CELEBRATING BRISTOL'S GREAT CITY CENTRE
Wednesday, 13th April 2011
Posters, flags and leaflets are being distributed and displayed all over Bristol City Centre to celebrate and promote the highly prestigious Purple Flag Award. Gaining the national award shows Bristol has a well-managed and vibrant city centre for people to visit and enjoy in the evening.
“Now we have this award we want people to know and to tell their friends what a great city centre Bristol has, for evening entertainment, diversity, hospitality, safety and cleanliness,” said John Hirst, Operations Director for Destination Bristol.
Posters highlighting that people are entering the Purple Flag area are being displayed in relevant key locations throughout the cityy centre.The award which was received in November 2010 followed a joint bid by Bristol City Council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Destination Bristol. Applying for the award was part of wider work to show people that the city is becoming safer, cleaner and a more pleasant place to be at night.
“Just as the Blue Flag is an indicator of a good beach, the Purple Flag indicates a centre that is a vibrant and pleasant place to be. We are delighted that we won the award and we are using it now to gain positive publicity for our city centre and allow us to build on our success”, said Rick Palmer, Service Director of Safer Bristol.
The Purple Flag Award scheme is run by the Association of Town Centre Managers. Their judges felt that Bristol City Centre was outstanding in particular for:
> The working partnership between Bristol City Council, the Police, other authorities, Destination Bristol, and key members of commerce.
> The commitment to arts and culture, not only the entertainment provided but also in encouraging local art projects and individuals to showcase their work.
> The development of the Waterfront by the Watershed, which they felt, was exemplary in returning this critical area to diverse use.
The award recognised the wide choice of entertainment and leisure attractions and the huge range of restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs. Included in the bid too are the numerous festivals, prestigious theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls.
The Safer Bristol partners, including the council, police, fire service, the NHS and Destination Bristol have introduced a series of measures to ensure the public find the centre a night a pleasant and safe place to be and to stamp out unacceptable behaviour“ Violent crime is falling in the city centre and we are working hard to continue that reduction " said Inspector Keith Rundle Neighbourhood Inspector, "This is a practical way to remind both residents and visitors that the centre is a safer place to visit - the Purple Flag is recognition for the all the hard work done by police and council agencies to improve the area".
Further information is available from Vicky O'Loughlin on 07747460496
