Ipswich is celebrating after having its Purple Flag status renewed.
Purple Flags are awards for towns offering a safe evening and night time economy and Ipswich is among more than 20 towns and cities to be accredited.
Just as a Blue Flag is an indicator of a good beach, a Purple Flag is an indicator of where to go for a good night out.
The award assessors, who visit every urban centre that applies, have to consider four themes:
In Ipswich, the assessors met representative of the Police, Ipswich Borough and Suffolk County councils, Ipswich Central, Town Pastors and licensees.
Their assessment report includes positive marks for visible effective policing, evidence of customer and community health care, an effective partnership that includes businesses to drive up standards and a “valid and positive” presentation of the area to customers.
They also approved of the provision of late night public transport (including the use of taxi marshalls), secure car parking, a good choice of restaurants and bars and an appealing and diverse town centre offer. The Waterfront, too, came in for praise.
Policing Commander for Ipswich Kerry Cutler said: "This is great news for Ipswich. Policing doesn't have to be confrontational and our presence reminds people we are here to listen and engage with them on an evening out. We will continue to work with other partners to make sure the town remains a safe place for everyone to enjoy a night out."
Sophie Alexander, Ipswich Central BID Manager, commented: “This is good news for Ipswich. I have no doubt the new evening economy businesses in the Buttermarket have added to the vibrant choice on offer and created a real buzz to the town. The four themes of Purple Flag give all stakeholders a clear structure to work around when planning for the evening economy."
Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council’s Public Safety portfolio-holder, said: “This is excellent news but we are not complacent. We will work together to improve the town still further and we are grateful to the hard work of our staff and that of our partners. We want to get the message across that Ipswich is safe and welcoming.”
Further comment:
Cllr Alasdair Ross, tel: 01473 729649
Cllr Ian Cllr Ian Fisher, opposition Conservative Group leader, tel: 01473 410124
Cllr Inga Lockington, opposition Liberal Democrat Group Leader, tel: 01473 213444
Issued by the IBC press office, tel: 07736 826104
