Because of the fact that the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent had grown up independently there had been duplication of many street names which led to confusion as people started to move more freely around the city. 

For example there were 7 'Albert Streets', 11 'Church Streets' and 12 'High Streets'.

In the early 1950's a large number of streets were renamed. In March 1955 the City of Stoke-on-Trent published a booklet entitled "Complete list of streets renamed and list of new streets laid out since January 1950"

• Alfred Street ran between Waterloo Road and Brook Street (which was renamed Century Street) - the Waterloo Road side (Alfred Street North) was 'imaginatively' renamed Winifred Street and the Brook Street side (Alfred Street South) was renamed Chelwood Street).