WORCESTER'S southern road bridge at Clerkenleap should bear the name of the man who helped make the concept a reality, it has been claimed.

County and city councillor Derek Prodger believes it is high time the late Ronald Carrington, OBE, was remembered for one of his leading achievements.

Mr Carrington, who was the chairman of Hereford-Worcester County Council from 1989-93, recently died at the age of 83.

The bridge over the River Severn was opened in 1985. If Worcestershire County Council agreed to Coun Prodger's request it would be the first time a bridge in the county had been named after a councillor.

"I think we should recognise Ronald Carrington by naming the bridge joining the southern link road as the Carrington Bridge," said Coun Prodger, who delivered letters to County Hall this week outlining his proposals.

He is also writing to Worcester City Council, asking the authority to lend its support.

"The bridge was constructed while he was chairman of the county council," said Coun Prodger.

"I knew Ron very well indeed and he came to my Mayor's banquet. It would be a pleasure for me to nominate this."

A county council spokesman said the matter would be raised with officers and members.

"However, it would set a precedent, where every public building, bridge or highway could be named after a councillor," he said.

"It will be for members to decide whether or not to adopt Coun Prodger's proposals."

Coun Tom Wells, Worcestershire County Council's portfolio holder for the environment and roads, was "keeping an open mind" about the issue.

Coun Prodger said he intended to write to the chief executive of the city council, David Wareing, and the director of development services, Stuart McNidder, suggesting authority backed the proposal.

John Day, the city council's head of transportation and engineering, said the bridge belonged to Worcestershire County Council and so the matter ought to be raised at County Hall.