You might think local road names are generated by picking random pieces of paper out of a hat – or maybe even artificial intelligence if you really want to get all 21st century about it.
But you would be wrong. It’s actually the work of the council’s street naming and numbering team.
When it comes to new developments in our district, a lot of effort goes into trying to link road names with the area’s history.
Recent examples include the second phase of the Martello Lakes project in Hythe, with 11 streets named after some of those listed on First World War memorials across the town. These include Bennett Close and Conley Way.
Many hours were spent trawling through official records to ensure the modern day had a very distinct nod to its past.
Not all new names have a special link – developers are not obliged to reference the area, although there is a set of rules to follow. Recent changes mean town and parish councils have more of a say.
Other examples of ‘themed’ areas include the name of planes and those that lost their lives in the Battle of Britain (Spitfire Way, Woodcock Gardens etc) in Hawkinge, while war poets are honoured at Shorncliffe (Blunden Drive, Ledwidge Road etc).
So next time you’re travelling around the district, keep an eye out for the road names on your route. There’s more to them than meets the eye.
We’ve picked out just some of our favourite Folkestone & Hythe road names:
Milky Whey in Cheriton: This is probably the most original street name in the district. You might have already guessed it, but it was devised in honour of the site’s former use as a dairy factory.
Odette Close in Sellindge: Just off Swan Lane, a number of roads were inspired by the ballet of a very similar name. Look out for others including Rothbart Place and The Cygnets.
Ducks Crossing in St Mary in the Marsh: Having found this street name listed in historical records, local residents suggested it made a return. And we were more than happy to oblige.