PERSHORE town councillors said they were extremely disappointed they would not be able to name a new housing site after an influential family from the town.

The council, which was delegated street naming powers following a dispute over the names of the new estate off Three Springs Road, had hoped to call the new development Wilson Court, after former GP Dr Marshall Wilson.

However, clerk Ann Dobbins said they had been told the properties had been given numbers using the address Lower Priest Lane.

Coun Gaynor Amplett said: “With all the problems with Lower Priest Lane in recent years this really is an absolutely disgraceful decision by Wychavon District Council.

They have done this without any consultation.

“I am extremely disappointed.

We had the idea a year ago to name this after a family who have done so much for this town.”

Wychavon District Council said as the site already had an address, the new homes would not be able to get a new road name as it could result in confusion for postal deliveries and the emergency services.

Jack Hegarty, managing director at Wychavon, said: “We’re sorry the town council feels so upset about this issue. When we name a new road we do consult with stakeholders, but when a development is taking place within an existing road we don’t, and we liaise with Royal Mail on the best approach that’s both logical and simple.

“Their professional advice was to number the properties and keep the road name the same. We understand the town council has strong feelings on this issue and as a gesture of goodwill we did offer the opportunity for them to install a commemorative plaque to honour Dr Marshall Wilson. However, the town council sadly turned this down.”