BRIDGWATER Town Centre can show just what it has to offer after the town’s High Street was entered in the Great British High Street Awards.

The national competition was launched in June by High Streets, Minister Brandon Lewis, alongside new evidence showing that Britain’s high streets are rising to the challenge set by consumers who want increased convenience and more flexibility of services on the high streets.

Bridgwater’s application aims to showcase the significant improvements made to the Town Centre, focusing on its history as a market town and the huge potential the vibrant Castle Market can bring independent and National retailers alike.

It is now down to a panel of independent experts to determine whether Bridgwater will make the shortlist and make the next stage.

Bridgwater Town Team rep Allison Griffin said “We need to get people behind this campaign and talk all the positives up.

The Castle Market has gone from strength to strength and vacancy rates in Bridgwater have gone from 18% in August 2012 to 12.4% in August 2014.

Mayor of Bridgwater, Steve Austen, has also thrown his support behind the team saying: “I am delighted to offer this testimonial to the work of the Bridgwater Town Team and the upturn in fortunes in the town centre which various initiatives have engendered. “Vacancy rates have reduced, and the High Street offer improved.

“Much has been based around the success of the 'Castle Market' which has seen the number of stalls and variety of goods almost treble and brought many shoppers and repeat shoppers into the town to the benefit of all businesses.”

The winners, which will be announced in the autumn, will receive a share of £50,000 prize money as well as access to a tailored package of support and mentoring from industry experts.

Bridgwater businesses can support the town’s entry by displaying window stickers and posters, which are available by calling 01278 435396 or emailing hannah.evans@sedgemoor.gov.uk 

For further information on the awards see www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk or follow the twitter campaign using #GBHighSt