THE man who commissioned the building of the Itchen Bridge has hit out at plans to rename it Spitfire Bridge.

Alan Reynard has accused city leaders of trying to "discard history".

As revealed by the Daily Echo, Southampton City Council leisure bosses are considering ditching the name Itchen Bridge in favour of Spitfire Bridge in honour of the famous city-built fighter aircraft.

The plane designed by RJ Mitchell played a decisive role in winning the Battle of Britain, when Hitler's Luftwaffe attempted to overwhelm the RAF and pave the way for an invasion of Britain.

The bridge renaming would be part of Southampton's VE Day and VJ Day celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

But Mr Reynard, 71, who chaired the group that gave the go-ahead for the historic bridge, has reacted angrily.

"I reject the notion that historic events in the affairs of a city can be discarded without any concern for their place in history," he told the Daily Echo.

"I would be very bitter if it was changed. So much work went into that bridge, by so many people."

When the first traffic sped across the now-famous concrete arches in 1977, it marked the end of 150 years of failed ideas and thwarted suggestions.

The idea for a permanent bridge was first floated as far back as 1833, when plans were drawn up for a low-level construction with 17 arches and a swing section, but the project was scuppered as seafarers believed it would be hazardous.

Instead, residents relied on a series of steam-driven chain ferries, and it wasn't until 1972, when Mr Reynard was deputy leader of Southampton City Council, that city bosses bit the bullet and secured a hefty loan to start building work.

On July 13, 1977, Princess Alexandra officially named the £12m structure - and in the first week alone, some 55,600 vehicles crossed the bridge.

Mr Reynard said: "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."

Mr Reynard, of Thorn Close, Eastleigh, is adamant the bridge should retain its original title.

"I sincerely hope this is not a bridge too far, for which we will have to man the barricades," he added.