Disappointment as town fails to make high street shortlist

LEEK has failed to be shortlisted for the finals in the Britain’s Best High Street competition.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council was leading the bid for the Great British High Street Awards 2018 – a government initiative to recognise and celebrate the contribution high streets make to the life and vibrancy of towns and cities.

It was hoped that Leek’s blend of independent shops, popular high street names and bustling traditional and specialist markets – allied with great places to eat and drink, a guaranteed friendly welcome and excellent customer service, would single the town out for recognition.

But on Monday this week when the shortlist was announced, Leek was not among the 13 towns in England featured for the final round for the £10,000 prize.

Council leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: “This is obviously disappointing news but it in no way detracts from the fact that we have much to celebrate in Leek.

“Putting the bid together has provided a real focus on the best that we have to offer – from our reputation for a friendly welcome and excellent customer service to the fantastic range of shops and markets and hospitality businesses – and that has not changed.

“I’m proud of what we’re achieving here and would like to thank our hard-working and committed traders and businesses for their work day in, day out, and our residents and visitors for the support they give by shopping locally and enjoying their leisure time in Leek.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who played their part in helping the council put the application and video together and we will, of course, be seeking feedback from the judging panel on why we were unsuccessful on this occasion.”

Leek town mayor, Roy Tomkinson, said the news was very disappointing.

He said: “It is disappointing when a lot of hard work has been put in by people.

“The markets have improved over the last few months and Derby Street has done well over the last few years.

“It is onwards and upwards and we will keep trying.”

Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas has been a big supporter of the campaign for the town.

He said: “The news that Leek has not made the shortlist is very disappointing for everyone.”