Equalities committee consider links with Sir Thomas Picton

The Equalities committee of Bridgend County Borough Council will meet next week to discuss a report on the area’s historical links with the controversial Governor of Trinidad, Sir Thomas Picton.

It follows national protests and demonstrations held earlier in the year as part of the Black Lives Matter movement in which local authorities were asked to consider which statues, memorials, buildings, parks, playing fields and streets may have links with individuals criticised as part of the protests.

The report outlines how there are eight streets – three in Bridgend, two in Porthcawl, one in Kenfig Hill and two in Nantyffyllon – linked to the name Picton. It also identifies two potential sources for this, Trinidad Governor Sir Thomas Picton and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Picton-Turberville, a former owner of Ewenny Priory.

The research to date has not been able to definitively confirm how the streets were named, or whether they are connected to Sir Thomas Picton.

The report recommends that further research is undertaken by a historian which can then be considered once Welsh Government have concluded their national review of Wales’ historic monuments, statues and public buildings.

The report further outlines how an existing legal process is in place to support residents who wish to apply to have a street name changed.

This takes into account issues such as appropriate consultation with residents and affected businesses, the Royal Mail and local town and community councils, making necessary changes to official documents such as mortgage deeds and more.

The Equalities committee will meet to discuss the report at 10am on Monday 24 August.