This Wigan street needs your votes to be crowned Britain's friendliest street!

A Wigan street with community at its heart is in contention to be named the friendliest street in Britain.
Pemberton Road in Winstanley could be Britain's friendliest streetPemberton Road in Winstanley could be Britain's friendliest street
Pemberton Road in Winstanley could be Britain's friendliest street

Pemberton Road in Winstanley is one of 10 streets across the country to be shortlisted for the award, but its residents need your votes to see off the friendly rivalry from other streets vying for the title.

The competition is being run by Posters for the People, an ‘In Good Company’ project in collaboration with renowned UK artists, providing the opportunity for people to buy an art banner and spread joy with all profits evenly being split across a number of charities including NHS charities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a passionate explanation of why they should be named Britain’s friendliest street, residents of Pemberton Road wrote:

“If Carlsberg did neighbours, you’d choose mine.

“From the start of lockdown, the street has managed to become a community even living on a long main road.

“A WhatsApp group was set up to support all of the neighbours including those self isolating, the elderly and those who live alone. Friendships have been formed and we have lifted each other up during these strange times over social media and the telephone for the less tech savvy. We have learned about the history of our street, previous residents and even the unknown house names. We are also learning about each other, the adults, the children and furry friends.

“Shopping issues aren’t a problem – there are several shout outs a day so if you need anything, it is collected and dropped off at your door. Recent items include pharmacy prescriptions, clotted cream and scones, birthday candles and fruit and veg from the local farm.

Pemberton RoadPemberton Road
Pemberton Road
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Madness – Our House video co-ordinated by Nikki whose day job is in finance. We had huge amounts of fun making this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFp7xN3QeHg.

“Our gorgeous neighbour Robyn did over 40 mini shoots at a distance called ‘Porchraits’ to celebrate VE Day https://www.instagram.com/bobtale_photography/. She wouldn’t take any money so we all contributed to a charity of her choice – AlderHey children’s hospital in Liverpool where street and other donations are over £600 to date.

“Mark is our resident Quiz master who takes his entertainment role very seriously – we’ve managed bingo, music, general knowledge all over an app. You can choose to partake in all or none. There’s no pressure and prizes donated by different neighbours for the winners

“Isolation birthdays have been incredible. Neighbours on their daily walk singing happy birthday through the garden gates, posters drawn, the cards made and presents at the end of garden paths have delighted young and old alike.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Co-ordinated window and house displays with rainbows, teddies and VE bunting has delighted the whole neighbourhood who incorporate the road into their daily exercise regimes. Chalkings on the pavement outside my gate allows me to see children and adults of all ages doing hopscotch, star jumps, jumping in circles and hopping. It brings a smile to my face whilst I work at my desk.

“My two posters on the gates from In Good Company have been the topic of conversation. People stop at the gates to chat, take pictures and parents explain to their children what the artwork says and who it is raising money for.

“We don’t just do the Thursday clap for the key workers – we have pans and spoons, whistles, fireworks and cheer like crazy to thank those who are going out and doing an extraordinary job. They are all true superheroes in our street’s eyes.

“We may not live in a cul de sac or on a huge housing development where you can see each other all the time but Pemberton Road is in my eyes the Friendliest Street in Britain.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To cast your vote for the Friendliest Street in Britain, visit www.ingoodcompany.vote

But hurry, voting closes on Saturday, May 30!

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.

Related topics: