Published: 29/01/2010 00:00 - Updated: 01/02/2010 08:48

Nuneaton Market tops poll as best in country

by CLAIRE HARRISON

A CHAMPAGNE moment is being celebrated as Nuneaton officially has the best market attraction in the country.

Town centres manager Alan Ottey was shocked when the town's market was given the crown at the National Association of British Markets Authorities (NABMA) ceremony.

The market beat off competition from the likes of Covent Garden in London and other major cities to scoop the prestigious `Best Market Attraction in Britain' award.

It is the second year in a row that the market has been a winner, but it is better than last year's `Best Street Market in Britain' accolade according to Mr Ottey: "This is one up from that, it means we have the best market attraction in the whole country.

"I didn't think we would win anything this year, so I was really surprised, I don't think a market has won consecutive awards in the history of the awards.

"It is a great accolade to the town and to the people of the town and the market. I really am over the moon."

Regarded as the industry's most professional panel, the judges, which included the National Association of British Markets Authority President, were extremely impressed.

"They really liked the market, the entertainment, our involvement with the community, such as our `Friends of the Market' group and the atmosphere," said Mr Ottey, who spoke to the News just minutes after picking up the award at the prestigious ceremony in Birmingham yesterday.

"I would like to say a big `thankyou' to the traders and to the people who use the market. This is great news at what us."

Nearby Hinckley Market won the Best Street Market Award: "They obviously learned from us last year," Mr Ottey quipped.

"I am just pleased for our town, our market and our traders and our customers. At a time when things are hard, this award is really, really good news."

Mr Ottey had double the reason to celebrate yesterday as he was also asked to join a NABMA project team, lead by communities and local government Rosie Winterton MP, especially for markets.