Frustrated residents have launched a petition to change the "rude" and "offensive" name of their street – Bell End.

People living in the street in Rowley Regis in Sandwell, West Midlands, argue it is one of the rudest street names in the country, with some saying it could cause younger residents to be bullied at school.

Bell End was ranked fourth in the UK in a list of the top 15 rudest-sounding street names released in 2014.

The petition page on change.org says it is "time for a change".

"As you may be aware, the term 'Bell End' can be seen and used as a rude and/or an offensive word," the petition reads.


"It can affect people 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."

The petition offers 'Bells Road' as a possible solution.

Councillor David Hosell, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "Obviously if this is an issue that residents do feel strongly about, I would ask them to forward their petition to the council and we can look at their request in more detail."

Stephen Young, of Minge Lane, in Worcester - also voted one of the rudest-sounding street names - said the petition was "a bit silly" and "over the top".

The 72-year-old said: "There has been no plan to change the name of our road. We have had a problem with people nicking the sign but nobody is that fussed about the name.

"There are no plans to start a petition, people are happy with the name of the road."

The 2014 list - topped by Minge Lane - also included Slag Lane in Lowton, Lancashire, and Fanny Hands Lane in Ludford, Lincolnshire.

Crotch Crescent, The Knob and Cockshoot Close were also in the top 10.