Painting the town centre purple

Purple Flag is the gold standard for town centres, like Green Flag for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. The award scheme recognises excellence in the management of the evening and night time economy.

Since 2007, the programme has awarded the Purple Flag status to over 65 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland. Halifax is the only town in West Yorkshire to hold a Purple Flag.

Purple Flag accredited towns have all reported a consistent increase in footfall. To complement the Purple Flag status and support the growth of the visitor industry in Calderdale, the council is working with partners, such as Cultural Destinations, which aims to attract more visitors to Calderdale through cultural events, festivals, venues and attractions.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for communities, Coun Steve Sweeney, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into retaining the Purple Flag award in Halifax, which recognises the town as a place for a great night out, with the police and council working together to make Calderdale a safer place.

“There are a number of exciting developments happening in Halifax, such as the Piece Hall transformation and the work through Cultural Destinations, to establish Halifax as a culturally focused visitor destination. Having the Purple Flag is another seal of approval for Halifax’s tourism offer.”

Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Justine Plumb said: “We are thrilled that Halifax has retained its Purple Flag status, identifying it as one of the safest places to come on a night out in West Yorkshire. We are the only town in the county who has gained and maintained the status, highlighting the commitment of all the partners in the district to bring success for the town.”