Alness street bid hailed as votes are sought

AN Easter Ross town chasing a national title can inspire other high streets to the same.

So said a small business chief who hailed the success of Alness in making it to the final of the Great British High Street competition.

David Groundwater, north-east Scotland development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Awards such as the Great British High Street play a huge part in putting local high streets and town centres on the agenda and provide a great media spotlight.

"Much has been made of the decline of the high street because of out-of-town shopping centres, 24-hour online retailers, bank closures and ever-increasing bills but it’s not all doom and gloom.

"It’s fantastic to see businesses across the country, and in particular in Alness, work together to go that extra mile and offer something different for their customers and potential customers.

"Turning around the fortunes of the high street requires a collective effort and businesses in Alness should be applauded on their efforts in leading the way.

"By creating an attractive high street via Alness in Bloom and providing a variety of shops for customers as well as focussing on good old customer service, they are worthy finalists in this year’s awards and let’s hope its good news for the area when the winner is announced on November 14."

Voting for the final is under way and MP Jamie Stone has urged people to cast their vote for Alness.

To do so, simply post the message #GBHSAlness alongside #MYHIGHSTREET on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by October 31.