SHOPPERS at Stockton’s traditional market are being encouraged to show their support for the High Street after it was shortlisted in the prestigious Great British High Street competition.
Stockton High Street is one of only three finalists in the running for the competition’s ‘Rising Star’ category. This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across 14 categories, including new categories for individuals and shops, and its winners will be decided by a public vote.
If Stockton High Street wins, not only will it get a share of a prize pot worth £100,000, but there will also be expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for its shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to further boost their social media skills.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is now calling on people to show their support and vote for the High Street at the town’s traditional 700-year-old-market where shoppers will be able to find out more about the competition, and receive help to cast their vote, every Wednesday and Saturday until 16 November.
Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “We are incredibly proud of our High Street so it’s an excellent vote of confidence for Stockton to be one of just three finalists in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the Great British High Street competition.
“Over the next few weeks we will be ramping up our efforts to encourage voters and will be showing visitors to the town centre how to cast their votes. Stockton’s popular weekly market is at the very heart of our bustling town centre so what better opportunity to come along and find out more? Our stall will be next to the fountain at the traditional market every Wednesday and Saturday and you can also vote online every day until voting closes on 18 November.”
Janice Auton, Chair of Stockton Business Improvement District, said: “Stockton-On-Tees is already a winner by being short listed against many other towns in the ‘Rising Star’ category. “This is the result of the regeneration of the High Street and the wonderful events it offers, so it is now time for the community of Stockton to get behind our town and show the rest of the country what a fabulous place it has become.”
Votes can be made once per day at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-rising-star Voting closes on 18 November and the winners will be announced in December.
As well as the public vote, shortlisted towns will also be inspected by a judging panel – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business – including British Land, the Post Office and Holland and Barratt.