Local high street runner-up in national award

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has congratulated a local high street for being awarded the runner-up prize in a prestigious national competition.

Kirkby Lonsdale high street was shortlisted for the Great British High Street Competition 2016, and ended up being awarded runner-up in the 'village' category. The winner of the category was Pateley Bridge in North Yorkshire.

Shortlisted high streets were visited by a judging panel made up of retail experts, including British Land, the Post Office and Holland & Barrett. This score made up 50% of each entry's overall score. The other 50% was the outcome of a public vote.

Tim said: "Kirkby Lonsdale has done fantastically well to be awarded the runner-up prize in this competition. To have been awarded runner-up when there were over 900 applicants is an outstanding achievement, but one richly deserved. Kirkby Lonsdale is a beautiful and vibrant town with real character, and this award is a recognition of that. I'd like to thank all the local businesses, as well as the town, district and county councils, for their hard work in making the area what it is. Let's hope next year the town can go one better!"