This time, it’s Bolton’s time

Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s director of development and regeneration, was the key to Liverpool’s bid to becoming European City of Culture in 2008.

Despite Bolton missing out on city status on three previous occasions, Mr Davies is confident that a bid this time could be strong enough for consideration.

He said: “It is absolutely right for Bolton to bid for city status at this time.

“It has been a long-held ambition of the council and partners across the borough for Bolton to become a city.

“In the early 2000s it was even enshrined in the council’s long-term strategic objectives, so this time, it’s Bolton’s time!

“Not only does Bolton have wonderful architecture and fantastic people, we also have a proud commercial and industrial history and that legacy is being built upon by a new generation of Bolton businessmen and women.

“All this is underpinned by a local workforce that’s second to none for reliability, loyalty and excellence.

“Against this backdrop, gaining city status would be a fantastic opportunity for Bolton’s future prosperity.

“The council is fully behind the bid because the strength of Bolton’s business activity would be hugely enhanced at a crucial point, as the country finds its feet again after a challenging few years caused by the global recession.”