Prospective MP joins in calling on Government to start “Town of Culture awards” to help aid town centre investment

Cllr Martin Goss is calling on Government to commence with immediate effect the “Town of Culture awards” where towns can apply and be awarded the status which will bring positive PR and investment.

MP Yvette Cooper has written an open letter calling for towns to be given this chance, rather than it just focusing on cities. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/dec/29/yvette-cooper-leads-call-for-town-of-culture-award-regeneration?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard

‘Town of culture’ award would boost regeneration, says Yvette CooperIn an open letter to the culture secretary, the MP leads call to create a civic prize stimulating investment, visitors and jobswww.theguardian.com

“I am very supportive of this call for towns to be given the same chances as cities who can apply to be awarded  City of Culture status. Examples of where cities have been awarded this status has shown significant inward investment, increased tourism figures and overall an increase in prosperity and jobs.

Colchester is of course uniquely placed to apply for Town of Culture with the status of both being the  oldest recorded town and also Britains First City! Colchester has a fantastic diverse culture and some first class facilities such as First Site, Colchester Castle, Colchester Zoo and much roman heritage. 

Colchester is one of the fastest growing towns in the UK and this type of award would continue to put us on the map, increase tourism, get further inward investment and aid further job creation. This can only be positive. I will be pushing hard for this award to be created by Government and ensure that Colchester puts in a strong submission.”

Ends

^30th December 2018

NOTE TO EDITOR:

Martin is available for further comment at either his mobile number or email address.

About Martin:

Martin has lived in Colchester since he was four and moved here in 1978.

He attended Prettygate Infants and Junior School before attending Philip Morant School. He also attended Colchester Institute for his further and Higher Education before completing his degree part-time whilst working.

Martin works in IT as a Senior Leader within the Insurance sector and has worked in Colchester so has first hand

experience of being truly local.

He lives in Mile End with his wife Rachel and has family in Prettygate and Stanway.

Martin has been a Borough Councillor in Mile End for ten years and is the Cabinet Member for Waste on Colchester Borough Council.

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