TWO Pembrokeshire high streets have been shortlisted to win up to £15,000 in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

After a rigorous selection process led by a panel of independent judges, Narberth High Street and Pembroke High Street have been nominated for the Champion High Street and Rising Star High Street Awards respectively.

The bid by Narberth Chamber of Commerce and Pembroke Chamber of Trade follows research commissioned by Visa in April 2019 demonstrating the positive impact that the local high street has on communities.

The research found that nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) in Wales say that shopping locally makes them feel happy, with nearly half (45%) citing supporting local shops and knowing where their money is going as the main reason.

Spending time with friends and family (25%) and offering a sense of community (18%) were other reasons cited for why high streets make people feel happier.

The research also reveals that half of consumers (50%) feel that their high street gives them a sense of pride in their local community.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “People are happier when they can see their hard-earned cash support local businesses. That is why we are celebrating those that go above and beyond to keep their high streets thriving for generations to come.”

Sundeep Kaur, Head of UK & Ireland Merchant Services at Visa, added: “We’ve seen some fantastic entries for this year’s Great British High Street Awards across both the Champion High Street and Rising Star categories. In particular, the desire to innovate stands out amongst this year’s entries, with high streets adapting to the challenges presented by a rapidly changing retail environment to find ways to thrive at a local level.

“As our research shows, high streets play a vital role at the heart of communities, so this is a great opportunity for those communities with shortlisted high streets to show their support by placing their votes on the Great British High Street website.”

Narberth High Street is one of 12 high streets shortlisted in the Champion High Street category, which recognises the UK’s best high streets.

Pembroke is one of the 28 high streets that have been shortlisted for the Rising Star category, identifying high streets which are taking the lead to adapt and diversify.

All 40 high streets are now in the running to win a prize of up to £15,000 to be dedicated to a local high street initiative.

People can vote for their favourite finalist at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk, with the public vote accounting for 20% of the final scoring.

The shortlisted highs streets will then have the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they seek to be crowned the UK’s Champion or Rising Star.

The Great British High Street Awards 2019, which are being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in proud partnership with Visa and backed by other partners, is recognising and celebrating local achievements on our high streets and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

For more information about the Great British High Street Awards 2019 terms and conditions and details on how to vote, visit: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk.