Welshpool laughs off city status idea

Councillors in Welshpool have laughed off a request to bid for city status.

Welshpool Town Council had been approached about city status but last night councillors said they would not be taking the matter any further.

Councillor John Corfield laughed off the request and described it as a "joke".

It comes after a letter was sent out to the town council by Powys County Council on behalf of the Welsh Assembly.

"We are being given a chance to be granted city status with the launch of a competition to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee," said Robert Robinson, town clerk.

"When I saw the letter, I thought it was funny but I think letters are being sent out to every town council in the country.

"We have 6,700 residents living in Welshpool and I don't think the town could really be turned into city status "It was nice of them to approach us though."