Town chiefs hopeful in race for city status
9:15am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News
BOLTON is less likely to become a city than Reading but has more chance than Stockport, according to betting odds on the town’s chances of winning the Diamond Jubilee city status honour.
The town is joint sixth with odds of 18 to one, along with Chelmsford, according to bookmaker William Hill.
Reading is favourite to be named a city at 10 to 11. However the Berkshire town has previously been favourite in 2002 —when it lost out to Preston and Newport.
Bolton’s nearest North West rival, Stockport, is currently at 25 to one.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “Regardless of the odds, we’re a city in all but name and Bolton deserves to be a city. We recognise we still face many challenges but we are working hard to address them. We see city status as a vital tool in securing future investment and helping us achieve our vision.
“We’re one of the biggest towns in the country and have a long and proud history dating back more than a thousand years. We are going after the official recognition we rightfully deserve.”
Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s director for development and regeneration, added: “I know when we put the submission together it was a really impressive document.
“Regardless of whether we win it or not, it tells a story of Bolton that has already impressed people and will continue to do so, but fingers crossed we will be successful and move up the bookies’ odds.”
While there are no set requirements for towns wishing to bid for city status, the Department for Culture asks bidding towns to include details of age, distinct identity, history, traditions, famous residents, any associations with Royalty and any other particularly distinctive features, as well as up to 50 photographs of permanent features of the town and details of public green spaces, visitor accommodation, major events, sport and leisure facilities and shopping centres.
It is expected the announcement of the winning town will be made in June, around the time of the Jubilee celebrations.
