Blackburn bids for city status, Warrington to follow suit
With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the horizon, the Lancashire town is throwing its hat into the ring to become a city, joining Crewe, Doncaster and Warwick.
Blackburn, which has a cathedral, had previously applied for city status in 2002, but nearby Preston claimed the title instead.
Warrington is voting at its 8 November cabinet meeting on whether to apply for the honour, but it is understood that the motion to submit an application will be approved.
In a report to the cabinet, council leader Russ Bowden noted that Warrington had “a strong case” for city status due to its economic performance, growing population and pride in heritage.
As a city, the towns would hope to raise their profile and be able to attract more inward investment.
The Queen will give at least one town city status next year as part of the celebrations of her reign.
Those communities looking to become a city have until 8 December to enter their bid. Southend-on-Sea has already secured its position as the country’s 52nd city, a decision made to honour MP Sir David Amess, who was killed in October.
Warwick is the obvious choice on that list but Warrington must be worth a bet.
By Elephant
Warrington would be ideal for it.
By Wazza
Warrington is one of our finest towns which should receive city status, it could easily challenge Liverpool across the way.
By Warringtonian
Fingers crossed for Blackburn. A great place full of hard working decent people..
By Bob
Warwick fits the mould very well in terms of its historic fabric, its place in English history and its traditional county-town feel, but for sheer scale, economic dynamism and track record you’d have to back Warrington
By Sceptical
I mean, what is the point? City status is nothing more than a status symbol in the UK. It means nothing. A village can have city status here (and that actually has happened). All it means is that every few years the queen waves her hand and a town becomes a city. It should be more scientific. It should be based by population. Once a town reaches crosses a threshold, it becomes a city. Hell, we should even be more logical about it. When an urban area crosses a threshold, every LGA in that area should aquire city status.
By Jo
Always the definition of a city was a cathedral……think BLACKBURN is the only cathedral town which isn’t a city ? ….but the fact that Preston got it last time even though it has a smaller population that Blackburn suggests the award won’t go to another Lancashire town
By George
Warrington currently has at least one Tory MP, so must have a chance.
By Bob
The obvious choice is Warrington or Warwick, you have to admire Blackburn’s enthusiasm though.
By Big Dub