I understand that Barnet Borough Council is consulting residents about changing a street name to honour Margaret Thatcher.

I grew up in Finchley and started work in 1979. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and Pope John Paul II pontiff, the latter is as I write being made a saint, and rightly so. Pope John Paul II presided over much change in society and much good. Margaret Thatcher, for all her faults, was a remarkable woman, who also presided over much change and much good. By whichever means, rightly or wrongly, she propelled this country into a future of prosperity. It was a thankless task with some tough decisions, but a necessary one.

Margaret Thatcher was arguably Britain’s greatest daughter and she deserves a permanent place in our hearts. I for one would be honoured if Barnet renamed our road after her.

Failing any positive consultation, I think Barnet should consider renaming Finchley Memorial Hospital after this great British woman who, if I remember correctly, intervened to save it from closure. This would give us a lasting legacy that both Barney and Britain could, would and should be immensely proud of.

Aniello Capone

Hilton Avenue, Finchley