The Leader of Trafford Council has spoken of his pride after Altrincham scooped a hugely prestigious award for its excellent night time economy.
The Purple Flag is awarded to those centres who make exceptional efforts in creating a safe, diverse, and enjoyable night time experience for residents and visitors alike.
Cllr Tom Ross said he was delighted with the achievement which highlights Altrincham's commitment to maintaining a high standard of night time entertainment, enhancing its overall appeal and contributing to its reputation as a vibrant and thriving community.
The Purple Flag, an international accolade granted by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am and is awarded to those that exhibit excellence in managing their night time offerings. The accreditation process looks at the quality of entertainment, accessibility, safety measures, and collaboration among local stakeholders.
Cllr Ross said: “This is an amazing achievement and I am delighted and proud that Altrincham has again landed another top award. The town centre has an amazing offering of cafes, bars and restaurants and is simply a superb place in which to spend an evening. The Council has worked very closely with Altrincham’s Business Improvement District over the past few years and we are glad that all of our achievements are being recognised.
“Can I also say a huge thank you to the Council staff and business and community partners who supported this work. Well done to Altrincham – we are all very proud!”
The Purple Flag assessors were impressed by town’s blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Key successes highlighted in Altrincham's submission included the convenience, safety, and availability of multi-option public transport in a single interchange location, the BID partnership initiatives, and the general cleanliness of the Purple Flag area.
Sacha Lord, Night time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Altrincham. The success in securing the Purple Flag accreditation can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the town’s night time economy businesses, the Altrincham Purple Flag Working Group, and the Altrincham BID team who led on the application. Congratulations to Altrincham!”.
The working group is a collaborative team involving Altrincham BID, representatives from Trafford Council, Greater Manchester Police, Transport for Greater Manchester, Bruntwood and the town’s night time business operators. Altrincham BID led on the comprehensive application and the assessment which highlighted the town's vibrant nightlife, early evening activity and robust safety measures, all of which played a crucial role in earning Purple Flag status.
Mandy White, from Altrincham BID, said: "We are thrilled to announce that Altrincham has achieved Purple Flag status, a testament to the hard work and determination of our business community.
"This achievement reflects our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable night time environment for everyone, from residents to visitors. We are grateful for the partnership and dedication demonstrated by the Purple Flag Working Group, local businesses, and all those who contributed to this success."
Posted on Wednesday 6th September 2023