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Guildford has been awarded Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy for a third consecutive year. It is is among more than 65 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who proudly fly the flag and is currently the only town in Surrey to have gained such accreditation. The Purple Flag, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standards 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 towns and cities have also all reported a consistent increase in footfall and decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy. The Guildford Town Purple Flag Partnership, co-ordinated by Stuart Craggs, night-time economy manager at Experience Guildford, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), and led by Cllr Graham Ellwood, lead councillor for licensing and community safety, were responsible for driving and delivering a third term Purple Flag accreditation. Alongside Experience Guildford and Guildford Borough Council, the partnership also includes Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, Guildford Pubwatch, Guildford Street Angels and the night-time venues of Guildford. Collectively they have worked to raise the profile of the town and its evening and night-time economy offering, covering pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues and tackling issues of safety and transport, street lighting, signage and parking. Guildford’s commitment and continued efforts to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder were praised by assessors, as was its diverse mix of food and drink establishments on offer. Credited for a wide choice of evening and night-time entertainment, key venues highlighted in the assessor’s report included G Live, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Electric Theatre, Spectrum leisure centre along with events such as Guildford Fringe Theatre, Guildford Shakespeare Company, open air events at Guildford Castle and the open-air cinema at Guildford Lido. For more information on Guildford’s Purple Flag status and ongoing initiatives to support Guildford town centre’s night-time economy visit www.experienceguildford.com The Purple Flag programme 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 businesses, as well as the UK sponsors, Diageo Great Britain.  Comments are closed.
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