​Ramsbottom enters Great British High Street Awards

Flourishing Ramsbottom hopes to keep up its winning streak by entering the Great British High Street (GBHS) Awards 2018.

It would be another feather in the cap for the thriving town, which is winning acclaim far and wide. Just last week, The Guardian was the latest to rave about the place, saying simply “Let’s move to Ramsbottom: the town is a delight”.

Run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the GBHS Awards highlights ways in which high streets are overcoming the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.

Successful entrants can win up to £10,000 for their local community, and local businesses and consumers can participate in a Visa GBHS Spend & Win Competition, which rewards the people that make our high streets special.

Steven White, chair of Ramsbottom Business Group, said: “Our high street is a vital part of our community and makes an important contribution to the local economy, enabling people to shop locally in a wide variety of independent shops and supporting an ever growing programme of events including artisan markets, an award-winning chocolate festival plus the famous World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

“This competition is searching for the very best ideas, innovation and creativity which is great news for our town and we hope that with everyone's support we can improve on our runners-up place in 2013.”

Winners will be named in each of the four UK nations in two categories: the Champion High Street, for the nation's best high streets; and the Rising Star High Street category, which will recognise the nation's most ambitious high streets, which are taking the lead and working together to revive, adapt and diversify.

An overall High Street of the Year in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will also be named.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony in London in November celebrating the high streets that are succeeding and influencing change.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Ramsbottom’s fame as a great place to live is spreading far and wide. The Guardian is just the latest national publication to highlight its mixture of high quality independent shops, bars and restaurants, food and music festivals.

“It’s becoming a real tourist town, with attractions from Peel Tower to the East Lancs Railway; countryside living with a modern feel, close to all amenities. We are delighted to support Ramsbottom Business Group with their application and look forward to working with all concerned to continue the success story of Ramsbottom.”

More details about the awards: https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/

ENDS

Press release issued: 31 July 2018.

Picture: Come on Ramsbottom! At the Tilted Vase in Ramsbottom are council leader Rishi Shori and (left) Debbie McDermot and Stuart Rothwell from Ramsbottom Business Group, with the GBHS street team.