Greenwich: A Greenwich punter is taking a chance on the town's long-shot bid for City status.

The council has launched a campaign to become the third city in London to get the title, joining Westminster and the Square Mile.

But when Mayor Terry Malone was invited to an Eltham bookies he was wary of putting his hand is his pocket to bet on Greenwich's success. Not because he thinks the maritime town is heading for a bad day at the races. But because he thinks it could jinx the entire bid.

But despite admitting to steering clear of the bookies after one of two costly experiences over the years, Cllr Malone could not resist the offer from William Hill in Eltham for a free £50 bet on his town.

The Mayor said: "I'm not usually lucky on the horses but hopefully this time it will be different.

"It was good of the bookies to give me a free bet. I don't want to jinx Greenwich Council's chance by having a bet of my own."

Sources at Greenwich Council told the News Shopper the Mayor had been actively discouraged from having a punt on the town before William Hill's offer.

The bookies are offering tempting odds on Greenwich's chances, giving 20/1 on the town to win. Guildford is leading the charge at 7/2, with rank outsiders Northampton and the Wirral lagging at 40/1.

Spokesman for William Hill Graham Sharpe says it is still too early to judge the contest. He said: "There's not a great deal of money being put on Greenwich or anyone else at the moment, which is obviously effecting the odds. Last time City Status was up for grabs at the Millennium, bets of up to £1,000 were commonplace."

The title is being offered as part of Queen Elizabeth's official jubilee celebrations, and 28 towns have applied so far.

Cllr Malone says he still fancies the town's chances to romp home by a few furlongs when the contest is decided in the spring, despite his flutter.

He explained: "Greenwich is unique among London boroughs in having an identity which makes it both part of, and distinct from, the rest of the capital. Our architectural heritage is unrivalled, with Greenwich boasting both classical heritage in some high-quality modern buildings."

Cllr Malone stands to win about £1,000, which he will give to the Bromley and Greenwich Hospice to provide beds for the parents of children in Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

December 5, 2001 11:00