High Street shortlisted once again

A panel of independent judges has once again shortlisted Welshpool for a Great British award.

The town is one of just 28 high streets shortlisted for the Rising Star category of the Great British High Street Awards 2019.

Organisers have not said when the judges made their visit as part of their “rigorous selection process”, but it is likely to have happened before the chaotic past few months which have seen the town centre undergo a drastic series of pavement-widening and road works.

Welshpool Town Council led the bid and it could land the town up to £15,000 if successful. 

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Congratulations to Welshpool for being shortlisted for the Rising Star Award for this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“Local traders and the council are working together brilliantly in Welshpool to put on inspired events and make sure that the high street is accessible to everyone.

“People are happier when they can see their hard-earned cash support local businesses. That is why we are celebrating those that go above and beyond to keep their high streets thriving for generations to come.” 

Welshpool is one of the 28 high streets that have been shortlisted for the Rising Star category, identifying high streets which are taking the lead to adapt and diversify. Others in Wales include Caernarfon, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Mold, Pembroke and Caldicot.

You can vote for Welshpool at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk, with the public vote accounting for 20 percent of the final scoring.

The shortlisted high streets will then have the chance to impress another expert judging panel as they seek to be crowned the UK’s Champion and Rising Star.

The Great British High Street Awards 2019, which are being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Visa and backed by other partners, is recognising and celebrating local achievements on our high streets and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Last year, Welshpool finished runners-up in the Wales High Street category to Crickhowell who won the overall British award too.