TWO Northern Irish high streets have been recognised as among the best in the UK at a major awards ceremony in London.
Portadown and Lisburn have each received £5,000 due to their success in the Great British High Street Awards.
Portadown was crowned Northern Ireland’s Champion High Street, while Bow Street in Lisburn picked up the Rising Star High Street Northern Ireland accolade.
Winners of the Great British High Street Awards, sponsored by Visa, were announced at a prestigious ceremony at Lancaster House, attended by the High Streets minister Jake Berry and representatives from the 37 shortlisted high streets, including the six local entrants.
Councillor Darryn Causby of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough said it was a "dream come true" to win the award.
“We are thrilled to be named Northern Ireland’s Champion High Street and grateful to both the Great British High Street Awards and Visa for making this dream come true. It’s the people that make our high streets such special places and this award is for you all," he said.
Suzanne Lutton from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said they were "extremely grateful" Bow Street was recognised in the awards.
"We’ve worked so hard to be recognised and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. It wouldn’t have been possible without the drive, dedication and collaborative efforts of our community.”
Commending the winners from the north, Mr Berry added:
“Congratulations to Portadown town centre and Lisburn’s Bow Street on being recognised amongst the UK’s best high streets in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.
“Across the whole UK, there’s a real determination from local communities to keep their high street vibrant and strong, and these Awards reflect that.”
