Two Teignmouth councillors are looking to go back to the future and revive street names lost when a dual carriageway was driven through the town centre in the 1970s, demolishing several old thoroughfares in the process.
Cllrs David Cox and David Weekes are to seek the backing of their colleagues at Bitton House in a bid to revive such names as Saxe Street, Commercial Parade and Chapel Street.
However, the pair are not so sure about the wisdom of reinstating Willy Lane owing to the potential for comic misinterpretation. 'Saxe Street is on the 1842 map of the town, so is at least 150 years old as a name,' said Cllr Cox.
'About a third of it still exists running north between Douglas House and the library. Commercial Street, or Commercial Parade as it was also known, is now a footway running along the side of the baptist church. 'These old names were never officially abandoned, they just withered on the vine. We would like to see the Ordnance Survey use these historic names on maps and for some street signs to be erected. 'It wouldn't affect any postal addresses as there are no houses on the routes and it would help reflect the town's history and be of some help and interest for people who are tracing their family trees.'
The councillors said they intend to raise the matter at the next suitable meeting of the town council.