Residents in the Welsh village of Northop Hall are up in arms over plans to formally add the Welsh name 'Pentre Moch'—which translates to 'Pig's Village'—to road signs, with some locals claiming the move will turn them into a 'laughing stock'. The traditional Welsh name, which has existed for 400 years, would be displayed alongside the English name, according to the BBC.
Local Opposition and Support
Jeff Sampson, a resident of 46 years, said: 'I personally am not happy about it. I really don't think it's necessary. To be honest, I think it's going to make the village a laughing stock.' He added: 'There has been a lot of influx of people in the village and they want a Welsh equivalent—well, just go somewhere where it's already installed.'
However, Scott Bagley, who has lived in the village for 25 years, backed the plan, praising its celebration of the 'lovely Welsh language'. 'They should have Northop and the Welsh variation. It's a lovely place,' he said.
Council and Commissioner's Justification
John Gollege, chairman of the local community council, argued that the change was an attempt to 'display and encourage' the area's Welsh heritage. He noted that other towns and villages like Mochdre, Swindon and Swinton all have references to pigs in their names.
Council clerk Sharon Swift said the council's recommendation of the Pentre Moch name followed a 'very rigorous review process'. 'This has included extensive checking of resident details to the electoral roll and also the elimination of multiple voting in person and via email,' she added.
Historical and Linguistic Context
A report by the Welsh Language Commissioner said there had been 'several attempts' to find an alternative Welsh name but none had 'gained currency in the same way as the original and historical name of Pentre Moch'. The commissioner said the name was 'descriptive not derogatory' and reflected Wales' 'key status in the agricultural economy of the Middle Ages'.
