8ball Tshirts Blog

That’s right 8Ballers, Staines, the home of Ali G, is now officially Staines-on-Thames.

The people in charge of the Berkshire town, made famous by Sacha Baron Cohen’s racially confused suburban rudeboy, wanted to go more upmarket, get a little more RE5PECT.

The members of Spelthorne Borough Council’s cabinet approved the name change and it’s due to be confirmed on 15th December.

Alex Tribeck was the first person to suggest the change. He said: “There’s no doubt Ali G put Staines on the map, but for all the wrong reasons. He put the stain in Staines.” The council liked the idea of giving the town’s image a polish, and a public consultation seemed to back them up, with two thirds of those who bothered responding supporting the proposal.

Councillor Colin Davis said “The arguments in favour are overwhelming. It will go on being Staines just as Kingston is still Kingston and Richmond is still Richmond but it will be able to hold its head against these boroughs that have the kudos and distinction of celebrating their ‘Thamesness’.

But many residents now feel the move has left them open to ridicule. Steve Parsons, secretary at Staines Town FC, isn’t impressed, seeing parallels with the former Soviet Union: “Changing the name exposes the town to ridicule, it turns its back on 1,500 years of history and is not necessary. How about if 500 people wanted to change the name back next year? You could do it, or we could go one better and change it every year. That is the reason why people see this as ridiculous, places that change their names are places like Stalingrad.”

Do you live in Staines? If not, would you be more likely to visit now it’s got a slightly posher but still rather amusing name? Let us know what you think, aiight.