Andrew Avenue residents asked for say on renaming street honouring former prince

Renfrewshire Council will consult with residents of Andrew Avenue on the possibility of renaming the street in Renfrew after the step was agreed by elected members.

It follows the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s titles amid growing scrutiny over his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prince, 65, has always denied any wrongdoing, but the situation led to a motion being presented at Thursday’s full council meeting.

Councillor John Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, raised the issue with the support of his party and ward colleague Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes.

He said at the meeting: “I’m pleased to bring this motion today, it’s about one simple principle.

“That is giving local residents a genuine choice over the name of the street they live on.

“Andrew Avenue in Renfrew was named, as I understand it, in the late ’60s, early ’70s – I can’t be definitive on that but, going by the maps, that’s the timescale – alongside neighbouring streets Edward Avenue, Anne Avenue and Charles Avenue.

“At that time, these names were chosen to reflect the younger generation of the Royal Family who were then viewed very differently in terms of their public standing and future role.

“The context, the reputation, the expectations around one of these individuals were entirely different from what we know today.

“Since then, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has had his titles removed by the Crown and faces significant national and international concern regarding his behaviour and character.

“Whatever one’s personal opinion is, it is clear that the circumstances that once justified naming a street in his honour have changed dramatically.”

The local authority will direct officers to initiate a consultation with the street’s residents on the possibility of renaming it after the motion is approved.

It is located in a residential part of Renfrew – not far from addresses such as Charles Avenue, Anne Avenue and Edward Avenue.

Councillor Shaw added at the meeting: “Let me be absolutely clear, this motion does not seek to rename Andrew Avenue, it doesn’t impose a decision, it doesn’t dictate an outcome.

“What it does is recognise that residents of the street – not politicians, not social media, not those unaffected by the outcome – should have the final say on whether the name of their own street remains appropriate.”

In a personal statement in October, the then Prince Andrew said he would no longer use the title or honours conferred upon him.

Later that month, Buckingham Palace confirmed he had been stripped of his prince title. He is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

It added at the time: “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.

“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.

“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”