Council unanimously agrees to change road name of Prince Andrew Way after local backlash

The former prince has consistently denied any allegations against him, but the council still felt the road name had to be changed.

The Alliance Party and the DUP brought forward a motion asking the council to rename the road and to initiate the formal process to alter the name.

Councillor Lauren Gray said: "While Queen Elizabeth II would be a fitting tribute to the late monarch, we would ask officers to bring back a report that includes a mechanism for a public consultation to ensure the people of Carrickfergus have their say."

The councillor noted that the street's renaming first emerged in 2019 and proposed that the street retain its links to the Royal Family.

She said: "Many conversations have taken place, online and across different community settings, and what is absolutely clear is that the people of Carrickfergus deserve to have a say in how we progress this going forward."

Her remarks were echoed by Councillor Anna Henry, who described the motion as "sad but necessary".

She said: "Regrettably, the alleged actions of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have made it impossible for this council to continue honouring him in the manner the good people of Mid and East Antrim have done in the past."

Meanwhile, Stormont MLA Cheryl Brownlee previously shared on social media: "[The] DUP team believe that the continued association of our town with Prince Andrew, through the naming of Prince Andrew Way, is no longer appropriate.

"Recent events have brought significant disgrace upon Andrew and, by extension, have cast a shadow over the Royal Household. His actions and the circumstances surrounding them have caused deep embarrassment for the Royal Family.

"Carrickfergus has a proud history and strong community values. It is vital that the names of our streets reflect those values and do not commemorate individuals whose conduct has brought the Royal Family into disrepute."

Valerie Watts, the interim chief executive of the council, stated that "there is no current council policy on changing the name of a street", but the officers will conduct a full investigation into what is required before bringing a full report back to the council.

The implications of the road name will be considerably impactful on residents, with bank accounts and driver's licenses having to be changed.

Ms Watts said: "It can be done, and council does have the power to change street names."

A full report and set of recommendations will be presented to councillors at a later date, prior to a final decision.

There are about 10 addresses on Prince Andrew Way, and the council said it will look into whether it can cover any costs that may occur.

Locals have also been suggesting what the road name could be changed to.

One resident recommended renaming the road "Princess Catherine Way", with the Princess of Wales being the Baroness of Carrickfergus.

Another local believes "it would be nice to keep it in the Royal Family," opting for Prince Edward Way.

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