We are delighted to announce that Cheltenham has successfully retained its Purple Flag which has been awarded in recognition of an evening and night-time economy which is appealing, welcoming and safe.
The Purple Flag is a national town and city centre award which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.
The Purple Flag accreditation is an annual award and having successfully applied for accreditation for the first time in 2016, Cheltenham had to demonstrate a continuing commitment to developing and maintaining a safe evening and night-time economy (ENTE) which appeals to all.
The feedback from the assessment panel noted the considerable building and refurbishment works in the town centre with likely positive impacts for the ENTE, the influence and support of the Cheltenham Business Improvement District, ongoing work on reducing drunkenness at race meetings and falling levels of crime and disorder in the town during the evening and at night.
Cllr Andrew McKinlay, member for development and safety for Cheltenham Borough Council said: “This is welcome news. The retention of the town centre’s Purple Flag status confirms that Cheltenham is a great place to enjoy a safe night out. This award is a tribute to all those who work to ensure that Cheltenham has a safe and vibrant night time economy.”
Colin Pilsworth, night-time economy coordinator for Cheltenham Borough Council and coordinator for Purple Flag in Cheltenham commented: “We know that Cheltenham has a fantastic evening and night-time offer; not just the bars and clubs, it’s the variety of restaurants and eating places, leisure facilities, the arts and the cultural scene. A great deal of effort goes into making Cheltenham so vibrant, attractive and safe. This would not be possible without the commitment of statutory bodies; such as the Police and the Council, the licensed and hospitality trade, the University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union and voluntary groups such as the Street Pastors and Cheltenham Guardians.
“Retaining our Purple Flag status is recognition of the result of this effort and reflects the hard work of everyone associated with our evening and night-time economy”.
Marketing Cheltenham 