THE town's 'best high street bid' is putting Bromsgrove in the spotlight and could even help attract new business, the council's deputy leader has said.

Traders and the council are entering the high street into the Great British High Street 2018 to help get the town noticed.

MP Sajid Javid has backed the bid and says the town is setting the 'gold standard', while enthusiastic traders have also hailed the high street's 'positive vibe'.

Readers have been split on the bid on social media, while chair of Bromsgrove Labour party cllr Michael Thompson has also questioned whether it will be successful, criticising the number of boarded up shops.

But cllr Karen May, Bromsgrove District Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic development, town centre and strategic partnerships, is full of support.

She said: “We’re here to put Bromsgrove’s beautiful high street in the spotlight, its heritage, its growing community of amazing independent businesses, new and old, who have picked up the town from where it was ten years ago to make it a better Bromsgrove: revitalised, rejuvenated, and re-opened for business with tens of millions of pounds of new investment.

"By raising our profile, we can attract even more businesses who can further improve the offer in our market town.”

The application will be submitted by the end of the month and if shortlisted Bromsgrove will go up against competitors in a public vote.