Langport is in the running as part of a nationwide search for the Britain’s best high street. Langport businesses are convinced that their high street has something special and a worthy competitor for this.
With over 95%+ of independent shops, cafes, business and restaurants, this little high street is quirky, different and like no other. There is free parking in town, a monthly market, a close-knit business community that believe in the future of Langport’s high street.
Why? Because most of the local businesses were born in Langport and strive to remain independent, allowing them to truly know their local customers and to be able to respond to the local needs and requirements in a quick and flexible way. This attitude has resulted in the town being a little shopping haven, where you can purchase items found nowhere else. That is why, in Langport, they say “Langport, where it’s to”, creating their very own little hashtag #WhereItsTo.
Langport has applied in the “Market Town” category of the Great British High Street award, in recognition of the town team’s efforts to revitalise the area. The collaborative effort included support from the District Council, Langport Town Council, Transition Town Langport, the many independent businesses in the town and Langport Area Business Group who are driving this initiative, who have all worked tirelessly to invigorate this high street.
If successful, Langport will win a share of the cash prize pot, and dedicated support and mentoring from industry experts.
The competition is a great way of sharing successful ideas to regenerate high streets and make them vibrant places to shop and socialise.
John Rice-Lewis, Chair of the Langport Area Business Group adds:
“Our High street is a vital part of our community and makes an important contribution to the local economy, enabling people to shop locally in a wide variety of independent shops and also the jobs it supports in retail, leisure and other businesses.
There’s a renewed buzz on Langport high street and this competition is searching for the very best ideas, innovation and creativity which is great news for our town and fingers crossed our entry will be successful.”
Local businesses are encouraged to use the #GBHighSt, alongside #Langport #WhereItsTo hashtags on Twitter. This means visitors to Langport will readily find relevant tweets when searching for news. The public can support Langport’s nomination at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk and if shortlisted will be able to vote for their favourite high street.