Cold Feet actor and DJ Cel Spellman helps launch challenge to boost struggling high streets
The spirit of enterprise and digital design were among the themes as a competition was launched to help revitalise town centres – with a little celebrity help.
About 200 young people from secondary schools in Telford & Wrekin are taking part in the High Street Challenge with a chance to scoop a total of £30,000 in prize money for the top two winning ideas.
At the launch, guests included Cold Feet actor and Radio 1 presenter Cel Spellman as well as businessman Paul Gandy, of the Gandys Flip Flops, at The Place, in Oakengates.
The initiative aims to revive the high streets in Wellington, Ironbridge, Newport, Oakengates, Dawley and Madeley.
It is part of the borough council’s Pride in Our Community High Street Fund that will see the best commercial idea win £20,000 and the best idea to help Wellington Market win £10,000. The cash will be used to bring the winning projects to life.
Students from Telford Priory School, Charlton School, Madeley Academy, Ercall Wood Technology College, Hadley Learning Community, Burton Borough School, Adams Grammar School, and Wrekin College are being given the task to come up with good ideas to change retailers' fortunes.
Burton Borough School's Joe Sadler,13, said: "We definitely got some inspiration for ideas for Newport. The town looks a bit outdated at the moment. it could do with looking cleaner and a bit more modern. It needs a bit of a makeover."
His class mate Thomas Wright, also 13, said: "I thought it was a very successful day. I found listening to the entrepreneurs and their stories very inspiring."
Their views were shared by Telford Priory's Jennifer Massey, Penelope Farquharson and Luke Milward, all 13.
Jennifer said: "It was quite interesting because now we've got some foundation we can use to develop and pursue our ideas."
Cel, the MC, told the pupils: "It's been a wonderful afternoon. I hope that you are ready for your challenge. I am looking forward to coming back to the finals next year to see what you've come up with."
Other guest speakers included Simon Cook, of the Lighting Industry Association, and Dr David Heesom, of University of Wolverhampton. The project is being organised in partnership with the university, the council and the National Enterprise Challenge.
