Hoole is in the running to be crowned the UK’s best high street after being shortlisted for the Great British High Street Awards.

The community was officially named today as one of the top three streets in the Local Centre category of the Google-sponsored competition which celebrates excellence in town centres across the UK, as well as highlighting support to local retailers.

Hoole will contest category rivals Bishy Road in York and Bath Place in Taunton for the accolade, of which the winner receives a share of a prize pot worth £80,000 which includes expert training and tailor-made tips from Google’s training taskforce for 100 shops, bars and restaurants.

Judges chose the high streets they felt best showed innovation, collaboration and development, and if Hoole is to win, it is vital that the public vote, which can be done online via www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk or on Facebook.

Sue Mason from local community group Notting Hoole said: “We are so proud to call Hoole our home, I never get tired of helping our community. The rewards are endless and to get shortlisted means so much to the whole community.

“A big thanks to those who made this possible, without the dedication of the local businesses and the community as a whole we couldn’t have dreamt of getting this far. We are absolutely thrilled and delighted that our diverse and vibrant community is being recognised like this.”

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High Streets Minister Marcus Jones added: “We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year’s competition –testament to the pride local people have and brilliant work being done to boost Britain’s high streets.

“The local high street is the life and soul of many towns, villages and cities across the country and these awards are a great opportunity to not only celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn their valuable tips for success. If you cherish the hard work going on in your local high street, then show your support and get voting.”

Alongside the public’s votes, all shortlisted towns will also be inspected by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

To go online to cast your vote, visit the Great British High Street website and follow @TheGBHighSt on Twitter and Facebook. Voting closes in November.

Do you think Hoole deserves to win Best British High Street? Let us know what you think in the comments below.