ALTRINCHAM is among the star town performers shortlisted for a top national award.

After a rigorous selection process involving an independent judging panel, the town is the only one in the North West to be shortlisted in the ‘Champion High Street’ category, which aims to find the UK’s best high street.

The category in the Great British High Street Awards, puts the town in the running to win a £15,000 prize.

Ewen Miller, the BID chairman for Altrincham Unlimited said: “We think the town really deserves this accolade and would urge everyone to get behind the public vote.

“Altrincham has reinvented itself as a thriving modern market town with a rich retail, recreational, residential and business mix.

“It has become a gastronomic destination with its award-winning Market at the heart of a vibrant food and drink offer. Major investment in the public realm, transport interchange, new hospital and a brand-new health/wellbeing hub, make it a great place to visit, do business and live.”

The result of the town’s success or failure in winning the accolade, will to a large extent depend on a public vote, which accounts for 30 per cent of the final total.

Councillor James Wright, executive member for investment, regeneration and strategic planning said: “We’re delighted that Altrincham has yet again been identified as one of the best town centres in Britain and we hope this will provide a real boost for the town.

“The council has worked closely with Altrincham Unlimited, Altrincham’s Business Improvement District over the past few years and we are glad that the achievements across the town are being recognised nationally.

“There has been further investment in improving the public realm, footfall has increased, and vacancy rates have fallen. The council’s Town Centres Business Growth Programme has provided loan funding to help a total of 22 new businesses to open in Altrincham. This has levered in over £600,000 of private investment and created 100 jobs.

“The Council and Altrincham Unlimited will be working hard to make sure local people know about Altrincham’s shortlisting, and we hope everyone will show their support and get voting.”

Mr Miller added: “We’d also urge the town’s businesses to look out for the GBHS street team who will be visiting Altrincham on Friday, October 12, to help promote the town’s achievements with activities and giveaways”.

Altrincham and Sale West and MP Sir Graham Brady said: ‘This is excellent news, Altrincham has been transformed in recent years; it’s taken a lot of hard work and local people are delighted with the result; our town centre is buzzing, it’s become a real go-to destination. I would urge people to vote for Altrincham in the next round; it would be wonderful if we won the overall title of best high street. ’

Cast your vote by following this link: https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/champion-finalist-altrincham