Local council votes to rename street named after former prince
In a decision that echoes ongoing debates about local history and community inclusivity, councillors in Mid and East Antrim have voted to rename a road previously named after a prince. The vote was the culmination of a process that began with concerns raised by residents and community groups about the appropriateness of continuing to honor a figure associated with controversial legacy.
The proposal to change the street name, known locally as Prince A…, received cross-party consideration before the final vote. While the specifics of the prince’s identity were not fully disclosed in the initial reports, the council acknowledged that the name has become a point of contention for segments of the community who feel it no longer reflects shared values or the modern identity of the area.
Council officials indicated that the renaming process will follow established procedures, including public consultation, potential impact assessments on local wayfinding, and coordination with emergency services to ensure no disruption to essential routes. The administration emphasised that the aim is to preserve local heritage while moving toward a name that more accurately represents the community’s current values and aspirations.
Speaking after the vote, several councillors highlighted the importance of listening to residents. “Names on our streets are part of our living history, and we must balance heritage with the inclusive future residents want to see,” said one member. Others called for a transparent process that involves as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, including schools, local businesses, and faith groups.
The debate also touched on the impact of name changes on inclusivity and reconciliation. Supporters argued that revisiting street names can be a healing act for communities that have experienced marginalisation or historical grievances associated with colonial or aristocratic symbols. Opponents cautioned that changes can be disruptive and may erase important local history, urging careful consideration of alternatives that acknowledge the past without glorifying it.
Officials clarified that no decision on a new name will be rushed. A shortlist of potential names may be drawn up based on community submissions, with criteria designed to ensure the chosen name is easy to pronounce, easy to signage, and has universal acceptance across diverse residents. The council also indicated an intention to involve youth and education sectors in the naming process to foster civic engagement among the next generation.
Beyond the procedural steps, the renaming has prompted conversations about how towns in Northern Ireland and beyond handle public memory. Local historians and civic groups have been invited to submit context notes on the historical figure behind Prince A… and the possible implications of removing or revising such associations from everyday life.
Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming public meetings to share suggestions for the new street name. The council has not yet announced a formal timeline for the renaming, but plans to publish details of the consultation process and deadline for submissions in the coming weeks.
As Mid and East Antrim moves forward with the change, the decision stands as a reminder that street names are living artifacts of community identity—subject to review as communities evolve and seek to reflect shared values while preserving meaningful connections to the past.
