Great British High Street judges visit Mid and East Antrim

Judges from the Great British High Street (GBHS) team have visited Ballymena and Carrickfergus to tour the towns and see how they shape up compared to other locations around the UK.

The towns in Mid and East Antrim have been nominated in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the GBHS 2019, sponsored by Visa, recognising the nation’s most ambitious high streets which are taking the lead and working together to revive, adapt and diversify.

Ballymena and Carrickfergus applications focused on the community spirit and engagement that exists in the towns, with a spotlight shone on the many events, initiatives and projects that have been delivered.

Both applications were a joint effort between Council, Ballymena BID and Carrickfergus Town Centre Partnership.

On judging day, representatives from GBHS were told about the retail community in Ballymena and Carrickfergus and visited a range of businesses.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “I want to congratulate Ballymena and Carrickfergus on being shortlisted in the Rising Star category of the Great British High Street awards.

“Both towns have dedicated business owners and committed volunteers who all play their part in creating vibrant and dynamic high streets.

“I would urge residents to go online and submit their vote as they can still play a part in Carrickfergus and Ballymena’s success in this prestigious competition.”

As well as judges’ votes, 30% comes from social media with a hashtag.

In this case #GBHSBALLYMENA and #GBHSCARRICKFERGUS along with #MyHighStreet will be registered as a vote for each town when posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

You can also vote on the website at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/rising-star-award-finalists