SALISBURY’S evening and night-time economy has been re-accredited with the prestigious Purple Flag status, signifying it as a destination for a "safe" and "vibrant" night out.
The city has continuously held the award since 2010 and is one of the longest standing places in the country to hold the status.
Accreditation seeks to raise the standard and appeal of towns and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
Amanda Newbery, chair of Salisbury’s Purple Flag Steering Group and managing director of The Chapel Nightclub, said: “The award of Purple Flag to Salisbury is a reflection of the real partnership working that goes on behind the scenes to run this city and I’m delighted that they have chosen to award us.”
Led by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flags work in a similar way to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks.
ATCM says that accreditation allows members of the public to quickly identify towns and city centres that offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out for visitors and local residents.
Salisbury's application was funded by Salisbury BID and is supported by Salisbury City Council, Salisbury PubWatch, Street Pastors, Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police.
Robin McGowan, Salisbury BID’s chief executive, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and Salisbury BID is very proud to have played a part in the re-accreditation of the Purple Flag status.
"The accreditation is a really tough process, but it’s a hugely valuable piece of work for the city and recognises all the hard work put in by the city’s partners to ensure Salisbury remains a safe and vibrant night out.
"We hope the Purple Flag status will encourage people to come and enjoy Salisbury’s night life.”
The accreditation process takes towns and cities through a comprehensive set of standards, management processes and good practice examples; all designed to help transform the evening and night-time economy.
As well as a written application, the Purple Flag accreditation process involves a visit to the city and an inspection of the evening and night-time economy.
Councillor Jeremy Nettle, Leader of Salisbury City Council, said: “We are delighted to hear that Salisbury has been re-accredited with Purple Flag status. It shows that the city is a diverse, safe and enjoyable night out with plenty on offer for everyone.
"Salisbury City Council will be working with Salisbury BID and partners to promote a vibrant City Centre to support an evening economy.
"Come and enjoy its fantastic arts and culture, leisure, food and dining, education and events taking place all year round.”
Councillor Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council, added: “I congratulate the organisations and businesses of Salisbury who have made this application successful.
"A thriving night-time economy attracts visitors to the city, encourages residents to live here and investors to invest.
"We are committed to working with partners to strengthen and expand the night-time economy and currently have several exciting initiatives in the pipeline.”
Salisbury’s partners will receive a full written report of their application within the next few weeks.
Inspector Pete Sparrow, from Salisbury Community Policing Team, said: “The past year has given us the opportunity to strengthen genuine partnerships that keep Salisbury safe.
"Our priority remains to be a visible and engaging presence within our communities, and I am delighted that the efforts of everyone involved has been recognised by the awarding of the Purple Flag.”
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