Weymouth awarded Purple Flag Status
Weymouth has again been awarded Purple Flag Status, meaning it’s a top place to enjoy a night out.
To celebrate, a special event was held in Weymouth town centre on Monday October 28th. It was organised by Weymouth Town Council and We Are Weymouth in conjunction with Wessex Golf Centre.
Weymouth was awarded Purple Flag Status for the first time in November 2018, for meeting or surpassing the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy (ENTE). The town has again been accredited in 2019, for its continued collaboration with partners to provide a safer night-time economy. It essentially means the town is recognised as a safe place to enjoy a night
Weymouth is one of over 70 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who have been awarded with Purple Flag status for their achievements in helping people have a great night out. Purple Flag is a town and city centre award, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and Green Flag for parks & gardens, which aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres in the evenings and at night. The scheme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) working alongside the Purple Flag Advisory Committee, a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by Government, police and Weymouth businesses.
The town went through a rigorous schedule including the setting up of a working group to involve all partners and stakeholders, self-assessment and submitting a final application by the end June 2019, with Weymouth passing all 30 Purple Flag criteria as well as decreasing crime statistics. Additionally, Weymouth was able to show that it is providing appropriate transport, has a vibrant appeal and is a stimulating destination with a strong sense of partnership working.
Purple Flag accredited towns and cities have proven that they are welcoming to everyone; Weymouth offers safe ways for visitors to travel home after dark and provides a good mix of venues. Weymouth’s night time economy benefits from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour and improved perceptions of the town centre.
Weymouth has an excellent variety and choice of eating venues and buzzing pubs all within a few minutes walk from Gloucester House Bed and Breakfast and was commended on its substantial partnership working across the membership of the group and on equal measure within each sector supported by a highly committed Weymouth Town Centre Management Group.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Graham Winter, said “We are delighted that Weymouth has been awarded the Purple Flag status again, in recognition of our dedicated efforts and investment in the creation and enhancement of our night time economy. We are very happy to be flying the Purple Flag, this shows that all stakeholders involved (Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Police, Weymouth BID, Dorset Council, Street Pastors, NHS, Public Health England and Pubwatch) have a strong partnership. We will promote the Purple Flag and use it as a benchmark to strive towards a vibrant and safe night time environment for both our residents and visitors.”
Claudia Moore, Chief Executive of Weymouth BID, said “It is fantastic for the local community and for Weymouth to be awarded a Purple Flag. We have all worked very hard to create a safe and well-managed evening and night time environment, with a variety of social activities on offer for residents of all ages.”
If you are looking to enjoy a night out in the welcoming town of Weymouth, why not make a night of it by stating at the 4* rated Gloucester House which is located just a few minutes walk from the range of restaurants and bars.
t. 01305 785191 | w. gloucesterhouseweymouth.co.uk