Newport — the Island’s county town — could throw its hat into the ring to be granted city status as part of honours being awarded for the Queen’s 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
A motion calling for Newport to join the likes of Swindon, Milton Keynes, Dudley and Reading in vying for the coveted title will be discussed by the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet next Thursday (9th September).
The proposal, put forward by Cllr Martin Oliver, who represents Shide and Mountjoy ward, already has the backing of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.
Prepare for a bid
In a report published today (Wednesday), Cabinet members are being recommended to support the motion and lead the preparation of a bid.
This would be subject to the Shaping Newport Steering Group agreeing to assist with the application as the council has limited capacity to allocate to the work necessary to prepare a bid, the report states.
Peacey-Wilcox: City status really does bring greater kudos
Isle of Wight Council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said,
“This bid for city status is an opportunity for us to celebrate everything we know is important about Newport and reflect its status as our Island’s county town.
“City status really does bring greater kudos and hopefully help attract investment into the town.”
She added,
“A bid for city status should also be seen as recognition for the whole Island and look to build on the sense and value of community that has been enhanced in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and that will be necessary as the Island works to recover from it.”
December deadline
Local authorities across the country are being encouraged to prepare nominations for “city status” for towns within their areas as part of the civic honours competition, launched to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The bid must be submitted to the government by 8th December before recommendations are made to the Queen by ministers.
Read the Cabinet report in full, embedded below for your convenience.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Gianpaolo Mario Photography
