Another national accolade for Thame high street!
On 16/12/2015 At 8:03 pm
Category : Missed a ThameNews story?, More News, Thame news
Responses : 4 Comments
HAVING already been awarded a ‘Rising Star’ designation recently by the Government’s Future High Streets Forum, Thame High Street has today been voted the second ‘Greatest place’ in England, having been beaten by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Liverpool Waterfront.
The nationwide Greatest Places competition was organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Over 11,000 people voted from a shortlist of ten places in the competiton, which was aimed at highlighting areas which have been enhanced and protected by good planning. Saltaire, the historic village near Bradford, came third.
Out of 10 nominations, Thame High Street, was awarded the South East Regional winner. Of Thame High Street, the judges said: “Good planning over a long period has protected and enhanced the character of this small market town and the High Street, and it now has the benefits of one of the first neighbourhood plans. It is an example of exemplary community support and careful, sensitive planning.”
This year, 2015, has been a particularly successful year for Thame; The Thame Food Festival was recently earned a Bronze Award in The Beautiful South Awards 2015, for its contribution to tourism in the region.
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I have to say . I was born and bought up in Thame, leaving in 1988. I visit my parents on a regular basis and there is nothing in the town to make me move back. When reading what goes on in the Gazette or talking to real locals the town/council is run by a load of toffee nosed twats [their phrase not mine] who are not real townsfolk. Why not allow Sainsbury / Tesco in to the town. Why try to stop the fair coming to town. Where I now live [a small market town] we have a Waitrose like Thame, but also a Sainsbury, Tesco and Aldi, the town centre is full of independent and some chain shops most of which are thriving. We also have a twice weekly market. The supermarkets bring people into the town from the surrounding area. Dave you have a fair point, when I left there were 17 pubs in Thame, you can now count them on one hand. We have had three pubs close in that time plus a Weatherspoons has opened that although other publicans were worried hasn’t affected them. I’m affraid I just find Thame boring thes days.
we reckon it’s coz it is stuffed with really friendly people. Our kids go to school here, we run a business here. No matter which shop you go in (charity or private) the people you talk to always have time for a smile. That’s what makes a town beautiful. It isn’t about buildings or cute streets. It’s people.
Dave – I would say that we have more than enough restaurants ranging from the posh (Thatch and Spread) right down to the decent pub food (Figg) with great curry, chinese and itlian thrown in. Added to that, probably the best kebab van ever. We have plenty of drinking establishments with great wine, if you bother to ask. There aren’t many small towns with a better spread of shops, so these awards are fully deserved. Also, many congratulations to those who take the time to promote our town and try to maintain it’s character – all threatened by campanies who can see the gold and want some for themselves!
Lord knows why Thame keeps getting recognition with s high st full of charity shops and hairdressers. One can only hope the large hole Cargo will leave will be filled by something worthwhile like a decent restaurant or wine bar and not left to fester empty.