Southampton Shares £1m High Street Ideas

Southampton's been given nearly 90-thousand pounds from the Government to smarten up one of the main roads into the city.

The money's been awarded to turn Northam Road into a regional antiques centre with 45 specialist shops.

Communities in seven towns across the country are being recognised for the innovative ways in which they have revitalised their high streets, Local Growth Minister Mark Prisk said.

The Minister said the seven towns, which will receive a share of the £1 million High Street Renewal Award, are an example to communities across the country of what can be done to breathe new life into their high streets.

Judged by a panel of experts including Martin Blackwell from the Association of Town and City Management and Andy Godfrey from Alliance Boots, the towns were chosen for the innovative ideas they implemented, the results they achieved and their ability to promote good practice.

Mark Prisk said: "The High Street Renewal Award has encouraged towns to 'up their game' and put their best ideas to work in order to save their high streets, and we were delighted to see the high level of applications from all over the country.

"These are just seven of the many towns that came forward, and they are a shining example of what can be achieved.  I would like to congratulate them for the innovative and interesting ways in which they have given their high street a new lease of life. 

"It is in everyone's interests to see our town centres thrive, and I want people across the country to take inspiration from these towns and look at what can be done when communities work together."