The former US Navy Air Station should revert to its historic name of St.

David's, St. George's South MP Richard Spurling said yesterday.

Mr. Spurling was speaking only days after the Bermuda Land Development launched a competition to find a new name for the returned land.

But Mr. Spurling said: "I strongly feel, as do many of my constituents, that all of the USNAS and St. David's should ultimately become known as St. David's as it all once was.'' And he warned: "I think it would be a great mistake to call the USNAS area something new and different.'' Mr. Spurling suggested that the area could be split into St. David's North and St. David's South while the US base, set up in the '40s, was reintegrated back into the mainstream of Bermuda.

He added: "Furthermore, I too feel that many of the areas on the Base lands which originally had old Bermuda names should be renamed these names as opposed to maintaining their different American names where this may apply.

"For example, the marina at Marginal Wharf should be known as Higgs Bay.'' The entry form for the USNAS said that entrants should consider the history of the area, the names used by the US armed forces and names associated with the area.

BLDC have already asked for suggestions for a new name, with a top prize of a helicopter trip and a $500 charity donation for the winner.

The old US Naval Annex in Southampton was dubbed Morgan's Point as part of a major marketing drive.

Mr. Spurling said: "Maybe Clearwater should retain its name as I have to admit Clearwater is a pleasant name and the beach was created by the Americans in any event.'' But he added: "I also feel that Kindley Field Road should be renamed Longbird Road and the park Longbird Park as this area was originally Longbird Island.'' Mr. Spurling said that he would encourage recognition of the role of the USNAS and its important role in Bermuda's history by creating a memorial at an appropriate location.

But he added: "I do feel, however, that the names of the various areas as well as the roads should be changed to reflect old St. David's where this is possible and historical recollections permit.'' Mr. Spurling, who left the Island yesterday, has put his views in a letter to BLDC chairman Vince Ingham.

Mr. Ingham said yesterday: "I really feel that the objective here is to ensure some of the history or historical connection with St. David's is maintained throughout this process.'' But he added that public opinion would be the guide in deciding what to call the returned lands.

He predicted that names commemorating the US presence would probably be used for streets, while the entire area would take on a more Bermudian name.

And he said: "We would like to re-establish names which were used by Bermudians prior to the integration or indeed find other names which Bermudianise the property.'' Richard Spurling