THIS week judges from the Great British High Street Awards 2018 visited Broad Street in Welshpool after it was shortlisted in the ‘Champion’ category of the awards.

Judges Mark Williams and Martin Austin visited the Powys town on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 23. They met with Welshpool’s Mayor Steven Kaye and Town Clerk Robert Robinson. The new Town Crier for Welshpool, Tammy Manuel, was also in attendance, as well as the Mace Bearer Julie Ellis.

Mr Williams and Mr Austin walked around the streets of Welshpool to cast their judgment on the town’s high street – which had been specially decorated with Welsh flags for the occasion.

An events vehicle was parked outside the Town Hall during the judges’ visit, inviting members of the public in to find out all about the awards, which are run by the UK Government.

John Hughes, the singing farmer, was also set up with his guitar near to the pop-up.

Another Powys town, Crickhowell, has also been nominated in the awards, in the same category as Welshpool.

Voting for the awards is done on social media by using hashtags to show your support of your high street. To vote, people need to post on Twitter or Facebook using the #MYHIGHSTREET as well as a specific hashtag for your high street of choice. For Welshpool, use #GBHSWelshpool.

If Welshpool were to win the award, the town would be given a £15,000 cash prize.

The winning entries for both the ‘Champion’ and ‘Rising Star’ categories will be announced on November 15 at an awards ceremony in London.

It says on the webpage announcing the 26 shortlisted high streets from across the UK that “Welshpool holds many events, including a transport festival and a music festival”.

The post also says: “Groups of shops work together to provide entertainment and activities at the Winter Festival.

“Through a litter challenge scheme, each local shop is encouraged to look after its section of pavement and many businesses organise litter picks around the high street.

“To make Welshpool accessible to everybody, all public toilets have disabled facilities and street furniture has yellow banding for the visually impaired.

“Welshpool has a tourism website for visitors alongside a local news website and is active in promoting the town through social media channels.”

In 2016, Blackburn in Lancashire was crowned the Great British High Street winner. This was thanks to the determination of the local community who worked in partnership together to drive improvements and overcome the challenges their high street was facing.