I REFER to the article (Daily Echo, June 28) concerning the proposal that a permanent memorial to the Supermarine Spitfire should be undertaken by Southampton City Council.

I was particularly interested in the comment from Councillor John Hannides.

This proposal is very welcome as far as I am concerned as I have been associated with the Spitfire over many years and I have been an ardent supporter of Alan Jones for the efforts he has made which culminated in turning the Marlands Dance Hall into the R J Mitchell museum.

I now work for the Spitfire Society which is a separate organisation from Solent Sky, which is the new title of the Hall of Aviation and since I assume that Cllr Hannides's proposals are very much at the planning stage I would like the opportunity to submit my views on this subject.

First I am aware that the memorial might be located on one of the principal entry roads to the city and the Chilworth roundabout has been mentioned in this connection.

I feel from a road safety angle, particularly for those entering the city for the first time, that this would be a distraction.

Some years ago the Spitfire Society commissioned and built a full-size replica of the prototype aircraft. This is on display at Tangmere, one of the original Battle of Britain fighter stations.

While it is beautifully maintained I believe that the Spitfire belongs in Southampton and with this in mind I have three options which might be considered.

First of all the prototype flew from what was then Southampton Eastleigh airport on March 5, 1936. While the present airport bears no resemblance to the pre-war facility I have always felt it should be displayed there for the reasons already given.

Secondly Solent Sky display a MK24 Spitfire which was the last production aircraft of its type to be produced. If the prototype could be exhibited alongside the MK24 it would show the remarkable development of this aircraft throughout the war years.

Finally with the redevelopment of the Vosper Thorneycroft site at Woolston this and the Itchen Bridge are virtually on the site of the Supermarine factory where Mitchell designed the Spitfire.

In view of the financial restraints which I have heard about over the years I would have thought that within my latter proposal providing a suitable place in Woolston could be encompassed in the cost of the overall site and would therefore not place an unnecessary burden on the city council.

TONY WOODS, wing chairman, Southampton, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands Spitfire Society.