Northern Ireland high streets win awards recognition

TWO Northern Ireland high streets here have been recognised at this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

Newtownards High Street was named as the Northern Irish Champion high street, while Newry High Street was announced as the Northern Irish Rising Star.

Newtownards was commended for successful high street renovations, allowing the introduction of businesses other than the traditional family-run stores that have dominated previously, and initiatives that celebrated the town’s heritage, such as Viking Day.

Meanwhile, Newry was commended for the launch of its new VIP Newry Shopper initiative, in which 50 high street businesses will offer a text loyalty system to customers. Each award won £5,000 for the respective communities at the ceremony in Edinburgh, which was attended by the High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP and representatives of the 39 shortlisted high streets.

Mr Berry said: “The Great British High Street Awards celebrate the grit and determination of local people who are dedicated to supporting their communities, growing their local economy and finding innovative solutions to modern day challenges.”

Newtownards is celebrated for the contribution of its retailers, such as the department store Wardens.

It was established in 1877 by James Warden, who came from a local farming family.

Keith Irvine, manager of the department store, said it sells “everything from screws to curtains and china”.

“We sell tableware, we have a cookshop, an electrical department, furniture, interiors and hardware, and we also have a nursery department.”

Mr Irvine said he thought Wardens had survived for 143 years due to “really, really good local support” from people living in the area.

“At Wardens, each and every department is important to us,” he added.