More than 500,000 votes were cast in the third annual Great British High Street Awards and Blackburn scored well enough to take home the crown, beating 26 other finalists.Blackburn will now receive the £10,000 grand prize, as well as a trophy awarded to them at a ceremony in London earlier today (Monday 12 December 2016).

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said:

“Our high streets are going from strength to strength as this year’s Great British High Street competition shows.Town centres are being revitalised, with vacancy rates falling over the last year, and Blackburn is a great example of how hard work and support for local businesses can turn things around.” adding 

“The strong Business Improvement District is working closely with the council to invest in the town and put on a vibrant calendar of events that has seen visitors flock in their thousands to the town centre – long may it continue.”

One of the first industrialised towns in the world, Blackburn has reinvented itself over recent years with the council investing £9 million in its heritage buildings to bring them back to their former glory.

Initiatives such as Blackburn Against Crime and the redevelopment of The Mall shopping centre have attracted new businesses, free family friendly events and The Mall has shown an increase in footfall Year Over Year of 8.7% in 2016.

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