Fred Grosch is historically wrong (Gazette Letters, April 19) when he disputes the statement that Colchester is Britain’s First City – but he is right to criticise the location of some of the recently erected “welcome” signs stating this.

The historic facts are quite simple. The Romans invaded Camulodunum (today’s Colchester) in AD43, and six years later made it Britain’s first city and also the first capital of Roman Britain. Following the Boudiccan uprising in AD60 the Romans made London the capital.

The incorrect description of Colchester being Britain’s oldest recorded town did not emerge until the closing years of the 19th century

It was not until the second-half of the 20th century that it was taken up as a serious branding with signs on roads into the historic borough.

I agree with Mr Grosch, however, in his criticism of some of the locations.

The idea of correctly describing Colchester as Britain’s First City came from last year’s Mayor, Councillor Gerard Oxford, as a Mayoral legacy.

It was simple in concept, with Roman purple as the colour and with gold letters, and for there to be 17 signs where roads entered Colchester at the historic borough boundaries which existed until local government reorganisation in 1974.

Unfortunately, others with no real grasp of Colchester’s heritage decided that some of the signs should be put in the wrong place.

For example, the one which should be near Cants rose gardens on the A134 entry to Mile End from Great Horkesley is nearly four miles from where historically it should be. It has been put near Nayland on the Essex side of the River Stour.

I hope that common-sense will prevail and that all signs are placed in their correct historic locations.

I trust that everybody who wants the best for Colchester will rally behind us being Britain’s First City.

Sir Bob Russell

Catchpool Road, Colchester