An MP has pleaded for time to be called on Colchester's bid to become a city in the wake of its latest failure.

Colchester was last week turned down in its bid for city status as the honours went to Preston, Newport in Wales, Stirling in Scotland and Lisburn and Newry in Northern Ireland.

After hearing the news, Bernard Jenkin - who represents North Essex - highlighted the cost of Colchester's two failed bids and said residents are more concerned with council services than whether or not they live in a city.

He said: "The two bids have cost around £20,000.

"Local people are concerned about public services, such as litter in the streets and the lack of affordable housing in Colchester.

"They don't wake up worrying if Colchester is to become a city or not.

"The council should now put an end to this and concentrate on delivering decent public services and addressing real issues."

Bill Frame, leader of Colchester Council, did not rule out future bids.

But he said if there was another chance to bid, councillors would look very carefully at the criteria and whether Colchester could meet them before putting the town forward.

Published Monday, March 18, 2002