ST Helens Council opted not to make a “rushed” bid to the Great British High Street Awards after being urged to apply by Conor McGinn MP days before the deadline.

The St Helens North MP wrote to council chief executive Mike Palin on August 14 urging the council to nominate Rainford and Newton-le-Willows for 2018 awards.

However, the deadline for nominations was August 22.

The awards, which are run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, were launched in 2014 and recognise and celebrate local achievements on the nation’s high streets.

Mr McGinn wrote: “Church Road and Ormskirk Road in Rainford are the thoroughfare at the heart of a thriving community providing a range of services to local residents – from independent butchers to pharmacies, community stores, traditional pubs and contemporary cafes.

“All alongside a well-used parish hall acting as the hub of the community.

“Newton-le-Willows High street has in recent years been transformed with new independent businesses and investment revitalising this traditional and busy road.

“This investment has been complemented by business and the community pulling together to put on events through the year to encourage people onto the high street and into the shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

“The High Street Business Hub has been a huge success and provided events such as scarecrow trails and food and craft fayres to truly make the high street the heart of the community.

“They have worked closely with local councillors, community groups and the council and I believe both locations warrant a nomination.”

The Great British High Street Awards was last held in 2016 and saw Blackburn in Lancashire crowned the Great British High Street overall winner.

The competition has been simplified for 2018 with winning high streets to be named in England, Scotland, Wales and for the first time, Northern Ireland.

For 2018 there will be winners selected across two categories – Champion High Street and Rising Star High Street.

Britain’s best high street will be announced in November, with the winner receiving a £10,000 cash prize for a local community project.

In the City Region, there were entries from Liverpool (The Old Swan), Knowsley Council (Prescot Town Centre) and Wirral Council (West Kirby).

A spokesman for St Helens Council said the authority decided against making a “rushed” bid and will now aim for 2019.

“The council raised an expression of interest and looked at previous successful applications,” the council spokesman said.

“This allowed us to better understand what was required to submit a successful bid.

“In the time available, we didn’t think it would do either area justice to rush any bid, and so it would be better instead to prepare to submit next year.

“This would also allow us to engage with the local community on the approach as well as doing more detailed bid preparation work with local councillors in both areas. “