Two uninhabited islands are due to get street names even though no-one lives on them because of council rules, local broadcaster RTV Noord reported on Friday.

The Wadden Sea islands of Rottumeroog and Rottumerplaat must have street names because the forestry commission has placed a small building on each one.

Harald Bouwman, an executive for Eemsmond council, admits the plan is odd but says his hands are tied. ‘But if we don’t name the streets, we may not be doing our job properly and could fail a performance audit,’ he told the broadcaster.

All buildings should be located on a proper road, and placing street names is a pragmatic solution, he said.

The forestry commission has written to the council ridiculing the plans. If the islands have streets, the council must also ensure post can be delivered, RTV Noord quoted the letter as saying.