Fed-up residents living in a street called Bell End have launched a petition to change the name after becoming figures of ridicule on Facebook.
They are demanding Sandwell Council renames it Bell Road because families living along the street in Rowley Regis have ‘become a laughing stock’.
Bell End has become so well-known over the years that people have travelled from outside the area to have their picture taken next to its street sign.
Research found that a semi-detached house in Bell End was worth £126,409, which is £60,000 cheaper than a similar house in nearby Uplands Avenue.
Bell End has become so well known over the years that people have travelled from outside the area to have their picture taken next to its street sign
Research found that a semi-detached house in Bell End (pictured) was worth £126,409, which is £60,000 cheaper than a similar house in nearby Uplands Avenue
The campaign has been launched on the change.org website, declaring ‘As you may be aware, the term Bell End can be seen and used as a rude and/or a offensive word.
‘As well as this, it can affect people and children including children being bullied and teased at school and generally now become a laughing stock as seen very recently on Facebook and other social media sites and it’s time for a change.
‘We want the local Sandwell Council to acknowledge our name change request to a new road name and at the very least to a similar name.’
Rowley Regis councillor Barbara Price said she could understand residents’ concerns and has vowed to meet with council bosses to discuss Bell End.
‘If some people find the name offensive and children are being teased about where they live then there is obviously an issue.
‘I will be consulting with residents and speaking to the cabinet member in question to see if anything can be done.’
But not everyone agrees, saying people should stand firm. Bell End resident and local councillor Chris Tranter claims the name should not be changed.
‘I was born here and lived here for 40 years and it doesn’t bother me. You get the odd giggle on the phone, it is quite amusing really.’
Three years ago the road was placed fourth on a top 15 list for rude-sounding names, behind Minge Lane in Upton-upon-Severn, Slag Lane in Lancashire, and Fanny Hands Lane in Lincolnshire.
By this morning the petition had been signed by 11 people.