INEVITABLY, the glib and cynical knockers and mockers will scoff at the bid, officially delivered today, by Blackburn with Darwen for city status - the Millennium prize that will go to one of at least a score of towns competing for the honour.

But while these dismal doubters may point to the social and economic difficulties that the borough's combined towns have - not least, their horrendous housing problems - and see nought but municipal self-aggrandisement supporting this quest for them to become a double-barrelled city, what actually deserves scorn is their attitude.

That is because it betrays their lack of esteem, hope and ambition for the place where they live.

For where they live does have a valid claim to be a city - one that is as good and as strong as that of any other contender. Blackburn and Darwen may have plenty of problems, but most actual cities have far worse. On the positive front, the borough has many attributes that would in many other countries gain it automatic acceptance as a city.

To begin with, Blackburn with Darwen is already the unofficial capital of East Lancashire. Its population is greater than some existing British cities. It is the hub of a major North West diocese and, with its cathedral, already an ecclesiastical city in the minds of many.

But, above all, it merits becoming a city because of its enterprise and resilience - as a place that fights its problems and overcomes its setbacks, just as it has done making dramatic comebacks from the collapse of the coal and cotton industries and setting itself ever-higher goals.

And the real need for adding city status to this vision and enterprise - and the true reason for it being sought - is to assist its drive for even greater improvement and prosperity for all its citizens by drawing on the recognition it deserves to attract still more new growth and investment.

Those who want city status want to do something for Blackburn with Darwen and put it firmly on the map - whereas the doubters would do nothing.

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