Leamington wins award for night-time safety

Leamington Spa is celebrating this week, after winning a prestigious award for the town’s evening and night-time economy.

The “Purple Flag” award is a nationally recognised award, given to the most welcoming and inclusive town centres.

In particular, the award highlights the range of evening activities provided, for all ages, as well as for families. Safety issues such as CCTV, street lighting and policing are also judged by independent assessors.

In their report, the assessors rated four areas as excellent or outstanding. These were initiatives undertaken by Warwickshire police, with partner agencies: Going Out, Staying Safe, Your Town, Your Choice, Enhanced Police Initiatives and Street and Taxi Marshals.

Leamington Spa now joins Oxford, Bath and Nottingham, who also have this accreditation.

The bid was led by the Warwickshire Council, and supported by many organisations including The University of Warwick’s Student Union.

SU President Luke Pilot said: “The one aspect that is most relevant to students is that the Street Marshals scheme was definitely viewed positively in the assessment.”

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

“The award recognises the hard work that has gone into ensuring the night-time economy is safe and fun for all and demonstrates how the police, licensed premises, the local authority and other partners can work successfully together to deliver real improvements to the community.”