A FIERY row has broken out, after a traditional village pub lost its traditional name on being "spiced up" into an Indian restaurant.

The decision to change the name of Thorganby's pub from The Jefferson Arms to the Indian Elephant has not curried favoured with residents or the local parish council.

They say it has eroded a major part of the village's heritage, as the Jeffersons were a major family in Thorganby, between York and Selby.

According to historical records, in 1803 Robert Jefferson left money in his will to the poor who did not receive regular relief. This later became the Thorganby and West Cottingwith charity.

Restaurant owners Sally and Dorian Ransome said they took the decision to change the name in order to give the premises a fresh start.

Simon Hadlington, clerk of Thorganby Parish Council, said: "The parish council held an extraordinary meeting to discuss the changes at the Jefferson Arms, after a number of villagers and parish councillors expressed their concerns.

"The main concern was about the loss of the name Jefferson, which has historical associations with the village and which many residents feel is part of the village's heritage. Some villagers also felt that the new signs on the side of the building did not fit in with the character of the centre of the village, which is a conservation area.

"The council wishes Mr Ransome well in his new venture and is keen to see a thriving business in the village. However, if the name Jefferson could somehow be incorporated into the title of the new restaurant it would make many residents much happier."

Mr Hadlington said the parish council had written to the Ransomes to ask them if this would be possible.

In a statement, the Ransomes said: "We feel it is now appropriate for us to work with the (Selby District Council) planning department directly.

"The Jefferson Arms had changed hands many times, not an unusual occurrence in this industry. However, the restaurant was long overdue for change, especially to meet the needs of local people. We would like to thank all our customers for their tremendous support, some have already returned several times."

A spokesman for Selby District Council's planning department said the restaurant did not require planning permission to change its name.

"We can't regulate what they call it," he said.

The Evening Press reported in October, 2004, how The Hopgrove pub, in Malton Road, got its old name back following a flood of protests. A campaign was launched after its name was changed in 1997 to the Stockton-on-the-Forest Inn.

Updated: 09:31 Friday, April 21, 2006