Bolton’s city bid submitted
Bolton Council has submitted its bid to become a city to the government. The next round of city awards form part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 marking 60 years since she came to the throne.
Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: "It has long been an aspiration of ours to become a city. Even in the relatively short time since our last application in 2002 we have grown in scale as a place through investment in major developments and infrastructure and more is underway or planned.
"We have also added key components such as the University of Bolton and, helped by the exposure of Bolton Wanderers as a Premier League football club and the efforts of the council and our private sector partners, have increased Bolton's profile both nationally and internationally.
"However, we recognise that we still face many challenges but we see city status as a vital tool in securing future investment and helping us achieve our vision. It will also serve to demonstrate that aspirations can be achieved, as a place and as individuals.
"Being the "city of Bolton" would represent a new chapter in our history but perhaps more importantly would be a very clear signal about our future. We would be proud if Her Majesty chose to award this honour to us."
The council's bid document was delivered to London for free by marketing director, Richard Mercer, of local courier company Parcels2Go.
