WREXHAM’S bid for city status has now been submitted to the UK Government.


And backing the bid are supportive quotes from a number of people closely associated with the area, such as Olympian Tom James and actor Ricky Tomlinson.


Ricky says: “I am a great fan of Wrexham and the people who live here, and I believe this accolade would be richly deserved.”


Tom says: “The town deserves credit for the way it has transformed itself over recent years.”


Members of the public can now view the 64-page document either online or at the borough’s libraries.


The bid has been compiled by a team of the council’s own officers to avoid spending thousands of pounds on outside consultants.


A council spokesman said the cost was “nowhere near” the £20,000 estimated for the job. It was put together as at a cost of £2,612.37


In a preamble to the bid, the authors say: “Spending lots of taxpayers’ money wouldn’t be right. We believe in city status but it’s a case of getting the balance right. You will see flashier applications, but not better.”


The offcers have used a quirky, down-to-earth writing style which takes as its theme ‘no spin – just the truth’.


Explaining why the town deserves to become a city, they describe it as: “A blast of nitrous that will propel Wrexham even more quickly towards the boundaries of industry, technology and education.”


The bid highlights various aspects of Wrexham, starting with its rich history – from the days when ‘Iron Mad’ Wilkinson cast cannons for Nelson’s navy at Brymbo to Glyndwr University’s production of mirrors for the world’s biggest telescope.


There is also heavy focus on Wrexham’s current position as the largest town in Wales and its growing population.


Also given a high profile are various aspects of the borough’s culture, educational, health, sporting and shopping facilities.


The document describes how Wrexham is always on the look-out to attract investment, with developments such as the new Western Gateway business park and the World Heritage site centred on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.


The area’s green credentials are also emphasised with the phrase: “If Wrexham becomes a city it will be a green city.”


The document ends with pages of pictures showing famous landmarks like The Racecourse football ground, Eagles Meadow shopping centre, the aqueduct and Sharp’s electronics factory along with an artist’s impression of the planned Dragon Tower at Chirk.


A final messages to judges says: “Even if it’s not a city yet, Wrexham is thinking like a city.”


l Only one new city is expected to be chosen from across the UK as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The winning bid is expected to be announced early next year.


To view the bid visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/events/city_status_2012/index.htm