THE historic Carillon chimes could ring out across St Albans once more to welcome in the Millennium.

The Carillon, a mechanism for playing automatic chimes, was donated to the city by Earl Spencer during his year as Mayor in 1765.

It rang out in St Albans until the 1980's and is now housed in the 11th Century Great Tower of St Albans Abbey.

The trustees of the Cathedral hope to restore the Carillon and create a bell-ringing museum to celebrate the arrival of the 21st Century.

They outlined their plans last week at a meeting of the district council's festival and Millennium committee, which also heard other suggestions for marking the turn of the century.

Committee chairman John Wright proposed the reconstruction of part of the Roman buildings around the Hypocaust in Verulamium Park.

He said: "One or two of the rooms could be recreated to make the Hypocaust more attractive and more accessible."

Other proposals made by members of the public and local organisations include a statue of St Alban and a party along the length of Watling Street.

St Stephen Parish Council is planning to stage a host of events, including a pageant, a fireworks party, making a tapestry and publishing a commemorative book.

Councillor Wright wants to know what residents think of the projects being considered and to hear from any groups with new ideas, particularly those looking for grants.

He said: "There are less than 23 months to go to the start of the year 2000 and I'm sure lots of people have not yet begun to think about what they would like us to do as a council to mark this unique chapter in our lives."

Councillor Wright is also appealing for local companies and organisations to promote or sponsor events during the Millennium year and support partnership ventures within the community.

Anyone who has any Millennium ideas they would like to discuss with the council should write to leisure services manager Julie Simpson at St Albans District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans AL1 3JE, before the next meeting in March.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.