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A gay couple have lost their fight to change a "homophobic" street named after a popular school governor - called Frank Bangay.

Phillip Tucker and husband Ian launched campaign to change the name of the street on a housing estate - Bangays Way - claiming the addition of the 's' was offensive.

The couple argued either that the 's' should be removed to rename it Bangay Way or that it should be renamed Frank Bangay Way.

However, residents living in the cul-de-sac voted to keep the name - with five saying they would object if it was changed.

Phillip said: "My husband and I went to look round the new development, as you do.

"Having got over the initial humour, we reflected that this street name was actually pretty offensive.

"Somehow seeing it on the sign made it look even worse. We are pretty sure the sign will be subject to frequent vandalism and possible theft."

The couple, who have lived in the village of of Borough Green in Kent for more than seven years, complained to their parish council. Phillip even contacted Tory MP Tom Tugendhat.

Mr Tugendhat said at the time that he saw "no reason" why the name could not be changed, but he did not find the sign "homophobic or offensive."

But bosses at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have now announced that the road name would not be changed because there had not been enough objections.

Residents would have had to change personal address details if the street was renamed.

(Image: SWNS)

Mr Bangay was a former parish councillor, historian and school governor who died in 1999. The street was named after him earlier this year as a tribute to his dedication to the village.

Councillor Mike Taylor, parish council chairman said: "After a month's international hoo-hah we are staying with the name we chose.

"The good thing is it has definitely reminded people who Frank Bangay was. Fifteen years after he died many people in the village don't know who he was, but they do now."

Villager Sarah Casson, 35, said: "The people complaining about the name of the road needs to take a good look at themselves in the mirror.

"There is horror all around the world and they think it's fine to whinge about a road being named after a local legend because it sounds a bit odd to them."

Mr Bangay's daughter, Marian Smith, said she was 'insulted by the remarks', saying last month: "We are all very proud of our surname and both of my parents were very prominent in the village for many, many years and did so much for the village.

"Our surname has been researched back to the 16th Century."

Mr Bangay's son Ian said: "It seems over-sensitive."