Streets in Annesley Woodhouse and Hucknall have been nominated for the Great British High Street Awards 2019.

Annesley Woodhouse’s Forest Road and Hucknall High Street have both been put forward for the ‘Rising Star’ category of the national award.

The Great British High Street Awards are run by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with Visa. The awards recognise and celebrate the communities that are working to revive local high streets.

The Rising Star High Street Award celebrates up and coming local communities who are on their way to transforming for the future.

Over the past three years, Forest Road in Annesley Woodhouse has developed into a destination shopping area. With four new retailers opening, making an impressive row of eighteen traders, there is a fresh contemporary range of independent stores.

Councillor Rachel Madden, who represents Annesley and Kirkby Woodhouse, said: “Forest Road shows how a small group of niche retailers can reinvigorate a community into something that not only serves the local area, but delivers a quality product and service to a national, and even, international consumer base.

“This nomination confirms everything I’ve been saying about Forest Road – it’s a great place to be. I’m delighted that it is now a brilliant destination we can all be proud of.

“The award-winning retailers in Annesley Woodhouse show real initiative and passion when it comes to providing a valued asset in the community.”

Andrew Frogson, from Forest Road’s Sauce and Brown, said: “The retail community on Forest Road have shown how, when businesses work together, it is possible to reinvigorate a local shopping area. Forest Road has an offer that is not only contemporary but also puts something back into the community, making it a place to visit, shop and be seen.”

The shortlist for the Great British High Street Awards will be announced on 7th August. Residents will then have the chance to vote for their favourite high street.

Pictured, from left, are Councillor Jason Zadrozny (leader of Ashfield District Council); Jeanine Laurent (Magenta Trends, Annesley Road); and Councillor Rachel Madden (ward member for Kirkby and Annesley Woodhouse).