A petition calling for a landmark celebrating Ali G in a Surrey town has been thrown out by councillors.

Residents of Staines launched the petition in light of the fictional character's upcoming new film.

Alex Balkan, who started the petition, told BBC Radio Surrey the attraction would have brought a "big economic benefit" to the area.

A Spelthourne Borough Council spokesperson said after debating the proposal on Tuesday, councillors decided not to support it at this time.

They said there was a "need to focus on other priorities - particularly protecting and delivering essential local services and preparing for the ongoing local government reorganisation."

Balkan said the landmark would have increased footfall in the High Street.

"All they cared about was that Ali G hurt their feelings 20 years ago," said Balkan.

"They couldn't get over it."

The satirical character, Ali G, first appeared on screens in 1998 as the leader of a fictional gang called Da West Staines Massif.

The release of Ali G Indahouse in 2002 brought Staines to international attention, although many residents felt it gave an unfairly negative impression of the town.

It changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames 14 years ago, reportedly to distance itself from any negative links to the character.

However, councillor Colin Davis, who was behind the name change, said the town's image had needed help for some time.

"Ali G may have had a role, but I think it goes back further than that," he said at the time.

The petition argued: "Ali G and the Staines Massiv have given Staines a distinctive place in British popular culture.

"The release of a new film provides an opportunity to celebrate that connection, promote the town centre and create a lasting community benefit."

It urged the council to consider an externally funded permanent statue and was signed by more than 100 local businesses, according to Balkan.

Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor behind Ali G, has been approached for comment.

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