'Ali G' town to change name?

The Surrey town of Staines, which was made famous by Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G character, is considering changing its name to attract more investors to the area.

Business leaders in the region are proposing the amendment, which would see the town become Staines-on-Thames, BBC News reports.

Cohen used the area, based in Spelthorne, for the hometown of his spoof rapper Ali G, and it has been associated with the comic character since.

However, comedian Bobby Davro has voiced his disapproval with the move, saying: "It's ridiculous. Staines has always been Staines town.

"I think it's just people being pompous and snobby."

Chairman of the Spelthorne Business Forum Alex Tribick said: "A lot of businesses are moving from Central and West London out to the Spelthorne and Staines area.

"Everything we can do, even if it's a small thing like changing the name, can only be good for encouraging that business and investment in the area."

Anne Damerall, secretary of Staines Town Society, said: "I think if Ali G gets to hear about this, he'll have a real laugh at us doing something so silly.

"Does Staines have such a bad reputation? We're just a normal place with a normal name, let's leave it at that."