Highley crowned Shropshire's Best Kept Village for 2026

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

Highley has been named the overall county winner of Shropshire's Best Kept Village and Community Awards for 2026, having also taken the South title. The awards are run by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire and recognise the people and communities helping to make Shropshire a great place to live. Ellerdine was named Best Village in the North, with Bicton as North runner-up and The Strettons runners-up in the South.

The awards celebrate not only the appearance of local villages but also community spirit, activities, groups and initiatives that bring people together throughout the year. A team of volunteer judges visited entrants to assess their maintenance and community spirit. Appearance accounts for 30 per cent of the marks, while 70 per cent is based on evidence of inclusivity, year-round events, clubs and community cohesion.

Highley was recognised for the strength of its community and took three further awards. The Inspiring Groups award went to Highley Parish Council Environmental & Local Nature Recovery Strategy Working Group, while Highley Youth Club was named winner of the Vision of BKVC – Young People award. Two Brownies from Highley, Sienna and Macey, were the winner and runner-up in the Picture This category for eight- to 11-year-olds. A spokesperson from Highley Parish Council said the village is 'not just a village but a community' where all groups come together to make it a great place to live.

How it is being reported

• Shropshire parish council left 'speechless' as village named Best Kept n countyEarlier this month, the village was named in the Best Kept Village and Community Awards as the winner in south Shropshire.Shropshire Star · 14 Oct, 06:36
• Parish council left 'speechless' as Highley named Best Kept Village in countyEarlier this month, the village was named in the Best Kept Village and Community Awards as the winner in south Shropshire.Shropshire Star · 14 Oct, 06:00
• Highley crowned Shropshire’s Best Kept VillageHighley has been named the overall county winner of this year’s Best Kept Village and Community Awards.Shropshire Live · 14 Oct, 05:15

In this story: Highley · Shropshire · Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire · Ellerdine · Bicton · The Strettons

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