Llangattock-Vibon–Avel Community Council has raised an issue with Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) decision to apply a Welsh name to Rockfield.

MCC's highways section introduced the name 'Llanoronwy' in 2004 without any prior consultation with the community council.

Roy Nicholas, Llangattock-Vibon-Avel Community Council's clerk and proper officer, has brought the issue to attention as, being a Welsh speaker, he has highlighted how there is no Welsh name for Rockfield in existence.

In fact, people have been using 'Rockfield' as the name since 1566.

After speaking to the Welsh Language Board, Roy has received confirmation that they condemn the use of the Welsh alternative.

The board said: "We do not recommend using the name Llanoronwy for Rockfield.

"The team's guidelines state that 'Pedantic or antiquarian forms and literal or whimsical translations should be avoided unless there is sound evidence that they are in common use both locally and nationally'."

Roy is concerned as the seven large signs displaying the name 'Llanoronwy' have been erected at the taxpayer's expense.

He said: "They have cost a lot of money – well into four figure sums.

"The community council would like to see the present proliferation of signs showing Llanoronwy being dismantled or the word being obliterated."

Traffic and network manager Paul Keeble said: "MCC can confirm that the Welsh Language Board do not suggest any Welsh equivalent to the name Rockfield.

"The council is currently considering a review of the standardised Welsh Language Board list of Welsh names and the consultation process before changing any existing signage.

"There are no immediate plans to change the Rockfield sign.

"Due to budgetary constraints it is likely that, having agreed on the appropriate naming, signs will only be replaced as part of maintenance requirements."