Could Bridgnorth be the 'town of culture'? - MP calls for nominations for national competition
A Shropshire MP wants one of the county's towns to be nominated for the 'Town of Culture'.
Stuart Anderson, Conservative MP for South Shropshire, said he wants to see one of his constituency's towns put forward in the 'Town of Culture Competition' that has recently been announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Ministers have said that the new competition will build on the successes of the UK City of Culture Programme, which has seen significant lasting impacts across winning cities such as Hull and Coventry.
The Government has announced that the winning town will be awarded £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.
Meanwhile, shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Mr Anderson wants residents to take part in a survey ahead of the competition - with South Shropshire home to a number of popular and idyllic towns, including Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, and Church Stretton amongst others.
Applications for the competition will be judged on three main criteria.
They include 'the unique story of the town', 'how the town will design a cultural programme for all', and 'how the town will then deliver a successful programme'.
The competition is part of a package to boost pride in place by enabling towns to tell their unique story.
Mr Anderson said the competition offers a chance to attract funding to deliver support for towns across South Shropshire.
Ahead of the competition being launched he has urged residents to complete a new online survey.
The survey asks residents to nominate a town and give a reason for their nomination.
He said the responses will help him decide what to do next.
Mr Anderson said: “Our local communities are what makes South Shropshire such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.
"They are where we trade, enjoy our free time, and come together with one another. Our local communities are also major tourist attractions, with the beautiful market towns providing fantastic food and cultural entertainment.
"From the thousands of responses to my Shop Local Survey, I have heard just how much people appreciate their local community.
"I hope everyone will support my campaign to ensure that South Shropshire features prominently in the new Town of Culture Competition that the government has recently announced.
"As part of my survey, I want residents to nominate a town in South Shropshire and give a reason for their nomination. The feedback will then inform my next steps.”
The Government said that applications for Town of Culture 2028 will open shortly.
Mr Anderson's survey can be found via his website at www.stuartanderson.org.uk/news/stuart-anderson-mp-urges-residents-vote-south-shropshire-town-culture.
