FUTURE residents of a west Suffolk town may live in roads with unusual names like Flint, Dragoon and Musket.

Brandon Town councillor Tony Simmons suggested a list of street names which reveal Brandon’s connection with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The ten names, also including Waterloo, Flintlock, Cavalry, Rifleman, Hussar, Sabre and Cannon, were put forward to Forest Heath District Council and have now been approved. This means developers can choose names from the list.

Mr Simmons, also a Forest Heath District councillor, said his curiosity with the historical connection was roused on a trip to Italy about five years ago.

While browsing round the Palazzo Medici in Florence with his wife Diana, he said they came across a map dating back to about the 17th century which had three places listed - one being Brandon.

Mr Simmons said it must have been because of the town’s thriving flint industry, which was Brandon’s contribution to the Battle of Waterloo.

Flints for the muskets used in the battle originated from the town.

Mr Simmons, a retired banker, said: “We thought it would be nice to celebrate that link.

“It’s celebrating our history and demonstrates our pride in our soldiers today quite frankly.”

Mr Simmons said in 1600 Brandon produced all the flints for the Army.

He added: “It will remind people about history and our history in that way.”

The list of names was put forward following a meeting of Brandon Town Council.

A spokeswoman for Forest Heath District Council said there had been no conflicts over the list so it was now approved.

She added how developers could also suggest their own names, which also had to be approved.

Examples of flints that would have been used at the Battle of Waterloo can be viewed at Brandon Heritage Centre in George Street.

It is open at weekends at Bank Holiday Mondays from 10.30pm to 5pm.

There is a permanent collection at the centre telling the story of Brandon from the Stone Age to the present day.