DCSIMG

MP against plans for 'city' status


Published on Friday 28 August 2009 15:18

A thriving metropolis of a city of Northampton should be rejected in favour of maintaining the distinct position of being a county town, according to one of its MPs.

Brian Binley, Conservative MP for Northampton South, said the position of being the largest town in England, was a distinction which set Northampton apart from other places.

Mr Binley spoke out after work by Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) unveiled the Market City of Northampton, with associated development to transform the town over the next 17 years.

Such plans included a city class railway station, a marina at Becket's Park, the redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre and work across the town, providing a place for 'businesses to locate and residents to live, work and play'.

But Mr Binley said: "We have got the distinction of being a county town and we need the distinction.

"I really am unhappy that a public debate hasn't taken place about this. I know I would rather market the largest town in the country than a mediocre small-sized city, because it's got a distinction."

Mr Binley said he wanted Northampton to grow and develop, with good jobs for people in the area and a town centre with better shops.

He added: "Very few places have the uniqueness of a county town and we want to be building on that. My major point is that the decision's been made by a few councillors and council officers without any debate or consultation of people in the area.

"I want Northampton to remain the very epicentre of Northamptonshire life. I want to ensure Northampton is not only the county town for the town's people themselves but for the rest of the people as well."

The market city plans were displayed at an event hosted by Northamptonshire Enterprise, where the councils and WNDC explained the market city plans and explored the future of Northampton.

Peter Mawson, WNDC chief executive, said: "Aiming to be the "market city" is not about seeking formal city status per se but is about raising aspirations for Northampton. It is a new and exciting way to think about Northampton, and is certainly not about forgetting its roots or its relationship with the rest of the county. Along with our partners, WNDC is bringing forward a number of projects that will help the "market city" start to take shape, including redevelopment of the waterside and of Castle station. We believe that a strong and prosperous Northampton is good for the people and businesses of the entire county."

Meanwhile Sally Keeble, who is the Labour MP for Northampton North, said her main concern was that Northampton was a success.

She said: "I don't mind how, I just want it to be a success. I think whatever you look at it's got to be a really successful place where it is nice to live, with a booming economy so that everybody can have a good quality of life."

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