WINCHESTER High Street has missed out on a prestigious design award.

The street was nominated in the 2012 Solent Design Awards for the £2.2m repaving work done in 2010.

But it lost to Forest Park School, Totton, for the Quality Place Overall award and to Sunfield Close development in Andover for the Quality Place (corr) award.

The Sea City Museum in Southampton won the People's Choice award.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting last week, city council leader Keith Wood said: “We were very pleased to see the High Street shortlisted for the award and it reflected a great deal of credit on our officers, Andy Hickman and his team.

“I think it was a great achievement and looking at the type of development they were looking at, it was exceptional that a high street was nominated at all.”

But Cllr Roger Huxstep, portfolio holder for environment, added the street has a chewing gum problem.

He said: “The beautifully paved High Street is strewn with chewing gum yet again and I hope that did not affect the judges' decision. It really has a massive impact visually and is a great shame.”

Cllr Robert Humby, deputy leader, said plans were in place to remove the gum.

He said: “This was discussed at the last Business Improvement District meeting and cleaning is being planned but there are issues with the type of machines they can use. That conversation is going on with the county council at the moment.”