Altrincham has been pipped at the post in the Great British High Street competition.
Despite leading for much of the voting period, Altrincham was overtaken in the Town Centre category by Rotherham (pictured above) in South Yorkshire. Tamworth had also been shortlisted.
The category, one of seven in the government-backed awards, sought to recognise “vibrant town centres that are fighting to transform their high streets”.
The final vote was made up of a 50% split between the public vote and a judging panel, which had visited last month.
It means Altrincham misses out on a share of a prize pot worth £80,000, while 100 businesses will not now receive expert digital training from Google’s Digital Garage initiative.
The judges’ citation read: “In an incredibly close category Rotherham just beat its competitors to claim the title of Best Town Centre. Due to its incredible support for start-up businesses and local retailers, Rotherham has been recognised as a very worthy winner.”
Congratulations Rotherham, winners of best #GBHighSt town centre! pic.twitter.com/ZVrkkWwRa3
— The GB High St (@TheGBHighSt) November 30, 2015
The other categories were won by Northampton (City), Helmsley (Market Town), Amble (Coastal Community), Bishy Road (Local Centre), West Kilbride (Village) and Pitshanger Lane, Ealing (London). Faulkner Street in Hoole won the Best Newcomer prize.
