IT may have come as a surprise to some but Bridge Street and North Street in Taunton have been named as the best streets in the country.

The two streets, under one single entry, beat off competition from the High Street in Berkhamsted and Elwick Road in Kent to triumph in the UK and Ireland 2015 Urbanism Awards.

The ‘best street’ category is one of five awards given out annually by The Academy of Urbanism to recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.

Voted on by its members, who include architects, planners and developers, the awards cover a number of social, economic and environmental factors, including good governance and commercial success.

Bridge Street picked up the award for its work in promoting its location, economy and ‘liveability’.

The judges said what swung the result in favour of the Taunton street was the ambition shown by “local authority staff who were keen to carve out a path for the future of the town”.

Rob O’Brien, owner of The Olive Tree on The Bridge, which joins the two streets, said: “I’m surprised but it’s good for Taunton and it’s great to see the empty shops on the roads being filled.”

Phil Harding, who owns Blackcat Records on Bridge Street, said: “It’s great news that someone has spotted Taunton – it’s surprising but very pleasing.

“North Street and Bridge Street has an interesting selection of shops.”

The academy was quick to praise a number of small sites just off the main street, such as Somerset Square and Goodland Gardens.

These, it said, had been instrumental in creating a more distinctive offer and encouraging footfall.

Geoff Haslam, lead assessor for the category, said: “The street has been re-designed in the past to enhance the pedestrian area.

“But more recently some very special spaces and routes have been created to reduce the traffic impact on the main street and give people excellent places to dwell away from the hustle and bustle of the street.”