Nottingham secures Purple Flag Accreditation for eighth consecutive year

News
17/10/2017


Nottingham has secured Purple Flag accreditation for an eighth consecutive year.


The Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) is the main driving force behind the city securing Purple Flag accreditation, working in partnership with other organisations in the city. These include Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Community Protection, the Crime and Drugs Partnership, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.


Having Purple Flag status indicates that Nottingham is a great, safe and vibrant place for a night out, with accreditation being based on a number of core criteria:

  • the overall wellbeing of the place – whether it is welcoming, caring, clean and safe;
  • accessibility and movement in terms of public transport, parking, pedestrian routes, crowd management and access to information;
  • its appeal with regards to having a good mix of dining venues, pubs and bars and late night venues as well as a strong arts and cultural offering;
  • the place – the location of venues, having a strong mix of chains and independents; attractive public spaces and good signage;
  • having clear policies, aims and a strategy for delivering these.


There are a number of activities organised by the Nottingham BID that help the city achieve Purple Flag status.


One of these is Best Bar None, a national scheme that provides accreditation to licensed premises that are well managed and operated. Nottingham has one of the largest and most successful Best Bar None schemes in the country with around 70 venues in the city centre securing accreditation and 50 gaining the top gold award. The Nottingham BID engages with licensed premises in the city centre and supports them through the accreditation process.


The Nottingham BID also part funds the Street Pastors. Operating from the Malt Cross, the Street Pastors provide on-street support in the city centre on a Friday and Saturday night, helping to look after people who have become vulnerable on a night out in the city.


The Nottingham BID continues to fund the taxi marshals who supervise a number of the city centre taxi ranks on Friday and Saturday nights, helping to ensure people get home safely after a night out.


It also operates a radio link scheme enabling businesses in the city centre to share information about what is happening in the city.


Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, launched his Alcohol Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in 2013, determined to see a coordinated approach to tackling the various problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Since then he has played a key role in obtaining Government support, and bringing local partners and businesses together to address alcohol related issues. He has also providing funding to a variety of initiatives such as the Street Pastors and Best Bar None through his Community Safety Fund.


“It is great news that Nottingham has secured Purple Flag status for an eighth consecutive year,”

said Neil Fincham, a director of the Nottingham BID.

“It is a clear sign to residents, visitors to the city and our student population that Nottingham is a great and safe place for a night out. It also acknowledges that, all the efforts that organisations like the BID and its partner organisations put in to making Nottingham an attractive place in the evening are effective.”


Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said:

“Nottingham’s busy night-time economy offers something for everyone, which is why it is so popular, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city throughout the evening until the early hours. I want people to have an entertaining, safe and enjoyable night out, in well-run venues where they can relax and have fun. The Purple Flag accreditation gives reassurance that Nottingham provides that environment, which is good news for businesses and customers alike.”


Councillor Toby Neal, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Customer Services, said:

“To be awarded a Purple Flag for the eighth year running is a fantastic achievement for the city and a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the city centre is a safe place for people to come to enjoy a great night out.”


Chief Inspector Mark Stanley said:

“Receiving the Purple Flag for the eighth year is testament to the hard work and dedication of the partnership in the city working together to create a safe welcoming environment to visitors and residents. We are proud of the work we do together and look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves to build on our collective success to make our City safe for people to visit, work and enjoy.”


Tim Woodman-Clarke, head of student Accommodation and community liaison at Nottingham Trent University said:

“Nottingham Trent University is extremely proud to support the Nottingham BID on once again achieving this valued award. The collaborative approach we have in Nottingham with our partner agencies makes our city a great place for students to enjoy. Being able to offer the reassurance that we have a vibrant safe city really does support our academic provision giving our students a great all round university experience.”


“This is a great achievement for the city and highlights the dedicated and combined efforts that have gone into making Nottingham a safe and enjoyable place to visit at night,”

said Melanie Futur, off-campus student affairs manager at The University of Nottingham.

“We will continue to work with partner agencies and local businesses so that students, residents and visitors alike continue to feel secure.”