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The city of Merthyr Tydfil? Town set to apply as part of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

08 Sep 2021 3 minute read
Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre.

Anthony Lewis, local democracy reporter

Merthyr Tydfil is set to apply for city status as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The UK Government has announced a civic honours competition as part of the celebrations which includes a competition for city status and any local authority in any part of the United Kingdom is welcome to enter.

Applications may only be made by an elected local authority for its entire area or a distinct area within its boundary.

Merthyr Tydfil Council said it has been working hard to prepare this application and there will be a presentation held at full council today on the proposed bid.

Councillor Lisa Mytton, leader of the council, said: “There is so much to be proud of here in Merthyr Tydfil as well as us being at the geographical heart of the Valleys.

“Fantastic news that the local MP Gerald Jones is backing our campaign to achieve city status and we will be approaching many others to ask for their support.

“Further information on how you can support this campaign will follow in due course.

“Merthyr Tydfil deserves this, so let’s work together as a united front to achieve city status for our town.”

‘Cradle’

The bid is being backed by local MP Gerald Jones who said he feels that the time is right to recognise the area’s unique history as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

He said: “There’s so much to be proud of here in Merthyr Tydfil.  Whether it’s the town’s history as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, the birthplace of the world’s first railway steam locomotive or the constituency of the first ever Labour MP, Keir Hardie.

“Indeed, iron forged here in Merthyr Tydfil supplied the Royal Navy and helped build the modern world.  Coal from Merthyr Tydfil was shipped all over the globe and helped create cities such as Cardiff.”

The Cyfarthfa ironworks, Merthyr Tydfil, during the Industrial Revolution.

Gerald Jones added: “As we look forward to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we remember the Royal Family’s long connection with the borough. From the visit of King Edward VIII in 1936, to the numerous visits from HRH Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall to the Queen’s long-standing and very personal connection with Aberfan.

“As well as being at the geographical heart of the Valleys, Merthyr Tydfil is also the heart of the Valleys for culture, leisure and tourism, and employment.

“Conferring city status upon Merthyr Tydfil would be a fitting tribute to the town’s history and role in creating the world as well as reflecting its place in modern Wales.

“I’m urging everyone in Merthyr Tydfil to come together to back Merthyr Tydfil City.”


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Steve George
Steve George
2 years ago

This is daft. Whatever Merthyr is or whatever its history (a history that many parts of South Wales can lay claim to) it’s simply not a city. Never has been and never will be. If Merthyr becomes a city then the definition has become so wide as to be virtually meaningless. Merthyr is a town and will always be a town.

Hannergylch
Hannergylch
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve George

Yes, it is daft. Only daft people care.

Civic dignitaries, if you’re reading this, please stop being daft.

j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago
Reply to  Hannergylch

“……..and, to your right, the magnificent Merthyr Cathedral, it’s spire……….”
No offence to Merthyr, as Wrecsam council also want this. Locals say no.

Last edited 2 years ago by j humphrys
Owain Morgan
Owain Morgan
2 years ago

Why do we need the Queen of England to give a place in Cymru City status!? Bangor was given city status by a Native Welsh Prince. If Merthyr Tydfil wants city status a Native Welsh authority should adjudicate on it. Forget the English Royals and the Crown Estates Commission. The sooner they get out of Cymru’s business the better!

Grayham Jones
2 years ago

No English royals competition in Merthyr stop being little Englanders and and be proud to be welsh the valleys of wales are letting wales down by being stuck to England it’s time for a new wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 A Free Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Brian Edwards
2 years ago
Reply to  Grayham Jones

The discussion here is Merthyr becoming a city not your view’s on Wales going it alone with those loons in Cardiff in charge, United Kingdom we are and once we are not then the trouble begins, racist towards the English people like you are.

Grayham Jones
2 years ago

Merthyr is part of Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 not England stop being little Englanders and and be proud to be welsh

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago

Seriously daft idea. Some dick wearing a chain wants wear a bigger one, so he can puff his silly chest out a bit more and suck up to royalty and nobility. Time for this servility to be put in the skip.

Dewi Davies
Dewi Davies
2 years ago

This is a joke and I speak as a Merthyr resident.The labour council is responsible for destroying vast amounts of heritage by demolishing or covering with concrete.The new college and new b&q are examples of this both built on top of old iron works foundations.The list is endless and Gerald is a joke.If Keir Hardie could see the shambles labour has now become hed spin in his grave.

Robert Oconnell
Robert Oconnell
2 years ago

merthyr is a dump

Brian Edwards
2 years ago

Yet another crackpot idea by the looney tune councillor’s of Merthyr Tydfil,how much money will be wasted on this?

Mike Hunt
Mike Hunt
2 years ago

Look around Merthyr a little bit more and see the dump site that it has become

Last edited 2 years ago by Mike Hunt
Mike Hunt
Mike Hunt
2 years ago

Perhaps the folk campaigning for this should stroll around Merthyr more often.
The fly tipping on the Tram Road, the skag head’s staggering around like The Thriller video or the drunks, spice and crack smokers sitting on the Red House steps on Newcastle Street at all times of the day as children and people with families walk past.
Open your eye’s, you dingbats.

Last edited 2 years ago by Mike Hunt

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