Banbury: Town reaches finals of Great British High Street award

Banbury has today been named as one of the country’s best high streets with confirmation that it is a finalist in the Great British High Street competition. It is one of the top three nationally in its category. There were a record 900 entries across the 14 categories. Banbury town centre will need votes from members of the public if it is to be crowned champion.

Cllr Lynn Pratt, Cherwell’s lead member for estates and the economy, said: “We are now redoubling our efforts to make sure residents, businesses and partner organisations all rally behind Banbury’s entry to help the town’s drive to win. The public vote is a big part of the decision to choose the winner, so I am encouraging everyone to show their support and get voting.”

If Banbury wins, the town will get a share of a £100,000 prize pot, plus expert training for town representatives from Google’s digital taskforce and Twitter, at its London office.

Alongside the public’s votes, shortlisted town centres will be inspected by the judging panel, made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business, including British Land, the Post Office and Holland and Barratt. Their views will make up 50% of the decision, with the public vote carrying the other 50%.