'Pigs Village' Welsh name change will go ahead

A rural Welsh village will officially change its name to Pentre Moch - literally translated as Pigs Village.

The name dates back to at least the 17th Century and referred to the pig farm around which the Flintshire village of Northop Hall grew.

Northop Hall will retain its English name, but Pentre Moch will become its primary Welsh name following approval by Flintshire council.

The name survived despite restrictions on the Welsh language throughout the 19th Century and will now be added to Ordnance Survey maps, Royal Mail and property records.

There was some opposition, with one resident claiming it would make the village a "laughing stock".

But other residents said the translation did not bother them and was an opportunity for better use of the Welsh language, which they said "isn't heard enough".

Records showed Pentre Moch had been in common use from the 17th Century until restrictions were imposed on the Welsh language in the 19th Century.

As the Welsh language was once more accepted and promoted, Northop Hall became known by the literal translation Neuadd Llaneurgain.

Even then the name endured and a consultation found popular support for the official use of Pentre Moch.

Seconding a motion by councillor Mared Eastwood to approve the adoption of Pentre Moch, councillor Linda Thew said: "Against all the odds, the name Pentre Moch has survived for hundreds of years, passed down from generation to generation to reflect our agricultural past, our ancient woodland where wild boar roamed and were depicted on our heraldic coats of arms.

"This decision will not affect those that wish to use the name Northop Hall. They can continue to use that name, but it will give the opportunity for those who wish to use a Welsh name to do so."