A COUNCILLOR has said he will refuse to refer to Colchester as a city following its newly-awarded title and has vowed to back any bid to restore its status as a town.
Colchester councillor Lewis Barber said Colchester’s new-found status as a city would “undermine its identity and bring about no benefits for the communities he represents”.
In a statement, Mr Barber, who represents Lexden and Braiswick, said he had been “one of two” councillors to vote against making the bid.
READ MORE: Live updates as Colchester gets city status to mark jubilee
He said: “Our identity is one of a special, historic town surrounded by beautiful countryside and villages.
“I do not believe a city is any better or worse than a town. All different types of places are necessary to make up the tapestry that is our country.”
Mr Barber, who also represents Constable division on Essex County Council, said his focus would remain with those he represents in Colchester and the wider county.
“The reality is there are priorities I need to continue to work and deliver on to improve the lives of those I represent,” he said.
“That is where I will continue to spend my time and energy. That said, I would be happy to support any grassroots campaign that wishes to try and turn us back into a town and I will not refer to us as a city.”
READ MORE: Colchester granted city status in sensational move to mark Queen's jubilee
He added: “I recognise this bid was made as part of Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
“Although I am clearly not partial to this particular aspect of the celebrations, I am looking forward to taking part in events to celebrate the reign of the Queen, who is our greatest public servant.”
A total of 17 Essex MPs joined together to support Colchester’s bid to be granted city status.
Colchester Council submitted a bid last year for the borough to be named a city as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
The Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition required applicants to demonstrate how their communities and identities meant they deserved to be awarded city status.
They were also required to highlight their royal associations and cultural heritage.
Readers sceptical about the benefits to be reaped from Colchester’s new-found status were also quick to react.
Daniel Sharples said: “Well, I’m all up for progress but I prefer its title left alone. What does this really mean for Colchester?
“The reference to a ‘competition’ is a poor choice of words and I hope there is more content to all of this.
“Will there be more funding for schools, roads, and the town centre? Most cities I have visited have a vibrant centre, I am not sure the same can be said for Colchester or are we marking Tollgate as our new city centre, great for the recognition of our heritage though.”
Aaron Rogers added: “I can’t really see this as being a positive thing – it just shows how built up this whole country is becoming; villages are becoming towns, towns are becoming cities.
“In what way is that positive.
“The majority of us keep moving out of these built up areas to get away from it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel