BELL End is under the threat of a name change as campaigners launch a petition to stop the road from being a “laughing stock”.

But the infamous Rowley Regis street has received thousands of people come out in support of seeing the historic road keep its name.

An anonymous campaigner has started an online petition urging Sandwell Council to change the name from Bell End to Bells Road.

A message posted on the ‘Bell End Road Name Change’ petition said the name of the road – voted one of rudest street names in the country in 2015 – can lead to children being bullied at school.

The change.org petition page says: “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.”

Councillor Barbara Price said: "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."

Juvenile passersby have been known to take selfies by the street sign on Bell End, which leads into Mincing Lane.

However, other Bell End residents have stuck up for their address, with Gail Hubbleday saying: “While it always raises a giggle when you have to give your address, I’ve never been bullied over it or got upset over it.

“Whoever keeps bringing this up needs to grow up.”

Leanne Peek said the petition was “ridiculous”, adding: “People need to educate kids on bullying, not changing place names that have been around for hundreds of years.”

A counter petition called 'Leave the Historic Name of Bell End Alone!' has been set up in response to the original, and has already been signed by more than 1,900 people.

Lauren White added: “Never once have I had a problem when I’ve told someone I live ‘just off Bell End’, if anything it’s always caused a little giggle and, more often than not, a conversation starter.”