Skipton High Street challenges London's finest in award shortlist

2:18pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Skipton High Street has a one-in-three chance of being crowned "Great Street of the Year".

To win the accolade, all it has to do is prove it's better than ... London's Kensington High Street and Portobello Road.

The announcement of the three finalists came today from the Academy of Urbanism.

A nominations dinner was held last night at Cutler's Hall, Sheffield, attended by former Cabinet Minister Lord Hattersley.

The Academy of Urbanism promotes "inspired urban design and creative place-shaping" and today announced the finalists for all categories in its awards: European City of the Year; Great Town of the Year; Great Neighbourhood of the Year; Great Street of the Year and Great Place of the Year.

The annual event is hailed as being a chance for architects, developers and members of local authorities nationwide to "honour design that contributes towards a sense of civic pride and quality of life".

John Thompson, chairman of the Academy of Urbanism said: "We are delighted to be celebrating the success of these wonderful cities, towns, neighbourhoods, streets and places by selecting them as finalists. We want to learn what makes these places fantastic to live and work in and to visit and use this information to help us create the great places of the future."

Contenders were first nominated by members of the public in a nationwide vote. Skipton survived the first round of cuts in April and a second round last night to find itself in the final.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at St George's Hall, Liverpool, on November 26.

• For the full story, pictures and reaction see next Friday's Craven Herald