Rude? To us it’s home, say Bell Enders, as council backs street name

♦ The campaign to save the name of a street called Bell End has prevailed. The road will keep its sign after a council said it had no plans to change it

There was a furore in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, when some residents complained the street’s “rude” name made them a “laughing stock” and that children were bullied for living there. An online petition attracted only 100 signatures but Leave the Historic Name of Bell End Alone, a rival campaign, registered more than 4,800 supporters.

Linda George, a local historian, said that the road is believed to be named after a mine in the area.

She said: “My great uncle’s family lived and kept a shop there, long after his death in the First World War.

“None of today’s locals and those that have long-standing family connections that are known to me want this pointless change. In fact they find the suggestion that it should be changed deeply offensive.”

Other reports suggest the name of the road may come from a bell attached to a hunting lodge belonging to King John in the 12th century.

Sandwell council has said it has not received printed copies of either petition and does not have plans to change the name of the road.

Chris Tranter, a local Labour councillor, said: “Of course, it’s been saved – nobody wants it changed.”