Stockport retains prestigious Purple Flag accreditation

Stockport has retained its Purple Flag status in recognition of the town centre’s evening and night-time economy.

Areas of the UK awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture whilst also promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am.

GMP’s Chief Superintendent John Webster said: "These cameras will assist the police in the detection and prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime and support our aim to ensure Stockport continues to be a safe and enjoyable place to live and work.

“In addition, they will also enable us to proactively respond to prevent situations developing.

“This project has shown what can be achieved when all key partners work together.”

The grant funding has also enabled the town centre to recruit a dedicated Retail Crime Reduction Champion

The StoreNet Radio scheme is funded by Totally Stockport for their levy payers and through the Safer Streets Scheme so there is no cost to users in the town centre. This network of 150 handheld radios connects businesses with security teams and the town centre-based Policing Team to communicate and coordinate incidents as they happen with a coordinated and supportive approach to tackling criminal or antisocial acts.

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Safer Streets Stockport is funded via Safer Streets funding from central Government – the Home Office – to help tackle anti-social behaviour and retail crime and make streets safer for residents in the town centre.

Stockport was particularly recognised for the atmospheric and popular use of the Produce Hall as a night-time venue, the large-scale investment and major infrastructure projects to improve the area, and a desire to work with partners, including the police, to improve the former image of Stockport while bringing a high-quality offer to all aspects of the town.

Over the past few years, the town centre has successfully welcomed many new businesses to help enhance the night-time offer including The Spinn Off, Bistro Marc at Winters, BASK, Yellowhammer and the new bowling and leisure offer at The Light Cinema.

Chair of Totally Stockport, Mike Lamont, explained: “One of the BID’s main priorities is to support all businesses so they can thrive within the town centre. Our growing and diverse hospitality and retail offering is positioning Stockport as an ideal after-dark destination. Purple flag accreditation gives both the businesses and visitors confidence that Stockport offers a great choice in entertainment and leisure within a recognised safe environment.”

Purple Flag accredited areas have all reported a consistent increase in footfall and a 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), which works alongside a partnership of key stakeholder groups backed by Government, police and businesses.