THERE are growing calls to change the name of an affluent Worcester suburb to prevent it getting mixed up with its 'poorer' neighbour.

Warndon Villages and Warndon are only separated by Woodgreen Drive but are socially and economically “worlds apart” with Village residents likely to live 12 years longer, on average, than those less than a mile away in Warndon.

Now a councillor is calling for a name change after growing sick and tired of the confusion.

“My area is Warndon Parishes with the county council and Warndon Parish South with the city council, neither of which have anything to do with Warndon,” said Coun Andy Roberts.

“I often get calls from people living in Warndon wanting help. Even The Hub has referred people from there through to me.

“Warndon Parishes is one of the most affluent areas of the city but Warndon is quite different.

“I would like to see a new name for the ward, preferably Trotshill Parish South, with Trotshill Parish North for Warndon Parish North.

“I think Trotshill sounds poetic. It’s a lovely name.

“Why they ever called it Warndon I will never know.”

Earlier this month your Worcester News revealed the average life expectancy of Warndon residents is 75 whereas those in Warndon Parish South is 87.

But it appears Coun Roberts has an ally in Councillor Alan Amos, city and county councillor for the Warndon ward.

“There is confusion,” said Coun Amos.

“I would favour the name change so long as I keep Warndon, or ‘proper Warndon’ as I call it.

“Socially the areas are worlds apart. Warndon Villages are, in every sense, different; there is no social, economic or political interaction. They (Warndon Villages) are the additional bit but if they want to do it, let them.”

He confirmed Coun Roberts often passes things on to him that are meant for Warndon, and vice versa.

“He’s a good councillor to work with, but we both have completely different constituencies.”

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said changes to the ward names can only be made by the Government Boundary Commission for England, or by a two-thirds majority at a special full council meeting following “appropriate consultation on any proposed change”.

What do you think?

Let us know your thoughts below - including any ideas for a new name you may have...