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Could Newport Soon Be Classed As A City?

Could Newport on the Isle of Wight soon be classed as a city?

At next Wednesday's (21) meeting of the full Isle of Wight Council, a motion will be put forward for Newport to be entered into the running for city status.

Her Majesty the Queen has agreed for a competition to be held to grant the prestigious civic honour of ‘city status’ to a select number of towns in the United Kingdom, to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

Local authorities can enter this competition, showcasing their civic pride, interesting heritage and record of innovation, in order to make the case for awarding a town one of these honours.

Councillor Martin Oliver, who is proposing the motion, said in the agenda that 'It is widely recognised that the prestige associated with becoming a city can support efforts to boost prosperity and attract visitors. The Isle of Wight is one of a minority of English counties without a city; whereas neighbouring Hampshire has three.'

The proposed submission is tabled as an agenda item for the council meeting on November 17, for approval, ahead of submission to the Cabinet Office by the deadline of December 8.

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