The hard work of traders and residents who have helped to revamp one of Tottenham’s most popular shopping streets has been rewarded in a national high street competition.
West Green Road has been hailed as one of the UK’s ‘rising stars’ in the Great British High Street Competition 2015 – recognising a series of improvements led by Haringey Council in partnership with businesses and local people.
Modernised shop fronts, a tropical pocket park, public art displays and steps to tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour have seen West Green Road become a bustling destination for independent specialist shops, bars and restaurants.
Now in its second year, the Great British High Street Competition saw 230 applicants from across the UK. West Green Road is one of just 13 areas to scoop a Rising Star award – which comes with £1,000 funding for further local upgrades.
Councillor Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “It’s been great to see the passion of so many local people and traders who have helped to reinvigorate West Green Road and make it one of Tottenham’s best places to shop, eat and relax.
“Through striking shop front improvements, a fantastic new tropical pocket park and regular public art displays, we’ve made a cleaner, greener street that will encourage more people to stop and shop.
“We’re determined to do all we can to bring more investment to help Tottenham’s talented traders succeed and make more people aware of what’s on their doorstep.”
Improvements during the last two years were part of a £100,000 project to improve the appearance of the street’s public spaces to make it more welcoming for residents and visitors – with local people having the say on how the money should be spent.
High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: “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.”
