Top award for Melton

Melton Council members and officials celebrate the authority's Purple Flag award EMN-161115-143753001

Members of Melton Council and town centre bosses were presented with a coveted Purple Flag award at a ceremony in Cheltenham.

The honour is reserved for towns which provide a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.

Judges focus on activities between 5pm and 5am and Melton is the first town in Leicestershire to be awarded the Purple Flag.

Other new recipients on the presentation night were Cheltenham, Leamington Spa and Omagh.

Councillor Malise Graham, chair 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”.

Superintendent Kerry Smith, of Leicestershire Police, said: “We are 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.”