THERE were no winners from Worcestershire or Herefordshire in the first round of Portas Pilots.

Communities in Malvern and Ledbury were among 370 applicants vying to be one of 12 towns to receive a slice of £1.2 million and a tailored package of support from both Local Government Minister Grant Shapps and retail guru Mary Portas.

The winning bids, announced last week, came from Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin by the Sea, Stockport, Stockton on Tees and Wolverhampton.

But those who missed out first time round will have another bite of the cherry.

Mr Shapps is launching a second round of the competition for an additional 15 pilots announced by the end of July.

There is no need for unsuccessful applicants to reapply, but they can adjust their bids if they wish to and submit them again by June 30.

Councillor Phil Grove, Malvern Hills District Council’s economic development chief, said the sheer weight of competition meant “it was always going to be a challenge” for the town and other high streets to win through the first round.

“But we still have another chance and will be supporting the teams in both Malvern and Tenbury Wells to review and improve their applications as necessary.

“We have a great opportunity to build on the energy created by the Olympic Torch events of last week and will look to work in partnership with local residents, traders, local groups and county and town councils on further improvements and support for our great town centres.”