Alcester High Street named a Rising Star in national awards

Despite not quite reaching the finals, the judging panel were so impressed by the great strides made in improving Alcester’s High Street, in particular the artisan market that now runs so successfully every third Sunday, they awarded Alcester a special Rising Star award and £1000 cash.

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: “We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year’s competition which is 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, villages 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.”

Sarah Bassett, bid leader and chairman of Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “We’re immensely proud of being recognised as a High Street on the up and we hope this will be a real boost for Alcester. The work that went into securing our Great British High Street Bid by Alcester Community Trust and Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce was vast and this award is testament to strength and passion of our Community. We’ll use this Rising Star award to spur us and win next year’s competition.”

The Great British High Street Competition 2015 – sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, Marks and Spencer and Tesco– is now in its second year and is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

These include a billion pound package of investment ranging from targeted business rate discounts, sensible planning changes and action that reins in over-zealous parking practices.