Bury flies the Purple Flag for a safer and vibrant night-time economy

Bury is celebrating as it proudly receives the Purple Flag again for its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night-time economy.

The Purple Flag – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

This prestigious award highlights Bury's blend of entertainment, dining and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and night-time economy.

Successes in Bury's submission include the increased money from the Safer Streets Fund, which is focused on additional measures to enhance the feeling of safety in the town and the pro-active work to improve the safety of women and girls, and the increasing range of inclusive events for everybody in the borough.

Also welcomed were future schemes as part of the Bury Town Centre Masterplan, including the new Bury Market Flexi Hall and the proposals for the Mill Gate shopping centre which will bring an enhanced offer to the town centre.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, said: “We are delighted to retain this prestigious award in recognition of the ongoing work to ensure that Bury town centre offers a great evening and night out.

“It’s a key part of making sure that Bury remains a thriving town centre and that our economy continues to grow. Our residents and visitors want to feel safe and welcome when they come into the town centre.

“With our regeneration plans about to see cranes in the sky and foundations in the ground, it’s more important than ever that we keep our reputation for being a safe place to visit.”

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities and inclusion, said: “Our Purple Flag Award shows that we’re a safe town centre and borough and doing all we can to keep our reputation as a welcoming place to visit.

“The council, the police, Bury Town Centre Business Improvement District, transport operators, town centre businesses and our dedicated street pastors are all working together to make sure that the town centre offers a welcoming and enjoyable night out.

“And with projects starting to happen, from the Safer Streets Fund grant we received, we are not resting on our laurels to continue to keep Bury as a safe and welcoming place to visit, work and invest.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 1 November 2024.

Note to Editors:

There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia, ranging from world-renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Purple Flag has represented the gold standard of the management of evening and night-time economies for nearly 15 years.