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A historic road will keep its controversial name after a campaign was launched to save it.

Locals living in the Rowley Regis street in the West Midlands said they had become a ‘laughing stock’, with children who live there bullied and teased at school as a result of its risqué name.

A petition was launched to change it to a name similar but different enough to avoid jokes, such as Bell Road, reports Birmingham Live .

But while that petition was only supported by around 100 names, a counter petition was set up to save Bell End.

(Image: PA)

The petition called ‘Leave the Historic Name of Bell End Alone!' was started by Linda George and was signed by nearly 4,800 people.

The row erupted in January but a Sandwell Council spokesman confirmed Bell End would not be changing.

He said: “We have not received any petitions, either for or against a name change, at this stage."

(Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com)

Linda told Birmingham Live: "The petition to have the name changed didn't have enough support.

"There has been no further action after my petition had so much support.

"I have cousins who live there. Last time I was there, the locals were a mixture of amused by the fame and angry that an incomer wanted to change the historic name, which it now seems dates back to the bell on a hunting lodge, belonging to King John.

"So the general opinion is that this nonsense has blown over, after all there are many places in the UK with far worse names and they don't seem to be concerned."

(Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com)

The street falls across two council wards – Rowley Regis and Blackheath.

The road was ranked fourth on a list of the top 15 most rude-sounding street names in the UK in 2014.

On the 2014 list, Minge Lane beat Slag Lane to be crowned the rudest street name in the UK - with Fanny Hands Lane in Ludford, Lincolnshire, completing the top three.

Fourth place was given to Bell End, and Crotch Crescent in Marston, Oxfordshire, came fifth, with The Knob, Turkey Cock Lane, Cockshoot Close, Cumming Street and Cock A-Dobby rounding off the top 10.

Cock Lane, Clitterhouse Road, Cock and Bell Lane, Beaver Close and Cold Blow Lane were ranked 11 to 15 respectively.