North Essex Loses City Of Culture Bid

25 February 2010, 08:56 | Updated: 25 February 2010, 09:01

North Essex has missed out on a bid which would have involved this area being named as a City of Culture.

But officials here say our heritage, including Roman history, artists like Constable and bands like Blur, need to be show cased more.

Those in charge of the Haven Gateway Partnership, which was created in 2001 and includes the areas of Colchester, Ipswich, Harwich and Tendring, say they'll be planning events for 2013 despite missing out on the City of Culture bid.

Chief Executive David Ralph said: "As we come out of recession, I think it is really important that we focus on our assets and develop those as much as we can to provide good quality jobs, particularly for young people, but for all people who live in the patch.

"I think it is a buzzing place and I think we ought to make the most of that."

There will now be a focus on arts and history in an attempt to bring in more jobs, visitors and money.