By Jen Green

A "LUDICROUS" idea to change Tenbury Wells's name in a move to attract visitors has been resoundingly rebuffed.

The suggestion - to name the town Tenbury-on-Teme - came from town centre manager Anthony Collis and was discussed at a recent Tenbury Area Partnership meeting.

However, when they met on Monday, town councillors unanimously condemned the idea.

"Tenbury Wells does not need a brand name, we are perfectly happy with the one we have got and intend to retain it," said the Mayor, Councillor Maureen Pardoe, while the Deputy Mayor, Coun Tony Penn, dismissed the move as: "Ludicrous and so lacking in imagination it beggars belief."

Tenbury-on-Teme was put forward as part of the Tenbury Partnership Tourism Strategy as one way of attracting more visitors.

Mr Collis defended the reasoning behind the proposal, saying: "It was simply an idea and not yet set in stone.

"The attraction of the wells is no longer there, but the river is and should receive the greater promotion, like Henley-on-Thames.

"Road signs refer to Tenbury, the town signs to Tenbury Wells, therefore visitors will expect to find them.

"Exploiting Tenbury as a river town could prove a vital element for tourism. It was not our intention to upset the town but to help promote it."

However, Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells said: "We have neither the inclination nor the power to change the name of Tenbury Wells.

"Indeed, its rich legacy and tradition are vital in attracting more tourists in the future.

"My name is T Wells and I would not take kindly to suggestions to change it."

Local historian Howard Miller explained: "The first three letters of Tenbury are a corruption of Teme.

"Bury is a fort and the town name means 'a fort on the Teme' and it certainly suits me.

"The Pump Rooms, recently renovated at considerable expense, are where the mineral wells were and thoroughly in keeping with the town name."

Born and bred town stalwart Pat Bradley also weighed into the ring.

"Rubbish," she declared.

"Tenbury Wells must never become Tenbury-on-Teme and we must fight tooth and nail to prevent it."

Mrs Bradley is also an active and staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion and she added: "For many organisations, groups and charities, the implications are enormous.

"For the Tenbury Wells branch of the Royal British Legion it would mean changing the flag, letter headings, signs and notices, never mind the whole heap of public changes to roads, maps, signs and businesses across the country.

"Tourism or not, Tenbury Wells is here to stay."