Released : 22/01/2010

Want a great night out for people of all ages? Head to Birmingham – it’s official.

Want a great night out for people of all ages? Head to Birmingham – it’s official.

The city has been awarded ‘purple flag’ status, (like the blue flags given to beaches) in a new scheme being launched nationwide. The flag recognises cities that offer a real mix of things to do in the evening like arts and music venues, restaurants, shopping, as well as pubs and clubs. Run by the Association of Town Centre Management, the Home Office backed scheme judges town centres on everything from crime and safety, to how clean the public toilets are.

BCC Regulatory Services and the Police are key partners in the process being lead by the Birmingham City Centre Partnership (BCCP) on attaining the standard for the city centre.

Jonathan Cheetham Chair of the BCCP, says: “Following our success in Britain in Bloom, this is another landmark win for the city, and once again demonstrates the power of partnership working.

The flag can now be used on city marketing materials as confirmation to visitors that Brum is a great night out.”

Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Services at Birmingham City Council, said: “This award is a real boost to the local economy, and will be great for attracting visitors to the city, just as the Blue Flag Award scheme for beaches does for the seaside tourist resorts. Winning the Purple Flag demonstrates to residents, businesses, shoppers, tourists and visitors that Birmingham city centre is clean, safe, enjoyable and accessible at night.”

Chief Supt Andy Nicholson, City Centre Police Commander, project champion on behalf of BCCP, says: “People want to be reassured that when they venture out for the night they are going to be safe. The flag shows visitors that the city centre is a safe place for all the family, and that there is much more to the city at night than just pubs and clubs”.

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