MIDDLESBROUGH has lost out in its bid for city status yet again.

The town was not included in eight sites unveiled to win the label as part of this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Teesside University, Middlesbrough College and the Northern School of Art all backed the push for the town to get city recognition.

Middlesbrough’s bid also won backing from other authorities across the North east – with an online poll finding 91 per cent, of 2,874 residents who voted, wanted to see leaders try again.

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But the town missed out to Wrexham, Bangor, in Northern Ireland, Colchester, Doncaster, Dunfermline, and Milton Keynes in a list unveiled on Friday. Stanley on the Falkland Islands and Douglas on the Isle of Man have also been named cities.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston congratulated the new cities - and pointed to how the public were “overwhelmingly in favour” of Middlesbrough’s push.

The independent mayor said: “Our bid was unique in that it had support from around the North East and North Yorkshire.

“We had the backing of every town and city from North Yorkshire all the way up to the Scottish borders. I believe we presented a compelling case and would have loved Middlesbrough to have been named a city.

“Congratulations again to the winners. I remain hugely excited for our future.

“I’ll never stop pushing our case for the recognition and investment we deserve. The potential of our town is enormous.”

It’s not the first time Middlesbrough’s push to become a city has been snubbed. It failed to win status in 2012 when the town lost out to Chelmsford.

Another effort in 2002 also fell short with fellow transporter bridge host Newport taking the honour.

Mr Preston conceded missing out was a disappointment, but he believed the new development corporation announced this week would bring “much needed investment” and make “a far more significant difference”.

He added: “We’re looking forward to a brilliant weekend of celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee and I’d like to congratulate Her Majesty on her seven decades of remarkable service to our country.”

Council officials say a total of £4,041 was spent on the city bid. They also confirmed they’d be seeking feedback on the decision.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said he was disappointed the town had missed out again.

The Northern Echo: Andy McDonaldAndy McDonald

Mr McDonald added: “We did join forces with Milton Keynes and Colchester as the three towns that had repeatedly made very strong applications.

“Sadly, Middlesbrough has been overlooked yet again. We are a remarkable community with so many amazing people serving their neighbourhoods, with great businesses and people across our community brimming with energy, innovation and ambition.

“Whatever status we are given or aren’t given, that doesn’t change. Our motto is as relevant now as it was in the beginning: Erimus – We shall be.”

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