Royal name change is bridge too far for Welsh

OUTRAGED Welsh nationalists have condemned a decision to rename the Second Severn Crossing after Prince Charles.

The M4 motorway link is to be called the Prince of Wales Bridge to mark Charles’ 70th birthday in November.

The decision was made with no public consultation and several online petitions launched yesterday urging politicians to reconsider. Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood asked: ‘Is this a late April Fool joke?’

While motorist Sharon Jones, from Cardigan, Ceredigion, said: ‘It’s absolutely appalling it will be called this – he has done nothing for our country.

‘It should be named after someone like [Labour’s architect of the NHS] Aneurin Bevan. It’s awful that our beautiful bridge will be called this.’

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: ‘Renaming one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales is a fitting way to recognise his commitment and dedication to Wales and the UK.’

Labour’s Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens accused Mr Cairns of ‘wasting time on PR projects’.

The bridge, linking England and Wales, was opened by the Prince in 1996.