A newly-formed town council is toying with a name change to clear up any “confusion” after repeatedly receiving messages intended for another town nearly 200 miles away.

Stone Parish Council formally resolved to become a Town Council – a change that recognises the local authority’s operations and the area’s continued growth and future potential – last month.

Councillor Jessica McQueen was elected to serve as its first town mayor following its annual meet-up.

Commenting on the change online, she said: “This change reflects the scale and ambition of our area.

“It strengthens our civic status and introduces the role of mayor, a dedicated voice for our community and a champion for the place we call home.”

The new town mayor also revealed that in addition to the restructure the town council, near Dartford, is also considering a name change.

She explained this was due to “confusion” with another well-known market town, which shares the same name, in Staffordshire.

“We regularly receive messages meant for them,” she added.

“This confusion has highlighted the need to better define our identity.”

“We don’t want to lose the name Stone. It’s part of our heritage. But perhaps it’s time to update it to reflect our location more clearly.”

The initial idea put forward is “Stone-on-Thames”, reflecting the town’s importance at the heart of major regeneration plans in the Thames Gateway.

The "on Thames" or "upon Thames" suffix is used in the names of many English towns and villages located on or near the River Thames.

These suffixes help distinguish them from other places with the same name.

Towns like Richmond, Stratford, and Kingston are often used to refer to places on the Thames. It’s been adopted more locally by Purfleet in Essex, on the other side of the estuary to Stone.

Cllr McQueen added becoming a town wasn’t just about “titles” and is about what “we do next”.

“In the coming weeks we will be opening brand new features at Stone Recreation Ground, a high quality green space we’ve worked for years to deliver,” she added.

“This marks a major milestone in our neighbourhood plan, but we’re also planning for the future.

“That’s why we will soon be asking on your views on our strategic plans for the next three years.

“We want to know what matters most to you. Whether it’s better community spaces, support for families, the environment or local events.”

Local residents will have the chance to share their thoughts on the proposed changes through upcoming surveys, events and online.