COUNCILLORS in Worcester have agreed to throw more money behind its ambitious bid to become City of Culture 2021.
A further £25,000 of taxpayer’s money will be injected into the campaign after all 35 of the city’s councillors came to a cross party agreement.
The proposal was part of the Labour group’s five amendments to Tory leadership’s budget which was voted on at a full council meeting last Tuesday (February 24).
Coun Adrian Gregson, leader of the city’s Labour group, felt the five-figure sum would be a “leap forward” for Worcester as it prepares its bid.
“I think the amount of £25,000 was a clear commitment and demonstration of our vision as a city council about where we see Worcester being in 2021,” he said.
The move also follows a meeting which took place last month where various organisations, businesses and group got the chance to discuss the bid.
Coun Geoff Williams, who attended the workshop along with Coun Gregson, said he believed the audience were “overwhelmingly in favour” of Worcester going ahead with its efforts to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Liverpool and Hull
“The meeting was a very well attended from a variety of organisations,” he said.
“There was a huge energy in the room as they were behind the process of preparing the bid.
“There were young people who were terribly concerned and very critical about the conservative and none inclusive nature of the arts within the city.
“But at the same time they were very keen to see the process move towards preparing the City of Culture bid.”
Coun Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcester City Council, said it was important to make sure that the bid was “properly resourced”.
“I think the administration’s view was that we would be looking to get feedback from the excellent workshop which took place,” he added.
“We were going to seek a level of commitment coming forward and then we were going to put forward a level of resources.
“So this is why I am happy to support it. I just hope it is not seen by partners as a token gesture.”
