Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat — A Natchez resident struck the flagpole in front of the Natchez Convention Center Friday after nearly colliding with a visitor from England. Natchez Convention Center Director Walter Tipton said the collision left the flag pole on the Canal Street side leaning significantly, but also saved the driver from striking the Convention Center. “Luckily, the flagpole was there, or they would have gone straight through,” Tipton said. “Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and now we have the leaning flagpole of Natchez.” Tipton said city crews will be in charge of fixing the flagpole, and city officials have already contacted him about the repairs.