Staines hopes to shake off Ali G link NEWS
Staines in Surrey has officially changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames in an attempt to boost the town's image.
The town's name was officially changed 20 May at 14:00 BST and was celebrated with a regatta.
Town councillors voted for the change in 2011 after the town became synonymous with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's former character, spoof rapper Ali G.
While some have been behind the name change, there have been many critics, including Staines' football club who have said the change is 'pretentious'.
Councillor Colin Davis said the town's image needed help for some time and believes the name change will contribute to rebuilding tourism.
'Ali G may have had a role, but I think it goes back further than that,' Davis said. 'I regard Ali G as someone who put Staines on the map, we're just telling people where it is.'
Chairman of the Spelthorne Business Forum defended the name change, 'It's not pretentious, it's progress and the fact of the matter is there was a public consultation that returned with a two to one majority in favour of a change.'
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