Kirkby Lonsdale needs your vote to secure national award - Farron

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is encouraging South Lakes residents to get behind a local high street which has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Kirkby Lonsdale town centre has made the running as a finalist in the 'Great British High Street Competition 2016' in the 'village' category. The competition praises how local stakeholders have worked together, writing that "Kirkby Lonsdale show how the high street really is the heart of the community."

With over 900 applicants now having been whittled down to just 27 finalists across 14 different categories, the public now have the chance to have their say. Alongside the public vote, an expert panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business will also visit the shortlisted areas. The Judge's mark will make up 50% of the final result, with the other 50% made up from the outcome of the public vote.

Winners in each category will get a share of the prize pot worth £100,000, and will also receive expert digital training from Google and Twitter.

To vote, go to: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award

Tim said: "It won't come as a surprise to local people that Kirkby Lonsdale has been shortlisted for this award. It is testament not just to the beauty and charm of the town, but also to the hard work and dedication of local businesspeople and residents.

"I would strongly encourage South Lakes residents to rally behind Kirkby Lonsdale to ensure it gets the result it deserves. It only takes a few minutes to log on and vote, and it will be a real boost to the town and its economy."