southampton City Council in 1972 when city bosses secured a hefty loan to start building work.

Mr Reynard, 72, of Thorn Close, Eastleigh, had opposed the move to rename the bridge from the outset, accusing city leaders of trying to "discard history."

He said: "I'm extremely pleased. The Itchen Bridge was far too significant an event in the life of the city to be discarded.

"The naming of the Itchen Bridge, while not of note in a national context, was a celebration of a promise given long before the Spitfire was inspired, yet alone built, to construct a bridge in return for the amalgamation of the Itchen parishes into Southampton.

"It had been talked about for so long that it was almost like folklore. When it actually happened, the opening and naming was rightly celebrated."