Chelmsford is bidding to become a city at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

CHELMSFORD has applied to become Britain’s newest city.

CHELMSFORD has applied to become Britain’s newest city.

Chelmsford Borough Council has submitted its application as the town bids to become the UK’s newest city, and the first in Essex.

Chelmsford’s application will be judged by representatives of Her Majesty The Queen and the final decision will be made during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June 2012.

Chelmsford’s application document can be viewed at chelmsford.gov.uk/citybid and focuses on the town’s strengths as a cathedral and university town, a growing population, a key regional location for employment and a centre for pioneering technology.

School children from Chelmsford have shown their support for the city bid by producing drawings and poems. Examples of the artwork can be viewed at chelmsford.gov.uk/citybid.

Leader of Chelmsford Borough Council, Cllr Roy Whitehead believes Chelmsford stands a good chance: “I am very happy with the quality of our submission. I think it stands up against any other candidate for city status. Chelmsford offers a rich history and an exciting vision for the future of mid Essex. It is about time that Essex has a city of its own and as the heart of the county, Chelmsford is clearly the best choice.”

To support Chelmsford’s city bid, pledge at chelmsford.gov.uk/citybid.