Newcastle town centre continues to be a safe, diverse and vibrant place to visit at night, a prestigious accreditation scheme has reaffirmed.
The town centre has been granted Purple Flag status by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) for the fourth consecutive year. The scheme assesses the early evening and night-time offer in town and city centres across the country. Factors include the quality of bars, clubs, restaurants, cultural attractions and public buildings, as well as partnerships, safety, public transport, strategy and leadership. It is similar to the Green Flag award for parks.
Reported benefits of the accreditation include increased footfall, inward commercial investment, lower crime and anti-social behaviour and improved public perceptions.
It is recognition for Newcastle Borough Council, Newcastle Business Improvement District (BID), Newcastle Partnership Against Business Crime, Staffordshire Police and other partners who work closely together to ensure the town is well organised at night.
Amy Williams, Newcastle BID Manager, said: “We are delighted that the Purple Flag status has been renewed for a further 12 months and we are very proud to have been part of the process. Being awarded this important status is a testament to the enjoyable, diverse and unique offer that Newcastle has for early evening and night time economy. The result comes from great partnership working between the BID, the Council, Staffordshire Police and other agencies and we look forward to another 12 months of promoting the Purple Flag scheme and Newcastle’s night time economy.”
