Cities fly the flag for a better night out
Liverpool, Nottingham and Clerkenwell are among the first places in Britain to be awarded a Purple Flag for improving their night-time environment.
The Purple Flag award highlights efforts to become safer, cleaner and more pleasant places after dark by tackling antisocial behaviour and improving choice for residents and visitors.
Last night’s three award winners make up the first round of recipients. They join a number of pilot pathfinder areas which have started to regenerate their night-time economies, including Leicester Square, Kingston and Birmingham.
Results from these pilots show both increased activity and a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violent crime. Kingston has seen a 45% reduction in violent crime since 2005 as a result of the measures put in place as part of its accreditation process, while Birmingham achieved a 20% reduction in crime in one year alone.
The Purple Flag scheme has been set up to establish national standards and improve the image of town centres at night. The scheme is managed by the Association of Town Centre Management working alongside a partnership of central and local government, police, business and industry representatives.
Areas are assessed on a range of criteria including personal safety, cleanliness, transport, attractiveness and appeal, arts and cultural offer, how welcoming they are, as well as the strength of partnership working. A team of experts carry out the judging process and explore, examine and experience the nightlife of the centres, acting as ‘mystery visitors’.
Simon O'Brien, former lead on alcohol licensing for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: 'The Purple Flag challenges poor practice and discourages bad behaviour in town centres.
'It is a rallying point, a trademark stamp and a positive standard that gives confidence to customers, traders and officials that a united town centre can encourage positive attitudes and behaviours at all times.’
Robert Nadler, chief executive of base2stay Liverpool, a £14m boutique hotel which is opening in the city centre in August, said: ‘The Purple Flag award is testament to the massive advances the city and its partners have made in regard to city centre management. Our business depends on a safe, attractive and clean environment to attract tourists so we're delighted by the accolade.
‘It’s now the responsibility of everyone with an interest in Liverpool city centre to ensure these standards are not just maintained but improved so we can continue to drive the visitor economy. We must also ensure we use Purple Flag status as a marketing tool to attract even more tourists and investors such as ourselves.’
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