Stamford's twin sorry to see UK leave the EU

Residents and officials from a town in the Czech Republic, with which Stamford is twinned, have expressed their disappointment at the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

During a recent visit to Kutná Hora, which is located around 70kms to the east of Prague, Stamford councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing said locals had told him they believe the European Union (EU) will be worse off without the UK.

Harrish visited the town as part of the country’s 100 year anniversary celebrations since its establishment in 1918.

Stamford was invited to send a representative as part of the twinning agreement the towns have.

“The people were absolutely excellent and very welcoming,” he said.

“However, they expressed their disappointment that the UK is leaving the European Union and many hope that there could be a last minute change.”

Harrish said officials and residents from Kutná Hora believed that being part of the EU had been beneficial to the town and the country on the whole.

“This was especially for infrastructure development like roads and houses, which has greatly improved,” he said.

“They feel the EU will be poorer without the UK as a member.”

Harrish said there were many similarities between Kutná Hora and Stamford, including population size and history.

“That is why the towns took the decision to twin with one another,” he said.

“They both have histories dating back to medieval days. Kutná Hora has lots of character like Stamford and is filled with old buildings and churches and is also a tourist attraction.”

He said the principal of the local high school had expressed an interest in starting an exchange programme for pupils from the towns, which Harrish will now look into.

“Many of the children there are interested in learning English and I think this would be beneficial for pupils from both towns as it would be fantastic experience,” he said.

Harrish was also invited by the mayor to plant a lime tree during his visit.

“I told them of my interests which included education and the environment and so they invited me to plant a tree,” he said.

“Overall it was a very successful visit and we hope to welcome a delegation from the town to Stamford next year.”