Thame high street named a ‘Rising Star’ in National Awards

THAME can feel very proud today, after its high street was named as one of just ten, ‘Rising Stars’ in this year’s Great British High Street Competition.

Last week the nationwide competition revealed the twenty-one best high streets in Britain – three finalists in each of seven categories, including that of Market Town. Although Thame High Street just missed reaching the final, the judging panel were so impressed by the great strides the community in Thame had made in improving their high street that they awarded them a special Rising Star award and £1000 cash, putting the High Street firmly on the map. The judges were particularly impressed by Thame’s use of social media to promote the town.

The other Rising Star awards went to West Green Road, Tottenham, London; Folkestone, Kent; Dartmouth, South Devon; Newquay, Cornwall; Alcester, Warwickshire; Faversham, Kent; Baker Street, Middlesbrough; Beeston, Nottinghamshire and Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The news comes just days after Thame was voted one of the 10 ‘Greatest Places in England’ in the Royal Town Planning Institute Competition. (See below for voting details)

High Streets Minister, Marcus Jones, said: “We had 230 high-quality entries to this year’s competition – a record number. This is testament to the pride local people have and the brilliant work being done to boost Britain’s high streets. The local high street is the life and soul of towns, villages and cities across the country.

“These awards are a great opportunity, not only to celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn valuable tips for success.”

Nichola Dixon, the Mayor of Thame, said: “Thame High Street is the heart of our town, and we’re very proud that it has been recognised as a Rising Star in this national competition. This will be a real boon for the town. Thame High Street has also just been nominated as one of the Top Ten Greatest Places in England in a competition being run by the Royal Institute of Town Planners, so we are absolutely delighted to receive this second accolade from the Great British High Streets’ judging panel. We will continue to do all we can to continue to make Thame High Street a destination of choice, and to be chosen as a winner in next year’s competition.”

The Great British High Street Competition 2015 – sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, Marks & Spencer and Tesco – is now in its second year and supports those working to adapt, revive and diversify high streets. Not for profit and government-funded, the Great British High Street aims to provide resources for high street regeneration and celebrate innovative work going on in high streets across Britain.

*Even though Thame is now out of the voting, you can still vote for another of your best-loved high streets online via thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

** There is still time for vote though for Thame as the ‘Greatest Place in England’ poll (SEE LINK TO PREVIOUS STORY) in the Royal Town Planning Institute Competition. To vote for Thame High Street (or one of the other nine Greatest Places), go to http://www.rtpi.org.uk/egpvoting before Friday, November 20.