Petition launched to stop the renaming of the Second Severn Crossing to The Prince of Wales Bridge

More than 15,000 people have signed a petition to stop the Second Severn Crossing being renamed as The Prince of Wales Bridge.

The Secretary of State for Wales made the announcement yesterday and said the new name would be a "fitting tribute to His Royal Highness."

The announcement comes in the year that the tolls to use the Severn Crossings will be abolished by the UK Government.

It also coincides with the Prince's 70th birthday and 60 years since he was "created" The Prince of Wales by the Queen.

Read more: Second Severn Crossing's new name revealed

The petition, started by Jamie Matthews to the Secretary of State Alun Cairns called for the bridge to be named "after someone who has achieved something for our nation".

The petition has had more than 15,000 signatures since it was started yesterday with some arguing that they should have been consulted on the new name.

Criticisms of the announcement came from politicians including Plaid Cymru's leader Leanne Wood who tweeted whether the decision was a "late April Fool's joke."

Labour MP for Cardiff Central Jo Stevens said the Conservatives were "wasting time on a PR project" and should "start addressing the important issues facing people in Wales".

The bridge will be officially renamed during a ceremony later this year.