Tuesday 23 November 2010

Hebden Bridge - "Best Town in Britain"

We all knew it, but now it's official in black and white, Hebden Bridge is the 'Best Town in Britain". There isn't too much to say on the matter, but as a local, I am thoroughly proud and delighted that Hebden Bridge has finally received official recognition and I am even more happy to say that Hebden Bridge is the home of The Painter's Chronicle. Does any town come close?

Hebden Bridge has been named as the best town in Britain and Ireland at the Urbanism Awards.
The judges praised the West Yorkshire town's arts scene and eco-friendly policies such as a ban on plastic shopping bags.
John Thompson of the Academy of Urbanism gave out the awards.
He said:"Hebden Bridge is a worthy winner of the Best Town award, with its vibrant, independent economy, welcoming streets and a stunning valley setting."
The market town beat off strong competition from Stroud and Westport in Ireland to win the title of 2011 Great Town of the Year at the Urbanism Awards, which recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.
Historically, Hebden Bridge played an important role in the wool trade in the North during the 19th and 20th centuries.
In recent decades the town has developed a rich arts scene, with an arts festival and fringe arts festival taking place each year in the late spring, but has maintained a healthy economic outlook.

Above story courtesy of the BBC, the full story can be read HERE.

1 comment:

  1. Since when did Hebden Bridge have eco-friendly policies or ban plastic shopping bags? Almost every shop in the town supplies them!

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