A historical postcode mix-up in Whitton could be resolved in less than two months, as Royal Mail begins its residents' consultation.

The long-standing campaign was launched by people living in the 34 streets which incorrectly have Hounslow in their addresses, instead of Whitton.

Residents of the misallocated roads will soon receive letters from Royal Mail, whose consultation runs until May 11, and it is hoped Whitton will be included in the Postcode Address File.

Campaigner Lyn Adams-New, of Conway Road, said: "I'm delighted that companies and even our council will reflect what my own housing deeds say that we live in Whitton.

"For too long the insurance companies and service providers have used our Hounslow address to our disadvantage.

"Residents finally have a chance to tell Royal Mail and others that we live in Whitton."

The change will be confirmed if less than 20 per cent of residents object to the change. Anyone who currently has a Twickenham address will not be affected.

Fellow campaigner Michael Wilson added: "Those Richmond residents with a Hounslow post town in their address have long argued for this change, soon it could be reality.

"It's now only a matter of time before local people in those affected streets will be able to say 'We are Whitton'."

We Want to be Whitton campaigners said there were negative impacts on various issues, including house prices and insurance costs.

The campaign received the backing of Twickenham MP Vince Cable, who urged people to respond to the Royal Mail consultation.

He said: "It's taken decades for Royal Mail to acknowledge the impact of their postcode system on some local residents.

"For too long people with a Hounslow post town in their address, who pay Richmond council tax, have been denied the chance of being known as living in Whitton.

"After many decades this is set to change - I urge as many residents as possible to take make their views known in the consultation."

According to estate agent Rightmove, the average property cost £744,291 in Richmond compared with £427,377 in neighbouring Hounslow in 2014.

In Whitton, the average property price in the same year was £435,239, which is an increase of more than £45,000 in 2013.