Exciting plans in pipeline for Hebden Bridge after big award win

It was crowned Best Small Market Town in recognition of its resilience and community spirit following the devastating 2015 Boxing Day floods.

The town also won the inaugural People’s Choice Award after receiving the most public votes. The campaign was run by the Hebden Bridge Business Forum, along with support from residents and businesses, and it is now looking at ways to use the prize money.

Geoff Matthews, chair of Hebden Bridge Business Forum, said: “With the Great British High Street award came prize money of £5,000 and the business forum have been looking carefully at ways to use the money as effectively as possible.

“The group initially ran a period of consultation during which we received a number of suggestions, although we instantly recognised that we would be unable to deliver on all these with £5,000.”

The forum has now applied for matched funding from Calderdale Council to help raise more money to deliver on suggestions made during the consultation. The group has also been given a position on the newly-formed Hebden Royd development Board and it’s hoped this should also help the group put its plans into action.

Some proposals it is working on include a redesigned town map showing the location of shops and businesses, improved signage, permanent signs promoting the town’s Great British High Street awards win, a new website for Hebden Bridge, a loyalty card scheme for shoppers, Christmas events and lights and a campaign to improve car parking within the town.