Melton bids for Purple Flag status to boost night-time economy

The prestigious Purple Flag status is the ‘gold standard’ for good night-time destinations and is awarded to towns and city centres that meet or surpass standards of excellence in managing the night-time economy.

The accreditation process - similar to the Green Flag award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches - is based on a unique set of standards with Purple Flag holders being able to show their towns are safe, vibrant, appealing, well-managed and offer a positive experience to consumers.

If a Purple Flag is awarded, the area has to be reassessed annually to ensure standards are being maintained.

Various groups are involved with Melton’s application such as Melton Council, the Safer Melton Partnership, Melton Police, Pubwatch, the Melton Business Improvement District and local businesses and charities.

A council spokesman said: “Melton already provides a wide range of activities during the day and in the evenings but achieving a Purple Flag will bring positive publicity to the town and encourage greater diversity. We want to encourage more people to come to Melton in the evenings, not just young people, but older people and families with young children.”