Barnoldswick is crowned one of Britain’s leading high streets!

Barnoldswick’s retailers, traders and residents were celebrating on Saturday as their high street was crowned top of the shops.

The national Great British High Street competition recognised that the Pendle town has taken positive steps to halt the decline caused by the closure of local pubs and shops.

Barnoldswick was one of seven winning towns out of 21 originally shortlisted. Each of the winners were selected for their ability to innovate, collaborate and adapt to changing consumer habits.

Resident and councillor David Whipp and owner of Chubby’s Chippy Richard Milner set up Barnoldswick Town Centre Action Group and entered the competition.

David said: “We’re absolutely delighted at the success of Barnoldswick in this national competition. 

“The real reward is in the vibrancy and vitality of our town centre, but to receive national recognition is the icing on the cake.

“We have had a huge team of volunteers working tirelessly to make Barnoldswick such a great place. 

“They’ve put on some brilliant events and everyone has joined in, including some talented local musicians. 

“The relationship between the traders, residents and volunteers has been fantastic with everyone pulling together to create a very special high street.”

The judges’ attributed Barnoldswick’s success to the outstanding collaboration between local partners, coupled with a huge sense of community pride.

They highlighted the use of the market space for multiple events including ‘Bands on the Square’, a free three day live music festival of local talent.

The area’s economy is now benefiting from additional footfall, and vacancy rates have been substantially reduced.

The winners will receive a share of prize money and support from a fund worth £50,000, as well as dedicated support and mentoring from industry experts.

This could range from one to one coaching or advice on creating business plans, to workshops on digital marketing.

David added: “Our Visit Barnoldswick Facebook post has now reached over 33,000 people and more than 1,200 people have watched the video we released about the town.

“And we’ve had congratulatory messages from towns in America, Canada and Australia!”

Councillor Paul White, who oversees our Enterprise Growth and Promotion, is delighted that Barnoldswick has been recognised as one of the country’s best high streets.

He said: “David and Richard work tirelessly to make Barnoldswick the thriving town centre it is and this national award is well deserved!”

Notes to editors

The competition was launched by the Future High Street Forum.

The seven winning towns are:

• Local Centre – Barnoldswick
• City category – Norwich Lanes
• Coastal category – Colwyn Bay
• Market Category – Belper (chosen also as overall High Street Champion)
• Village – Broxburn
• Town Centre – Wantage
• London – Kingston

There were over 135 entries from across the UK – more than a third of local town teams – and they revealed new and inventive ways to boost high streets and ideas which will now be shared with others.

For further information please contact: Alice Barnett, Communications Team, Chief Executive's Policy Unit, Pendle Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, BB9 7LG

Tel: 01282 661780
Fax: 01282 661630
Email: [email protected]