TRADERS in Pitshanger Lane today celebrated being named London’s best high street.

Local government minister Marcus Jones and Ealing mayor Patricia Walker unveiled a plaque in the Ealing street this morning.

It was named London’s winner in the Great British High Street Awards earlier this year, after the public were asked to vote for their favourite out of a record number of 230 entries nationwide.

Mr Jones MP said: “I can see why this high street is the best high street in London. You have created a community hub.

“You cannot get what you have here by online shopping and you cannot get what you’ve got here at an out of town retail park.

“What you’ve got here is very, very special.”

Pitshanger Lane faced competition from finalists Raynes Park High Street in Merton and Roman Road in Tower Hamlets.

Competition judges praised its ‘great community spirit, social media campaign and a commitment to supporting local retailers’.

Dr Walker said: “Pitshanger Lane has a delightful variety of independent shops and small businesses.

“The traders should feel very proud of their achievements and I would encourage everyone to pop along and see what makes it such a deserving winner.”

The plaque unveiling was hosted by estate agent John Martin, chairman of Pitshanger Village Traders Association, who led the campaign to win.

“Pitshanger Lane has 50 plus independent traders who work very hard to keep their businesses going and work very well with the community,” he said.

“We have a great community spirit and people come and support us. They spend their money here rather than go anywhere else.”

Mr Martin thanked Ealing Council for its support during the competition.