Ex-mining town’s bid to become second city of Derbyshire
IT HAS THE HISTORY, SAYS COUNCIL
IT has a history that dates back hundreds of years and reputedly has one of the most haunted buildings in Derbyshire. Now, Bolsover wants to rid itself of the title of being a town.
Instead, it has applied to become only the second city in Derbyshire.
The former mining town in the north of the county has been named among 39 places across the UK and British Overseas Territories which could be granted city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
If Bolsover wins the race, it will leapfrog over the likes of Chesterfield in becoming Derbyshire’s second city, behind Derby.
Councillor Steve Fritchley, Bolsover District Council leader, said: “We are an ambitious authority with a clear vision. We are one of the most forwardthinking councils in the country.
“Our residents and staff are some of the most enthusiastic and hard-working you will come across. We are a hotbed for entrepreneurs.
“We have got royal connections as Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria were entertained at Bolsover Castle in the 17th century and Bess of Hardwick was one of the most notable figures of Elizabethan English society, meaning we have certainly got the history. So why shouldn’t we go for city status?”
In order for Bolsover to be named a city, it will need to beat off competition from the likes of Bournemouth, Reading, Blackburn and Doncaster.
Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, has also thrown its hat into the ring for the right to be called a city, despite it already being the capital of the British territory.
The competition is part of celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign, which will also include a special four-day bank holiday weekend set to start on Thursday, June 2, 2022.
Councillor Fritchley said: “We have so much to shout about and promote and Bolsover needs to be nationally and internationally recognised for its history and heritage and our ambitions to continue to develop it as an area of economic growth.
“This is an excellent opportunity to put Bolsover on the map and I will look forward to welcoming people to the City of Bolsover in the future.”
However the plans have not been universally welcomed, judging by comments on Facebook.
Peter Hurst asked: “Is it April 1st already?”, while Paul Kiwacz said: “Laughable; it’s only a large village or very small town; now if you said Chesterfield, that’s believable.”
Graham Keeton didn’t hold back his opinion of the idea: “April fool, what a ridiculous idea – awful, scruffy place.”
An expert panel will work with ministers to make their recommendations, which will then be approved by the Queen.
A final decision is expected to be announced in the spring.