Plans to change an "offensive" pub name in Abingdon has prompted a second petition.

The Midget pub off Preston Road in the town is to get a six-figure investment from its owners Greene King with work starting later this month.

And its name - linked with the town's former MG car factory - will be changed to The Roaring Raindrop - an MG car designed to tackle the land speed record in the 1950s.

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In 2002 the Magic Midget pub was renamed The Midget, a reference to the wider range of Midget models produced by MG.

Earlier this year, more than 500 people signed an online petition calling for the name of pub to be changed as it was deemed offensive by some.

Petition organiser Dr Erin Pritchard said pub owner Greene King should "recognise the offence of the term and its implications".

The pub company agreed to the proposal, and the pub's name is set to be changed.

Nigel Stead has now launched a petition online to keep the pub's Midget name.

He wrote: "Recently, a proposal to rename the pub 'The Midget', a name that symbolises a classic car built in our town over many years, has come to my attention.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "It's imperative to state that this name does not in any way symbolise disrespect towards people with dwarfism.

"In fact, one might ask, do they want the name 'MG Midget' banned too?"

The petition adds: "Our local customs and traditions, like 'Aunt Sally', a game we play in Oxfordshire, stem from a history that we proudly carry forward.

"Both 'The Midget' and 'Aunt Sally' are an integral part of our heritage. These are not mere words or titles but symbols of our identity, our history, and our heritage.

"It might be argued that names evolve with times, but heritage is not something you can change. Heritage is our past presented to our future.

"The MG Car company, a significant part of this fabric, and 'The Midget' as a symbol of this legacy, must stay. Let's stand up to preserve our heritage and identity."

The online petition has so far attracted 14 signatures.

Another online petition calling for the Midget name to remain, launched by Joe Lawlor, has attracted 2,488 signatures.

Mr Lawlor wrote on change.org: "Greene King are trying to change the local pub of Abingdon “The Midget” to “The Roaring Rain Drop”. I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with this decision and In my opinion I think it is ridiculous, the naming is part of Abingdons history."

One reader, who asked not to be named, said: "The pub sign clearly shows a small MG sports car, associated with the town.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "It really is a sad reflection on modern life that I can't use the other word in the name out of fear of censorship. The pub name is appropriate for the context in which it is being used."

Another reader added: "I cannot believe this has been allowed to happen.

"Abingdon is rightly very proud of the Midget car."

The pub is expected to close for refurbishment on November 17.

Greene King has been asked to comment on Mr Stead's petition.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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