Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is consulting a barrister on renaming Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. The council received contact from a solicitor at another district council who viewed relevant legislation differently.

In November, the council voted to drop the street name after Prince Andrew lost his titles. The road sits in Carrickfergus.

The council has no policy for street naming or renaming. In January, councillors decided to contact the Royal Household before moving forward, despite earlier legal advice not to do so.

A January report to councillors called for a new policy on naming streets in developments and renaming existing ones. Officers received instructions to draft it to support the Prince Andrew Way rename.

DUP Councillor Marc Collins asked for an update at Monday's council meeting in The Braid, Ballymena. He noted that a Cabinet Office reply would take time and asked why a barrister was needed, pointing to past policies in the former Larne and Carrick councils.

Interim chief executive Valerie Watts said the council aims to prevent legal or reputational problems. She explained that officers conduct due diligence to confirm correct procedures.

DUP Councillor Billy Ashe questioned the role of solicitors from other councils. Watts replied that due diligence requires verifying information provided to councillors.