Kim BriscoeA council leader has called on the whole of Norfolk to get behind Norwich's bid to become the first UK City of Culture, as his authority publicly backed the plan.Support Norwich on FacebookOfficial Norwich 2013 bid websiteKim Briscoe

A council leader has called on the whole of Norfolk to get behind Norwich's bid to become the first UK City of Culture, as his authority publicly backed the plan.

Broadland District Council this week acknowledged the long-term benefits that winning the accolade would bring to not just Norwich, but the whole of Norfolk, and said the entire county should get behind the plan.

At a meeting of Broadland's cabinet this week, members agreed to publicly support Norwich City Council's bid to become UK City of Culture in 2013.

Simon Woodbridge, leader of Broadland council, said: 'We are a close partner and this bid could be very important economically to the area.

'I'm seeking the cabinet's agreement to engage with Norwich City Council to understand the nature of the bid and identify ways we as a neighbouring partner can help to support and promote that bid and give it the best possible chance of success.'

The motion was strongly supported by members of the council's cabinet.

Stuart Clancy, Broadland's portfolio holder for economic development, also suggested Mr Woodbridge telephone some of his counterparts at other Norfolk councils and suggested they too support the bid, which Mr Woodbridge areed to do.

Mr Clancy, who represents Taverham South on the council, said: 'Norwich City Council, in this particular issue, deserves our full support in anything we can do to help.

'The economic benefit and spin offs in bringing more people to this area, will be not just short-term but in the medium-term.

'I know that some people are a little bit nervous, particular in the tourism industry, this it will be short-term gaina and a medium-term loss, but I think the benefit will be long lasting.'

Alan Mallett, portfolio holder for finance who also represents Coltishall, said he would like to see the bid supported alongside the Broads Authority's bid to be recognised as a World Heritage Site. He said: 'This is of benefit to more than the city - for the county too. It could do a great deal for tourism.'

Norwich sent its bid off to the judges in Liverpool this month. The city is one of four in the final stage of the competition, and must beat Derry/Londonderry, Sheffield and Birmingham to the prize.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.

Support Norwich on FacebookOfficial Norwich 2013 bid website