Debate over changing name of Prince Andrew Way

Councillors in Mid and East Antrim are due to discuss a proposal later on Monday to change a street sign named after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Last month, the King "initiated a formal process" to remove his brother's titles following controversy over Andrew's friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew's association with Epstein has created difficulties for the Royal Family, but he has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, is among the streets in Northern Ireland named after the royal. It was named to mark Andrew's marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986.

Monday's agenda for Mid and East Antrim Council's monthly meeting includes a proposal from Alliance to rename the street.

It calls for the street name to be changed while still "maintaining the important link to the Royal Family".

The motion goes on to say that as the council has been considering ways to honour Queen Elizabeth II, renaming it after her could be a "fitting tribute".

A small number of homes are situated on the street, as well as some businesses.

Other political parties including the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have also said they are in favour of the street being renamed, but it is not clear how long the process could take if the council agrees to the move on Monday evening.

Earlier in October, Andrew issued a personal statement saying he would be relinquishing all of his royal titles, including the Duke of York.

This included his title of Baron Killyleagh which had been awarded to him by his mother, Elizabeth II, on his wedding day in 1986.

It followed the re-emergence of emails from 2011, showing Andrew in contact with Epstein months after he claimed their friendship ended.

The stripping of all of Andrew's titles was formally published earlier this month.

Alliance Party councillor Aaron Skinner is seconding a motion to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus at the council meeting on Monday.

"It's something people have been talking to us about for a long time," he said.

"This has been raised by a lot of people about how appropriate it is."

He said "there are lots of ideas", including Princess Catherine Way and Queen Elizabeth Way.

"We want to have people's thoughts come in on that, but we also have to speak to the Royal household, because you can't just decide we're going to name this after a royal. There's a lot of process that needs to be followed there."

Skinner said a public consultation would mean that people could "have their say".

Robyn Taylor, who often travels to Carrickfergus, thinks the street should be renamed to commemorate Elizabeth II.

"I think it should be renamed definitely, because of the scandal, but don't know what you should call it," she said.

"It's not a good look for Carrick," she added.

"Maybe something to do with the Queen would be a good idea.... then that's paying respect to our majesty."

Lisa, in Carrickfergus, said: "It doesn't bother me if it stays as it is."

"It doesn't really bother me what it's called, but I can see why people would want to have it changed," she said.

"I suppose maybe take the 'prince' out," she added, and suggested changing the street name to Andrew Way.

Denise, in Carrickfergus, said: "I know it needs to be changed," but isn't sure what the new name should be.

"I think it would be nice to keep it in the Royal family," she said.

She suggested Prince Edward Way.

Mr and Mrs Linton, in Carrickfergus, suggested changing the name to King's Road.

Mrs Linton said: "I don't mind them renaming it," but Mr Linton added: "It'll not make much difference to us in the long run".