ALCESTER High Street has been named one of the best in Britain.
Judges in this year’s Great British High Street competition ranked it among the country’s top 30 high streets.
The market town was voted a ‘Rising Star’ and will receive a £1,000 cash boost.
Alcester – which saw off competition from a record 230 entrants to land a place in the top 30 list – is believed to be the smallest market town in its category.
After a 143-year abscence the market returned to the town in April when the first Artisan Market took place.
Championing local crafts and produce it is now a thriving high street fixture and runs on the third Sunday of every month. Chairman of Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Sarah Bassett 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 the Great British High Street Bid by Alcester Community Trust and Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce was vast and this award is testament to the strength and passion of our Community.
“We’ll use this Rising Star award to spur us on and to win next year’s competition.”
Alcester’s first market day took place on the high street in 1274 but by the early 1870s trading had ceased.
The Great British High Street Competition 2015 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.
The overall winner of the Great British High Street competition will be decided by a public vote.
Visit to www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk to vote.
