Town Council in Awards Final Drama

Banbury Town Council is celebrating after achieving runner-up status in a prestigious business award scheme.

The council reached the finals of the Cherwell Business Awards in the ‘town centre’ category – a section that highlights a business, enterprise or initiative that contributes positively to the vitality of its town.

Judges in the scheme said Banbury’s annual events – which are organised by the council and include food fairs, parties in the parks, canal weekend, music festival, Christmas lights switch-on, etc – gave the town added vibrancy.

But at finals night on Friday, Banbury’s Lock 29 was announced the winner of the town centre category.

There was some consolation for the town council when Lock 29 went on to become the overall winner of the awards’ 11 sections.

Leader of the town council Kieron Mallon said: “It was great to be recognised by being shortlisted for this award – and being runner-up to the scheme’s overall champions is quite an achievement.

“Our events are good for trade and boost local businesses. That was the idea when we first started more than 20 years ago.

“The events are great free days out for the public but essentially they encourage people to come into Banbury town centre – from the housing estates, local villages and further afield.

“The intention is that while they are here people spend money in town centre businesses – and that they like what they see and come back on non-event days.”

Cllr Mallon added: “Our thanks go to Neil Wild, of Wild Property Consultancy, who sponsored our category.”

Now in its 11th year, the Cherwell Business Awards are acknowledged as an original and respected business recognition scheme for the whole of Cherwell District. The scheme showcases and celebrates business excellence.

In the picture, left to right, are Neil Wild, Liz Swift (Lock 29), Amy-Leigh Brennan-Rogers (Banbury Sewing Shop), Cllr Mallon, and Mark Hassall (Banbury Town Clerk).