High Street success for Ramsbottom

Ramsbottom has been voted one of the best locations in the land in a national newspaper poll.

The town was the only place in the North West to make the Top 10 shortlist in the Daily Telegraph’s High Street of the Year survey.

The results have now been announced, and Ramsbottom has come joint runner-up, alongside Leek in Staffordshire. The overall winner was a row of shops in Deal, Kent.

The award was part of the Telegraph’s 2013 “Reinventing the High Street” campaign. Readers were invited to vote for their favourite high street, and more than 500 nominations were received.

Ramsbottom has become increasingly popular with visitors, thanks to its attractions which include the annual Chocolate Festival, music festival, farmers’ markets and range of quality independent retailers.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This is an amazing achievement, and will really help to put Ramsbottom on the map as a tourist destination. Huge credit must go to the local businesses in Ramsbottom who work so hard, often with the council, to promote the town.”

Paul Morris, owner of the Chocolate Cafe and member of Ramsbottom Business Group, said: “This is great news for Ramsbottom and demonstrates how events and markets are key to the survival of our small towns. A huge ‘thank you’ to all customers who choose to support our local independent businesses on a regular basis."

ENDS

Press release issued: 7 January 2014.