Leamington awarded Purple Flag status - The Leamington Observer

Leamington awarded Purple Flag status

Leamington Editorial 29th Sep, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

COUNCIL chiefs are painting the town purple.

Warwick District Council and a host of partners launched a campaign to gain Purple Flag accreditation for Leamington earlier this year.

The purple flag is a nationally recognised award – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – highlighting welcoming town centres.

To qualify for purple flag status, a town needs to provide a range of evening activities, from bars and restaurants to cinema and theatre, for young and old, and families.




Safety issues such as CCTV and street lighting, cleanliness, policing and the availability of public transport between 5pm and 5am are judged by independent assessors.

Part of the assessment criteria also requires residents who visit Leamington at night to give their views on their experiences in an online survey.


And this week council bosses were told the town had achieved the Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy.

The bid was led by Warwick District Council in partnership with Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, Street Pastors, Public Health Warwickshire, Bid Leamington, Shakespeare’s England, University of Warwick Students’ Union, Regent Court, Royal Priors, Warwick and Community Voluntary Action, Murphy’s Bar and The Assembly.

In their report, independent assessors who visited Leamington in the summer rated four areas as excellent or outstanding.

Warwick District Council community and health spokeswoman, Moira-Ann Grainger, said: “I’m delighted Leamington has achieved purple flag status, which reflects the fantastic range of evening entertainment and hospitality our town has to offer visitors and residents whatever their age.

“I would like to thank the team at Warwick District Council and the partners involved for the work they have put into the Purple Flag bid and very much hope to see Leamington’s night-time economy reaping the rewards in the near future.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, Philip Seccombe, said: “Gaining Purple Flag status is a huge achievement for Leamington Spa and a first for Warwickshire.

“It recognises the hard work that has gone into ensuring the night-time economy is safe and fun for all and demonstrates how partners can work successfully together to deliver real improvements to the community.”

And Sergeant Paul Calver from South Warwickshire Harm Hub, added: “This award is a testament to the positive working relationship held between the police, council and other partner agencies to ensure Leamington continues to be a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit.”

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