Get voting! Colne could win the Great British High Street Award!

“Colne needs your vote, as the battle is on to be Britain’s best!”  So urges the Colne Town Centre Forum as it was announced this week that Colne had made the shortlist.

Chairman of Colne Town Council, Sarah Cockburn Price, explained: “It’s a huge achievement to be chosen out of 230 town entries across the UK. 

“Now we’re down to the final three in the Market Town category, competing against Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds and Helmsley in North Yorkshire”. 

Sarah helped write the bid, which was co-ordinated by Pendle Council’s Town Centres Officer, Paul Collins.

This year, for the first time, the public has the chance to vote online for their best-loved high street.

Votes can be cast via:  thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk or on Facebook or by voting on the Great British High Street website: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award
The Terms and Conditions of the Awards state that votes can be cast daily from each individual e-mail address – so get voting!

If the town wins, Colne will get a share of £80,000 cash and expert training and tips from Google’s online task force to support shops, bars and restaurants in the town.

Sandra Fernandeze from Pendle Belles, a vintage shop near the Town Hall, also helped write the bid document.

Sandra said:

“So many people come into my shop and feel the same way as I do about Colne. 

“Let’s do something for the town we love and vote for Colne to win!” She urged.

Alongside the public votes, Great British High Street judges will visit Colne and other finalists before making choosing the winner.

Also on the Forum team is Town Councillor Ashley Sutcliffe, owner of the Live Like the Boy interiors shop, one of the many independent shops which has led Colne to being called the ‘Capital of Cool’. 

Ashley said:

“It’s absolutely fantastic!  It’s a credit to all the hard work people have put into Colne, including independent traders , Pendle Council and Colne Town Council.

“Colne has turned a corner and it’s nice to see that the town’s being recognised nationally,” he added.

Leader of the Council, Mohammed Iqbal, who leads on economic development said:

“To be crowned champion, Colne needs your votes!  It’ll be a great boost to the town if we win.”
Minister for Local Government, Marcus Jones, explained:

“We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year’s competition – 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 across the country.

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.”