Melton becomes first town in county to gain award for its evening economy

Representatives from Melton Council, Leicestershire Police, the Melton Business Improvement District (BID) and local businesses including restaurants, pubs and hotels had worked together towards achieving the Purple Flag for Melton EMN-160922-101806001

The Purple Flag is a town and city centre award – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and well-being of visitors and local residents.

Purple Flag accredited areas have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy.

Councillor Malise Graham, chairman of the Purple Flag Steering Group and Safer Melton Partnership, said: “The award of The Purple Flag was obtained because so many people, businesses and organisations came together in true partnership to demonstrate how Melton has a safe and thriving evening economy that is second to none.

“By broadcasting our success, we will build on this solid foundation and strengthen those businesses that are part of the great offer that Melton has.”

The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) which works alongside a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by Government, police and businesses, as well as the UK sponsors Diageo Great Britain.

Superintendent Kerry Smith, of Leicestershire Police, said: “Melton Mowbray is the first town in Leicestershire to be awarded Purple Flag status from the ATCM.

“The Purple Flag is awarded to towns and cities that ‘meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy’.

“This great achievement is the result of a significant amount of joint working. Leicestershire Police is delighted to have been an integral part of the application and assessment process and look forward to continuing to maintain the high standards that led to this success.”

Shanaaz Carroll, chief executive officer of the ATCM, said: “The Purple Flag award is not just about safety, but also the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer which can only be achieved by people working together.”

Melton will officially receive its new Purple Flag accreditation at an awards ceremony in Cheltenham on November 8.