For the third year running Halifax is the only town in West Yorkshire to hold a Purple Flag award – this is the gold standard for being a safe and welcoming place for a night out. To celebrate the launch of Purple Flag week, Broad Street Plaza and Wainhouse Tower will be lit up in purple as part of the national big purple switch on at 7.30pm on Saturday 21 September.
The Purple Flag scheme is now proudly displayed in 42 towns throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. Halifax will be one of over 30 existing Purple Flag locations hosting events for Purple Flag week from 21-29 September, which coincides with the West Yorkshire Police’s Alcohol Awareness week.
Calderdale Council’s Community Safety Team has planned a series of activities during the week, with the support of a number of partners, including the Police and Probation Services. There will be a Purple Flag Week Treasure Hunt with chances to win great prizes from Sky, Costa Coffee, Frankie and Benny’s, Beefeater and Pizza Express.
The Police and the Halifax Street Angels (volunteers working to keep Halifax town centre safe) will also be working with local licensed premises and taxi drivers offering personal safety and safe drinking advice to late night revellers. A tidy-up of Halifax town centre and action days at Woolshops Shopping Centre, Piece Hall and Broad Street Plaza are planned, with Police and partners giving out information on safe drinking, personal safety, crime prevention advice.
The Safe Places Scheme is also being re-launched and expanded and will be rolled out in key locations across Calderdale.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Steve Sweeney, said:
“People visit Halifax for a great night out, and we want them to enjoy their visit and feel safe.
“The Purple Flag scheme recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night time economy. We are delighted and proud that Halifax has received this award.”
For more information on Purple Flag and Purple Flag Week 2013 please visit Purple Flag Award or Purple Flag Week(external link)
Further information on Safe Places Scheme
The scheme was first set up in 2012 to increase the safety and confidence of people with learning difficulties and vulnerable adults by offering busy public places such as Bus Station, Library and Northbridge Leisure Centre as ‘safe havens’ if they need help when they visit Halifax Town Centre.