Councillors in Mid and East Antrim have voted to change the name of a road called Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus.

It follows the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s titles by the King following scrutiny over Andrew’s ties with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prince has always strongly denied any wrongdoing but the controversy has led to calls for the name of the road in Carrickfergus to be changed.

It was named to mark Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986.

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

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.

On Monday, the Alliance Party brought forward a motion asking the council to rename the road while also trying to maintain the town’s “important link to the Royal Family”.

Councillor Lauren Gray said: “While Queen Elizabeth II would be a fitting tribute to the late monarch, we would ask officers to bring back a report that includes a mechanism for a public consultation to ensure the people of Carrickfergus have their say.”

The motion was seconded by her party colleague councillor Aaron Skinner who said he has “spoken with many residents who feel deeply uneasy about continuing to honour Andrew Mountbatten in this way”.

“There is a strong belief that he no longer reflects the values of our community.”

Councillor Skinner added that “renaming the street will not be simple” and that there are multiple statutory bodies to involve, including the Royal Household.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Bethany Ferris said: “Carrickfergus has a long, proud and genuine connection with the Royal Family… As we move to update the name of the road, many in our community feels it important to maintain that historic link but in a manner that reflects dignity, service and integrity”.

DUP councillor Marc Collins gave his support to changing the name of the road and said he agrees there should still be a royal link but added “a community consultation will be key in bringing the community along.”

TUV councillor Anna Henry described it as “a sad and necessary motion.” She added that it was appropriate a change is made “given the serious cloud” that hangs over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The interim chief executive of the council, Valerie Watts, advised local representatives that “there is no current council policy on changing the name of a street” but that officers will carry out a full investigation into what is required before bringing a full report back to council.

She said it has far-reaching implications for residents – such as changing address for bank accounts, driver license and utility bills – and that other agencies such as Royal Mail need to be consulted.

“It can be done and council does have the power to change street names,” she said.

A full report and set of recommendations will be presented to councillors at a later date before a final decision is made.

Earlier on Monday councillor Aaron Skinner told BBC News NI: “It’s something people have been talking to us about for a long time.

“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”.