AMBITIONS for Colchester Town railway station to be renamed in light of the crowning of city status are being explored.
Calls have been made for the site to be renamed Colchester City railway station after the historic Roman town was conferred as a city on Wednesday.
The vision has been backed by Colchester Council leader David King who said he is a “great believer” in civic pride.
The station was opened in 1866 with the name St. Botolph’s but was later renamed to its current name in 1991.
Bosses at Greater Anglia have remained firm in their stance that there is a lack of funding to carry out a new move.
Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has hit out at the decision, claiming the newly-crowned city is being “snubbed”.
READ MORE >> Revealed: How much rent M&S is going to have to pay for empty High Street shop
The former MP asked Colchester Council’s cabinet to throw its weight behind the idea.
He said: “Greater Anglia is refusing to change the name of Colchester Town to Colchester City on the basis it cannot afford it.
“I would ask the council to make representations to Greater Anglia.
“I do not think it is right Britain’s newest city is not being recognised by the railway company whose trains go through Colchester.”
Mr King agreed with Sir Bob, claiming it is right there should be civic pride in Colchester’s city status.
“We absolutely should press hard to ensure the destination represents the city,” said the council leader.
“That is in the interest, in my view, of those who want to come here.
“Travellers may find it helpful to know where they are going to, to avoid a confusion that will follow with a name that doesn’t have the same relevance as the city of Colchester.”
Mr King added: “We will pick it up.”
In an email from Greater Anglia seen by the Gazette, the railway company explained “priority has to be given” to where money is already being spent.
It reads: “A name change can cost tens of thousands of pounds and there is no funding in place at present.
“In the short to medium term there are no funds available to carry out this request.”
Greater Anglia has been contacted for comment.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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