UPDATE: Yes, you guessed it, this was indeed an April Fools gag. We hope you enjoyed it.
Controversial new plans have been unveiled to rename Uxbridge to avoid confusion with two prestigious British universities, getwestlondon can reveal.
The shock decision comes after hundreds of complaints have been aired about confusion over the town's name and the contraction for Oxford and Cambridge universities, Oxbridge.
An Oxbridge academic has now put forward detailed plans – likely to be widely accepted - to rename Uxbridge to avoid further confusion.
'They'll get over it'
Professor Vee Delutional told getwestlondon: “After researching the number of complaints and finding that hundreds of people had driven to the wrong place, or students that had gone to the wrong university, I decided it was time for a change.
“Rather than change the name of Oxford and Cambridge universities – two historic establishments – it makes much more sense just to change the word Uxbridge to avoid more costly mistakes which have inconvenienced hundreds of people.”
When asked what he thought about the confusion the move was likely to cause amongst Uxbridge residents, Professor Delutional added: “They'll get over it. “
In his plans, set out in a 100-page academic document, the professor suggests renaming the town Uxford, to avoid previous confusion.
Renamed university
His huge essay also suggests renaming Brunel University to advertise the town's new title – Uxford University.
Professor Delutional also points out that the Uxbridge English Dictionary would also have to be retitled the Uxford English Dictionary.
The plans have been met with a mixed reaction from residents, but the proposal is likely to be approved next year.
'Fantastic idea'
Millicent Chang, 63, who lives in Windsor Street, said: “Fantastic idea I think.
“Friends of mine who were coming to visit Uxbridge completely missed the town and ended up in Oxford because of a sat nav miscommunication. It's ridiculous.
“Frankly, the name should have been changed years ago. It's about time someone had some sensible ideas.”
But the plans were opposed by Oxford Road resident Trev Worlied, who said he was “very concerned.”
'It's a joke'
The 21-year-old said: “Well what am I supposed to do, are we going to have to rename my street Uxbridge Road to avoid confusion? What are we going to do with the existing Uxbridge Road then?
“At the end of the day, it's a horrific idea. I've only just found out Middlesex no longer exists, and now this. It's a joke.
“Let's just do away with place names and give every town a number, that would solve this rubbish once and for all.”
The plans will be put to an Uxbridge-wide referendum on Friday, February 30 next year.
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