Cheltenham celebrates 11 years of prestigious Purple Flag award

Cheltenham has successfully retained its Purple Flag award for the eleventh consecutive year.

The nationally recognised Purple Flag award is given to towns and cities that have an appealing, safe and welcoming evening and night-time economy (ENTE).

Like the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between 5pm and 5am.

The annual award, made by the national Association of Town & City Management, assesses qualities, underpinned by clear evidence, of safety, diversity, vibrancy, accessibility, cleanliness and partnership working, and it gives positive reassurance to those people planning a night out in the town.

Key successes in Cheltenham’s submission include:

The strong branding as the 'Festival Town' supported by a diverse events programme that attracts a wide range of audiences,
Cheltenham BID securing a new five-year term,
National accreditation for the local Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP),
The delivery of a proactive ENTE strategy supported by strong partnerships,
Initiatives such as venue briefings, the development of a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)/Night Charter, and the Nightcare Hub further demonstrate Cheltenham’s commitment to safety and support after dark.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “We’re proud to have held Purple Flag status for 11 years running. It’s a great reflection of the work that goes into making Cheltenham such a welcoming place to enjoy in the evening.

“There’s so much on offer in the town, from food and drink to culture and events, and it’s important to us that people feel safe while they’re here.

“This recognition is down to the strong partnerships we’ve built across the town - from local businesses and Cheltenham BID to Cheltenham Safe and our volunteers - all working together to create a positive experience for everyone.”

Francesca Inman, chief executive at Cheltenham BID, said: “Retaining Purple Flag status for 11 years, is a fantastic achievement for Cheltenham and reflects the strong partnership working across the town. This continues to offer a vibrant and varied evening and night-time economy in Cheltenham, which supports local businesses, hospitality and cultural venues throughout the year.

"This recognition demonstrates the commitment across the town to maintaining high standards of safety, cleanliness and visitor experience, and we’re proud to support initiatives that help ensure Cheltenham remains an inclusive and enjoyable place to spend time after dark."

Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “It is great that the continued hard work of partner agencies across Cheltenham has yet again been recognised.

“We will continue to work alongside our partner agencies to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time during the night-time economy.

“My team regularly patrol in the town centre and where unacceptable behaviour towards women is identified, we will respond appropriately, as tackling male violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority.”

Find out more about Cheltenham’s Purple Flag status and night-time economy.

For press enquiries contact: communications team at communications@cheltenham.gov.uk or telephone 01242 264231.

Notes:

The Purple Flag programme was developed following the Civic Trust’s “Night Vision” report in 2006 and is now managed by the Association of Town & City Management.

Purple Flag is:

An accreditation process similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

A comprehensive set of standards, management processes and good practice examples designed to help transform town and city centres at night.

A research, training and development programme, to help towns and cities improve their evening and night-time economy.

A positive initiative that indicates an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.

Cheltenham celebrates 11 years of prestigious Purple Flag award

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