Where’s our city invite?

As Welshpool decides to pass up on a chance to become Montgomeryshire’s first city, Newtown has been left asking ‘where’s our invite?’

 

Town and community councils the length and breadth of the UK have been invited to apply for city status under an initiative celebrating the Queen’s 50^th anniversary in 2012.

 

But while Welshpool has already discussed and passed up on the opportunity, Newtown’s invitation appears to have been lost in the post.

 

“We haven’t been approached so I’ll chase it up and put it to the council to decide,” said Town Clerk Steve Geary.

 

Newtown’s city status bid in 1999 captured the imagination of the town and a medieval-style parchment was made to put its case forward. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful and the cost of preparing presentations and lobbying this time around has ruled out bids from many small and cash-strapped councils.

 

Welshpool has decided not to bid but has expressed support should a fellow Mid Wales town bid.