ALTRINCHAM is in the running to be named Britain’s best town centre – but it needs more votes to secure the crown.

The town saw off competition from more than 220 towns to be shortlisted in the 2015 Great British High Street competition.

If Altrincham wins, the town will receive £80,000 and 100 businesses will receive expert training from Google’s training taskforce, Digital Garage on Tour.

It is now battling it out with Rotherham and Tamworth to be crowned the nation’s best but Altrincham is currently lagging behind in third place.

With the public vote making up 50 percent of the final decision, Altrincham Forward is urging residents to get behind the bid.

Cllr Sean Anstee, chair of Altrincham Forward and leader of Trafford Council, said: “Altrincham has come a long way in the past four years. The vacancy rate has halved, impressive street improvements are well underway, we have a new transport interchange and hospital and the redeveloped market has been a huge success.

“We’re delighted to have been recognised as one of Britain’s top three high streets in the Great British High Street awards and hope everyone will get online and vote for Altrincham to help us win this prestigious prize.”

The Great British High Street competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, M&S and Tesco.

The public vote makes up 50 percent of the final decision, with judges from Future High Street Forums having the remaining 50 percent of the say.

Judges Hilary Paxman, from the Department for Community and Local Government, Alana Renner, deputy community director for the Post Office, and Alan Taylor, community and social action manager for the Post Office, visited the town on Tuesday.

The public ballot, which runs until November 13, allows for one vote per email address per day so Altrincham Forward is urging all voters to take the time to vote each day to help boost Altrincham’s chances.

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: “Altrincham did fantastically well to make it into the final three but now they need your help to get them title of Britain’s best.

“If you care about your local high street then show your support and get voting.”

Cast your vote for free at thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk or on Facebook at facebook.com/TheGBHighSt. Voting closes on Friday November 13.