Bournemouth retains Purple Flag status for 14th year
The award is for places found to be a safe and vibrant night out
Bournemouth has been deemed to be a safe and secure place for a dynamic and vibrant out, for the 14th year in a row.
The town centre's retained its Purple Flag status from the Association of Towns and City Management.
The scheme aims to 'raise the standard and broaden the appeal' of areas between the hours of 5.00pm and 5.00am.
It's a bit like the Blue Flag for beaches, but for nightlife - highlighting Bournemouth's blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, and its commitment to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of The Bournemouth Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District), said:
“The Purple Flag entails a comprehensive set of standards, management processes and examples of good practice; achieving this accreditation is a clear and independently-verified indication that Bournemouth Town Centre offers a well managed,entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night life.”
Work to ensure Bournemouth keeps its Purple Flag involves partners including Bournemouth Town Centre BID, BCP Council, Town Watch, Dorset Police and local businesses.
A newly appointed Night-time Economy Co-ordinator, Victoria Sheppard, will aim to bring those partners together.
Her role is being funded by Bournemouth Town Centre BID and Town Watch, after a similar role within BCP Council ceased to exist last year.
Victoria Sheppard said: “The Purple Flag reflects the extensive and ongoing work to make the town centre safer and better for all visitors, from more visible policing in the night-time economy, to businesses getting behind the Unity Promise partnership initiative to support the safety of women and girls.
“We hope this positive news will help support positive public perceptions which better reflect the reality that Bournemouth Town Centre is a safe place to visit, and our night-time economy has a huge amount to offer.”
Bournemouth is one of 100 Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia, from world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.