It’s hidden in some of the articles about the extra Bank Holiday, and should definitely be happening. Greenwich will also become a Royal Borough. So far I’ve seen Wrexham and Medway express interest in the online press, when having a look around.
I’m assuming that as with the last time, it will be one from England, Scotland, Wales and NI. Possibly two from England, but doubtful.
A bit of background: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_st…United_Kingdom
The main entrants in 2000 (there were a few more in 2002 – have bolded those ‘made up’ :
* England: Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Brighton and Hove, Chelmsford, Colchester, Croydon, Doncaster, Dover, Guildford, Ipswich, Luton, Maidstone, Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Preston, Reading, Shrewsbury and Atcham, Southend-on-Sea, Southwark, Stockport, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin, Warrington, Wolverhampton.
* Scotland: Ayr, Inverness, Paisley, Stirling.
* Wales: Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newport, Newtown, St Asaph, Wrexham.
* Northern Ireland: Ballymena, Lisburn.
So where do you think deserves it, or doesn’t?
In England – I think it should be Reading. It’s definitely the most important settlement which is not a city. If not then Milton Keynes (which is set to grow a lot) and then maybe Blackpool – which could do with a boost.
I’m not sure how I feel about all the Greater Manchester towns/boroughs going for it, same as Croydon really. Medway is polycentric so shouldn’t count. Any other thoughts?
In Scotland, both Inverness and Stirling are now cities. Between those two, obviously Paisley is much bigger, but Ayr is more appealing.
Wales should be Wrexham. Aber would be cute, but Wrexham is much bigger, now has direct London trains and is closer to be able to compete on a higher plane if conferred.
NI I have no idea about.