Ali G's hometown is having a name change. Photo / Supplied
It was mocked mercilessly by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy sensation Ali G. But Staines has had enough.
The British town is changing its name to lose the stigma given to it by Ali G, and will now be known as 'Staines-upon-Thames'.
The Daily Mail reported Staines wanted to lift the region's economy and give the town a more upmarket image.
The idea came from Alex Tribick, chairman of the Spelthrone Business Forum, who said Ali G had put the "stain in Staines".
"There's no doubt Ali G put Staines on the map - but for all the wrong reasons," he said.
"The town was derided. Despite its situation along both banks of a beautiful stretch of the river, property prices are well below average.
"And not enough new businesses are coming to an area which is close to Europe's biggest airport and the main road and rail network."
Staines residents voted for the change by a majority of two-to-one, and the Daily Mail reported the move had been welcomed by businessmen.
Da Ali G show screened from 2000-2004 in England, and became a cult hit thanks to the character's saying like "hear me now" and "boyakasha".
Cohen went on to star in two hugely successful movies, Borat and Bruno. Both characters originated on Da Ali G Show.
- Herald online
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