The Chief Executive submitted a report, purpose of which, was to provide Cabinet Committee Equalities with information on the use of the name ‘Picton’ in street names and buildings across Bridgend County Borough.  

By way of background information, the Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager advised, that following the death of George Floyd in America, National protests and demonstrations as part of the Black Lives Matter movement have resulted in several UK councils taking steps to remove some statues of historical figures.  Local authorities are also considering whether buildings, parks, playing fields and streets may have links with individuals criticised as part of the protests.  Campaigns began to remove memorials to General Thomas Picton, mainly focusing on a statue in Cardiff and a 25 metre tall monument in Carmarthen.

With a number of streets named ‘Picton’ across Bridgend County, the report looks at the history of these streets with the aim of identifying if they are associated with General Thomas Picton. The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager advised that although the research has been unable to identify the exact reason for the street naming, the research has suggested that there are links between the Picton family and to land ownership in Bridgend.

She added that initial research has suggested there are two possible sources of the name Picton in Bridgend county borough. It was therefore recommended that in order to verify this information and ensure its accuracy  further work should be undertaken by a local historian and the findings of that research will be considered once Welsh Government have concluded their review.

The number of street names and buildings with the name ‘Picton’ included therein throughout different locations of the County Borough, were exampled in the report.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager, then gave some general information on Thomas Picton who had been a past General who was linked to slavery in the 17^th/18^th century.

The report went on to explain, that though a number of streets and buildings in the Bridgend area may have been named after him, there may have been some streets and buildings named after Lieutenant Thomas Picton-Turbeville or possibly Richard Picton-Turbeville, the latter who had been a pivotal person in the past in the County Borough and had previously contributed positively to works (including charity and voluntary), within the County Borough.

Whilst certain Members were not happy in terms of names of streets etc, being recognised by the name of a person or persons who had committed appalling things in the past against fellow human beings, other Members recognised the work that would be required for householders who live in these buildings/streets to agree to changing the street name to something that doesn’t bear reference to the name Picton. Examples of this, would include changing the street name on the deeds of a property, on medical records, altering driving licences and other utility bills etc. Homeowners if forced to do this, may seek compensation off the Council if they had to agree to such a change(s) due to the level of expense this would incur.

Arising from discussions that took place in respect of the report, Committee

RESOLVED:                            (1) That Members noted the report.

                                                 (2)  That further work be undertaken by a local historian into where the name ‘Picton’ has derived from in terms of street/building names in the County Borough with the findings of that research being considered in conjunction with Welsh Government having concluded their audit of Wales’ historic monuments and statues and the names of streets and public buildings.

                                                (3)       That further progress reports be awaited as and when appropriate.