Guildford: Purple Flag status for third consecutive year

Guildford is celebrating its success in being awarded the much-coveted Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy for a third consecutive year, having received its first award in October 2013. Guildford is one of more than 65 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland which proudly fly the Purple Flag and is currently the only town in Surrey to have gained such accreditation.

The Purple Flag, which is similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standards and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and well-being of visitors and local residents.

Purple Flag-accredited towns and cities have also all reported a consistent increase in footfall and decrease in crime within the evening and night-time economy. The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) working alongside the Purple Flag Advisory Committee, a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by government, police and businesses, as well as by the UK sponsors, Diageo Great Britain.

The Guildford Town Purple Flag Partnership, coordinated by Stuart Craggs, night-time economy manager at Experience Guildford, and led by councillor Graham Ellwood, lead councillor for licensing and community safety, was responsible for driving and delivering a third-term Purple-Flag accreditation.

Alongside Experience Guildford and Guildford Borough Council, the partnership also includes Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, Guildford Pubwatch, Guildford Street Angels and the night-time venues of Guildford. Collectively they have worked to raise the profile of the town and its evening and night-time economy offering, covering pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues and tackling issues of safety and transport, street lighting, signage and parking.

Guildford’s commitment and continued efforts to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder were praised by assessors, as was its diverse mix of food and drink establishments on offer. Credited for a wide choice of evening and night-time entertainment, key venues highlighted in the assessor's report included G Live, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Electric Theatre, Spectrum Leisure Centre along with events such as Guildford Fringe Theatre, Guildford Shakespeare Company, open air events at Guildford Castle and the Open-Air Cinema at Guildford Lido. 

In terms of collectively tackling crime, Guildford was praised for the introduction of a “Guildford Town Crime Reduction Partnership”, led by Experience Guildford in association Guildford Borough Council, Surrey Police and Guildford Pubwatch, comprising of over 180 businesses within the town. Improved signage via a newly introduced wayfinder system throughout the town was commended, as was a night bus funded by the University of Surrey with support from Arriva Bus Company to improve student safety.