Halifax town centre has been awarded Purple Flag status for a sixth consecutive year for being a safe and welcoming place for a night out.
Purple Flag is the gold standard for town centres, like Green Flag for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. The award scheme recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night time economy.
Since 2007, the programme has awarded the Purple Flag status to over 65 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland. Halifax is the only town in West Yorkshire to hold a Purple Flag.
Assessors visited the town in November 2015 and commented on the Council’s commitment to working with partners, such as the Police and organisations like the Street Angels.
Assessors said:
“The Purple Flag accreditation is very important to Halifax and it is highly valued amongst the Partnership, Police and Local Authority. They enthusiastically embrace the values of Purple Flag and what it represents.”
Purple Flag accredited towns have all reported a consistent increase in footfall. To complement the Purple Flag status and support the growth of the visitor industry in Calderdale, the Council is working with partners, such as Cultural Destinations, to enhance the quality of the visitor experience.
It’s hoped that the Cultural Destinations project, which aims to attract more visitors to Calderdale through cultural events, festivals, venues and attractions, along with Purple Flag status, will continue to increase visitor numbers in the town and boost the night time economy.
The Purple Flag also recognises a decrease in crime within the evening and the Council has been working with the Police and other partner organisations through the Community Safety Partnership, to make a visit to Halifax a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Steve Sweeney, said:
“A lot of hard work has gone into retaining the Purple Flag award in Halifax, which recognises the town as a place for a great night out, with the Police and Council working together to make Calderdale a safer place.
“There are a number of exciting developments happening in Halifax, such as the Piece Hall transformation and the work through Cultural Destinations, to establish Halifax as a culturally focused visitor destination. Having the Purple Flag is another seal of approval for Halifax’s tourism offer.”
Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Justine Plumb said:
“We are thrilled that Halifax has once again retained its Purple Flag status, identifying it as one of the safest places to come for revellers on a night out in West Yorkshire. We are the only town in the county who has gained and maintained the status, highlighting the ongoing commitment and success of all the partners across the district who continue to work closely together to bring success for the town.”