A team of three people will be paid £205,000 to help Medway become UK City of Culture 2025.

It was unanimously agreed at a council meeting last Thursday to release the cash to fund a bid team.

An external manager, officer and communications specialist will be tasked with helping the Towns beat Bradford, Chelmsford, Luton, Northampton, Southampton and Tees Valley to the coveted title.

The funds will cover their employment for two years. Details of exactly how it will be spent have not yet been revealed.

Leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) said: “£205,000 is not an insignificant sum but there’s an expectation funds will be raised externally.

“Even an unsuccessful bid will increase Medway’s profile.

“For those who say Medway isn’t a city, Luton, and Bedford don’t seem very city like to me.

'We’re making good progress,' Medway Council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett

“A raft of organisations will be giving their support. We’re making good progress to enthuse all parts of the community.

“People, place, aspirations: that’s the mission we’re intent on producing.”

Cllr Theresa Murray (Lab) said: “The report refers to the ‘underground arts scene’. That could be perceived as not very inclusive. There is a tremendous amount of comedy and literary art and there is not much mention of the diverse community who share their arts.

“We have the potential to look at the impact of Dickens and take a refreshed approach to that as well.”

Both parties agreed to support the bid and spend the money.

The council announced its intentions back in April and has since gained support from across the community.

Back the bid by sharing #Medway2025 on social media.

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