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Council Looks Set To Back Newport City Bid Plans

The Isle of Wight Council looks set to throw its support behind plans to make Newport a city.

A motion calling for the Island's county town to join the likes of Swindon, Milton Keynes, Dudley and Reading in vying for the coveted title has been recommended for approval.

It will be discussed by the council's Cabinet next Thursday (9).

The city status could be granted as part of honours being awarded for the Queen's 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The motion has been put forward by Cllr Martin Oliver, and already has the backing of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said:

"This bid for city status is an opportunity for us to celebrate everything we know is important about Newport and reflect its status as our Island's county town.

"City status really does bring greater kudos and hopefully help attract investment into the town.

"A bid for city status should also be seen as recognition for the whole Island and look to build on the sense and value of community that has been enhanced in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and that will be necessary as the Island works to recover from it."

Local authorities across the country are being encouraged to prepare nominations for “city status” for towns within their areas as part of the civic honours competition, launched to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The bid must be submitted to the Government by December 8 before recommendations are made to the Queen by ministers.

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