St Helens town centre celebrates Purple Flag reaccreditation

Article date: 29 October 2024

It's the third consecutive year that the town centre has secured the award, an international accreditation programme that recognises those who achieve safe and thriving locations at night for all visitors.

Clinching the Purple Flag demonstrate that judges recognised the vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture on offer in St Helens town centre while also promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Supporting Neighbourhoods, said:

"We know how important it is that St Helens town centre offers a safe and vibrant visitor experience day and night with something for everyone. A lot of work has gone into improving every aspect of St Helens town centre's night time experience over the last year, and while there is always more to do, this reaccreditation is a recognition that our joined up working with businesses and Merseyside Police has made a huge difference to helping people have enjoyable and safe visits."

The renewed accreditation follows the formation and work of the Night Time Economy Forum, a partnership between the council and local businesses formed in March 2023.

Going from strength to strength in this time, the NTE Forum also secured £200,000 of external funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner in December 2023, channelled into projects that improve safety and protect women and girls in the night-time economy.

These include a safe transport home project, CCTV cameras for taxi drivers, improved lighting at taxi ranks and night time economy wardens. It also provided training for those working in the night time economy.

The Purple Flag accreditation programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management, which is endorsed by The Home Office, police and businesses. Areas with the accreditation report a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime in the evening and night-time economy.