NAMES featured on war memorials in Teignbridge can continue to be used in naming new streets, it has been confirmed.

Teignbridge Council is considering banning streets named after individuals following cases where streets have been named after people involved in the slave trade.

But Exminster county councillor Alan Connett has been assured that if the new policy is adopted, it will not mean the exclusion of names from War Memorials.

Cllr Connett explained: ‘I have been given an assurance that the names of service personnel who are commemorated on local War Memorials will continue to be used for street names.

‘The roads on the large new housing development at Matford and Alphington (South West Exeter) are named after local men who died in the First World War and recorded on local War Memorials.

‘Under the proposed policy being considered, the use of a person’s name - whether living or dead should be avoided.

‘Additionally, if the name of a deceased person is used they should be ‘deserving of public recognition’.

‘It would be hugely regrettable if the policy is adopted and, in doing so, it meant the end of using the names of men and women who have given their lives for this country or have served with honour and distinction.

‘I asked for an assurance that the distinctive approach for street naming in Teignbridge, especially at the new housing housing development at Matford is not lost.

‘With VE Day in May celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe, I very much hope Teignbridge Council will ensure its new street naming policy ensures we continue to remember those who have served and made the greatest sacrifice.’

Teignbridge Council is considering avoiding naming streets after well-known people following well-publicised cases where the reputations of individuals have changed.