It’s a massive shame that this opportunity always seems to bring up more division between people arguing about made up boundary lines that don’t really matter. Anyone who has visited the area can tell immediately it has the feel of a large urban area and most would assume it’s already a city.
It’s a shame about the decline of the town centre, 15 years ago it was ina much better place.
In a an area with significant economic and societal issues, there is much to be proud of - the natural assets of river, countryside and sea, the rich history of industry, university, a range of newer upcoming areas of business, national trust sites, etc… Anything to increase the profile of the good things would be great.