The Crown Glass Shopping Centre and High Street has, today, been named as one of the country’s best high streets in the annual Great British High Street competition.   

The Centre and High Street were named in the top 5 of the ‘Village’ category, narrowly missing out on going through to the public vote to decide the winner.   

The Top 5 in the Village category are Brigg, Twyford and West Kilbride – all who go through to the public vote – and Nailsea and Earl Shilton.   

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

“We understand that this year’s competition saw a record 230 applicants,” says Charlotte Jarrett, Manager of Crown Glass Shopping “so being names in the top five is a tremendous accolade.”   

Between now and November, votes can be for one of the top 3 finalists in each of the 7 categories for free via thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk or on Facebook.  

 Winners will they get a share of prize pot worth £80,000 including expert training and tailor-made tips from Google’s training taskforce – the Digital Garage on Tour – for one hundred of their shops, bars and restaurants.   

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said:  “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, villages and cities across the country and 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.   

“Crown Glass Shopping and the Nailsea High Street just missed out on the public vote this year but can take great pride in being named one of Britain’s best high streets”.   

The Great British High Street Competition 2015 – sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, Marks and Spencer and Tesco – 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.   

These include a billion pound package of investment ranging from targeted business rate discounts, sensible planning changes and action that reins in over-zealous parking practices.   

The first Great British High Street competition last year saw 135 communities battle it out to be crowned the nation’s best. Belper in Derbyshire emerged as the overall winner. Belper found that winning not only boosted town pride, but also had a tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall.   

“We’re proud that we are being recognised as one of Britain’s best high streets and we hope this will be a real boom for the town,” continues Charlotte.     

“Strategic alliance of like minded advocates, representing retailers, Town Council and commercial landlords have worked hard to developing a new look and feel for the whole Town Centre.” 

“The Town Council has given us a great deal of support with this application which we are very grateful for.” 

“Over recent months, new shops have opened in Crown Glass including Costa, School Togs and Nailsea Cycles which not only improves shopper choice it creates a focus for the entire community and an attraction for shoppers.  This is a great boost for Nailsea, and we can’t wait to further improve the town in the coming years.”  

Alongside the public’s votes shortlisted towns will also be inspected by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business   

This year’s competition also sees special recognition prizes for towns that have become ‘rising stars’, or local people who have made an invaluable personal contribution to their local high streets being launched.