A town in Sussex has been named one of the best in the country for independent shopping.

Petworth’s town centre came sixth in the new ranking based on factors including the variety of business types, number of visitors, and shop occupancy rate.

The town centre was selected to include the High Street, Middle Street, New Street, East Street, Park Road, Lombard Street, Golden Square, Market Square, Saddler’s Row and Pound Street.

The research was commissioned by American Express Shop Small, a section of Amex which supports small businesses in the UK.

Retail experts Global Data helped with the research and used their “vibrancy” rating which assesses the economic health of the country’s high streets.

The bustling Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh’s Old Town came first.

In third place, and a little closer to home, was The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells.

 The top 10 high streets for independent shops in the UK:

  1. Victoria Street and West Bow, Edinburgh
  2. High Street, Stockbridge
  3. The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
  4. Church Street, Hereford
  5. Broadway, Cotswolds
  6. Town Centre, Petworth
  7. High Street, Burford
  8. Magdalene Street, Cambridge
  9. The Lanes, Brighton
  10. Town Centre, Llandeilo

“We know how vital independent businesses are to all our communities, so it’s great to once again hero high streets during this crucial trading time,” said Dan Edelman, head of merchant services at Amex UK.

“With everything from grocery stores, bespoke gift shops and pet stores, there’s something for everyone, and now is the time for people to step out and support the small local businesses on their doorstep.”

Matt Piner, research director at Global Data, added: “Despite the challenges small businesses have faced over the past decade, this research shows that a wonderfully diverse array of small businesses remain prominent on high streets across the UK. These small businesses have endured by offering a broad range of services which meet consumer demands, continually evolving in a nimble and agile fashion, and offering a personal touch.”