Freelance journalist Maurice Fells has called for a centre to promote local history and preserve the heritage of part of Bristol.

Maurice, who has worked for the Evening Post, HTV and Radio Bristol, has penned a new book to highlight Redcliffe's rich past.

But he claims no one else has done anything to promote the history of the area.

He said: "Not only is it dominated by St Mary Redcliffe Church, which Queen Elizabeth I reputedly described as 'the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England' but it has major connections with both Bristol's industrial and maritime heritage.

"The people of Redcliffe have so much to celebrate. Perhaps they should have a small museum or visitor centre of their own."

In his book "Redcliffe", he describes the area as "the forgotten suburb".

He has gathered a collection of photographs, postcards, advertisements and other mementoes of the area. It is where the Wills Tobacco family started their business and the Robinson brothers were born, before going on to build their world-wide printing and packaging business.

Samuel Plimsoll, who invented the safety line for loading ships, was also born there and what is believed to be the world's first tower for making lead shot was built on Redcliffe Hill.

But the author fears this history is in danger of being forgotten.

He said: "To the city's everlasting shame the lead shot tower, a landmark for nearly two centuries, fell into the mouth of bulldozers long ago to make way for a road widening scheme.

"The present building on the site - a pub - does not bear any reference to its past, not even a small plaque."

Redcliffe, published by Tempus as part of its "images of England", costs £12.99.

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