Farteg ??

A village at the top of the eastern valley is known as Varteg.   Now, because of our Welsh Heritage, it has been mooted by the Welsh Language Commissioner that it should be known as Farteg. (No, please don't tutter, this is serious.)  The argument goes that we need to have bilingual road signs and as there is no 'v' in the welsh language, then we have to use 'f.'

NOTE:  There appears to be no evidence that the name Farteg 

was used in the past, so perhaps Varteg 

derives from the language of some other invader/visitor 

to the area, now lost in time.

Originally I was against this name change.  The village would become a laughing stock with people making silly jokes about smells and flatulence.  Children would grow up disowning the place of their birth.  Embarrassment would be caused all round.

BUT, publicity of this suggestion has spread as far away as Canada, and Minnesota, USA.

Despite the statistics that 99.9 per cent of residents do not want the name, this could perhaps become a money spinner for the area, bringing tourists flocking to have their photograph taken alongside the road sign.  They may even look for souvenirs such as sticks of rock - Farteg right through, of course.

One interesting definition (farting about):

"To waste time with idle and inconsequential tasks; 

to go about one's activities in a lackadaisical manner; to be lazy.."

So people could visit this re-named village just to laze around and enjoy the wonderful views from this Top-of-the-valley location.  It could become a retreat from everyday stress and bustle.  

I'm beginning to think there could be great advantages to this new name!

A quote from Wayne Tomlinson: "At the end of the day it's the residents' opinions that matter." 
I agree, so please Welsh Language Commissioner take note.

Update January 2014:   The local Council have advised the Welsh Language Commissioner that they will keep the name Varteg.  Many local residents are very relieved.