Streets should no longer be named after local heroes because they might one day be found to be paedophiles, according to official guidance.

Councils have been told that places should not be named after individuals - including fallen soldiers - in case they are later linked to "inappropriate activities".

The move comes after hundreds of streets, footpaths and plaques named after Jimmy Savile had to be altered when the star was exposed as a child abuser.

The Local Government Association has defended the decision, arguing it would save taxpayers' money in the future.

But opponents, including a government minister, said it was wrong to prevent communities from honouring their heroes - including the newly named Thomas Sawyer Way in Watford.

The new rules have been issued by Geoplace, the local government quango that oversees the official database of addresses used by councils and emergency services.

Marcus Jones, the Minister for Local Government, said he was also against the clampdown, adding that naming streets after local heroes was an “excellent way” of commemorating individuals who “give their lives in service of their country.”

The new protocol has been introduced as part of a nationwide initiative to improve the National Land and Property Gazetteer, which is used by the emergency services and other national bodies.

Councils have also been asked to ban the word “the” from all new place names on the grounds that it causes confusion and lengthy delays for the emergency services.

Response teams have complained that vital seconds are being lost attempting to clarify if someone lives at, for example, “17 The Avenue” or “17 Avenue”.

Opponents pointed out that The Mall in London, one of Britain's most iconic streets, would fall foul of the new rules.