The Great British High Street Awards shortlist announced

The Great British High Street Awards, a government initiative to help communities celebrate their success in transforming towns and cities into great places to shop and socialise, has unveiled the 2015 finalists giving them the opportunity to win a share of 80,000 pounds.

The awards received more than 230 applications from towns and cities across the country and these have been whittled down to the final 21, with Altrincham, Rotherham and Tamworth leading the pack nominated for the best town centre accolade.

Chipping Norton, Helmsley and Colne have been named finalists in the market town category, while Bradford’s North Parade will compete against Mill Road in Cambridge and St Giles Street in Northampton for the city location prize.

The village category features Brigg up against West Kilbride and Twyford, while Prestatyn, Bognor Regis and Amble are competing in the coastal community category, and Bishy Road, Hoole and Bath Place in Taunton in the local centre category.

There is also a separate London accolade with Raynes Park, Roman Road and Pitshanger Lane in Ealing named as three innovative high streets showing the best of the capital.

Altrincham, Rotherham and Tamworth up for best town centre award

In addition to winning a share of the 80,000 pounds prize pot, winners in each category will also receive training from Google’s taskforce for 100 of their shops, bars and restaurants.

High streets minister Marcus Jones said: “We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year’s competition – testament to the pride local people have and brilliant work being done to boost Britain’s high streets.

“The local high street is the life and soul of many towns, village and cities across the country and these awards are a great opportunity to not only celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn their valuable tips for success.”

Now in its second year, the awards are being supported by Marks and Spencer, Google, Argos, Boots, Costa and the Post Office, with the public voting for the winners until mid-November.

In the augural Great British High Street competition 135 communities battled it out, with Belper in Derbyshire emerging as the overall winner. Since winning the organisation has stated that the honour has not only boosted town pride but also had a tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall.

Image: Great British High Street